Obi SF1 product box, there are similarities with Apple’s iPods box: the phone is placed in transparent plastic frame, accessories, located in the lower part of the box. The supplied accessories include rechargeable bulbs, wire MicroUSB, SIM poked sticks and paper manuals. The manufacturers are not equipped with headphones is probably to reduce costs. Department of machine charging fast charging standard support QuickCharge 1.0, 3000 mAh battery fully charge takes about 3 hours.
If the machine box same iPod box, then key the Obi SF1 has many design features reminiscent of the Nokia Lumia 925, especially details the screen bezel and standing out. Many other phones have curved glass and a “2.5D”, but the SF1 screen standing out from the body that looks fancy but a bit rough, not smooth feeling and lack of seamless. If the less convex screen, it would greatly improve the aesthetics of the product.
Praiseworthy point in this phone is the material used in the product. The chassis feels quite rugged, two upper and lower edges with metal materials and different colors. The back side, smoother, less fingerprints, and looks quality, like the casing material on the Lumia 925.
5-inch screen of the phone has a resolution of Full HD, use IPS panels provided by the JDI company. The screen has a high brightness, wide viewing angle, but the contrast does not seem high. Due to the design of the machine should be pretty thick contour display, create impressive screen is too small compared to the machine. Ratio screen / front of the machine is only about 64%, quite low when many current smartphones have this rate of approximately 67-70%, even the Sony Xperia C5 Ultra is 76%.
Obi said this screen is coated with anti-fingerprint and equipped with Gorilla Glass toughened glass 4 promises to have good resistance to scratched.
SF1 parameters of the camera is quite impressive: after using the camera Sony Exmor IMX214 sensor 13MP resolution, aperture f / 2.0; also front camera 5MP resolution with flash. When taking the test a few initial experience unimpressive. Focusing and Brightness slower.
Performance, configuration SF1 equipped midrange Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor eight-core (4 core 1GHz and 4-core 1.5GHz), graphic 405. The 32GB version have 3GB RAM, and 16GB version have 2GB RAM. The configuration of the machine theoretically could say quite high. But in actual use, I noticed the machine was not really smooth when switching between tasks or when using the applications. With the game N.O.V.A 3, which automatically adjusts graphics based on the configuration of the machine SF1 also quite poor, when players feel the jerky picture. Cause PC’s performance is not impressed by the software is probably not optimized well and this will be improved in the next version of the software. Moreover, the current 615 Snapdragon chip has limited power when the graphics processor to Full-HD resolution.
Obi SF1 uses Android version 5.0.2, with customizable interface only slightly, while applications such as photography, libraries are similar to Google’s original software. The only difference lies in the machine’s screen rotation lock with quite spectacular style.
Battery Life
The Obi SF1 is equipped with a non-removable 3,000mAh battery, which is fairly standard for smartphones in its class. The battery life on the SF1 is one of its strong points, offering reliable performance that should easily get most users through a full day of typical usage.
In everyday use, which includes activities like web browsing, social media, messaging, and occasional media consumption, the battery holds up well, with enough power to last from morning to evening without needing a recharge. More intensive tasks, such as gaming or streaming video for extended periods, will drain the battery faster, but the SF1 still performs reasonably well in these scenarios.
The SF1 also supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 1.0 technology, which is not as fast as the newer versions found in more recent devices but still allows for quicker charging compared to standard charging. With Quick Charge, you can get a significant boost in battery life with a short charging session, which is convenient if you’re in a hurry.
In terms of real-world usage, the Obi SF1 can provide around 4 to 5 hours of screen-on time, depending on your usage patterns. This is a respectable figure for a mid-range smartphone and should satisfy most users who don’t engage in extremely demanding activities on their phones throughout the day.
The phone also includes a battery-saving mode, which can be activated to extend battery life when you’re running low on power. This mode limits background activity and reduces performance slightly to conserve energy, allowing you to squeeze out extra usage time when needed.
One potential downside is that the battery is non-removable, which means that if the battery degrades over time (as all batteries do), replacing it would require a visit to a service center rather than a simple swap. However, this is common in most modern smartphones, and the 3,000mAh capacity should provide a decent lifespan before any noticeable degradation occurs.
Overall, the battery life of the Obi SF1 is more than adequate for most users. It offers solid performance that should comfortably get you through a full day of use, and the inclusion of Quick Charge adds an extra layer of convenience.
Software and User Experience
The Obi SF1 runs on a custom version of Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, with Obi Worldphone’s proprietary user interface layered on top. The user interface, known as “Obi Lifespeed,” is designed to offer a clean and intuitive experience while adding some unique touches that differentiate it from stock Android.
The Lifespeed UI features a flat design aesthetic, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The icons are modern and visually appealing, and the overall interface is designed to be user-friendly, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. The interface is responsive, with smooth transitions and animations that add to the polished feel of the software.
One of the key features of the Lifespeed UI is the Quick Access menu, which provides a customizable space for users to pin their most-used apps, contacts, and settings for easy access. This menu can be accessed by swiping down from the top of the home screen, making it convenient to quickly launch your favorite apps or perform common tasks.
