SciPhone i68 + is probably the most popular Chinese mobile phone of all time. This success is due in large part to its appearance that shares part of its DNA with the iPhone. In fact, it has almost the same dimensions and uses, the same wallpapers and icons. But the resemblance stops with these features. The hardware (motherboard, CPU, camera …), the operating system and the applications have nothing in common and are not compatible. While the iPhone adopts the latest technologies, the SciPhone and its clones (i68, i68 +, i68 +++, i68 3G, 9+, 9 ++, 9 +++, CECT i9, i9b, i9 3G) are very more traditional in their conception and their performances. However, he doesn’t see the i68 + just as a copy of the iPhone, but as a model of his own. Also, the new SciPhone has completely different designs.
SciPhone i68 + and “clones” are so popular that they have their own dedicated forums, specialty stores, and Java program development …
SciPhone is a Bluelans Communication brand specialized in the development and manufacture of mobile phones. Today, Bluelans has a full range of phones, some of which will be the subject of a future review. But “SciPhone” is also stamped on mobile phones by OEMs trying to take advantage of brand awareness to sell more of their own phones.
When you buy a SciPhone i68 +, especially on the Internet, you don’t know if you are going to receive an original one produced by Bluelans Communication at their Shenzhen plant or a copy.
SciPhone clones that are built out of Bluelans often come with their own personal touch adding a “+++” or “3G” to the designation. This new designation comes with minor changes compared to the original i68 +. Some models have newer firmware or come with more applications, but sometimes also lower quality plastics and batteries … but the basic components like the CPU, the GSM receiver, the photosensor, remain the same. Still, always choose a model with the latest firmware as you have to be an expert to replace it with a newer one and you risk ruining your phone by doing so. Therefore, check carefully with the provider if your phone has the latest firmware to date (version 3.0).
Like the mini CECT KA08, the SciPhone i68 + has its own cousins (eg N2, T3 +, WiFi 598) that are endowed with better capabilities; Analog TV tuner and WIFI connectivity. Some models like the F003 and M002L really deviate from the standard i68 + specifications as they use a more powerful CPU and offer better performances: WiFi, 1.3 MP or 2 MP camera, EDGE, Opera Mini web browser … WindowsTM Mobile with the M88 or the CiPhone C6.
The main characteristics are the following:
o Dual SIM
or quad-band GSM
o 3.2 inch touch screen
o User data: GPRS, USB and Bluetooth
o U disk up to 16 Gb
or SMS, EMS and MMS
o Internet browser WAP 2.0
o Camera (0.3 MP and 640 * 480) and digital camera
o Photo and video reader
o Handwriting
or audio recorder
or FM radio
or eBook
or Java 2.0
It is available in black and aluminum as our test model or simply in black. It measures 113 L x 60 W 12 E and weighs with the battery, two SIM cards and a microSD exactly 115 grams (measured in our Lab). The first impression we had when we saw the SciPhone i68 + for the first time was very positive. It is also almost impossible for the uninitiated to tell the difference between the SciPhone i68 + and an iPhone, it says it all about the build quality. However, if an iPhone owner takes it in their hands, they will find the i68 + very light, as they are 20 grams of difference between the two phones.
The SciPhone i68 + uses a Mediatek type MT6225 MTK processor which is a 32-bit RISC-STM ARM7EJ clocked at 26 MHz and an operating system that calls Nucleus RTOS from Mentor Graphics.
It uses a 3.7 volt lithium ion battery with an advertised capacity of 1200 mAh.
The touch screen is a 3.2 inch 240 x 320 TFT screen. The glass is responsive and bright. On the front of the SciPhone i68 +, you will find the earpiece, the touch screen and the “Home” button. On the back there is an unprotected camera lens. At the top of the phone are the two speaker grilles, on the left side a back and forth button used to adjust the volume and navigate through the menus. At the bottom of the i68 is the microphone, a connector for the USB power cable, and an integrated telescopic stylus.
The SciPhone i68 + is according to the quad-band data sheet (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz), so it will work on all 5 continents. The SciPhone i68 + is non-CDMA, so it won’t work on some US networks.For data connectivity, it offers GPRS, Bluetooth, and USB (no EDGE or 3G).
But a great advantage of the SciPhone i68 + is the support of 2 SIM cards that work simultaneously (dual standby). You might wonder what it is for. Well, this allows you to use your i68 + with different SIM cards, one from the office and the other private or with different operators to benefit from the best rates. Border residents and business owners may also use SIM cards from different countries.
We like: Its design, manufacturing quality, dual SIM, Bluetooth, 3.2 ” touch screen, Java 2.0.
Sorry: the 0.3 megapixel camera.