iNO 3 Non Camera Now Available for Pre-Order

iNO 3 Non Camera Now Available for Pre-Order

iNO 3, the latest non-camera mobile phone is now available for pre-order and stocks are expected to be in by first week of August. As a successor to the iNO 2, iNO 3 sees upgraded specs, and also to address the weak build quality that plagued earlier versions. iNO’s flagship non-camera device comes with 4G LTE, a quad-core processor, retina display, supported with an all day battery life and topped off with a strong sandstone finish.

iNO shared that one of the key design criteria for iNO3 was to make sure it had a more robust construction. The iNO 3 was subjected to repeatable impacts similar to those it may experience when in the hands of any typical user. This addressed one of the limitations of the earlier iNO 2 which saw many people switched to the more durable iNO Scout 2 or the SGHitech Excellence phones instead. Here’s a video from iNO Mobile of the iNO 3 handling a body height fall to concrete fall like a champ.

The iNO 3 sees a refresh of the processor, an increase in RAM and ROM size, latest Android OS, increase in screen resolution, improved GPS, larger battery, and 4G LTE support. In trade off, there’s a slight reduction on the physical screen size from 4.3″ to 4.2″, a slightly larger form factor, and a 16% increase in the thickness by but a slight reduction on physical size to 4.2″. But that’s a small price to pay if the phone is indeed more durable.

There’s also support for the latest Bluetooth protocols, so all the new smart watches or fitness trackers that operates on the lower energy band through Bluetooth 4.0 can be used in conjunction with the iNO 3.

Specifications

  • Native non-camera model (without provision for cameras)
  • 64-bit Quad Core 1.3 GHZ Processor (MTK6735)
  • 4.2” Retina-quality screen for super resolution
  • World Mode 4G-LTE with 3G/2G support
  • RAM: 2GB, ROM: 16GB
  • Android 5.1 Lollipop
  • 130mm * 65.6mm * 9.2mm
  • Dual SIM Standby
  • Lightweight robust construction
  • 1850 mAH battery
  • Dual-mode GPS/GLOSNASS for faster and better satellite tracking
  • Bluetooth 4.0 + HS +BLE Support
  • WIFI 802.11 b/g/n
  • Supports Wifi Direct, Wifi Miracast, Wifi Hotspot 2.0
  • MINDEF red zone compatible

Do note that the dual SIM functionality is as follows: If only one SIM Card is in use, either SIM slot is compatible with 4G, 3G or 2G networks. If two SIM Cards are in use, one SIM slot will support 4G, 3G or 2G networks while the other slot detects 2G networks only. This could be an issue as the telcos in Singapore will pull the plug on 2G services on 01 Apr 2017, which is less than 2 years away.

Price and Availability

There’s a current pre-order promotion. $338 for NSmen / SAF Personnel with an additional 1850 mAH battery and 6 more months warranty (total 18 months). Public rates are $358. Details at iNO Mobile iNO3 Product Page.

You can also buy it from Qoo10 at $350 – Don’t forget to use your Qoo Points.

Options

Well, there isn’t much non-camera phone options in the market. Similarly spec phone would be the SGHITECH Excellence which was released last year in Dec 2014, but the iNO 3 edges ahead with the latest Android OS, newer processor, and 4G support. The Excellence is cheaper but do note that the screen is only 4.0 inch and 480 x 800. Otherwise most of the specs are on par. Physical size of both phones is similar. Other non camera phone models are LG L60, which is the budget option.