Vodafone Smart 4 power discussion

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freitasm

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Topic # 150275 17-Jul-2014 10:23

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Just received:

Vodafone has made 4G a reality for more Kiwis today, with the launch of its first “own brand” 4G-capable smartphone – the Vodafone Smart 4 power – for just $349.

The latest addition to the Vodafone Smart family of devices, the Vodafone Smart 4 power offers the complete 4G smartphone experience, without compromising on power, functionality or quality.

Packed with features including 4G capability, crystal-clear HD Voice calling capability, quality 5MP camera, large 5-inch display and 1.3GHz quad core processor, the Smart 4 power is perfect for those who want to access the speed of 4G at a best value price.

Matt Williams, Vodafone Consumer Director, says the Vodafone Smart 4 power is part of the company’s strategy to get more Kiwis using its fast 4G network.

“Until now, the rapid adoption of 4G has been driven predominantly by the widespread availability of the service – now available through Vodafone at 51 locations around New Zealand – and affordable pricing plans.

“The launch of the Smart 4 power is about driving further uptake of 4G by making the technology even more affordable and accessible.”

Matt continues: “We know our 4G customers stream content and watch HD video more than 3G users. The Smart 4 power, with its large 5-inch display and 1.3GHz quad core processor, is designed with the 4G user experience in mind.”

Available in black, the Vodafone Smart 4 power is available exclusively from Vodafone, priced at $349. The Smart 4 power comes pre-loaded with the My Vodafone app, allowing customers to easily control their account.

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Reply # 1090526 17-Jul-2014 10:38

From https://www.vodafone.co.nz/MEDIA_ProductCatalog/m220030_Product_Datasheet_1_13_V985N.pdf

LTE Bands B1,(2100) B3 (1800),B7 (2600) B8(900),B20 (800)

So I guess its not useful as a long term option, given the future rollout of rural 4G at 700Mhz,
but hey at that price its not bad for a city phone

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Reply # 1090539 17-Jul-2014 11:01

Quite a number of rural sites have 4G on 1800Mhz band 3 but correct band 28 will be more popular in more rural locations

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Reply # 1090604 17-Jul-2014 12:03

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Looking forward to having a tinker with one of these, as the Smart 4 Mini is surprisingly great. The 'Power' refers not only to 4G, but to the tank 3,000mAh battery, which should be truly excellent in a 5" device with lower qHD resolution. Bring on the battery life testing.

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Reply # 1090625 17-Jul-2014 12:28

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3000mAh battery? that could be great.

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Reply # 1090661 17-Jul-2014 13:24

wellygary: From https://www.vodafone.co.nz/MEDIA_ProductCatalog/m220030_Product_Datasheet_1_13_V985N.pdf

LTE Bands B1,(2100) B3 (1800),B7 (2600) B8(900),B20 (800)

So I guess its not useful as a long term option, given the future rollout of rural 4G at 700Mhz, but hey at that price its not bad for a city phone

I think it'll be a brilliant city phone. I haven't seen any stats but would imagine that the majority of city folk don't leave their city, except to travel to another so lack of rural coverage would, at most, be a minor and temporary inconvenience.

nedkelly: 3000mAh battery? that could be great.

freitasm: Just received:
Packed with features including 4G capability, crystal-clear HD Voice calling capability, quality 5MP camera, large 5-inch display and 1.3GHz quad core processor, the Smart 4 power is perfect for those who want to access the speed of 4G at a best value price.

Matt Williams, Vodafone Consumer Director, says the Vodafone Smart 4 power is part of the company’s strategy to get more Kiwis using its fast 4G network...

Cue the usual grumblings about 4G caps/price...

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Reply # 1093774 22-Jul-2014 16:15

Got my hands on a review unit yesterday, using it as my daily driver for the rest of the week. Anyone have any questions?

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Giggs

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Reply # 1093778 22-Jul-2014 16:22

Is it stock Android or does it come with some Vodafone customisations?

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Reply # 1093787 22-Jul-2014 16:34

Giggs: Is it stock Android or does it come with some Vodafone customisations?

It's close to stock/vanilla, I'd say pretty analogous to what Motorola have been doing recently. The handset is manufactured by Alcatel, so has some value-adds:

- FM Radio, file explorer, weather, flashlight, customised browser
- The ability to set the device to power on/off at certain times
- A battery saving/low power mode
- A messaging app (Instead of just Hangouts) with lockscreen notifications
- An NFC task launcher
- Infinite scrolling on the homescreen

I'm not a huge fan of what Google has done with Hangouts instead of messaging & the Google Now Launcher, so these are all welcome changes in my book. :)

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540trickzter

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Reply # 1093832 22-Jul-2014 18:15

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Any word on future updates? Will it be getting L?

