Cherry Mobile Fusion Storm Review
When the Cherry Mobile Fusion Storm dropped in our lap in the Unbox HQ, we were impressed at just how affordable it was. At only Php 3,699, it’s great value, especially considering what you’re getting: a 7.85-inch display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor and Android 4.2. Of course, as with anything in life, compromises had to be made in the components used to get the price down to what it is. Is the Fusion Storm good enough for the price, or did Cherry Mobile compromise too much to get to the price point?
Before we start the review, let’s check out the Flare Fusion Storm’s specs:
Cherry Mobile Fusion Storm Spec Sheet
- 1.2GHz Dual-core Processor
- 512MB RAM
- 8GB Internal Storage, Expandable via microSD up to 32GB
- 7.85-inch Capacitive Touchscreen
- 5.0-megapixels primary camera
- VGA secondary camera
- WiFI 802.11 b/g/n
- Android Jelly Bean 4.2
- Supports USB OTG
- 3,000mAh Battery
- SRP: Php3,699
As you can see, the specs of the Flare Fusion Storm isn’t going to be breaking any benchmarking records soon, but again it’s important to remember that the price point for this particular device is a mere Php 3,699. We’re actually pretty impressed that they stuffed all of that in an Android tablet that looks as snazzy as the Flare Fusion Storm. Of course, the Cherry Mobile Fusion Breeze is still the king of the budget Android tabs at only Php 1,999.
Decent, though uninspired design
The overall design of the Flare Fusion Storm is pretty decent, although a bit uninspired. The Flare Fusion Storm has an all white facade that’s reminiscent of Apple’s iPad Mini. There’s a VGA camera on left side of the bezel (or top, depending on your orientation). The HDMI, USB and audio jack are located on the left side of the tablet. The volume and power/standby controls are located on the right side. The back of the Flare Fusion Storm has a textured finish to allow you better grip on it. The 5-megapixel camera is located on the back.
Acceptable hardware, considering the price
In any other circumstance, we would pan the 1.2GHz dual-core processor and measly 512MB RAM, which is an upgrade from the much more affordable Fusion Breeze. But then again, the Flare Fusion Storm retails for only a measly Php 3,699 and comes with the features that we mentioned plus Android Jelly Bean 4.2 – so everything’s forgiven. Of course, the somewhat sluggish performance of the Flare Fusion Storm (especially when there’s a lot of things going on on the screen) doesn’t mean you’ll forget the sluggish performance of the device once you start opening multiple apps at the same time, or the relatively narrow viewing angles that the 7.85-inch capacitive touchscreen delivers, but it does put all its faults into perspective.
In layman’s terms, the Flare Fusion Storm is good enough for basic browsing and internet. Like most Android devices, it’s capable of downloading and running apps, though you’d want to limit the apps you use on it to more sedate ones, like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and the like. It’s definitely not going to run more CPU intensive apps like 3D games – the hardware simply isn’t there.
That being said, the Flare Fusion Storm did a great job as a media player. Paired with a set of Bluetooth speakers, it performed well enough as a video player. Its phenomenal battery life (more on this later) lends itself well in the e-reader role as well, and its relatively light weight makes it ideal for this role.
Decent camera
Let’s face it, you’re probably not going to get a camera as good as the Lumia 1020’s on a device that costs as much as a buffet in a luxury hotel, but the camera is surprisingly decent on the Flare Fusion Storm. With plenty of light, the camera on the Flare Fusion Storm produce decent photos.
Amazing battery life
One great side effect of using lower spec hardware on the Flare Fusion Storm is that it’s extremely power efficient. We’ve gone almost four days of casual use on the Flare Fusion Storm browsing the net and amazingly it still has some juice left!
Budget tablet that’s perfect for giving
Given the hardware of the Flare Fusion Storm, we’d normally say to give this one a pass. But at only Php 3,699, it’s one of the most affordable tablets out right now, which makes it perfect for kids or as a secondary tablet in your home. It’s capable enough as an everyday tablet, as long as you understand its limitations.
