Determine Philippine Mobile Cellphone Carrier Provider

I got this from another website, which I forgot to copy the link.  And added some numbers that I came across with that I know is from this certain cell provider.

• Extelcom: 973, 974
• Globe Telecom: 905, 906, 915, 916, 917, 926, 927, 935, 936, 937, 996, 997
• Next Mobile (Nextel): 979
• Smart Communications: 910, 912, 918, 919, 920, 921, 928, 929
• Sun Cellular: 922, 923, 932, 933, 942, 943, 925

Why this list?

Most people in the Philippines avail of unli call or text promo, that is limited to 3 networks or just a single cellphone network provider.  That is why we often find ourselves in a predicament, on whether to call or text a person, that we are unsure on whether we will be charged or have our prepaid load deducted. 

Hope this list will help.  Leave a comment, on errors and additions.   Please share the first 3 digits of the Cellphone provider in the Philippines that isn't on this list, that you came accross.

Disclaimer

I'm not liable, if you used the number without testing first if the call or text was charged or deducted.  Use with caution and double check first.

XCOM Enemy Within DLC, not an expansion, is going to be released in November 2013

Most of us are expecting an expansion pack for the XCOM game, but instead we have additional content, new upgrades for the units and new enemies.  This is usually accompanied by new campaign, but this one is just new units for both XCOM and the aliens.

I think, it's a bit expensive just to have an upgrade on units.  I don't know. Steam is giving me a hard time connecting to their server, since my area's shared IP has been blocked.

I'll buy, if it comes with a box in our local store.  Not buying if directly from steam.  I still like my box and DVD package.

Update: This game has already been released in the Philippines, but those who bought the installer need to wait for Nov 15 to start playing the game.  Also correction, this is an expansion pack in a sense it expands the game with new weapons and enemies.  With new enemies, there come new goals to the game.  I have been playing with it for a few hours and the game expansion does improve the game.  I also noticed the easy mode is still hard to play.  I started with normal and I got my butt kicked most of the time.  I can't wait for XCOM 2, next year hopefully a continued story rather than new faction and additional equipment.

CD-R King Mobile Power Bank 5600mAh PWB-065-R(PB-201) - First Look

My blog on mobile power bank is so popular, that I decide to post another review on a higher capacity power bank 5600mAh.  Mind you, I only select the mobile power bank that I think is built to last, and a value for money.  I also have no sponsor or gain any income from these reviews.

This is only a first look, since the device was only bought yesterday, and I could not give a complete objective review in such a short time.  The price for this model PWB-065-R(PB-201) is Php580.00 (around $13 USD).

My first impressions on this CD-R King Mobile Power bank, is that it is a bit oddly designed. Not as odd as the last lipstick shape Power Bank? I was being sarcastic, if you couldn't tell.  I was looking for the other model, PWB-063-VT(VIP-H025) same features, but without the bumps as seen in the photo above.  Since, they look the same and I wanted to have my power bank right there and then, I got this one instead, since the other model wasn't available on that store branch of CD-R King.

Okay, my impressions:

• plastic built, that may crack open when dropped high enough.
• looks a bit better built than the rest of the power bank of the same capacity, on that particular branch of the CD-R King Store.
• It's very useful that it has a led flashlight, I can use it as a flashlight and charger.
• Easy to operate
• Fully charged when I bought it, ready to use.
• Useful power level indicator.
• at times you need to press the power button for the charge to start.
• the device heats up when charging high power capacity devices

Thanks to the salesperson for teaching me how to operate the flashlight since it does not indicate on the package.  It was actually 2 quick press on the power button to use the flashlight.

It charges on most devices. Namely the following, I tested it on:

• Samsung Galaxy Grand Duos
• Samsung Galaxy S3
• Samsung Galaxy Y
• iPad Mini
• Fiio E6 Portable Headphone Amplifier

It does not charge Samsung Galaxy S Duos.  I don't know why.  I tried the older power bank I reviewed before CD-R King Mobile Power Bank PWB-049-ZG 2800mAh it charged without a problem.

