verykool s5511 Juno Quatro Dual SIM (Unlocked) Smartphone Review @ ModSynergy.com
verykool is an American company that is owned by InfoSonics Corporation, which is the parent company of several subsidiaries dedicated to the design, development, manufacturing, sale, and distribution of products under the verykool brand. InfoSonics has been in business since 1994 and introduced the verykool brand in 2006, primarily selling its products in Latin America. However, they also sell their products to other countries worldwide, including China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa, using an ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) business model. If you're in the market for a replacement Android smartphone and have explored all the usual options, verykool offers an alternative that is different, affordable, unlocked, and not tied to a contract. Based in San Diego, California, verykool provides options worth considering. One of verykool's latest phablets, the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro, released in late 2014, is the focus of today's discussion. The s5511 Juno Quatro features a large 5.5" qHD (960x540) IPS capacitive screen, a 1.3GHz Quad-Core CPU, 1GB RAM, and operates on the Android 4.4 Kit Kat platform. This device is tailored to the American market, capable of supporting fast HSPA+ mobile network speeds of up to 21Mbps download and 5.76Mbps upload. As an unlocked device, the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro can be used with any network carrier right out of the box. It is compatible with carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Cellular One, Airfire Mobile, H2O Wireless in the USA, and many more. Additionally, it supports dual SIM slots, offering the convenience of using two phone lines simultaneously or managing work and personal lines on the same device. All these features are available at an affordable price of $132.05 (20% off currently) with free shipping through Amazon USA. Now, let's dive into the review to explore the capabilities of the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro smartphone. About verykool (From verykool.net) "The verykool® line of mobile handsets and accessories is designed to deliver form and functionality as well as unprecedented value. We build products that fit with the lifestyles of today’s consumers – offering the quality and performance they need at a price they can afford. verykool® products are sold in over 20 countries and 5 continents around the world. They are marketed under the verykool® brand in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean to our customer base of network operators, retailers and distributors. As a diverse, multi-national company, we draw on the experience, knowledge and cultures from each country where we operate to ensure we stay on top of global trends and best practices. Owned by InfoSonics Corporation, verykool® is headquartered in San Diego California. The essence of our brand is derived from the California lifestyle – a look, feel and voice that comes from living with the sun, sand and surf. The verykool® team and products are inspired by our city’s ideal climate for creating a beautiful environment and innovative technology. We understand that form and design are just as important as performance and speed and we are committed to delivering both. verykool® has extensive sales and operational presence in the United States and around the world, and we are always in the field listening to customers so we can better serve them. Our product management team is constantly working to keep our portfolio of products fresh and exciting. We are proud of our ability to innovate and introduce competitive products, both in terms of feature set and pricing. And that is what we believe makes us verykool®." verykool s5511 Juno Quatro Product Overview Just like the s5510 but with double the processing power and increased memory capacity, the s5511 Juno Quatro is a masterful all-in-one device solution! Featuring an impressively large 5.5-inch qHD IPS LCD capacitive touch display and an ultra slim 3mm bezel, the Juno Quatro pushes the limits of design and performance providing an optimal viewing experience. Equipped with 4G HSPA connectivity, Android 4.4, a blazing fast 1.3GHz quad-core CPU, 4GB ROM, 1MB RAM, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, and 720 HD recording, the Juno Quatro is an ergonomic and contemporary device that offers extraordinary performance and design. verykool s5511 Juno Quatro Product Features verykool s5511 Juno Quatro Product Specifications Technology
Band
OS
CPU
Size
Weight
Battery
Screen
Connectivity
Camera
Data
Memory
Multimedia
Extras
Accessories
First Impressions The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro smartphone comes in a compact box with an eye-catching design featuring a backdrop of clouds and the Juno Quatro in the foreground. The box is sealed with security seals to ensure it hasn't been tampered with. On the side of the box, you'll find brief features and specifications listed, highlighting key aspects such as the expandable microSD card slot (supporting up to 32GB), an 8MP rear-facing camera with LED flash, a 2MP front-facing camera, and FM radio tuner support. The only missing piece of information on the box is the battery capacity, which is listed as 2300mAh on the verykool website. Looking at the comprehensive specifications, the Juno Quatro seems to offer a compelling package at an affordable price. However, the specific details about the CPU being utilized by verykool are not mentioned, except for the fact that it is a 1.3GHz Quad-Core processor. Based on the presence of FM radio support and the price range, it is likely that the Juno Quatro is equipped with a MediaTek processor, although the exact model is unknown until further use. Despite having 1GB of RAM and a budget MediaTek Quad-Core 1.3GHz processor, the Juno Quatro should be capable of handling tasks such as web browsing, email, texting, YouTube, music playback, Google Maps, Skype, voice recording, calendar, camera, video, general