Dual SIM Starmobile Jupiter B305 has removable Bluetooth headset built into phone; only PHP 2,990

With all the hubbub on the smartphone space, let’s take a short break and look into the recent happenings in the feature phone market. Out of nowhere, we have a local phone company called Starmobile launching a stable of new non-smartphones that have a rather interesting twist to the typical offerings.

First, the basics: the Jupiter B305 B305 sports dual SIM functionality, a 3.2MP camera, FM Radio, video and music playback, and mobile Internet access via Opera Mini. The clincher is the built in Bluetooth headset, transforming the phone into a portable charging dock. The headset, the phone and the dock are all in one piece! All this for PHP 2,990.00.

Starmobile (Star Telecom Alliance Resources) is a Philippine-based mobile phone company (the units come from China — nothing new here) under the leadership of Michael Chen. The philosophy behind the BT headset placement is based on frustrations of people misplacing it, or not having it charged. Frankly, this is a big public service as I find people wearing Bluetooth headsets who are not on a call REALLY annoying (mag pa-piercing ka na lang kuya!).

OK sorry about that. It’s really annoying though. Don’t you agree?

As a phone, the Jupiter B305 is robust. It doesn’t feel cheap and despite also being a charging dock, it retains its light weight. The phone runs on a proprietary UI which is quite responsive and you won’t have any qualms about using this as a secondary phone (i.e. for when you’re driving or engaged in some activity where you need both your hands).

Moving on to the actual headset, call quality is as expected with the transmission. The phone’s OS can easily detect the BT device and allows you to turn the charging on or off; the device does not automatically charge the headset. It is a setting you need to turn on — this is good if you’re saving battery life.

VERDICT
It’s a good deal. You get the headset and the dual SIM phone for less than PHP 3,000.00. You don’t need any more convincing. If you’re looking for a modern day feature phone, this is something you should definitely consider.

Starmobile’s local endorser is Vice Ganda. You can follow them on Twitter at @happymanPH and Happy Man on Starmobile on Facebook. For a list of places to buy Starmobile phones, here you go.