Non-Camera Phone Choices (2013) for SAF

For SAF and military-related folks such as those working in DSTA, DSO, non-camera phone choices are limited. Not only, there’s also the archaic rule of the screen size not exceeding 4.3″ to adhere to as well. These limit choices of phones in the market, and non-camera options such as the Ino-One Plus are immensely popular, becoming somewhat of a standard issue. The Samsung S4 Galaxy Mini (Non Camera) is the latest available, and is it the one to get?

Update: As of Mar 2014, the best Non Camera phone that is currently available is the Galaxy S4 Mini Non Camera, but that is way too expensive. Instead, the Ino 2 (as covered here), is highly popular and is GadgetReactor’s choice for the top non-camera phone in 2014.

Specifically for 2013, here’s a quick round up of what are the options available for this specific group of users. The Ino-One Plus still remains highly popular and you could pick them up at $288.00. Available from Qoo10. There’s also an alternative version, with slightly lower specs (PHICOMM i600 non camera). These two phones are made without camera, and therefore do not need to go through the trouble of getting an MSD sticker.

Phicomm i600 Non Camera Smartphone 3G

The PhiComm i600 is interesting. While having lesser ram, it does have a bigger display screen.

CPU: Qualcomm MSM8225 1.2GHz dual-core
Memory RAM:512MB +ROM: 4GB
MicroSD card slot up to 32GB
Dimension 128*68*10.2mm
Weight 147.7g
Display Size 4.3-inch
Screen Resolution 480*800

For Dual Sim users, you need to remember to enable it under the Settings. It can be found through selecting setting->dual sim setting->configure dual sim->mobile network settings->Access point names-> press the menu button at lower left size of the phone and select reset to default-> select m1, starhub or singtel.

The PhiComm i600 is available cheapest on Qoo10 with a discount of approximately 30-50 dollars. The non-detachable powerbank is extremely useful for SAF camps.

Phone: : Phicomm i600 Non Camera White
Change Hard Case For iNO One Plus : None(+S$59.00)
Free Powerbank: : Cross Line 5600mAh Non Detachable Powerbank
Non Detachable Charger: : None
S$188.00

Available from Qoo10 Seller – SGP Store

The next few phones are camera-removed models and would have a certificate provided. They are slightly more troublesome to bring into SAF restricted areas, such as camps, and bases, due to the requirement to get the MSD sticker certificate.

LG Optimus F5 P875 LTE

First up, the LG Optimus F5 P875 LTE is a non-camera version released in May 2013, comes with Black and White. The camera is removed by LG, thus having a card given by them to prove. It is equipped with a dual core CPU 1.5GHz, AnTuTu score about 12,000. Overall phone is quite responsive and feels more polished than Ino or Huawei.

Key Specifications of LG Optimus F5
Processor: – Qualcomm 1.5 GHz Dual Core
OS :- Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2
Display :- 4.3″ with capacitive touch
Size :- 126*64.5*9.3 mm
Memory :- 8GB internal memory, 1GB RAM
Battery :- 2150mAh
Connectivity :- HSDPA, 4G LTE, HSUPA, Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n.

Huawei P1 LTE

The Huawei P1 LTE also has a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8960(1.5ghz). It is missing Gyro support, but don’t think that’s much of an issue.

Key Specifications of Huawei P1 LTE
Battery: 2000mAH
Body: 132.5 x 65.4 x 9.9 mm
Weight: 135g
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8960(1.5ghz)
GPU: Adreno 225
Connectivity :- HSDPA, 4G LTE, HSUPA, Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Non Camera

Ah, best for last. This has to be the best non-camera phone available at the moment, though stocks are limited. It is currently carried by Starhub and M1, so quickly put your orders in. From what I hear, Singtel would be launching the Galaxy S4 Mini Non Camera in a few weeks. Phones require the signing of contract and not available for those who want to get it as a standalone, or non-contract price.

Key Specifications of Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Non-Cam
OS: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
CPU: Dual-core 1.7GHz
RAM: 1.5GB
Storage: 8GB
Display: 4.3-inch Super AMOLED, 960 x 540 pixels
Battery: 1900mAh
Size: 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.94mm / 107g

Specifications-wise, this is the best non-camera phone at the moment, although it is quite expensive and may not necessarily justify the slight bump in ram and clock speed. Oh, the Galaxy S4 Mini Non-Camera version is priced at $348 plus $30 for camera removal and $65 for warranty by 3rd party. This is for the cheapest plan with data. So if you need to have the fastest non-camera phone at the moment, this is definitely the one to get.