So when buying the power bank, test it on the device you will primary use it for, since not all device will charge with this particular model - PWB-065-R(PB-201).

The product page on CD-R King website: http://www.cdrking.com/index.php?mod=products&type=view&sid=18199&main=167

I bought mine in CD-R King Gateway Branch ground floor facing Aurora Boulevard.  Since the one on the LRT level has none of the colors that I like. Warranty is only 3 months.

Samsung Galaxy S Duos First Look and Review

The new released Samsung Galaxy S Duos is one among other new affordable phones released by Samsung in the Philippines.  New in the sense, that there isn't much screen protector and casings available for this particular model.

Together with Galaxy S Duos are the following in the same line of android phones:

• Galaxy Win
• Galaxy Core
• Galaxy Fame
• Galaxy Star
• Galaxy Pocket Neo
• Galaxy Young

I know other models are already old, wish Samsung named them different for their new releases.  The Galaxy Young will have people confuse refering to the old with the last release.

micro SD slot accessible on the right with power button on top

After using the Galaxy S Duos for a couple of weeks, I have to say, it's a very good smart phone.  The Galaxy S model name will not be tarnished by this particular model.  The reasons why are as follows:

1. Long battery life. (Compared to the S3 with same always on 3G internet.  S Duos last longer.)
2. All the android features of a high end Galaxy S (Software App wise) is available.
3. Screen size is good.
4. Build is good, especially the feel of the plastic on the back, it feels solid.
5. Fast charge, compared to my galaxy S3. (You know what, I think S3 was over hyped)
6. Does not heat up at the back when I browse the internet and use 3G (Mobile Internet). Unlike S3, which heats up after a few minutes of web browsing or heavy gameplay.

volume rocker on the left side

What is the specs for this Smart Phone?

• HSDPA 7.2 (900/2100MHz)
• Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz)
• 1GHz CPU
• 4 inches WVGA TFT LCD
• TouchWiz (Interface of Android)
• Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• GPS/Geo-tagging
• 5MegaPixels on the back with flash and VGA on the front.
• micro SD expandable the slot is accessible on the right side (No need to remove battery to access it)
• Power button on the upper right and volume rocker on the left

What is the weight and feel of the phone?

This smart phone is light-weight and solid built.  You can feel it once you lift it.  iPhone users will feel it's plastic built.  But it's a good phone as far as I can tell using it for couple of weeks.

earphone jack (Stereo)

Sound

Sound is the same as most phone, there isn't much to talk about, it's the same as the rest of the phones.  My only complaint is the Samsung Phones have their speakers at the back, which muffles the sound when you place it on a desk or on a seat.

It comes with an earphone jack, and an ear buds with microphone.

Camera

Camera is the same as the rest.  Standard quality. Nothing to get wow about.  It's an affordable phone, so the quality is a bit better than the lower ends.

Overall

The phone won't disappoint you much.  If you only need to browse the internet, tethering the internet to a tablet, use as a spare phone.  Then this is the phone for you if you have the budget.  Price of the Phone is around Php8,000+.

Galaxy Y besides Galaxy S Duos

Sun Cellular Better coverage in Metro Manila

I noticed, that the coverage area of Sun Cellular is much better than Smart and Globe.  At least in Caniogan & Brgy. San Miguel in Pasig, Rockwell Center, and Araneta Center.

Also, the data speed of Sun Cellular is faster and stronger than Smart.  I certainly regret getting a data plan from Smart now.  Sun Cellular must have used their money from Smart (Smart bought Sun Cellular) and improved their infrastructure and coverage.

The only problem I have with Sun Cellular is their customer service, that is where they failed.  You call their customer service, good luck getting thru.  You will be on hold for more than 5 minutes and in fact, I have not talked to any service representative since availing of their service.

Another problem with Sun Cellular is their stores, there are few agents and the line to the cashier is so long, that you better have that bill auto debited to your credit card to avoid this inconvenience.

