Starmobile FeatureSmart Evo1 – a VoLTE-capable feature phone

Starmobile has introduced a new feature phone capable of Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) – the Starmobile FeatureSmart Evo1.

VoLTE is a standard for high-speed wireless communication that allows users with VoLTE-capable devices to make calls using the 4G network for better quality. Smart Communications, in partnership with Ericsson, made its first VoLTE call in the Philippines in April 2017.

While not all LTE-capable smartphone can support VoLTE, Starmobile wants to put the said communications standard in a feature phone with their FeatureSmart Evo1. It features a 2.4-inch color screen, 4G connectivity, supports dual-SIM, has FM radio, Bluetooth, microSD card up to 32GB, and a battery with a standby time of up to 200 hours. The VoLTE service will be powered by Smart.

Starmobile says that if the receiving phone is not VoLTE-enabled, the Evo1 will automatically ‘step-down’ to 2G or 3G. When in areas where VoLTE is not available, it can still be used to make regular 2G or 3G calls.

So far, Starmobile has not released the pricing and availability of the FeatureSmart Evo1 but said that it will be made available to the public soon.