Nowadays, with the abundance of mobile devices flooding the market and the marketing that goes behind them, it’s easy to get lost in the overwhelming flux of it all. Gone were the days when we were blown away by 1, 2 or even 3GB of RAM on our devices. Then the heavens smiled and Apple bestowed us with 2 GB ram on theirs!
As technology and production caught on, the spec wars continue even trickling down to more affordable devices. The shopping list and choices continue to grow. Before we once again get caught up in the middle of this glorious storm, let’s take a step back and see whether all these spec bumps matter for our daily drivers.
First off, what is RAM? It stands for Random Access Memory. Simply put, this acts as the initial activity and information storage for your device. This helps you with instant actions like opening and operating apps, switching in between apps and other little things to keep your phone or tablet chugging along as you use it for multiple tasks.
This is not the storage that holds your music, videos and embarrassing selfies. That’s a whole different story. Looking at the box of your devices, you’ll see the difference clearly. It would most likely say, as an example, 3 GB RAM (instant actions) and 32 GB storage (your files and other saved stuff). So your apps are saved on the 32 GB and run by the 3 GB, capeesh?
Now for the interesting part; we are heading into the space of devices going even further than what our current flagships like the Samsung S7 and S7 Edge, LG V20 and the Iphone 7 and 7 plus are RAM-wise. Here’s a short list of devices sporting 6 GB of RAM. Yes folks, 6 GB – previously unheard of before the OnePlus 3 came out. The list is not by ranking but rather by accessibility, meaning how easily and quickly we can get our grubby paws on them locally.
ASUS ZENFONE 3 DELUXE
A device that has deluxe on its name should have the guts to back it up.
The ASUS ZENFONE 3 Deluxe does exactly just that. It’s an aluminum alloy clad unibody phone with a 5.7″ 1080p Super AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass 4, a Snapdragon 821 chip at 2.4 GHz with you guessed it, a whopping 6 GB of RAM. An Adreno 530 GPU powers it under the hood.
It has a 23 MP Camera with Color Correction Sensor with laser auto focus and Optical Image Stabilization. Another thing to note about this phone is that it supports 24 bit audio for your listening and viewing pleasure. It has a 3000 MAH Battery to help you get through the day.
They also added a feature called Game Genie to make your gaming experience on the device even richer. This is ASUS’ take on a flagship handset and it’s off to a good start.
For more details, check out our video review of the ASUS Zenfone 3 Deluxe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzhid4f9dvs
read also:
Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe Review – Premium and High-End
Flagship Phone-Off: Google Pixel XL, Zenfone 3 Deluxe, LG V20 & iPhone 7 Plus
| SPECS, PH Price | Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe |
| Display | 5.7-inch Full HD 1080p Super AMOLED, 386ppi |
| Size | 7.5mm thick, 170g weight |
| Design | Full aluminum-alloy, Gorilla Glass 4, Always on |
| Colors | Glacier Silver, Sand Gold |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 820 quad-core |
| Processor | Quad-core (2×2.15 GHz Kryo & 2×1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| Graphics | Adreno 530 GPU |
| Memory | 6GB RAM, 64,128,256GB internal, expandable up to 256GB via microSD slot |
| Main Camera | 23 MP, f/2.0, laser/phase detection autofocus, OIS (4-axis), dual-LED (dual tone) flash |
| Multimedia | 2160p@30fps |
| Front camera | 8 MP f/2.0 selfie camera, 1080p |
| Connectivity | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz HSPA+ : 850/900/1900/2100 MHz 4G LTE , WiFi ac, Bt 4.2, GPS, GLONASS |
| OS | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Software | Zen UI 3.0 |
| Battery | 3000mAh, Quick Charge 3.0 of Qualcomm |
| Ports | USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Official Price | P34,995 ($680) for 64GB/6GB RAM model |
| Availability date | Nov 28, 2016 availability in the Philippines |
| Where to buy | ASUS stores |
Samsung has never been shy about pushing boundaries and covering all areas (and I mean covering ALL areas) and this 6GB RAM segment is not an exception.
The company has upped its game on build quality and it shows on this device. It’s a metal unibody similar with their newer offerings like the Samsung J7 Prime.
It has a 6″ 1080p Super AMOLED screen and we all know how rich and vivid Samsung screens are. Under the hood is a Snapdragon 653 Octa-core chip clocked at 1.44 GHz coupled with an Adreno 510 GPU.
It has 16 MP for both its rear and front cameras. All of this is powered by a 4000 MAH battery. It’s also important to note that the C9 Pro carries Samsung features like split screen view, power saving modes and always on display.