video playback, Facebook, Twitter, and making phone calls. However, more graphically intensive games may experience lag and provide a subpar gaming experience, as MediaTek CPUs tend to have weaker GPUs compared to the competition. The screen resolution also plays a role in gaming performance, and the Juno Quatro features a qHD (960 x 540) 5.5" IPS capacitive touch screen display. While this resolution may be considered outdated in 2015, it could help alleviate some performance issues caused by the weaker GPU. In terms of display quality, the IPS display should offer rich colors and wide viewing angles compared to non-IPS displays. However, the specific manufacturer of the IPS display in the Juno Quatro is not specified, and the screen is not an OGS (One Glass Solution), which would have made it thinner by eliminating a layer between the touch screen and display. The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro is available in various colors, including fuchsia, green, red, blue, and yellow. When it comes to bundled accessories, the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro offers an impressive set. In addition to the smartphone itself, the box includes a 2300mAh Lithium Polymer battery, two screen protectors (one pre-applied and one extra), a micro USB cable, a USB 5V/1A wall charger (UL Listed), an extra backing plate smartphone cover (black color), in-ear canalphones with an integrated microphone, a small microfiber cleaning cloth, and a manual. It's worth noting that having an extra backing plate cover is a unique inclusion, allowing users to switch between different colors. The only item that seems to be missing from the bundle is a protective case, which would provide additional protection for the smartphone. Visual Overview & Quick Use Findings The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro's construction consists of plastic, which helps keep the cost down. Surprisingly, the phone feels solid without any creaking noises when handled. Despite being made of plastic, it seems to be built well considering its price point. One advantage of using plastic is that it keeps the weight down. The phone weighs 157 grams or 0.347 pounds with the battery included. The Juno Quatro feels durable enough for normal usage, but its ability to withstand drops is uncertain. It may be able to withstand light shock and impact, but it is not designed to be a rugged device. It would have been beneficial if verykool had included a protective case or silicone gel case as an accessory, but unfortunately, there are limited accessories available for this phone. The screen of the Juno Quatro has a semi-glossy finish compared to other phones. The plastic body has a smooth matte white finish without any texture or grip, making it prone to becoming slippery and attracting fingerprints after extended use. The fuchsia back plate cover may have some minor flakes in its paint job. The color of the phone stands out and pops visually. The device comes with a pre-applied screen protector, and an extra one is provided in the box for future use, which is a welcome addition. However, the pre-applied screen protector may have a few small air bubbles near the top left of the screen and around the sensors, although they are easy to overlook while using the phone. The front of the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro features a simple and visually appealing design with curved rounded edges and a small 3.0mm bezel. The thinness of the phone is noteworthy, measuring 8.5mm or 0.334", which is slimmer than some other smartphones on the market. There are three capacitive touch buttons at the bottom of the screen for menu, home, and back functions. Unfortunately, these buttons are not backlit, which makes them difficult to see in the dark. Depending on the lighting conditions, the symbols on the buttons may or may not brighten up. Turning to the back of the phone, there is a metal ring around the rear camera lens, adding a touch of flair. Next to the camera lens is a single LED flash, which is surprisingly bright but requires the user to download a flash app as none is pre-installed. The verykool logo and speaker grille port design are located towards the bottom of the backside. When taking photos, it's important to be cautious about finger placement since the camera lens sits directly at the top. Holding the phone by the four corners may require some adjustment to avoid covering the lens, as it is positioned differently compared to some other phones. The large 5.5" screen of the Juno Quatro requires two hands to fully operate, and people with small hands may find it challenging to reach across the screen. On the other hand, individuals with large hands will have an easier time operating the device. The qHD IPS display on the Juno Quatro is not the best screen but also not the worst. It can be considered below average overall in terms of performance and average for touch screen usage. The pixel density of 200ppi allows for decent sharpness, although the presence of visible pixels is noticeable. The screen resolution is manageable, and despite icons appearing lower resolution and less sharp than those on a 720p display, the overall performance is good enough for everyday use. However, there are some negative aspects to the qHD IPS screen. The screen color may have a slight blue cast, and the white balance could have been better to achieve a truly 100% white display. Some backlight bleeding may be observed at the lower edges of the screen when the brightness is set to a high level. The viewing angles of the IPS screen on the Juno Quatro are not as good as other IPS screens, possibly due to its semi-glossy nature and the lack of OGS (One Glass Solution). When tilting the screen in different directions, the colors may shift, and a blue tinge can appear. In comparison to an LG IPS OGS screen, the difference is significant. The display brightness is not very bright overall and struggles in direct sunlight. This can make it difficult to see the screen when taking photos outdoors, as