KEN V9, THE REVIEW OF THE LOW COST PHABLET FROM $130

Ken is progressively expanding its line-up with the launch of four new smartphones called X6, S6, S7, and S9 that arrived on the market in November. These are low-cost devices but equipped with a screen up to 5.5 inches and dual cameras. The object of our test today is the V9 model, a complete Dual Sim phablet equipped with a 6-inch screen with Full HD resolution, LTE and fingerprint reader on the back. Let's start, then, the analysis of this smartphone starting from its classic design.

Design

The V9 adopts a design with elegant and refined shapes. The front is characterized by the generous size display (with a protective film pre-applied) without physical buttons, while on the back we find two small chrome strips and the sensor of the footprints; fast, very precise and positioned well. At the bottom is the Micro USB port, the speaker and the microphone, while at the top we find the headphone jack. On the left there is the compartment that can accommodate two nano SIM (one of which can be replaced with a MicroSD up to 128 GB), while on the right we find the power button and the volume rocker. Finally, we recall the presence of the status LED, the dimensions equal to 159.8 X 82,

Technical features

Let's now take a look at the technical features of the Ken V9, powered by a Mediatek MTK6753 SoC, an octa coreA53 with frequencies up to 1.3 GHz, flanked by a Mali-T720 GPU. As for the memory we find 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage (5.45 GB occupied the first boot), expandable via microSD up to 128 GB. As for the display, Ken chose a 6-inchA-Si AHVA LCDwith Full HD resolution, while the photographic sector consists of an 8MP rear sensor with dual LED flash and a front 5 MP. Rooms that rise respectively to 13 and 8 MP by software interpolation, while the videos arrive at 1080p - 30fps. Finally, we remind the 3.500 mAh battery and connections with Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi b / g / n, FM radio, GPS and LTE with support for band 20. We conclude with the good quality package that includes, in addition to the USB cable -Micro USB, a 5V / 1A charger, a second protective film, a silicone case and a pair of earphones.

Software, Android 6 with proprietary launcher

The V9 still mounts Android version 6.0 , with security updates for May 2017 and on-screen keys. Ken decided to personalize the smartphone with a proprietary launcher without an app drawer. Let's move quickly to the Settings menu that includes the well-known Miravision utility for setting the display and the Turbo downloader utility that allows you to use 3G / 4G networks and WiFi at the same time; unfortunately lacks a one-handed management mode that would have proved very useful given the size of the display. Ken has also installed a pedometer and a "Security Center" that helps users optimize the phone by allowing them to manage energy savings and other functions. The Ken V9 comes with the Play Store and various apps already pre-installed (Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp). Finally, remember the lack of official support to Netflix (absent from the Google store) with the apk that can still be installed manually.

Usage experience

In everyday use, the V9 guarantees fair general performance with a very fast start of the app. For benchmark lovers , this smartphone totals 39357 points on AnTuTu, while on Geekbench it records 615 points in single core and 2497 in multi core. Good performances on Chrome and in heavier games like Asphalt Xtreme. Turning to the display, it is a screen of decent quality and natural colors, and with a n very high brightness that makes it visible in the sunlight. The photographic sector produces photos of high quality in high lighting conditions with slightly faded colors. Shots focusing fast, even in low light conditions. Good macro and sufficient performance of the front room and videos. Photo software that includes HDR (with some lighting management problems), Panorama mode and beauty, various filters in real time and the possibility to intervene on various parameters such as ISO and white balance.

Let us now deal with the telephone sector with a good quality of the microphone installed inside the V9, with the interlocutor who often presents high-volume audio. Sufficient the performance of the headset, rather positive judgment on the speaker by the discrete power. No problem in the reception and management of the Dual SIM . The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 to prevent  scratching. Finally the battery that struggles to get to dinner time with a very intense use of the smartphone with more than than 10 hours of screen on; rechargeable battery via 5V / 1A charger in about 1 and a half hours. The Ken V9 is available on Amazon, at a price of around 130 euros.