Talk N' Text Panalo Phone Price, Features, Specs, Photos

Smart Communications, one of the leading mobile providers in the Philippines, recently introduced the cheapest cellphone in this country – the Talk N' Text Panalo Phone.

The Panalo Phone is a candy bar-type phone with limited capabilities and are locked to the Talk N' Text Network. The handset is literally designed just to be able to receive and deliver calls and text messages. Scroll down for more details:

Panalo Phone pics:

Panalo Phone specs and price:

Unit: Cherry Mobile B1; Co-manufactured by Cherry Mobile and ZTE
SRP: P499.00 - Prepaid Bundle Kit (Network-locked), Philippines only
SIM capability: Single SIM
Color: No
Camera: No
Bluetooth: No
Sound: Monaural; Single-channel
Includes: Pre-loaded Talk and Text SIM card, battery, charger, instruction manual
Dimensions: N/A
Availability: March 21, 2011 at selected regions of Visayas and Mindanao only


The Panalo Phone, being as affordable as it is, is likely subsidized by Smart Communications. Considering its being network-locked, Smart would regain its subsidy in the form of high network usage of the Panalo Phone's subscribers. Let's face it: No brand new phone today, no matter what its capabilities are, would sell for P499. Even fake Nokia 3310s sell for P700.

When asked about the Panalo Phone's availability in the local market, head of Smart Communications Danilo Mojica said "This Talk 'N Text Panalo Phone directly addresses the lower D and E market. We will not sell this in areas where people do not need this. We want to make sure the need of our target market is addressed."

So there you go. The phone won't be available in the Luzon region, definitely not in Metro Manila, unless people from the rural areas start smuggling Panalo Phones to the NCR. But I doubt anyone in the Metro would buy this, even if it's brought here. Nobody needs a phone sporting a huge and ugly "Panalo Phone" label on its earpiece area. Ugliness aside, this is indeed a very welcome addition to the Smart Communications family. At least now no matter where you are what whatever your financial status is, you'll likely be able to own a phone. And not just any ordinary phone, you'll be able to own a Panalo Phone.

'Till my next installment.

[Photos by Yugatech.com]