Is Starmobile Play Click Worth Filipinos' Budget?

Starmobile released its most recent budget-friendly smartphone, the Play Click, and has even partnered with local telecommunications firm Smart Communications Inc. for a network-locked variant of the said smartphone. It is part of the telco's newfound commitment to provide Filipino masses with affordable mobile devices within their reach following the success of the MyPhone My28S bundle. Will this be worth the budget of many young Filipino consumers who want to have their own first smartphone?

First, here are the specs of the Starmobile Play Click.

- Android 5.1 Lollipop
- 1.2 GHz Spreadtrum 7713C quad core processor
- Mali-400 MP2 graphics
- 4.5-inch TFT capacitive multitouch display
- 512 MB of RAM
- 4 GB of internal storage
- Expandable memory up to 32 GB via microSD card
- 5 megapixel rear camera with LED flash
- 2 megapixel front camera
- WiFi/Bluetooth/GPS/A-GPS
- Dual SIM, Dual standby
- 3G HSPA+ connectivity
- 1800 mAh battery

Looking at these specs made me realize that the Starmobile Play Click is the most advanced alternative to my own smartphone, the Alcatel One Touch D9, because it runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system. The Play Click also has a better front camera than my D9, but it is still without a doubt that my own smartphone and the Starmobile Play Click are really alike in terms of specifications.

At least I can say that these specs can result to a budget-friendly smartphone capable of doing basic tasks, particularly for those who want to update on their social media accounts. The best part about it is that it is bundled with a Smart prepaid SIM with 100 MB of free data monthly valid for one year and Php30 load rebate for every accumulated amount of at least Php100 plus a Php100 load card for starters. In my case, the free data will only be useful for other social networking sites like Twitter and Google+, access to news sites through free Facebook and music streaming via Spinnr.

If you don't want a network-locked smartphone, then you should purchase an unlocked version at any Starmobile dealer or concept store for only Php2,690. It's up to you what network will you enjoy with the Play Click since it is not deemed as useless when it comes to basic smartphone and internet needs.