Cherry Mobile Alpha Play Hands-on and First Impressions: the 8-inch worker

The Cherry Mobile Alpha series has already spawned two affordable Windows Phone 8.1 handsets. However, to further establish Microsoft’s footing in the local tech scene, Cherry Mobile, Intel and the software-maker announced the Alpha Play, a sleek 8-inch tablet running with a full version of Windows 8.1.



Cherry Mobile Alpha Play is an absolute scene stealer in last night’s event; it turned out to be our favorite in the pack of CM Windows devices. The screen has its own flare with the IPS LCD 720 HD display that registers great colors even when exposed under extreme lighting conditions.

In terms of design, I’ll rate the CM Play 6.5 out of 10 which is essentially above average for a Php 7,999 tablet. The semi-metallic back is both easy on the hands and eyes. The tab responds quickly with series of touches that may have given the quad-core Intel Z3735D a good footing.

It may not have a keyboard snugged into it in the event but I’m pretty sure I could handle the same peripheral device with the use of several ports around its frame. You’ll get most of the ports like the microUSB, HDMI and 3.5-mm headphone jack at the bottom of the device in portrait mode.

Pulling apps like the Store and Camera is very intuitive. This shows how the 1GB of RAM works pretty well with the 1.33-gigahertz CPU. We, however, did not have the time to check productivity apps in the Microsoft 365 suite (let’s save that for the actual review of the device).

For purists out there who wanted to keep their composition and productivity works in a Windows platform, but don’t want to sacrifice portability, this device is for you. The Cherry Mobile Play will be available this month with Php 7,999 price tag.

Cherry Mobile Alpha Play Specs

8.0-inch IPS 720p HD display

1.33-gigahertz Intel Z3735D quad-core processor

Intel HD Graphics Gen7 GPU

1GB RAM

16GB built-in storage

up to 64GB via MicroSD

5-megapixel BSI rear camera

2-megapixel front camera

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

Bluetooth 4.0

Windows 8.1

With Office 365

Free 1TB One Drive cloud storage

3500mAh battery

Php 7,999