MPIE MG8 - Comments

Advantages: I am a mobile software developer and bought this phone to complement my mobile devices as a low-cost value-oriented smartphone. The pros: - Nice build quality. - Thin construction. - Feels like a quality smartphone - The included screen and phone protectors were a nice bonus. - Screen is bright and crisp -- Very nice. - Recent version of Android -- Lollipop 5.1 - Google Play is included -- Big Plus - Removable battery - Dual-SIM, SD expansion augments small 4GB internal storage. - Media apps like Pandora and CNN work fine. This phone is a fantastic value for the price. I really wasn't expecting such a nice device at this price point.

Limitations: - No manual included other than some safety information. This means you;ll need to figure out on your own how to insert SIM/SD cards and get the phone going, though it's pretty obvious what to do. - USA-people, be aware this is an international GSM phone and check your supported frequencies. - I received a Chinese power adapter, but this should be expected coming from GearBest. This should not be a big deal since everyone has a lot of USB cables and chargers and standard ones work with this device. - Battery life isn't great, I only got a 5 or so hours of active use. - The operation is pretty slow, but bearable. - Need to install a couple key Google apps like Chrome and YouTube yourself. -- Not a big deal. - For some reason, time was set correctly, but I had to manually set the timezone. -- Minor issue

Advantages: I am a mobile software developer and bought this phone to complement my mobile devices as a low-cost value-oriented smartphone. The pros: - Nice build quality. - Thin construction. - Feels like a quality smartphone - The included screen and phone protectors were a nice bonus. - Screen is bright and crisp -- Very nice. - Recent version of Android -- Lollipop 5.1 - Google Play is included -- Big Plus - Removable battery - Dual-SIM, SD expansion augments small 4GB internal storage. - Media apps like Pandora and CNN work fine. This phone is a fantastic value for the price. I really wasn't expecting such a nice device at this price point.

Limitations: - No manual included other than some safety information. This means you;ll need to figure out on your own how to insert SIM/SD cards and get the phone going, though it's pretty obvious what to do. - USA-people, be aware this is an international GSM phone and check your supported frequencies. - I received a Chinese power adapter, but this should be expected coming from GearBest. This should not be a big deal since everyone has a lot of USB cables and chargers and standard ones work with this device. - Battery life isn't great, I only got a 5 or so hours of active use. - The operation is pretty slow, but bearable. - Need to install a couple key Google apps like Chrome and YouTube yourself. -- Not a big deal. - For some reason, time was set correctly, but I had to manually set the timezone. -- Minor issue