Hey, you! Yes, you!
Do you know what this is?
No. It’s not a soft toy for you to hug. It’s an Android. A mascot logo for an operating system. It’s a Linux-based operating system designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. In July 2013 there were 11,868 different Android devices, scores of screen sizes and eight OS versions simultaneously in use.
Android is open source and it’s licensing allows the software to be freely modified and distributed by device manufacturers, wireless carriers and enthusiast developers.
Translated to a layman term- devices with Android can be freely modified and nobody will be suing you for copyright infringement.
Being a system admin and a real geek at heart, I’m practically a slave to technology. I love experimenting with gadgets like smartphones and tablets during my free time.
Here’s my usual checklist whenever I want to choose a smartphone or gadget for experimental and research purpose:
- Affordable
- Must be open source and not running on proprietory Operating System like Windows or Mac. So my choice is usually those devices running on Linux-based Operating system.
- Hassle-free, and flexible to customize
- Physically durable
- Comes with good hardware specs
This hobby does not come cheap though as good smartphones and tablets are not exactly affordable. They can cost quite a bomb and I very much rather spend those money elsewhere.
Neway, lucky me. Ninetology has just launched it’s U9 premium smartphones. I was invited to the Ninetology Urbanite Blogger Gathering in KL Hilton last month where they showcased the newly launched U9 smartphones running on Android. 😀 Yuppppsss! Their smartphones is running on my favourite Operating System on mobile device! Awesome!
Despite the fact that it was a working day, I rushed there after work to take a peek at the newly launched smartphones. It’s not something I would give a miss, I must say; to be able to experience new lines of premium phones first hand before it hits the market. 😀
Here’s the 3 Ninetology newly launched phones that were showcased that night. X1, Z1 and the Z1+ with the tagline “Top Notch”, “Stands Out” and “Larger Than Life” respectively.
All these devices run on Android Jellybean 4.2.1 and are powered by a MediaTek MT6589 1.2GHz Quad-core processor. The phones are specially engineered to cater to the youth and urbanites and quite promising in terms of performance and price.
I tested all the phones in the U9 series, of course, that goes without saying. First, I got my hands on Ninetology U9X1. It’s running on Android Jellybean 4.2.1, this device p provides not only stability, but speed and precision as well.
The Ninetology U9X1 is slim and sleek. Highly recommended for those urbanites who are always on the go. Fabulous for travelers, too I reckon. It features 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD, and is armed with a 13-megapixel shooter. Apart from that, the phone also features 16GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM. There’s also dual-sim support on this device. Another plus point for those who are subscribed to a few mobile service provider . With this feature, you don’t have to worry about carrying a few phones for your personal and business numbers.
There’s a 2200mAh battery running it, enabling hours of non-stop usage without problems.
Below is the detailed specification for U9X1
Processor/Memory
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: MediaTek MT6589 1.2 GHz Quad-core processor
RAM: 1 GB
Internal Storage: 16 GB
Display
Screen Size :4.8 inch
Screen: Super AMOLED HD
Operating System: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Battery
Capacity: 2200mAh
Camera
Rear camera: 13 Megapixels
Front camera: 2 Megapixels
Size
Height: 137.8mm
Width: 69.9mm
Thickness: 10mm
Weight: 160g
Retail Price: RM 1,099
Next up is the U9Z1. Ninetology U9Z1 has Super AMOLED HD displays ranging from 4.8 inches to 5.7 inches and equipped with 13 megapixels rear and 5 megapixels front cameras. Like X1, it also comes with 16GB of storage and 1GB of RAM.