Giggs

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Reply # 1093862 22-Jul-2014 19:39

NikT:
Giggs: Is it stock Android or does it come with some Vodafone customisations?

It's close to stock/vanilla, I'd say pretty analogous to what Motorola have been doing recently. The handset is manufactured by Alcatel, so has some value-adds:

- FM Radio, file explorer, weather, flashlight, customised browser
- The ability to set the device to power on/off at certain times
- A battery saving/low power mode
- A messaging app (Instead of just Hangouts) with lockscreen notifications
- An NFC task launcher
- Infinite scrolling on the homescreen

I'm not a huge fan of what Google has done with Hangouts instead of messaging & the Google Now Launcher, so these are all welcome changes in my book. :)

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like it is worth a look. I don't get Hangouts either.

I didn't realise Alcatel still made phones. I had one years ago but I don't recall seeing a smartphone from them.

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Reply # 1093885 22-Jul-2014 19:54

What sort of usage are you doing and how are you finding the life on the big battery so far?

whitecd

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Reply # 1093893 22-Jul-2014 20:19

freitasm: Just received:

Vodafone has made 4G a reality for more Kiwis today, with the launch of its first “own brand” 4G-capable smartphone – the Vodafone Smart 4 power – for just $349.

The latest addition to the Vodafone Smart family of devices, the Vodafone Smart 4 power offers the complete 4G smartphone experience, without compromising on power, functionality or quality.

Packed with features including 4G capability, crystal-clear HD Voice calling capability, quality 5MP camera, large 5-inch display and 1.3GHz quad core processor, the Smart 4 power is perfect for those who want to access the speed of 4G at a best value price.

Matt Williams, Vodafone Consumer Director, says the Vodafone Smart 4 power is part of the company’s strategy to get more Kiwis using its fast 4G network.

“Until now, the rapid adoption of 4G has been driven predominantly by the widespread availability of the service – now available through Vodafone at 51 locations around New Zealand – and affordable pricing plans.

“The launch of the Smart 4 power is about driving further uptake of 4G by making the technology even more affordable and accessible.”

Matt continues: “We know our 4G customers stream content and watch HD video more than 3G users. The Smart 4 power, with its large 5-inch display and 1.3GHz quad core processor, is designed with the 4G user experience in mind.”

Available in black, the Vodafone Smart 4 power is available exclusively from Vodafone, priced at $349. The Smart 4 power comes pre-loaded with the My Vodafone app, allowing customers to easily control their account.

Not sure what the fuss is about here, or have I missed something... All have low end 4G capable phones. Ace 3 $299, Lumia 625 $399, Xperia M2 $399.

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Reply # 1093947 22-Jul-2014 21:48

540trickzter: Any word on future updates? Will it be getting L?

That's what I would also like to know. I'll be in the market around soon for a phone around this price level, something around the Moto G LTE price point, but a bigger screen might be nice.

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Reply # 1094030 23-Jul-2014 09:36

Giggs:

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like it is worth a look. I don't get Hangouts either.

I didn't realise Alcatel still made phones. I had one years ago but I don't recall seeing a smartphone from them.

They sure do. I believe the Smart 4 Power is most similar to the One Touch Pop S7. 5" qHD, 1.3GHz quad-core Mediatek MT6582 SoC, Cat4 LTE, HD Voice, 3,000mAh battery. Unsure if the cases et cetera are compatible, though, as the back cover is different.

Alcatel also runs my favourite unintentionally hilarious NZ corporate Twitter account.

Dratsab: What sort of usage are you doing and how are you finding the life on the big battery so far?

On my first run, so it always takes a while for these things to settle in. Didn't charge it overnight out of curiosity. Currently tracking at 38% after 25 hours off the charger, with 3.5hrs screen-on time. Pretty good so far, I'd say.

whitecd:

Not sure what the fuss is about here, or have I missed something... All have low end 4G capable phones. Ace 3 $299, Lumia 625 $399, Xperia M2 $399.

I'd take this over the WVGA screens of the Ace & 625. The M2 is the most directly comparable, but has a smaller battery + is an extra $50. As entry-level 4G devices go, this isn't too shabby.

CutCutCut:
540trickzter: Any word on future updates? Will it be getting L?

That's what I would also like to know. I'll be in the market around soon for a phone around this price level, something around the Moto G LTE price point, but a bigger screen might be nice.

I hope it will! Expect it's too early to have confirmed update plans from either Alcatel or Vodafone Group, but I've asked & will let everyone know if I hear back.

I'm sure those in the know will be happy to hear it includes the ART runtime option in the developer settings, as some OEMs (Chiefly Samsung) tend to remove this.

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Reply # 1094123 23-Jul-2014 11:36

How does it perform compared to the Moto G?

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