The verykool i285 and s5036 Apollo represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. While the i285 remains largely a mystery in terms of detailed specifications, the s5036 Apollo boasts a Mediatek MT6580M chipset, offering a tangible performance baseline. This comparison aims to dissect the available information and provide a clear recommendation for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the verykool s5036 Apollo is the superior choice. The inclusion of the Mediatek MT6580M chipset provides a known level of performance, even if modest, while the i285's lack of published specifications makes it a gamble. The Apollo offers a more predictable user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Class 12 | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, Q2 | 2018, February. Released 2018, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 117 x 57 x 12.1 mm (4.61 x 2.24 x 0.48 in) | 144.5 x 73 x 10.4 mm (5.69 x 2.87 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 106 g (3.74 oz) | 163 g (5.75 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~146 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.2 inches, 29.1 cm2 (~43.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6580M (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | - | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 80MB | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | VGA | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio |
| USB | 1.2 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | MP3/AAC+ player
MP4/3GP player
Organizer
Predictive text input | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 240 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery | Li-Po 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black, Blue, Gold |
| SAR | - | 0.25 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) |
verykool i285
- Potentially lower price (due to unknown specs)
- May offer a more compact form factor
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Completely unknown specifications
- Unpredictable performance
- Potential for poor build quality
verykool s5036 Apollo
- Known Mediatek MT6580M chipset
- Functional performance for basic tasks
- More predictable user experience
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely low-quality camera
Display Comparison
Without specifications for the verykool i285's display, a direct comparison is impossible. The s5036 Apollo likely features a standard LCD panel common in this price bracket, prioritizing cost over advanced features like high refresh rates or OLED technology. Expect limited brightness and color accuracy on both devices. Bezels are also expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Given the price point, both devices likely feature basic camera sensors. The s5036 Apollo’s camera specifications are not detailed, but it’s reasonable to assume a primary sensor of 5MP or 8MP. The i285’s camera is entirely unknown. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and lighting conditions. Expect limited low-light performance and a lack of advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) on both models. Any claims of advanced camera features on either device should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The verykool s5036 Apollo’s Mediatek MT6580M chipset, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. This architecture, while dated, provides a functional level of performance for basic tasks. The i285’s processor is unknown, making performance prediction impossible. The 28nm node of the MT6580M is less efficient than modern chipsets, potentially leading to warmer operation during sustained use, but it's a known quantity. Users should expect limited multitasking capabilities on both devices, but the Apollo offers a defined baseline.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both the i285 and s5036 Apollo is unspecified. Given the MT6580M’s relatively low power consumption, the s5036 Apollo should offer at least a full day of light use. The i285’s battery life is entirely dependent on its unknown battery capacity and processor efficiency. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, utilizing standard micro-USB charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the verykool i285 if you absolutely need a smartphone for the most basic tasks – calls, texts, and minimal app usage – and are willing to accept a completely unknown hardware experience. Buy the verykool s5036 Apollo if you prefer a device with a documented chipset (Mediatek MT6580M) that can handle light multitasking, social media browsing, and basic photography, offering a more reliable, albeit still entry-level, experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6580M in the s5036 Apollo capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6580M is capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp, although performance may be sluggish with multiple apps open simultaneously. The chipset is sufficient for basic social media browsing and messaging, but users should avoid demanding tasks while using these apps.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on the verykool s5036 Apollo, and can it be expanded with a microSD card?
Storage specifications for the s5036 Apollo are not readily available. However, most smartphones in this price range include 8GB or 16GB of internal storage. It is highly probable that the s5036 Apollo supports microSD card expansion, allowing users to increase storage capacity for photos, videos, and other files. Check the device's documentation for maximum supported microSD card size.
❓ Given the lack of information on the verykool i285, is it safe to assume it's a significantly older model?
The absence of detailed specifications for the verykool i285 strongly suggests it is an older or very basic model. Manufacturers often omit detailed specs for entry-level devices with outdated hardware. Purchasing the i285 carries a higher risk due to the unknown components and potential for limited software support.
