Cherry Mobile sent me several phones for review, which include the Flare J1 2017 and Flare P1. This time, I’m departing from the Flare series for a moment and review the Desire series, starting with the Cherry Mobile Desire R7 Plus. I found this phone interesting enough so I brought it along with me to Taipei during my Computex Trip.
CHERRY MOBILE DESIRE R7 PLUS SPECS:
| OS: | Android 7.0 Nougat |
|---|---|
| Processor: | 1.3 GHz MTK 6737 Quad-Core processor | MALI T720 MP2 |
| Display: | 720 x 1280 5.5" HD IPS Screen |
| Wireless Connections: | LTE, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, A-GPS |
| Memory: | 16 GB Internal Storage expandable with a Micro SD card, 3GB RAM |
| Connectors: | Micro USB |
| Cameras: | 13 Megapixels (Main), 8 Megapixels (Front) |
| SIM Card Slots: | 2x Nano SIM Cards required |
| Battery: | 3,000 mAh (Non-Removable) |
| SRP: | P5,999 |
THE UNBOXING
The Cherry Mobile Desire R7 Plus packaging comes with the phone, USB cable, USB Charger Head, a pair of earphones and User Guide. I am not sure why they didn’t bundle their Cherry Prepaid SIM which should help boost their number of subscribers.
THE LOOKS AND FEEL
Aside from the Desire R7 Plus, I also brought along with me the Cherry Mobile Flare P1 Plus. The big brother of the Flare P1 is thicker and heavier than the Desire R7 Plus which made me use the latter more for the rest of that week. How did it become this light? Simple, they used plastic on the back of the phone, only it was covered with metallic paint. No issues there, besides the phone still looks really cool considering it’s less than P6,000.
Another reason why I’m attracted to this phone is its Black/Grey color combination. It looks premium and sophisticated, and I will not be embarrassed to use this in a black-tie event.
THE DISPLAY
The Desire R7 Plus has a 5.5″ screen display with an HD resolution. Viewing photos and videos on the R7 Plus are already acceptable though I wish it came with a Full HD resolution for smoother images. Given the price of this phone, HD should be good enough for its target market. The IPS technology applied by Cherry Mobile on the R7’s screen makes it possible for me to watch on wide viewing angles.
THE PERFORMANCE
I installed a few apps that include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, iflix, and games like NOVA Legacy and SIM City. These apps ran well with the Desire R7 Plus’ quad-core processor. Multi-tasking was great, thanks to the generous 3GB RAM. I’m pleased that Android Nougat is already pre-installed in this phone which works smoothly with all the apps I have used.
With the Antutu score shown above, it suggests that the Desire R7 Plus can play casual games but not those with heavy graphics. NBA2K17 can be played as long as its video settings are set to low. Likewise with other graphic intensive games. SIM City, a 3D simulation game which is also quite demanding is also playable on the R7 Plus even when I went to another SIM City that has a lot of structures. Other games like Mobile Legends and Lineage 2 should also be playable with this phone.
THE CAMERA
Cherry Mobile’s cameras, in general, aren’t that great but capable enough to take decent photos. It’s the same case with the Desire R7 Plus. Outdoor photos looked fine and natural whereas night photos looked washed out. I prefer using its camera during daytime since it usually gives me acceptable results. Here are some sample photos:
THE BATTERY LIFE
Thank goodness Cherry Mobile installed a 3,000 mAh battery on the Desire R7 Plus. With LTE on most of the time, I’m able to use my social network apps, play YouTube videos, calls and chat via Facebook Messenger and sometimes games like Lineage 2 and still have juice on the 11th hour. Watching hours worth of streaming videos and playing games with heavy graphics may shorten your battery life, so I suggest bringing a powerbank if you do a lot of these two activities.
BOTTOMLINE
For only P5,990 the Cherry Mobile Desire R7 Plus is a good buy for a decent phone. It is also one of the most affordable phones with 3GB of RAM today and comes with the latest Android Nougat.
PROS
- Sleek Design
- Lightweight
- One of the most affordable phones with 3GB RAM
- Android Nougat
CONS
- Photos looked washed-out taken during low light conditions
CONTEST TIME!!!
I will be raffling off a Cherry Mobile Desire R7 Plus. Please read these contest mechanics to join:
1. Like DR on the GO‘s FB page.
2. Share my Cherry Mobile Desire R7 Plus Review on your Facebook page and tag 5 of your FB friends. Please share this link: http://bit.ly/CMDesireR7Plus
3. Lastly, answer this question: What TV show/Movie/Own Video File will you watch with the Cherry Mobile Desire R7 Plus?
Post your answers in the comment section of the Desire R7 Plus Review. Please be creative in posting your comment. The best answer will win a Cherry Mobile Desire R7 Plus! Make sure to follow all these 3 easy steps as I will check them one by one.
Contest will end on 11:59pm, August 6, 2017. Announcement of winner will be held on DR on the Go’s Facebook page via FB Live.
CONTEST RULES:
1. Participant must live within the Philippines.
2. If one of the contest mechanics is not followed, participant will be disqualified.
3. Winner will be notified via Facebook. Prize will be given via meetups.
4. If winner is outside of Metro Manila, prize will be shipped. Winner will shoulder the shipping expenses.
