It seems that bdfone has finally released their first Android phone: the bdfone A2W. I previously mentioned them having a prototype over 1.5 years ago but it seems that they have finally got a production unit. From their Facebook page it seems to have started selling in December (in my last of connectivity, I must have missed it). It is currently priced at B$290 on QQeStore
They have hit a good price point, but with an older version of Android (not even 2.3) and a relatively old and slow CPU, it seems to lose out to the competition. There is also no mention of resistive or capacitive screen, just a “touch screen”. I also wonder how they will support Android updates or if they will at all. For the price I would recommend the Sony Ericsson WT19I Live with Walkman for B$308 (which has better specs) or even the LG Optimus Net P690 for B$268 (which has very similar specs).
Good
- Brunei made Android phone
- Decent Price
Bad
- Competitors with better specs in the same price range
- Old slow 600MHz CPU (other budget phones use 800MHz)
Ugly?
- Unknown screen type
- Unknown Android update possibilities
- Unknown available space for apps
Specifications
- Android 2.2
- CPU: 600MHz (based on Wikipedia’s entry on the MSM7227)
- 3.2 HVGA (480×320) screen
- 512MB + 256MB Memory
- 3.0M Camera
- 1500mAh battery
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, T-Flash Card aka microSD card (up to 32GB support)
- Mini USB 2.0 for Data / Charger / Audio
- Frequency band support: GSM: 900/1800/1900, WCDMA/HSDPA: 2100
Note: image taken from bdfone website. I’m not sure how to license images like this and thus I am following Wikipedia’s policy similar to the usage of the Portal 2 logo. If there are any lawyers who could advise, please let me know.
