SKK Mobile Marian S1 Unboxing and Impressions

SKK Mobile is heating up the octa-core game with the release of the SKK Mobile Marian S1. We can only speculate that the name of the handset honors SKK Mobile endorser Marian Rivera, which is obvious when you see that the packaging shows the image of the popular Filipino actress. Whatever the story behind the naming scheme, the SKK Mobile Marian S1 has something to prove as an octa-core Android handset. From what I saw during my unboxing of the handset and from my initial impressions of the phone, I can say that the SKK Mobile Marian S1 will easily prove to be a strong contender in the cheap octa-core race.

For main specs, the SKK Mobile Marian S1 offers the following:

SKK Mobile Marian S1 Specs

5-inch HD IPS LCD Display
1.7GHz Octa-core processor
Android 4.4.2 KitKat
8GB internal storage
microSD expansion up to 32GB
1GB RAM
13MP rear camera with flash
5MP front camera
Dual SIM, Dual Standby
WI-FI, GPS, Bluetooth
7.7mm thickness

As far as initial impressions go, the SKK Mobile Marian S1 is very impressive. The high quality 5-inch screen is what immediately grabs your attention. It is sharp, it is bright, and it has a great viewing angle. The thinness of the SKK Mobile Marian S1 is also a standout feature. It comes in at only 7.7mm thick and when placed side by side with an iPhone 5, you can see that the SKK Mobile Marian S1 is just as thin as Apple’s phone.

In terms of performance, my initial use has proven to be a good experience. The phone is buttery smooth and the transitions are quick. Apps load almost instantaneously, and this could be the work of the octa-core processor. It helps that the SKK Mobile Marian S1 runs on Android KitKat, a version of the OS that is admittedly faster better than previous versions.

The build quality of the SKK Mobile Marian S1 is stellar for a sub-Php10,000 phone. There are no flimsy parts, no creaking sound. The back cover has a brushed finish and it feels good to the touch. Holding the phone is comfortable, thanks to the curved edges that make it the phone really easy to use. The level of comfort belies the fact that the SKK Mobile Marian S1 is a 5-inch phone.

Here are more unboxing photos of the SKK Mobile Marian S1. The full review will follow.