This is just my personal opinion.  And I am planning to change my data provider from Smart to Sun Cellular, once my lock-in period expires.  I'm currently paying for a data plan that I am not happy with, there are many instances there is no mobile data connection from Smart, but the Sun Cellular data is flowing in lightning speed.  So I don't believe in Smart saying they offer LTE, when 4G coverage is none existent in areas that they should have, like the malls and public spaces.

Globe has the worst coverage of the 3 top brands.  Globe was the first in the Philippines, but their infrastructure is now the worst.  In fact my first mobile service provider was Globe, since most people use Globe at that time, then I switched to Smart.  Smart coverage is said to be good, but mobile data is bad.  Hope their data improves before my lock-in period expires, so I may consider staying with them.

MyPhone will launch their flagship phone on July 26 in the Philippines

If the specs of the front and back cameras does not impress you, the design and material will.  MyPhone in the Philippines, is well known for Quality phones at a reasonable price.  

MyPhone will release their flagship Phone on July 26, with a promo for people to own it by 12 or 24 months credit card installments.  According to them, this phone has 2 years warranty, unlike most phones today that only have 1 yr.

MyPhone has been lagging behind in releasing better specs phone lately, but with this release, they are on the top position to topple other Philippine branded phones like Cherry Mobile and Torque.  

I myself have a cheap phone from MyPhone, and using it and looking at it, I know it's built to last, and worth every penny I paid.  Unlike, the Cherry Mobile brand which does not last long and Cherry Mobile does not care if you have a sub-quality phone, for the cheap price you paid.  I made a mistake buying Cherry Mobile, that phone has a massive crack screen now and even before could not be used for calls, since the ear piece and mic was broken.

The specs of this phone "ICEBERG" is very impressive.  And the object and name has lots of meaning, they say because it's cold or cool.  I say, icebergs usually can be seen as little on the surface, but is massive underneath.

So here are the specs they are posting on social media Facebook:

✓ 5.7 HD IPS Display, Corning Gorilla Glass 2
✓ Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
✓ 1.2GHz Quad-core processor
✓ 16GB internal storage
✓ 1GB RAM
✓ 12-megapixel autofocus main camera with LED flash(BSI)
✓ 5-megapixel front camera
✓ 1080p video recording
✓ Bluetooth / WiFi / HSPA+
✓ Light, Motion, Proximity, Magnetic Sensor
✓ OTG

Very impressive indeed.  Puts my Samsung Galaxy S3 to shame.  I would buy this, if it was bit cheaper.  But the P11,988 promo launch price for this specs is cheap enough.  Plus the credit card installment option is the clincher.  I just want to avoid the crowd, that is why I won't be at the event.  Otherwise, I would have bought one at their nearest store.  I think they don't want the launch event to be a flop, that is why there is this promo during the event.

Really not that bad, you can own an android phone with top of the line specs for only P12,000. An option to pay for it 1-2yrs installment plan.

iPad Mini 16.3-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery recharged using CD-R King Mobile Power Bank PWB-049-ZG 2800mAh

The title is a bit long, but these are my findings on recharging an iPad mini with a CD-R King 2800mAh Power Bank.

I ran out of power and need to be somewhere else, so I recharged my iPad mini with my CD-R King Power Bank, expecting it to be recharge at least more than half, like my Galaxy S3 (63% charge from completely drained).

I guess my math was a bit off. Galaxy S3 is 1/3 the size of iPad mini, so I should be happy getting 1/3 of the charge I got from S3.  I was surprised how fast the iPad mini drained the Power Bank.  It was empty in only 1.5 hours.  My iPad mini got a charge of 33% from 5% in one and a half hour.

So there you go, iPad mini charge test for CD-R King Mobile Power Bank PWB-049-ZG 2800mAh, it got the mini charge at 1/4 capacity.  Provided you turned the iPad mini off during the charge.

I was really surprised, the Power Bank got drained that fast by the iPad mini.