KATA F1s Full Specs, Features and Hands ON Review

Latest Kata F1s is powered by 1.3 GHz quad-core CPU, 1 GB RAM, running on Android KitKat OS on 4.5" IPS quarter High Definition (qHD) display boasting 8MP/5MP dual cameras for P4,499 only.

Latest from Kata Digital Philippines is upgraded F1 in terms of CPU, RAM and Internal Memory - meet F1s, Kata's second cheapest quad-core powered Android next to Kata F1 (P3,399).

I'll be doing a full review of Kata F1s and let's see what is store for this Android gadget to boast of to Pinoy consumers this Christmas season.

Meanwhile, Kata F1s is competing with O+ 360 ALPHA (P4,995), StarMobile UP+/UP Lite (P4,990/P4,890), SKK Mobile Marian V1 (P4,599), Cloudfone Excite 451Q (P4,499), O+ 8.93 (P4,395), MyPhone RIO/RIO Lite (P4,999/P3,999) and Cherry Mobile AXIS/FLARE S3 (P4,499/P3,999) in the market to date.

Below are full specs and hands on review of Kata's second cheapest quad-core Android smartphone.


KATA F1s Price, Features and Full Specs

Price: P4,499
Freebies: 1 extra 1550 mAh battery, 1 Flipcover, 1 screen protector, Smart LTE SIM (P100 airtime load)
Features: Dual SIM (Regular +  microSIM, both 3G capable), 8.9 mm slim, 136 grams and 3 soft lighted capacitive buttons
Screen: 4.5" qHD IPS Capactitive 2-point Multi-Touchscreen
Resolution: 960 x 540 pixels
Pixel per Inch:  245 ppi
CPU: 1.3 GHz MT6582M quad core processor
GPU: MALI 400MP
OS: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
RAM: 1 GB
Internal Memory: 8 GB internal memory expandable up to 32 GB
Camera: 8MP rear, Autofocus with Flash and 5MP front
Sensors: Accelerometer, Proximity and Light
Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, micro-USB, 3G/HSPA+ capable
AnTuTu Benchmark Score: 18,555 ver 5.3
Battery: 1550 mAh


Kata F1s Hands ON Full Review


My full review will be guided with 11 categories below and what is my initial impression? It's compact, stylish, slim and solid build smartphone with bright and vivid IPS display, good for gamers and who likes to do with a large screen.


1. Price: 4.3/5

Kata F1s is one of several affordable quad-core Android smartphone in the market to date behind O+ 8.93 (P4,395) and a P100 more expensive than SKK Mobile MARIAN V1+ (P4,599).

Based on my list, the cheapest quad-core Android phone is BS Mobile STARK (P2,799) and Cherry Mobile ME/ME FUN/CHEER and SKK Mobile PLATINUM EDGE - all for P2,999.

The good thing, when you buy a Kata F1s, a bunch of freebies are included such as extra battery and flip cover.

2. Physical Design: 4.9/5





3. Display: 4.5/5


Resolution: 960 x 540 pixels
Pixel per Inch: 245 ppi
Dead Pixels: NONE
Multi-Touchscreen: 2-point
Screen Responsiveness: very fast and sensitive


4. Performance and Benchmark: 4.5/5

Power On: ~ 20 seconds
Shutdown: ~ 5 seconds
CPU: 1.3 GHz MT6582M quad-core processor
OS: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Graphics Processing Unit: MALI 400MP GPU
AnTuTu Benchmark Score: 18,555 ver 5.3
Quadrant Benchmark Score: ?
Vellamo Mobile Benchmark Score: Multicore - 1,202, Metal - 710, Browser - 1,371
NenaMark2:  56.8 fps version 2.4


5. Camera: 4.4/5

Photo taken by Kata F1s  8MP rear camera - A ricefield overlooking Mt. Makiling on a sunny day.

Rear Camera: 8 MP
Front Camera: 5 MP
Flash: with Flash (up to 1 meter)
Autofocus: Yes (8 MP)
Zoom: ?
Performance: 8 MP rear and front camera overall photo quality is average and speedy. Rear camera video recording is above average in quality.


6. Multimedia and Games: 4.5/5

Kata F1s can play IGG Brave Trials massive multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) without lag and smooth gameplay.

Music: .mp3 and .mp4 are playable
Video/Movies: supports .mp4, .avi and 1080p movies
Audio: average loudness and quality
Compatible Games: Temple Run 2, Zombie Tsunami and Brave Trials
Pre-Installed Apps: Google Playstore and Facebook


7. Connectivity and Functionality: 4.5/5


Dual SIM (regular + micro): Yes, working on Smart
Texting: it's working
Call: working loud and clear
LED Notification: NONE for SMS and charging status
Bluetooth: It's working, already paired to other devices
WiFi: working very fast
WiFi HotSpot: blazing fast
3G/HSPA+:  SIM 1 and SIM 2 are 3G/HSPA+ capable
GPS: working fine
FM Radio: working with nice reception, need a headset to work
Micro-USB: working good either on charging or PC
MicroSD card slot: working fine with 16 GB
USB OTG (On the Go): ?
Saving Apps to SD card: ?
Sensors: Accelerometer is working accurately
How to Screenshot/Printscreen: Simultaneously press Power and Volume(-) button for 2 seconds


8. Accessories: 4.8/5

Manual: a must read before using your phone
Headset: working clear
USB Charger: it's working
MicroUSB cable: long enough
MicroSD card: not included
Screen Protector: yes, free to installed


9. Battery: 4.2/5

Call: ?
Texting (light texting): ?
Internet on WiFi: ?
Internet on 3G: ~3 hrs
Watching Movies (1080p): ~6.25 hrs
Offline Games: ~3.45 hrs
Online Games: ~ 3 hrs
FM Radio: ~10 hrs
Playing Music (mp3): ~11.11 hrs
Charging Time: ~ 4 hrs


10. Durability: 4.5/5

Kata F1s has a solid, aesthetic design and compact build making it a durable device. With a screen protector installed, the display is protected in the long run from everyday scratches that life has to offer.

In addition, the OS (operating system) is stable after several shutdown's and power ON and with proper care and using the right accessories, this gadget will last for long.


11. Defects/Bugs and Improvement: 4.0/5

Using this device on online/offline games can possibly caused battery over temperature (up to 50 degrees Celsius, measured by CPU-Z App). I hope Kata's technical team would fix or come up with a possible solution to this problem.

Another improvement for this Android gadget is 1800 mAh or higher battery capacity.


12. Verdict: 4.46/5

With large 4.5" qHD display, powerful quad-core performance and 8MP/5MP dual cameras on aesthetic and slim design, "A must try affordable quad-core Android gadget this 2015".



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