Detailed specification for for U9Z1
Processor/Memory
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: MediaTek MT6589 1.2 GHz Quad-core processor
RAM: 1 GB
Internal Storage: 16 GB
External Memory: microSD up to 32 GB
Display
Screen Size :5.7 inch with Corning Gorilla Glass
Screen: IPS HD
Operating System: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Battery
Capacity: 2600mAh
Camera
Rear camera: 12 Megapixels
Front camera: 5 Megapixels
Size
Height: 161mm
Width: 82.5mm
Thickness: 9.3mm
Weight: 191g
Retail Price: RM 1,199
Last but not least is the Ninetology U9Z1+. It has 5.0-inch display. There’s also the 13-megapixel rear camera and 5 megapixel front camera as seen on the X1 and ‘dual camera’ function that allows for simultaneous use of both front and rear cameras. It is also capable of continuous shot, smile and face detection, quick panorama, burst shot and HD video recording.
Generally, these phones are not only hip, trendy and great in performance, but absolutely durable as well. The U9 series , Z1 and Z1+ model of the smartphones are utilizing Corning’s Gorilla Glass 2 to ensure the brilliant displays remain protected in even the most sporty and vigorous usage . Apart from that, the U9 series devices are slim and light too – the X1 is 10mm slim, and weighs just 160g; Z1 at 9.3mm and 191g and finally; the Z1+ measures just 9mm and weighs 158g.
Detailed specification for U9Z1+
Processor/Memory
SIM: Dual SIM
CPU: MediaTek MT6589 1.2 GHz Quad-core processor
RAM: 1 GB
Internal Storage: 16 GB
External Memory: microSD up to 32 GB
Display
Screen Size :5 inch
Screen: IPS HD with Corning Gorilla Glass
Operating System: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Battery
Capacity: 2600mAh + Power bank
Camera
Rear camera: 13 Megapixels
Front camera: 5 Megapixels
Size
Height: 144.5mm
Width: 73mm
Thickness: 9mm
Weight: 158g
Retail Price: RM 1,299
Video introduction of the phones, as released by Ninetology
“Life can be Larger” with U9Z1
Not impressed? Maybe this testimonial video will speak louder than words:
See what U9 spokesperson, Z Chen thinks about the phone.
The X1 comes in red and black, while the Z1 will be in black and Z1+ in white. These three models will be available at the recommended retail price of RM1099, RM1199 and RM1299 respectively.
Each unit comes with a complimentary powerbank from Ninetology and will be available at all major smart phone retailers in mid August. Check out the unboxing video for U9X1 phone.
Here’s a demo video of U9X1
Apart from the showcasing of the newly launched phones there was a fun quiz that night too where bloggers were were given a chance to bring back one of the phones. We were divided into groups and compete against each other for it. I was really eye-ing on the phones showcased that night. I mean, I could experiment a lot with these phones. You know… do the usual stuff, customize it and tweak it to my liking etc. Fiddle around with the firmware, overclock it and stuff to see how far it can go.
But I wasn’t lucky enough for it another blogger walks away with the prized phone instead. Oh, well, tough luck. I guess I’ll just have to go for their Tech Kaiju Arena Program instead.
Tech Kaiju Arena Program is aimed to create and to promote transparent and creative blogging as part of Ninetology’s yearlong Ethical Blogging & Responsible Blogging initiative that will go hand in hand with sharing the latest gadget information, both Ninetology and other competitor brands.
Tech Kaiju Arena campaign starts on 12th Aug until 31st Dec 2013 with different themes every 30 days. 1. By the end of the campaign date, three bloggers who drove in the most subscription via their post and will be rewarded as follows:
a. Grand Prize: A Ninetology’s Latest Device and RM3000
b. 1st Runner-Up: A Ninetology’s Latest Device and RM2000
c. 2nd Runner-UP: A Ninetology’s Latest Device and RM1000
Monthly, they will also be allocating from RM15,000 to RM20,000 worth of Ninetology E-Vouchers just for the 1st 100 readers who subscribes to Ninetology newsletter via the banner.
Bloggers who are interested to participate may register with Samuel Lee : [email protected]
Required Details:
• Name, Blog URL, Email, Contact Number and the units which you wish to loan; 1x Ninetology Device + 1x Other Latest Mobile Brand available
For more information and update, just go to:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinetologyMalaysia
Website: http://www.ninetology.com