Here’s a link to our video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzIgzkmBTs0
| SPECS, PH Price | Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro |
| Display | 6.0-inch Full HD 1080p Super AMOLED, 367ppi |
| Size | 6.9mm thick, 189g weight |
| Design | Metal, antenna lines, 2.5D curved glass |
| Colors | Gold, Pink Gold |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 653 octa-core |
| Processor | Octa-core (4×1.95 GHz Cortex-A72 & 4×1.4 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Graphics | Adreno 510 GPU |
| Memory | 6GB RAM, 64GB internal, expandable up to 256GB via microSD slot |
| Main Camera | 16 MP, f/1.9, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash, HDR |
| Multimedia | 1080p@30fps |
| Front camera | 16 MP selfie camera, f/1.9, 1080p |
| Connectivity | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz HSPA+ : 850/900/1900/2100 MHz 4G LTE , WiFi ac, Bt 4.2, GPS, GLONASS |
| OS | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Software | TouchWiz 3.5 |
| Battery | 4000mAh battery capacity |
| Ports | USB Type-C,3.5mm headphone jack |
| Official Price | $512 or P25,500 pesos online stores |
| Availability date | October 2016 in China |
| Where to buy | PH online stores |
An emerging player that started waves by introducing high spec familiar looking devices on a budget is Chinese company Xiaomi. Although that’s not to say they are not focused on the high end smartphone market. To prove this, is the latest iteration of their <ehem> Note line, the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 with all its 5.7″ curved glass OLED screen glory.
It is powered by a Snapdragon 821 like the Zenfone 3 Deluxe at a close 2.35 GHz and an Adreno 530 GPU. For cameras, it houses a 22 MP rear with Dual LED (dual tone) and an 8 MP front shooter.
Like the Zenfone, the MI NOTE 2 supports 24 bit audio. A plus point is that this bad boy sports a 4070 MAH battery with Quick Charge 3.0. There’s a 4GB RAM variant too for those not requiring everything but the kitchen sink.
Watch it in action here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MUA_K8C-HE
read:
Xiaomi Mi Note 2 – Full Review
| SPECS, PH Price | Xiaomi Mi Note 2 |
| Display | 5.7-inch OLED FHD 1080p Super AMOLED, 386ppi |
| Size | 7.6mm thick, 166g weight |
| Design | dual 3D curved glass, aluminum |
| Colors | Piano Black, Glacier Silver |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 821 quad-core |
| Processor | Quad-core (2×2.35 GHz Kryo & 2×1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| Graphics | Adreno 530 GPU |
| Memory | 6GB RAM, 64/128GB internal, expandable up to 256GB via microSD slot |
| Main Camera | 22.5 MP, f/2.0, EIS (gyro), phase detection autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash |
| Multimedia | 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Front camera | 8 MP, f/2.0, autofocus |
| Connectivity | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz HSPA+ : 850/900/1900/2100 MHz 4G LTE , WiFi ac, Bt 4.2, GPS, GLONASS |
| OS | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Software | MIUI 8.0 |
| Battery | 4070mAh with Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Ports | USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Official Price | expected at P34,990 or $700 |
| Availability date | December 2016 in Philippine online stores |
| Where to buy | PH online stores |
With the recent unveiling of their Experience stores and slew of kiosks, Huawei just made itself more accessible and more accommodating to its market. This along with their desire to make a name at the higher end market spectrum comes the Huawei Mate 9 Pro.
Sporting a 5.5″ curved QHD AMOLED display protected by an aluminum unibody with brushed finish. It uses Huawei’s very own Kirin 960 Octa-core CPU at 2.4 GHz and 6 GB RAM. Huawei boasts of its partnership with respected design brands and this device is no exception.
The phone is equipped with the 12 MP 2nd generation LEICA Dual cameras with dual LED and Huawei says it offers great focal length making it ideal for zooming in and out of shots or even low light photos. The front hosts an 8 MP Selfie shooter. All of this is supported by a 4000 MAH battery. The Mate 9 Pro is also available with the Porsche design variant for those of us who can’t afford the car but appreciate the distinction.
| SPECS, PH Price | Huawei Mate 9 Pro |
| Display | 5.5-inch AMOLED QHD 2K Super AMOLED, 534ppi |
| Size | 7.5mm thick, 169g weight |
| Design | 2.5D curved glass, metal |
| Colors | gold, rose gold, gray, and silver |
| Chipset | HiSilicon Kirin 960 octa-core |
| Processor | Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Graphics | Mali-G71 MP8 GPU |
| Memory | 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, no microSD card slot |
| Main Camera | 20MP (monochrome) + 12MP (color) f/2.2 OIS, 4-in-1 hybrid autofocus(laser,pdaf,depth,contrast), Hybrid Zoom |
| Multimedia | 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Front camera | 8MP f/1.9, autofocus |
| Connectivity | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz HSPA+ : 850/900/1900/2100 MHz 4G LTE , WiFi ac, Bt 4.2, GPS, GLONASS, NFC |
| OS | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Software | EMUI 5.0 |
| Battery | 4000mAh non-removable |
| Ports | USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Official Price | 5299yuan or $773 or almost P38k Philippine peso(before taxes) |
| Availability date | November 2016 in China |
| Where to buy | Online Stores |
Once known for their budget friendly entry level devices, ZTE made strides and wants all of us to take notice. Design-wise, the AXON 7 looks like a cross between an Iphone and an HTC device but it’s not to say ZTE didn’t include its own design elements such as the nifty drilled pattern of the front speaker grilles. Yes folks, front-facing speaker goodness. That and a 5.5″ QUAD HD Super AMOLED housed in a sleek (although a bit slippery) metal unibody. To go with the 6 GB of RAM is a Quad-core Snapdragon 820 at 2.15 GHz and Adreno 530 GPU.
