Cherry Mobile V3 Price is Php 1,499, Quick Review : Connects To Your Smartphone via Bluetooth

So I finally got hold of Cherry Mobile V3, which many of you have been raving about.

Our friends from "the #1 smartphone brand in the country" - according to IDC - handed me a unit to play with during our recent media Christmas party.

At first, I didn't get why this feature-phone is so popular. I mean, we're living in the age of smartphones and this model - I thought - represents a major throwback.

I mean, come on. Alpha-numeric keyboard? Diminutive screen? Navigation button right smack in the middle? So early 2000's, right?

Now that I'm holding V3, though, it finally makes sense to me:

It's a great secondary phone for those who already own a full-fledged Android smartphone.

First of all, its ultra-slim real metal shell with diamond-cut accents complements the design of so many new Android smartphones out there -- both by Cherry Mobile and by competing global brands.

Second, it can connect with your smartphone via Bluetooth and work as a remote dialer.

Just pair the two devices and choose "BT call" on your CM V3 after dialing a number.

Oh, and if you're wondering: You can also use this feature-phone to receive calls being made to the SIM in your more smartphone.

This feature comes in handy when you don't want to take out your very expensive handset while you're in a public place or transport.

Update: Cherry Mobile V3 also connects to any iPhone model via Bluetooth and works as a remote dialer.

When you download and install "BT Notifier" app on your Android handset and pair the device with your Cherry Mobile V3, this basic phone can notify you when you a receive a tech message on your smartphone or if somebody liked your Facebook status update, among others.

Of course, Cherry Mobile V3 works as a typical Dual SIM Dual Standby phone as it has one microSIM card slot and a secondary nanoSIM card slot that also supports microSD card memory expansion.

You can also use V3 as an FM Radio player, remote music player for your Android phone, calculator, stopwatch, and even as an e-book reader!

Yes, it's small but it sure packs a punch!

I only wish that it has a 3.5mm audio jack so I can use my other earphones with it. Nonetheless, the device ships with a free pair of earphones that plugs into the microUSB port.

Here's the complete retail package:

Skipping the unboxing: We have the unit itself, the travel charger, earphones with microphone, SIM card tray ejector pin, user manual, and free soft-gel case.

As for other notable features:

Cherry Mobile V3 comes with a 1.5-inch TFT colored display as well as Class 12 GPRS connection for accurate location services.

The phone's unibody back plate is crafted from aluminum with the rear having a glossy, brushed metal finish that gives this phone an air of sophistication and opulence.

The island-style keys have satisfying tactile feedback and are big enough to minimize errors when typing. They feel cold to the touch, which could very well mean that are also crafted from real metal. On top of that, they are back-lit, making it easy type on them even in the dark.

Cherry Mobile V3 is now available at all Cherry Mobile Stores nationwide. It's out in two colors; Gold and Black, and it dons an official SRP of Php 1,499; A fair price for a basic phone of this calibre, if  you ask me.

Alright! That's it for now. Let me know if you have questions. Leave them below and I'll do my best to answer them.