Verzio Skii
Thanks to the market that finds switching between phones a drag, dual-SIM mobiles are becoming quite common. Then again, most of these handsets are still, at least for the moment, lagging behind their more established mono-SIM cousins in terms of looks and features. It's a good thing that the Verzio Skii is an exception. The Skii's reflective and smooth front side screams sophistication, and its hard-metal back casing gives an impression of durability and stability.
Operation
But as they say, it's what's inside that really counts, and the Verzio Skii delivers in certain categories. For starters, its interface is easy to use and understand and is similar to the one in Nokia's handsets. Also, the circular, multi-directional-select navigation key makes using the phone a lot easier. Messaging is quite easy, although the absence of a default Sent Items folder can be annoying, as you still have to select a Send and Save option before sending a message. Navigating through its dual-SIM options also takes some getting used to.
Multimedia
The Verzio Skii is dubbed a portable media player, and with a 2GB internal memory and a microSD slot for more capacity at that. It has a VGA camera that can take pictures decently, a video recorder and player, and a music player. However, the audio quality of the speakers is average, and video playback is sub-par. Then again, if you buy a phone that costs less than P5,000, you know you gotta sacrifice something.
LCD and battery life
The good-sized 2.2-inch, 176 x 220p resolution display is acceptable if you're using this phone not as a multimedia device. Battery life is a bit suspect, though – you'll have to charge almost every day if you're going to use the Skii extensively.
Touch screen
How about the touch screen? Is it any good? Sadly, for fans of the iPhone and other similar handsets, navigating the device using the touch screen can be a drag. First of all, it's not as responsive as we would like it to be (and it smudges easily, too). Also, the supplied stylus doesn't help much either. Just a piece of advice: It's better to stick with the buttons.
The verdict
The Verzio Skii may have come short in terms of imaging and touch-screen capabilities, but it's still a pretty good buy. Come on, for only P4,990, you'll have a dual-SIM, slim, and decent-looking full touch-screen phone. It's not perfect (not even remotely close to it), but at least you'll have something to brag about that doesn't look as though it costs as low as it really is.
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| Value |
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| Overall |
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Bottom Line The touch screen and the price tag might entice you to buy it, but please don't keep your expectations high |
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| Editor's Pick | No |
| Price | P4,990 |
Tech Specs
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Today, April 7, a certain technician who according to the girl I called in their office, by the name of Edwin Tiongson called me and told me that my unit can no longer be fixed and so they were going to return it to me. So I said, hold on. You mean to say you're going to return my phone and I won't be able to use it anymore? The definite answer was a resounding YES. This is what I said:" That's b*llsh*t." Which was the most decent thing I could muster considering my frustration and the fact that the phone was 4 months old. The technician responded by saying "huwag po ninyo akong murahin" which I wasn't. I was cursing but definitely not at him. He then had the gall to say that my phone was busted because of MY NEGLIGENCE. ME. MINE. Wow! Like he knew this how??!! The phone had nary a scratch, only those brought about by constant use. I was raising my voice, yes I was. And this technician said "wag niyo po akong sisigawan kung hindi hindi ko kayo kakausapin" well hello customer service! I had every right to raise my voice, and which disgruntled customer wouldn't when treated this way?! Lemme talk to your manager, supervisor I said. He pretends to put me through then altogether cuts me off. I made the call again and am now waiting for a return call from Mr. Bong Estoque, the manager who said he will call me up at before 4:00PM. It is now 4:26.
So what is the bottom line? A product is not just the product itself. It is the combination of products and services. If you want a nice phone that is both cheap, dependable, cute, and would not conk out easily buy a NOKIA. You can buy units for as low as PhP1500.00 and you will be able to make a call when you need it most. I am sure that the service people at Nokia are much more helpful and courteous. Though honestly, I don't know this for sure as I've never had the need to have any of the Nokia phones I've used in the past serviced due to damages. They either get replaced because of a gift or become so obsolete from the length of usage that it's just embarr*ssing to have them even serviced.
I hope this is helpful.
Nicole Acorda