The TA-1614 DS (model number 1GF026GPF1A01), a 235 Dual SIM Purple phone with 64MB RAM and 128MB of internal storage, arrived on my desk promising a budget-friendly 4G experience. This Middle East version intrigued me, and after a week of rigorous testing, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.

Right off the bat, the vibrant purple color is eye-catching. The compact 2.8-inch screen makes it easy to handle, though the resolution isn’t high-definition, making the text slightly pixelated.

This phone boasts features that are surprisingly comprehensive for its price point. The dual SIM capability is a major plus, allowing for seamless use of both personal and professional numbers. The inclusion of a Type-C USB port is a welcome modern touch, and the 3.5mm headphone jack is a relief for those who still prefer wired headphones. The battery life is fairly modest but suitable for daily average use.

The FM radio (with dual wired/wireless mode) provides a fun retro feature that I’d rarely seen in modern phones. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures smooth connectivity with other devices, and the microSD card support allows expansion of the limited internal storage.

Given the limited RAM (64MB), performance is naturally constrained. Opening and switching between apps can feel sluggish, and multitasking is practically non-existent. Simple tasks like texting and calling work fine, however, more demanding applications struggled. The camera, while functional, produced fairly low-quality images with limited detail.

Battery life met my expectations for light usage. I got approximately 6 hours of moderate use, including phone calls and light browsing, before needing a recharge. This is perfectly suitable for users with a very low-intensity use case.

The 4G connectivity proved reliable in areas with strong signal. However, in areas with weaker signals, connection drops were occasionally experienced.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Dual SIM functionality
• Compact and lightweight design
• Type-C USB charging
• Reliable 4G connectivity (in areas with strong signal)
• MicroSD card support for storage expansion

Cons

• Limited RAM resulting in slow performance
• Low-resolution screen
• Subpar camera quality
• Limited battery life for heavy users
• Occasional connectivity issues in low signal areas

The TA-1614 DS (1GF026GPF1A01) is a budget phone, and it performs like one. If you’re looking for a basic phone for simple communication needs and are okay with compromised performance and camera quality, then this could be a reasonable option. However, if you need a phone for more demanding tasks or want a better user experience, you should look at options in a higher price range. For its target audience, the phone provides enough essential functionalities. But I cannot recommend this phone for users with high expectations.