Kata Philippines latest smartphone is already ready for pre-order. If you can visit their Facebook page — Kata Philipines, there is an instruction on how you can pre-order this 5.5-inch Super HD smartphone which is powered by a 1.7 Octa Core processor. M3 has 2G RAM, 16G internal storage which is expandable up to 32G via micro-SD slot. While M3 has only 3G/HSPA+ with dual-SIM (SIM 1 is regular and SIM 2 is micro-SIM).
Kata M3 is the third iteration of their M series. We have reviewed all M series (Kata M1 Review, Kata M2 Review). Its time to reveal our review of the Kata M3.
Design and build
Comparing M3 with the past models M1 and M2, I can say that this one is the most improved iteration. In terms of looks, M3 has is a lot better now. The curves are there — both edges and the back cover making it more simple-looking smarpthone.
On top of the M3 is the 3.5mm audio port with the noise-cancelling mic located on the other end. On the right side is the power button, and on the opposite is the volume rocker. At the bottom is the micro-USB port for charging and file transfer. There are no physical buttons on the M3, only three capacitive buttons which are part of the physical screen.
Kata has maintained the design of the M series with its removable cover and battery. The M3 though has 3,300mAH only while the M1 has 4,00mAH and M2 has 2,300mAH. Given this, I did not notice much improvement on the battery life of M3.
The back cover of the M3 is plastic, but the overall build looks sturdy. The camera according to Kata is covered by a Gorilla glass. I hope they would implement this in the entire screen in the next model.
Camera and Multimedia
M3 has 16MP shooter at the back and 8MP selfie camera. Given this high megapixel camera, I was not impressed with the results of the photos I took during the review. I felt that the M1 has a better camera in terms of color reproduction and saturation. Yes, M3 takes photos fast, focus is not a problem but the final product is not as impressive. I have seen washed out photos most of the time. This reminds me of the Kata i4 camera, they almost have the same quality of photos as the M3.
Here are sample shots of the M3.
I hope Kata finds a better camera app with the likes of that in the iPhone. The iPhone until now has only 8MP camera but it has great post-processing camera app which creates good photos.
Battery life
Even with the 3,00mAH battery, M3 can’t still beat M1. M1 gave me 48 hours of battery life. Why not if it has 4,000mAH. But M3 has 3,000mAH and it has not lasted for 24 hours. The longest that I was able to use M3 is 7 hours. Well, it was good enough. But I was hoping it can last at least 12 hours.
Benchmarks
Antutu gave M3 a score of 29,926 and Nenamark gave 54.2fps.
Conclusion
M3 is the best in its series in terms of design and build. This is the most gorgeous model in the M series. The design and ergonomics are now perfect. It is not too big, not too small. No hiccups and lags felt during the review, credit to the 2G RAM. The camera takes photos fast and camera focus is fast too. Audio playback is also good, you don’t need an external speakers if you want to listen to your favorite Spotify playlist.
There is also one growing concern I have with the Kata brand in general. Because they release limited models, the third party accessories are limited too. You can’t find casing for additional protection for your smartphones. I hope Kata can address this soon.
Over-all, M3 can be your daily driver. This is because I am sure the Kata will price the M3, like the previous models, affordable too. With the specs of the M3 coupled with an affordable pricing, consumers will buy it.
Kata M3 Specs
– 1.7GHz Octa Core Mediatek MT6592 processor
– 5.5-inch HD LCD display (1280 x 720 pixels)
– Mali 450 MP graphics
– 2GB RAM
– 16GB internal storage expandable via MicroSD up to 32GB
– 16 MP AF, dual-LED flash and Corning Gorilla Glass cover lens, 8 MP front camera
– Dual SIM, Dual Standby
– HSPA+, WIFi, WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth
– GPS, A-GPS
– 3,300 mAh battery
– Android 4.4 Kitkat
Availability and pricing
On pre-order now at Kata Digital. SRP will be P9,499. If you pre-order now, you get a special freebie, a Kata Powerbank.
Disclosure: The M3 unit that we reviewed is an engineering unit. The performance of the commercial unit might differ from our review.
Madaling uminit yung likod if used ng matagal. Well most phones naman ganun. Pero sana i address din nila kasi sayang. I’m using my m3 for a week now. Hindi nga ganun nagtatagal ang life battery niya. Regarding sa camera, i address din siguro ng Kata yun. Kasi kahit 16mp at 8mp rear, hindi pa ganun ka ganda quality ng pics after. At mas maganda quality ng photos kung maliwanag ang background. Pero overall i would give it 8.5/10