The Axon has 20 MP rear and 8 MP Selfie shooters. ZTE didn’t skimp on audio as well by including support for 32 bit audio with noise cancellation and DOLBY Atmos enhancement. It doesn’t stop there, although having only a 3140 MAH battery; it has Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 so you’ll spring back to life in just a few minutes. Talk about value for money.
| SPECS, PH Price | ZTE Axon 7 |
| Display | 5.5-inch Super AMOLED QHD 2K Super AMOLED, 534ppi |
| Size | 8.7mm thick, 185g weight |
| Design | curved Gorilla Glass, all metal, aluminum |
| Colors | gold and gray |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core |
| Processor | Quad-core (2×2.15 GHz Kryo & 2×1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| Graphics | Adreno 530 |
| Memory | 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, microSD card up to 256GB |
| Main Camera | 20MP main, OIS, phase detection, HDR, 4K video, LED flash |
| Multimedia | 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Front camera | 8MP f1.8 aperture, QHD or 2K video |
| Connectivity | GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz HSPA+ : 850/900/1900/2100 MHz 4G LTE , WiFi ac, Bt 4.2, GPS, GLONASS, NFC |
| OS | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Software | EMUI 5.0 |
| Battery | 3140mAh, Qualcomm Quick Charging 3.0 |
| Ports | USB type-C, USB 3.0 speed, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Official Price | $650 or around Php32k |
| Availability date | June in USA and China, unlikely will not be available in the Philippines |
| Where to buy | Online Stores |
A company that most tech consumers often tout as releasing “flagship killers”, OnePlus has never backed down on its word in delivering devices without compromise; at prices so hard to say no to. Now with OnePlus 3 they’re at it again. At 5.5″ with 1080p resolution, this metal unibody phone is a joy to hold. The AMOLED screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 4. This device is no slouch with a Quad-core Snapdragon 820 chip and Adreno 530 GPU so you’re confident it can get you in and out of apps in a breeze.
A 16 MP Sony Exmore sensor powers the rear camera and an 8 MP front shooter takes care of your selfie needs with features like smile detection. With only 3000 MAH battery on board you’d think this won’t be a road warrior, but with the resolution and processing optimizations, the OnePlus 3 is a very capable daily driver. Couple that with their Dash Charge technology and you’ll never run out of juice. And if you feel that you really need that extra oomph, you can go with the 3T which provides a newer processor and bigger battery.
Check out our YouTube channel for a more comprehensive review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hcE8z_UckQ
related:
Phone-Off: OnePlus 3 vs Zenfone 3 Deluxe
| SPECS, PH Price | OnePlus 3T |
| Display | 5.5-inch 1080p FHD Optic AMOLED, 401ppi |
| Size | 7.4mm thick, 158g weight |
| Design | Aluminum, antenna lines, Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Colors | Gunmetal, Soft Gold |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 821 quad-core chipset / SD 820 for OnePlus 3 |
| Processor | 2 core x 2.35 GHz Kryo & 2 core x 1.6 GHz Kryo |
| Graphics | Adreno 530 GPU |
| Memory | 6GB RAM, 64/128GB internal, No microSD card expansion |
| Main Camera | 16MP f2.0 camera, LED flash, phase detection, OIS |
| Multimedia | 2160p@30fps, 720p@120fps, Auto HDR |
| Front camera | 16MP f2.0, 1.0 µm pixel size, 1080p video, EIS, selfie camera, 8MP for OnePlus 3 |
| Connectivity | GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz 4G LTE (Cat. 6), WiFi ac, Bt 4.2, GPSGPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, NFC |
| OS | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Software | near-Stock/vanilla android with customization options |
| Battery | 3400mah, Dash Charge (5V, 4A), 3000mAh for OnePlus 3 |
| Ports | USB type-c |
| Official Price | Php25,800 for 64GB variant |
| Availability date | 16-November-16 |
| Where to buy | Exclusively available online |
So there you go folks, 6 devices with 6 GB of RAM to look forward to and choose from as your next pocket warrior. But remember, specs on paper and real world performance vary so it’s always best to do some research, experience the devices in store if possible and keep locked in here with us at Manila Shaker for more up to date info and news about your daily drivers.
Mabuhay, Manila.
Ronald Caringal is a painter, at times a musician and all around workahooligan. He has a couple of daily drivers that get him through his work day and give him more reason not to go out of the house aside from his dogs. See what he’s up to @ronaldcaringal.
ManilaShaker is a tech media producing insightful and helpful content for our local and growing international audience. Our goal is to create a premier Philippine digital consumer electronics resource that provides the most objective reviews and comparisons globally.
