[Review]Cherry Mobile Magnum HD

[galileo]

I bought a Cherry Mobile Magnum HD last Feb 21, 2011. I got it for less than the market SRP as it was a promotional offer in my wife's place of work. This is my first Android phone so I might not have the correct impression. If so, please correct me.

Specifications: (from http://www.cherrymobile.com.ph/)
    * Android 2.2
    * Qualcomm 1GHz Processor
    * 4.1" WVGA Capacitive Touchscreen
    * ROM: 2GB / RAM: 512MB
    * Expandable Micro SD up to 32GB
    * Quandband GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900
    * 3G Triband UMTS/HSDPA: 900/1900/2100
    * Wifi: 802.11 b/g
    * GPS/AGPS
    * Bluetooth 2.0
    * Standard Micro USB 2.0
    * 3.5mm Stereo Audio Jack
    * HDMI-D Type
    * 720p Recording
    * 5 Megapixel Camera with Flash (Back)
    * VGA Camera (Front)
additional:
Free 4GB Micro SD
Free Bluetooth Headset

Impression:
    * The Cherry Magnum HD is narrower than my old Palm Tungsten but slightly taller. The gunmetal finish looks elegant.
    * Slim profile along with a huge screen adds to its elegance.
    * I'm not familiar with the original Android interface but I don't think there are any manufacturer UI installed. (Correct me if I'm wrong).
    * There are a lot of useful apps in the Android Market. Especially Angry Birds!
    * I love to be able to sync with my Google Contacts.

Issues:
    * Battery drain when using WiFi or 3G. The first few days I charged at night and mid-morning. But yesterday morning until now (just after lunch) my battery charge is still at 46% even with occasional HSDPA usage.
    * WiFi connection very slow, probably my router settings. Will test more.
    * Screen blacks out when making/receiving phonecalls. Searched forums and found that one HTC model has the same problem. Apparently the factory protective film on the screen blocks the proximity sensor. I cut the film and this initially solved the problem, but now sometimes it recurs.
    * There was one instance where I could not turn off the phone. I had to remove battery. Possibly because of an app trying to access the internet after I turned off WiFi and 3G.

I will post more observations in the future.

02/25 UPDATE:
I found a way to soft-reboot the phone. Press {Power Button} + {Home Button} for several seconds.

03/03 UPDATE:
Correction, just press and hold {Power Button} for several seconds to soft-reboot the phone.
Battery now lasts over 24 hours with some HSDPA use.

03/14 UPDATE:
I was finally able to use the WiFi. I installed WiFi Fixer (http://market.android.com/details?id=org.wahtod.wififixer&feature=search_result) app that reconnects the WiFi. Apparently my WiFi keeps on disconnecting so I couldn't get a continuous connection.

[Patwik]

Nice!

I am going to post this in the blog...if its ok for you?

[galileo]

Nice!

I am going to post this in the blog...if its ok for you?

No problem. Go ahead.

[Patwik]

I decided not to post this in the blog, it is better to be hear.

[galileo]

I decided not to post this in the blog, it is better to be hear.

That's fine too. I'd like to hear from other owners too, if any. 

[Patwik]

I asked the guy from Cherry Mobile if I could test it but he told me that they don't allow it....LOL...

[galileo]

I asked the guy from Cherry Mobile if I could test it but he told me that they don't allow it....LOL...

He's not very good in Marketing and Customer Relations. LOL.

[Patwik]

Indeed! 

Is your phone rooted already?

[galileo]

Indeed! 

Is your phone rooted already?

Not yet. I have no experience with rooting. I'll research more on the matter and let the warranty run out first.
I have a new update. I'll post it in the main message (edit).

[Patwik]

It will void your warranty...

[TD21]

This magnum is the rebranded variant of the HUAWEI IDEOS X6.
Both magnum and x6 runs on pure stock android os 2.2 froyo.
Been thinking whther i'd get a magnum but knowing that it's under the cherry mobile brand really turns me off..

[Patwik]

@TD, I did some research and both the Idios x6 and Magnum HD are the same....my!

[peejay]

I had experienced the same problem regarding the power button key,i would like to ask you that did you have the same experience regarding the unresponsive home keys? if ever the device get's hot?

Wifi connections are stable, but the CAMERA SUCK's

[galileo]

I had experienced the same problem regarding the power button key,i would like to ask you that did you have the same experience regarding the unresponsive home keys? if ever the device get's hot?

Wifi connections are stable, but the CAMERA SUCK's

I only experience an unresponsive Back button in one app (Twitter) occasionally. Not the other buttons and not on other apps. If it happens on Twitter, I press on the Back button for longer than usual and that solves the problem. I think the app has something to do with it.

Yes, the camera is below average.

update 4-8-2011: discovered that when back key is not responsive, I could press power button to lock screen and unlock it again by power/swiping. After that, back button functions normally. Weird.

[pixiecorpse]

Hi. This is my first post in this forum  

I've had my Magnum for 2 weeks now.
While it has fantastic specs for its price, the Magnum is not Android-first-timer friendly.  I had a difficult time during the first 5 days with it (and I’m not a first timer; I’ve been on Android for a year). I experienced forced closings when using soft keys and when I use the contacts app to call. What good is a phone if you can’t use it to call, right? None of the many Cherry Mobile stores/service centers can understand any of my complaints as they don’t know the first thing about Android. Turns out that the Magnum’s firmware is 2.2.1, a version that’s really buggy.  I came across a thread in another forum leading me to a 2.2.2 update available on the Wellcom website. In Thailand and in Vietnam, this phone is branded as Wellcom A99. So now, every time I reset the phone, “Wellcom” comes out instead of the Cherry logo .  The unit ran more smoothly after that. However, I had to update (this includes erasing user data) three times before 3G/GPRS got to work. I’ll have to say, the update was well worth it.

Here’s the link to the instructions on how to update to 2.2.2.
http://tipidcp.com/viewtopic.php?tid=16059&page=13
Credits: mecha50 of tipidcp.com.

PS
Be warned, this might void the warranty. Or worse, you might brick your phone if you don't follow instructions carefully. But this is a whole lot safer than attempting to root your phone for the first time.  

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