Which is better – octa core smartphone from a local brand or an Intel Atom powered smartphone from an international brand?

Let’s compare the Cherry Mobile Pulse with the similarly priced Asus Zenfone 5 at ₱6,499. Both flaunt a scratch resistant 5-inch HD IPS display but the differences are much more.

Cherry Mobile Pulse vs Asus Zenfone 5 – Specs Comparison

FeatureCherry Mobile PulseAsus Zenfone 5
Processor1.7GHz Octa Core MediaTek MT65921.6GHz Dual Core Intel Atom Z2560 with HyperThreading
Operating SystemAndroid 4.4.2 KitkatAndroid 4.3 Jelly Bean with ZenUI
Kitkat update will be released by Sept. 2014
Display5.0-Inch HD IPS @ 1280 x 720 Pixels or 295 PPI5.0-Inch HD IPS @ 1280 x 720 Pixels or 295 PPI
Scratch ProtectionAsahi DragonTrail GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 3
GPUARM Mali-450 MPPowerVR SGX544MP2
Main Camera13.0 Megapixel Autofocus with LED Flash
Hopefully, this isn’t interpolated.
8.0 Megapixel Autofocus with LED Flash
See sample pictures
Front Camera5.0 Megapixel2.0 Megapixel
RAM1 GB2 GB
Internal Storage8 GB8 GB
MicroSD CardYes, up to 64GBYes, up to 64GB
Dual SIM SupportYes (Regular + Micro)Yes (Micro + Micro)
Networks3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 and GPSMiracast Wireless Display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS
Wired ConnectivityMicroUSB, 3.5mm Audio JackMicroUSB with PC Link, 3.5mm Audio Jack
Assistant SensorsAccelerometer, Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light SensorAccelerometer, Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor and E-Compass
Battery2,000mAh (Removable)2,110mAh (Non-removable)
Additional FeaturesDouble Tap to WakeExtra Features via ZenUI
AnTuTu Benchmark29,000 Points19,700 Points
Facebook LikesCherry Mobile Pulse

Asus Zenfone 5

Cherry Mobile Pulse vs Asus Zenfone 5 – Quality and After Sales Support

In terms of specs, the Cherry Mobile Pulse clearly has the upper hand. However, Cherry Mobile products have an issue with quality. If you are going for the Pulse, make sure that you test for factory defects.

Meanwhile, the quality of Asus products gives you the peace of mind that it won’t have defects. Constant software updates and original accessories are also offered for the Zenfone 5.

Nevertheless, Cherry Mobile continues to produce products with high end features at an affordable price. No one benefits from this but the YOU to find the best value for your money.