Kata i2, 5-inch Quad-Core Phablet Preview

Kata i2 Retail Package

The Kata i2 is the first quad-core phone released by Kata Digital, it is a 5-inch device powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core processor coupled with 1GB of RAM.

Key Specs:

• Dual SIM , Dual Standby
• Quad Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, Dual Band HSPA+
• 5" capacitive qHD (960x540) touchscreen display, 5-point multi-touch
• Dimensions: 143.3mmx71.8mmx9.4mm
• Weight: 150g
• Android Jelly Bean 4.2.1
• 1.2GHz Cortex-A7 Quad Core CPU, PowerVR SGX544MP GPU MediaTek MT6589 chipset
• 1GB of RAM
• 16GB internal, expandable up to 32GB via microSD
• 8MP auto focus main camera with LED Flash
• 2MP secondary camera
• GPS with A-GPS and EPO assistance
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, WiFi Direct, WiFi Hotspot
• 3.5 Audio Jack
• Stereo FM Radio
• MP3/MP4 Player
• Micro USB 2.0
• Bluetooth v2.1
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Light, Proximity and Sound
• 2200mAh removable battery
• Fish Market and Fish Tune

CPU-Z Device Info

For UNBOXING please kindly click HERE.


HARDWARE:

Front

The front of Kata i2 is dominated by a 5-inch screen with qHD resolution. The left and right bezels are not thick and kept at a minimum but still do not expect edge to edge display.

Capacitive Keys and Microphone Pin Hole

There are three capacitive keys below the display and on the lower left portion of the Menu key you will find the microphone pin hole.

Earpiece, Sensors and Secondary Camera

 
Above the screen you will find the light and proximity sensors together with the secondary camera. The earpiece is slightly embossed and placed at the edge.

Back

The back is made of plastic with a matte-like finish making it resistant to fingerprints and smudges.

Main Camera with LED Flash

If we take a closer look we will notice that the main camera is protruding. So if you do not own the flip case better to be careful lying your phone on its back to avoid the camera lens getting scratches.

Loudspeaker

The loudspeaker grills can be found at the lower part of the back just below the Kata branding. There is also a slit on the left side for easy removal of the back cover.

Micro SD and SIM Slots

Removing the back cover will reveal the micro SD and the two regular SIM slots.

3.5mm Audio Jack, Micro USB Port and Power Key

Bottom

The top of the Kata i2 is quite busy holding the 3.5mm audio jack, micro USB port and the power key while the bottom was kept bare.

Right

Volume Rocker

There is nothing at the right of the device while the left holds the volume rocker. The placement of the volume rocker is a bit confusing at first especially if you are using the flip case (since it is completely hidden when the flip case is closed). The black lining all over the sides adds contrast to the white colored Kata i2.


DISPLAY:

5-point multi-touch

The Kata i2 sports a 5-inch qHD (960x540) display and supports up to 5-point multi-touch.

Portray

Landscape

The display has IPS technology which is known for wide viewing angles (see above photos).


SENSORS:

Sensors

Using Android Sensor Box and CPU-Z you can verify what are the sensors equipped in the Kata i2. As you can see above, it shows bunches of sensors but only 4 of them are confirmed working, the Accelerometer, Light, Proximity and Sound.


BENCHMARKS:

Antutu, 13492

Quadrant, 4066

NenaMark2, 55.7 fps

Vellamo HTML, 1446

The benchmark scores are expected for a device being powered by a MediaTek MT6589. One thing I would like to point out is its refresh rate of 68.76Hz which is pretty decent.


INITIAL VERDICT:

The Kata i2 is as powerful as those smartphones with MT6589 processors we reviewed in the past. The phone aesthetic may be generic in terms of design but once you hold it you can simply feel its premium build. Kata Digital is an ODM company and with the Kata i2 priced at Php7,699 this could be one of  the best alternatives to local quad-core Android phones.