shadows become prominent. The touch screen sensitivity is average at best, requiring moderate force to execute touch commands. Some areas of the screen, particularly toward the bottom, may require more pressure to register input accurately. This can lead to unintended actions or app launches while swiping or scrolling. However, there were no issues with phantom ghost touches, indicating that the hardware is functioning properly; the sensitivity itself is lacking. The capacitive touch buttons below the screen also require more force to register commands compared to other devices. Android Operating System - 4.4.2 Kit Kat The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro comes with the mature Android 4.4.2 Kit Kat mobile operating system. Transitioning from Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean was easy as Kit Kat builds upon the existing ecosystem. I have not encountered any strange issues like crashes or restarts related to the operating system on the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro. It has been stable and reliable for the most part. However, there was one issue I experienced with the battery and the OS battery indicator. In Kit Kat, there is an option to display the battery percentage. Initially, it seemed like the Juno Quatro had incredible battery life as the percentage was declining very slowly even when I was running tests on the phone. I had all settings enabled, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, FM Radio, flashlight, and I even ran 3D benchmarks. The battery indicator gave the impression of excellent battery life. But when the battery reached 54%, the phone suddenly rebooted and then completely blacked out. I couldn't turn it back on until I connected it to the charger. Once powered on, I saw the low battery indicator showing 1%. It went from 54% to 1% in a matter of seconds. So, the battery indicator consistently provided inaccurate readings. This issue seems to have been reported by others as well, so it's not an isolated problem. It's a peculiar problem that I hadn't encountered with my other phones before. It could be related to the battery itself or a glitch in the OS. It's worth mentioning that the Android 4.4.2 Kit Kat operating system on the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro is slim and not filled with unnecessary apps, which is always appreciated. There are some pre-loaded apps like Facebook, Google Hangouts, Skype, Twitter, WPS Office, and a verykool app, but the rest is stock Android without any customizations except for the icon design. Unlike some phone manufacturers that add their own customizations or skins, such as TouchWiz for Samsung or Sense for HTC, the verykool Juno Quatro sticks to stock Android, and I prefer it that way as it keeps things slim and free of bloatware. Surprisingly, the Juno Quatro delivers generally snappy performance in the apps menu. There may be some lag when sliding around widgets and the wallpaper background, but overall, it feels quick. I believe the compromise of using a qHD screen instead of 720p helps in rendering fewer pixels, resulting in smoother graphical performance when navigating through the OS. I appreciate the "Scheduled power on & off" feature available in the Settings menu of the Juno Quatro. It's a straightforward option that allows you to save extra battery power by automatically powering the phone on and off according to a schedule. This feature has been available on Android 4 for a while, but it's not always present on every phone. You can check the gallery for screenshots of the OS and benchmark results showcasing the performance of the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro. The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro - Any good?
I must mention that the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro has several drawbacks that should be taken into consideration. Considering its current price, the smartphone feels overpriced for what it offers. The disadvantages become apparent when examining the device more closely. In my opinion, the Juno Quatro is priced $50-60 higher than it should be, especially considering the current market standards. Upon investigation, I discovered that the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro is equipped with a MediaTek MTK6582 1.3GHz Quad Core CPU and a Mali-400 MP GPU. This particular CPU is a low-power and efficient ARM Cortex-A7 based processor that was released in Q3 of 2013, making it quite outdated. It remains a budget model in the MediaTek product lineup. For my personal needs, the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro does not meet my standards. However, I want to clarify that it's not necessarily a bad phone. Different people have different requirements and preferences. In terms of gaming, I prefer playing 3D intensive games, and unfortunately, the Juno Quatro lacks the necessary power for such games. Running a single instance of the 3DMark benchmark will make this limitation apparent. While the Juno Quatro can handle less intensive games like Angry Birds, it struggles with others. Games like Hutch Games Smash Bandits can be played with some lag, particularly when there is a lot happening on the screen. However, if you primarily use the phone for basic functions such as making calls, occasional internet surfing, YouTube, listening to music, FM radio, Google Maps Street View, email, texting, voice recording, and calendar usage, the Juno Quatro is more than capable of handling these tasks with relative speed. It is suitable for such purposes, and most applications work without significant issues. Some resource-intensive programs may require an extra second or two to start, but overall, they function adequately. If you consider yourself a power user, you may want to explore other options that better meet your requirements. Performance - Benchmark Results We suggest you take a look through the gallery above to see all the results from the Juno Quatro and their breakdown, however, here are some of the scores below from various Benchmark apps.
