Thinking that Globe already has the exclusive rights to carry the iPhone 3G in the Philippines, other networks would grab competing handsets like the Google Android G2 phone (aka HTC Magic).
Today, Globe announced they are officially offering this Android OS-powered phone to their subscribers. Unlike the Google G1, the G2 sheds off the qwerty keyboard for a large full touch screen.
HTC Magic/Google Android G2
Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528 MHz processor
3.2 inches, 320×480 pixels
accelerometer sensor
handwriting recognition
192 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM (expandable via microSD card)
HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps, HSUPA, 2 Mbps
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
3.15 MP autofocus camera (2048×1536 pixels)
built-in GPS
digital compass
The Android G2 is free with Globe’s GPlan or GFlex 7000 plan.
YugaTech.com is the largest and longest-running technology site in the Philippines. Originally established in October 2002, the site was transformed into a full-fledged technology platform in 2005.
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Miguel says:
If it takes a 7000 plan to be free… the cash price must be expensive!
MP says:
waiting for your review on this model.
Abe Olandres says:
@Miguel – am asking for the SRP or prepaid price. Sure must be more expensive than iPhone 3G.
@MP – hoping to borrow one for a review. ;)
loadex says:
Catching the niche market huh!.. Maybe Globe is having a good ARPU for those iPhone users.. that’s why they are bring in another exclusive phone..
Did Smart launched an exclusive phone years ago?.. I think Amazingphone ata tawaga dun.
Is Globe replicating such feat?
Kelvin Servigon says:
aus ang globe ah, talagang dinadala nila ang mga sikat na phones here in our country, hmm, ung palm pre ba? ndi kaya nila kukunin un for us?
GoBusiness101 says:
Wow! just got my new phone already. Next time
Reggie says:
but isn’t it SMART is also going to release the HTC Magic? who’s really the first?
Patrick says:
@Kelvin: Yeah, they should get the Pre too!
Miguel says:
@yuga
actually the G2 has the exact CPU/memory/OS specs as the G1 (or DevPhone1).
one thing you’re going to miss – no paid apps yet for most users, except US, UK and a few other places.
Jhay says:
So Globe has once more trumped Smart eh?
Wonder how the other would respond. ;)
Reel Advice says:
Wow…pricey much!
cloud says:
Are they launching the Google G2 or the HTC Magic? Even if they’re the same phone there’s a big difference between the two since if it’s the G2, it’s preloaded with Google mobile apps and has official Google branding. Otherwise, it’s just a generic Android phone.
Paolo Alexis Falcone says:
The HTC Magic’s great especially when your company uses Exchange. A fine Exchange client (not a 1.0 Exchange client) for free is a great deal already.
Now if it’s a myTouch/Google ION branded HTC Magic, that Exchange client goes away…
Abe Olandres says:
@cloud, it comes pre-loaded with Android OS
sylv3rblade says:
Now the Pre and the 3G S just need to hit the phil for all those technophiles :D
cozzie says:
i want a Pre. =(
cloud says:
@yuga then it’s probably not the Google G2. The telcos can bring in the HTC Magic Android phone but need to have an agreement with Google in order to brand it the G2.
Tey Aragon says:
Hi, Abe — per HTC country manager Mark Sergio, the Magic is exclusively available to SMART. Check here — http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/technology/06/11/09/smart-brings-g2-android-phone-rp
Ede Virata says:
Hi Abe :-) this is Ede Virata, I handle PR for HTC Corporation here in the Philippines. The HTC Magic will be available exclusively under SMART, and will be launched next week. The HTC Magic will be available with Smart Gold postpaid plans.
Both HTC and Smart have confirmed this. The article by David Dizon in ABS-CBNnews.com, published on June 11 2009, is correct.
Abe Olandres says:
@Ede, Thanks for the correction. I got this press release from Globe a while back. I’ll point this out to them.
Jerome G says:
Both telcos have PRs saying they have the HTC Magic! Got it myself too.
cloud says:
maybe Globe is getting it from the grey market :)
NetBooks Philippines says:
It’s so expensive.
Adrian says:
iphone na lang. :)
beadfreak says:
‘..Globe announced they are officially offering this Android OS-powered phone to their subscribers.”
it means they are offering it but not exclusive as iPhone :-)
Abe Olandres says:
@jerome – yeah, looks like both are offering.
@tey – the article says they will start by July.
@ede – the HTC Magic can be bought at Globe Business Center since last week. If Smart is getting the exclusive rights, it should take effect by next week or end of month right? I believe by then, Globe will stop offering it.
elmot says:
wow! looks sexy and beautiful. any idea yuga how much is this one?
Art Samaniego says:
So the claim that it is exclusive thru Smart is not correct after all because it is now available via Globe with Plan 7000. Also exclusivity has no more bearing in the local market because it is now available in Greenhills at much lower price.
I have the G1 and I love it except for the looks. I immediately bought the G2 in HK when I saw it and I love it even more :).
Miguel says:
How much is it in Greenhills? Unlocked? Or through the local HTC distributor?
Sherwin says:
just saw it in HK, 4XXX hkd so thats pretty much about 24t ++. this is the unlocked variant.
Adrian says:
iPhone 3GS vs G2
I go with G2, they must have to put a lot of applications just like what the iphone does. One thing i hate with the iPhone is you cannot do multi-taskin, you need to close you current program to proceed to another one. Unlike with the G2, you can do multitasking just like what the Nokia Cellphones or like the Palm Pre.
mikedroid says:
what a pricey plan 7000? ill stick buying overseas ! bad telcos!
harry says:
this now available at smart.
for retention,
P800 23,500.00
P1200 19,800.00
P1800 14,800.00
P2500 9,300.00
P3500 2,900.00
still expensive for an android os.
how much is the unlocked unit?
potpot says:
are you sure that Globe will release this? representative from HTC told us that the Magic will be exclusive for SMART.
Abe Olandres says:
Here’s the press release from Globe’s website: http://site.globe.com.ph/web/guest/htc-magic?sid=1h7joret2hmti1256048559732
jhen says:
Hi! just want to inquire if you can unlock HTC Magic newly subscribe from SMART.
Mobile_Unlocker says:
@jhen
Yes, HTC G2 Magic A6161 Unlock by IMEI
available here: http://quezoncity.olx.com.ph/item_page.php?Id=113804560&g=6
Jerry says:
unlock htc g2
rae says:
i still have dis at home,had it rooted to gingerbread. unfortunately i have damaged the battery :(