Former Apple CEO John Sculley, now Founder of Obi Worldphone, has launched the new Obi MV1 in the United Kingdom.
The new MV1 sports a 1.3 Ghz Snapdragon 212 processor (4G capable) with 1 GB of RAM. Putting the device firmly in the low-end with the Microsoft Lumia 650, which also has the Snapdragon 212. Speaking of Lumia, former Apple product designer Robert Brunner seems to have taken inspiration from earlier Lumia devices and recent iPhones.
The MV1 looks like an iPhone shoved into the body of a Lumia 900, looking rather like a phone with a poor fitting case. Interestingly Brunner has included a raised screen to offer a full HD, 5-inch “floating display,” a distinction Obi are trying to make their own.
Obi’s Mv1 is quite similar to the cheaper SJ1.5, both have 1.3 GHz qud-core processors and 5-inch screen with a 1280×720 display. The battery in the MV1 is only 2,500 mAh compared to Obi’s previous efforts, 3,000 mAh is seen on the SJ1.5.
“We’re aiming to distinguish ourselves with the highest-level design, uncompromising performance but at an affordable price,” said Ankush Chatterjee, Vice President of Obi Worldphone.
“We are exceeding consumers’ expectations with the Obi Worldphone MV1 and have overturned misconceptions that stand-out design must come at a price. At Obi, our relentless mission is to deliver products that feel so much more that what consumers pay for.”
Obi has the right intentions, not everyone needs a £600 smartphone, but everyone wants something that looks good. The compromises in specs for price is clear and it seems worth it for those looking for a budget device.
The Obi MV1 will be sold through Amazon for £119 from the end of May, available to pre-order now.
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