Browsing & Multimedia The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro supports wireless connectivity to 802.11 B/G/N networks, although it lacks support for the latest AC standard. In my opinion, this isn't a significant drawback. I didn't encounter any issues connecting to wireless networks, whether they were password-protected or not, which is a positive aspect since I have faced such problems with previous phones. However, I must note that the Juno Quatro's wireless antenna consistently has weaker signal strength compared to my older Chinese Smartphone, the Newman NM890. It generally has 1 to 2 bars less signal strength than my other smartphones, such as the HTC 8X, Ulefone Be One, and Newman NM890. The same applies to the antenna's signal strength for connecting to cell phone carrier networks—it is consistently weaker, usually getting 1 bar less compared to my other phones. If I am outdoors, the reception is considerably better unless I am in an area known for spotty service. Call quality on the Juno Quatro is decent, with good volume. The internal speaker is loud as well, although it can distort at the highest volumes. When the speaker is at maximum levels, you can feel the phone vibrating due to the distortion. The built-in Android Browser on the Juno Quatro is compatible with almost every website and renders them without any issues. However, due to the qHD screen resolution, text may not be as easily legible as on a 720p screen, requiring zooming in to read small fine text. In terms of lag within the Android Browser, there is some delay, choppiness, and stuttering while a webpage is being loaded initially. Attempting to scroll up and down during this process can cause further delay and choppiness until the page fully loads. Once the page is fully loaded, scrolling becomes smooth and quick. This is a common occurrence with most Android phones on the market. Speaking of RAM, I tend to keep multiple tabs open while browsing the internet, and I noticed that at times, having more RAM would have been helpful, preferably an extra gigabyte, to prevent constant reloading of pages. I observed less reloading when using a device like the S4 with its 2GB of RAM. While browsing websites, you can perform actions such as cutting, copying, and pasting, similar to what you can do on a desktop machine. The integrated browser also allows you to save web pages for offline viewing at a later time, a feature that has been available in the Android Browser for some time now. The Play Store comes pre-installed on the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro, providing access to thousands of apps, games, books, movies, and music. The Play Store has evolved significantly and is now on par with the Apple App Store in terms of functionality and content. The Juno Quatro is powerful enough to be used as a standalone movie player, although it is limited to qHD resolution. Out of the box, it can play most file containers, and with a separate video player like MX Player, it can support even more formats. While it is possible to play 720p videos on the Juno Quatro, it may not make sense to do so considering the qHD screen resolution. Nevertheless, videos still look relatively nice if you are not too concerned about individual pixel visibility. Audio Quality - Any Good? The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro indeed offers impressive sound quality when used with earphones or headphones. This is one area where the Juno Quatro excels, providing a satisfying audio experience when paired with good-quality headphones. I find it surprising that even though the Doogee DG350 shares the same MediaTek 6582 CPU, the audio chip seems to deliver better results on the Juno Quatro. In comparison, the sound quality from the Doogee DG350 appears flat and lacks depth. On the Juno Quatro, the sound quality is noticeably superior, with decent bass, clear vibrancy, and overall music fidelity. Even listening to the FM Radio on the device provides a pleasant and enjoyable sound experience. 8-Megapixel Rear Camera - Any Good? What about the 2-Megapixel Front Camera? The camera performance of the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro is highly disappointing. In fact, it has the worst camera I have encountered on a modern smartphone so far. The photos taken with this device are simply terrible. There are no specifications provided for the camera sensor, and it's understandable why. The images are clearly interpolated and heavily compressed, as evident from their small file sizes ranging from 550KB to 1.1MB for 8MP photos. Everything about the photos is horrendous – weird colors, poor auto white balance, and bad autofocus. It's even worse than looking through a foggy window. Using the Juno Quatro for Skype or Instagram is out of the question. To put it simply, the rear 8MP camera of the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro is like wearing reading glasses. It can capture decent close-up photos, but anything shot at normal to long distances turns out blurry. It's as if the camera lens is designed only for macro shots. This limitation also applies to the 720p HD video recordings. As for the front-facing 2MP camera, it's nothing to write home about either. While it allows for wider shots, the photo quality is on par with a cheap webcam. Original Test Images & Video Samples
