I recently blogged about the Torque Ego Tab S tablet which I recommend for novice tablet users. Apparently, the local brand wants me to check out a couple more devices. Today, I’ll be discussing the Torque Ego One smartphone.
TORQUE EGO ONE SPECS:
OS: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Processor: 1 GHz processor
Display: 3.5-inch HVGA Capacitive Screen Display
Wireless Connections: WiFi, Bluetooth
Memory: 512MB Internal Storage expandable with a MicroSD card up to 32GB, 256MB RAM
Connectors: Micro USB port
Camera: 3.0 Megapixels with Flash (Main Camera), 3.0 Megapixels (Front)
Battery: 1,000 mAh
SRP: Php 1,199.00
THE UNBOXING
The package of the Ego One includes the smartphone, USB cable, USB charger, battery, earphones and a User Manual. Sorry, no screen protector included.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: HARDWARE
Like the Torque Ego Tab S, the Ego One is an entry level device for smartphone newbies. Compared to smartphones with large screens a.k.a. “Phablets,” the Ego One is one cutie-patootie.
The phone is still usable despite of its small size, and those with big hands can still type messages on it. Screen is viewable even if it doesn’t have an IPS Display. It should be good enough for kids or like what I said earlier, smartphone newbies.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: SOFTWARE
Navigating the Torque Ego One is smooth and opening of apps did not provide any hitches. Android 4.4 KitKat is the choice operating system of Torque and it still performs well despite the fact that most new smartphones today are already on Android 5.0 Lollipop and the latest ones are on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Here’s the thing with entry-level smartphones. Most of them have puny storage and memory which might frustrate users who would like to download a lot of apps. In the image above, the available storage on the Ego One is only 114MB. What can a user install on his/her smartphone if that is the available storage? Only a few, or even less if you want the phone to run properly. The Facebook app is around 35MB and its cached files would eventually fill up the rest of your phone’s storage. The best practice is to install those apps in the memory card of the phone, however, portions of those apps will still be installed on the phone’s storage. Also make sure to close unused apps as often as you can to avoid choking the phone’s memory.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: CAMERA
The Ego One’s camera only has 3 Megapixels which is obviously isn’t the best in today’s standards. It doesn’t have Auto-Focus so you have to make sure to have steady hands whenever taking pictures. The camera can take decent pictures as long as the lighting is good but I wouldn’t suggest this to be used as your main camera.
Here’s a sample photo of Snoopy sitting on my desk:
DR’S OVERALL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Torque Ego One is absolutely not for immediate and advanced users unless they would treat it as a secondary backup phone. Novice users might expect that they can download all the apps they want so they must choose wisely which to install on the Ego One. Some users may be already happy with FB and Instagram or FB and a game app. The Ego One can be a trusty phone until you’re ready to get a more advanced smartphone with better specs.