The Obi SF1 also includes some additional software features, such as a theme engine that allows users to customize the look and feel of the interface. You can choose from a variety of pre-installed themes or download new ones from the Obi Store. This level of customization is a nice touch, allowing users to personalize their phone to match their preferences.
In terms of pre-installed apps, the SF1 comes with a relatively light selection, which is refreshing compared to some other smartphones that are loaded with bloatware. The phone includes the standard Google suite of apps, as well as a few additional apps like Truecaller for call management and SwiftKey for typing. These apps are generally useful and can be easily removed if not needed.
One potential drawback of the Obi SF1’s software is that it launched with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, which was already slightly outdated at the time of release. While the Lifespeed UI does a good job of modernizing the experience, users who prefer the latest Android features may find this to be a limitation. As of now, it’s unlikely that the SF1 will receive any major updates to newer versions of Android, which could be a concern for those who value staying up-to-date with the latest software.
Despite this, the overall user experience on the Obi SF1 is positive. The Lifespeed UI is well-designed and easy to navigate, offering a unique take on Android that sets the SF1 apart from other mid-range smartphones. The software is stable and performs well, with no major issues or bugs to detract from the experience.
Connectivity and Network Performance
The Obi SF1 supports a range of connectivity options, including 4G LTE, which allows for fast mobile data speeds in supported regions. This is a crucial feature for users in emerging markets where access to high-speed mobile data is becoming increasingly important.
In terms of network performance, the SF1 generally performs well, with strong signal reception and stable connectivity. The phone supports dual-SIM functionality, which is a valuable feature for users who need to manage multiple phone numbers or switch between different carriers for better coverage or pricing. The dual-SIM setup allows for easy switching between SIM cards, and both slots support 4G connectivity, which is a nice touch.
The Wi-Fi performance of the SF1 is also solid, with support for Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. While it doesn’t support the faster 802.11ac standard found in some higher-end devices, the Wi-Fi speeds are sufficient for most tasks, including streaming video and downloading large files. Bluetooth 4.0 is included for connecting to wireless accessories like headphones and speakers, and the phone also features GPS for location services.
One area where the SF1 falls slightly short is in the lack of NFC (Near Field Communication). NFC is used for contactless payments and quick device pairing, and while it may not be a dealbreaker for many users, it’s a feature that’s becoming increasingly common in smartphones across all price ranges. The absence of NFC means that users won’t be able to take advantage of services like Google Pay or quickly pair their phone with compatible accessories.
In terms of call quality, the Obi SF1 performs adequately, with clear voice transmission and good volume levels. The built-in microphone and speaker are of average quality, suitable for normal phone conversations and hands-free use. The speakerphone mode is functional but not particularly loud or clear, so it’s best used in quieter environments.
Overall, the connectivity and network performance of the Obi SF1 are strong, with reliable 4G support and good dual-SIM functionality. The lack of NFC is a minor drawback, but for most users, the SF1 will meet their connectivity needs without any major issues.
Value for Money
One of the most appealing aspects of the Obi SF1 is its value for money. When it was released, the SF1 was priced competitively in the mid-range segment, offering a mix of solid specifications, unique design, and useful features that made it stand out from the crowd.
The phone’s design and build quality are particularly impressive given its price point, with a premium look and feel that rivals more expensive devices. The floating glass display and matte polycarbonate body give the SF1 a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from the sea of generic-looking smartphones in its price range.
The display itself is another highlight, offering Full HD resolution and good color reproduction, which are not always guaranteed in mid-range devices. The performance, while not top-tier, is more than sufficient for everyday tasks and casual gaming, making the SF1 a reliable choice for most users.
The camera, battery life, and software all contribute to the overall value proposition of the SF1. While there are some areas where the phone shows its mid-range roots, such as in heavy multitasking or low-light photography, these are balanced by the phone’s strengths and the relatively low price tag.
In comparison to other smartphones in its price range, the Obi SF1 offers a compelling package that combines style, functionality, and affordability. It’s a device that punches above its weight in many areas, making it a good option for budget-conscious consumers who still want a premium experience.
Conclusion
The Obi SF1 is a mid-range smartphone that delivers a well-rounded package with a strong emphasis on design and user experience. Its floating glass display, solid build quality, and unique Lifespeed UI set it apart from many of its competitors, making it an appealing option for users who value aesthetics and a personalized user interface.
Performance-wise, the SF1 is capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, though it may not be the best choice for power users or those looking for cutting-edge features. The camera, while competent in good lighting conditions, struggles in low light, and the lack of NFC is a minor drawback in an increasingly connected world.
However, these shortcomings are balanced by the phone’s strengths, particularly its battery life, display quality, and overall value for money. The SF1 offers a premium experience at an accessible price point, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on style or functionality.
In conclusion, the Obi SF1 is a testament to the idea that mid-range smartphones can offer more than just basic features—they can also deliver a premium feel and a unique user experience. For those in the market for an affordable yet stylish smartphone, the Obi SF1 is certainly worth considering, especially if design and user experience are high on your list of priorities. While it may not have the latest and greatest features, it remains a well-crafted device that offers good value and a distinctive presence in the crowded mid-range market.