Battery Life Battery life is an important aspect for many customers, as they prefer not to constantly charge their phones throughout the day. The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro comes equipped with a relatively large 2300mAh battery. During my testing, with moderate usage involving activities such as movie playback, YouTube streaming, GPS usage, music playback, internet browsing, video recording, and playing 3D games, I was able to achieve over 18 hours of battery life. When using the Juno Quatro sparingly, I could easily get through a full day without needing to recharge. However, it's worth noting that if I used the Juno Quatro extensively, with maximum brightness, continuous loops of 3D benchmarks, using the LED flashlight, FM radio, music playback, Bluetooth connectivity, and having all features turned on simultaneously, the battery life would significantly decrease and drain in just a couple of hours, reaching single-digit percentages. It's important to manage your usage and be mindful of battery-intensive activities to ensure optimal battery life with the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro. GPS If you require a smartphone with fast and reliable GPS lock-on, it is recommended to consider devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon system-on-chip (SoC). Qualcomm's GPS units, supported by GLONASS, generally offer better performance and faster lock-on compared to MediaTek. MediaTek has had a history of GPS-related issues with their devices out of the box. In my experience, I have rarely encountered MediaTek devices with functioning GPS without requiring some form of adjustment or fix. While these devices may perform better in Asian regions, users often need to tweak EPO settings or access MediaTek Engineering Mode to adjust A-GPS and EPO modes. MediaTek relies on A-GPS (Assisted GPS) that requires up-to-date EPO files to assist in satellite location. On the other hand, Qualcomm implements a different system with GLONASS, which tends to provide superior results. Initially, the GPS on the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro did not work for me out of the box, and since the Juno Quatro is not rooted, I couldn't root the phone to address the issue. With my Chinese Newman NM890, I had to root the phone and use an app to download EPO files to fix the GPS. However, since there seems to be no available method to root the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro at the moment, I thought I was out of luck. Fortunately, after spending many hours experimenting, I discovered an app that allowed me to access MediaTek's Engineering Mode on the phone. Though I'm not entirely sure of the exact steps I took, I managed to get the GPS working. By navigating to MTK Settings Mode -> Location -> Location Based Service -> YGPS -> Information sub-tab and selecting AGPS restart, then going back to Location -> Location Based Service -> AGPS sub-tab, changing the A-GPS mode from MSB to Standalone, proceeding to the EPO sub-tab and downloading EPO files, and finally returning to the AGPS sub-tab and changing the A-GPS mode back to MSB, I was able to make the GPS on the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro function. However, it's worth noting that the Juno Quatro consistently detected fewer GPS satellites compared to my other smartphones. It seems that the antenna performance in this phone is weaker overall. After approximately 60 seconds, the GPS started picking up and locking onto satellites, and the process became quicker afterward. It's important to mention that most Qualcomm-based phones acquire GPS signals within a few seconds, significantly faster than this experience. I've heard that MediaTek's newer 64-bit SoCs have made significant improvements and now offer GLONASS support. Therefore, if fast and reliable GPS performance is a priority, it's advisable to consider smartphones equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs that offer better GPS capabilities, especially with the inclusion of GLONASS support. Where Can I Buy One? And for How Much? The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro Smartphone can be found on sale right now for $132.05 (20% off) with free shipping through Amazon.
Why do I like Amazon? They are fast, reliable, honest, and return policy is great. I actually got money refunded back to my account after Amazon overcharged me on duty costs, talk about being an honest company, most others would keep the money and not say anything! If you are thinking of purchasing the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro Smartphone, or anything else for that matter, please use our Amazon link, it will help us out greatly. Some Amazon Deals That May Interest You!
Conclusion The verykool s5511 Juno Quatro presents a mixed bag of positive and negative attributes, which significantly impact the overall user experience. One of its notable drawbacks is the camera quality, which falls short and may not meet the expectations of users who prioritize photography. However, if photography is not a primary concern, the Juno Quatro can still perform decently and fulfill basic tasks such as phone calls with HSPA+ support, internet browsing, YouTube streaming, music playback, FM radio, Google Maps with Street View, email, texting, voice recording, and calendar usage. Thanks to its qHD display resolution, the Juno Quatro provides a generally snappy and smooth user experience within the Android KitKat operating system, albeit with occasional lag or slowdown. Removing the camera from the equation, the Juno Quatro becomes a fairly decent option for these tasks. Sound quality through the audio jack is enjoyable, and the FM radio feature adds convenience for on-the-go listening. However, if you consider yourself a power user or engage in intensive 3D gaming, require reliable and accurate cameras, need steady GPS performance, and seek better network coverage and Wi-Fi signals, it is recommended to explore alternative options. Additionally, the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro may exhibit inaccuracies in the battery life indicator, falsely portraying better battery life than it actually provides. Considering the overall package and performance, the verykool s5511 Juno Quatro appears to be overpriced and falls short of meeting expectations. It is advisable to explore other alternatives that offer better value and address the specific requirements you seek in a smartphone. |
|