T-Mobile G1 vs Kogan Agora Pro
With the Australian release of two Android powered smartphones coming closer to fruition, it's time to chuck these Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots in the ring.
update Mere hours after this article was published, Kogan announced it would indefinitely delay the release of the Agora and Agora Pro. This comparison is now a wistful look at what could have been, though we'll update it again if Kogan announce a new version.
They say good things come to those who wait, and this may be the case for Australians waiting to get their first taste of Google's Android operating system for smartphones.
While the US and Europe have enjoyed a smartphone powered by Android since late last year, Australians may soon be lucky enough to have the choice of two phones running the open-source platform, if the current speculation is accurate.
Rumours suggest that Optus is currently testing the T-Mobile G1 handset, otherwise known as the HTC Dream, in preparation for a local release. Alongside the G1, electronics distributor Kogan will release the Kogan Agora and Agora Pro Android phones in the last week of January.
As we wait to thoroughly review these smartphones let's compare the specs of each. Keep in mind that as both phones run on the same OS, elements such as included software are most likely identical.
Side by side, the G1 looks better on paper, particularly with its larger touchscreen display. The Kogan has the faster processor, though less RAM, and in all honesty, both are ugly handsets.
For some people it will come down to the value of a name brand. HTC has a proven track record of quality smartphones, but is that worth the extra AU$200? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this match-up.
Leave us a comment in the talkback below or post your views on the forums.
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| Operating system | Android | Android |
| 3G | Yes (HSDPA 7.2Mbps) | Yes (HSDPA) |
| Screen | 3.2-inch (320x480 pixels) | 2.5-inch (240x320 pixels) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Alternate Input | QWERTY keyboard, trackball | QWERTY keyboard |
| A-GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 158g | 130g |
| Processor speed | 528MHz | 624MHz |
| RAM | 192MB | 128MB |
| ROM | 256MB | 256MB |
| Expansion slot | microSD | microSD |
| Battery capacity | 1150mAh | 1300mAh |
| Battery — talk time | 5.5 hours | 6.5 hours |
| Camera resolution | 3.2 megapixels | 2 megapixels |
| Camera flash | No | No |
| Video calling | No | No |
| Video capture | No | Yes |
| Access to MS Office | Yes, read only | Yes, read only |
| Accelerometer changes screen orientation when rotated | Yes | No |
| Supports stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) | No | No |
| Locked to carrier | Unknown | No |
| Price | AU$600 (approx) | AU$399 |