OnePlus 7T

The OnePlus 7 was a continuation of OnePlus’s strategy to offer flagship-level specifications at a relatively more affordable price. Building on the foundation of the OnePlus 6T, the OnePlus 7 brought in several improvements. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 7:

Overview:

Introduced in late 2019, the OnePlus 7T built upon the foundation set by the OnePlus 7, offering several enhancements and features that were previously exclusive to the Pro variant. Positioned as a premium mid-range device, the 7T aimed to provide flagship-level performance and features at a competitive price point.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with OnePlus’s OxygenOS 10.
  2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, supporting a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+.
  4. Memory: 8 GB RAM with options of 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage (UFS 3.0).
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 12 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide sensor. A 16 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 3800 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30T fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and an aluminum frame.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 855+ chipset, combined with OxygenOS, ensured top-tier performance, suitable for everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming.
  2. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display provided a smooth and immersive experience, with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  3. Fast Charging: Warp Charge 30T offered rapid charging capabilities, allowing for a significant battery boost in a short amount of time.
  4. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup allowed for a range of photography options, from ultrawide shots to portrait mode.
  5. OxygenOS: Known for its near-stock experience, speed, and customization features, OxygenOS was a highlight for many users.

Cons:

  1. No Wireless Charging: Despite its premium positioning, the 7T lacked wireless charging capabilities.
  2. No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the device had some water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating.
  3. No Expandable Storage: The 7T did not feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the OnePlus 7T faced competition from various flagship and mid-range devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S10: Samsung’s early 2019 flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and One UI software.
  • iPhone 11: Apple’s more affordable flagship offering with its A13 Bionic chip and iOS ecosystem.
  • Asus ROG Phone II: A gaming-centric phone with a 120Hz display, Snapdragon 855+ chipset, and a massive battery.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 7T was announced in September 2019 and released in October 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Consistency: While the camera hardware was impressive, some users felt that the post-processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  2. Battery Life: While the battery life was generally decent, the combination of the 90Hz display and powerful chipset could lead to faster drain under heavy use.
  3. Brightness Levels: Some users reported that the auto-brightness setting was not always accurate, leading to a need for manual adjustments.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 7T was a testament to OnePlus’s strategy of offering high-end specifications and features at a competitive price point. It successfully combined many of the features and qualities that users loved about OnePlus devices, such as the display and software experience, while making necessary improvements over its predecessor. The device was well-received and further solidified OnePlus’s reputation for delivering value-packed devices in the premium mid-range segment.

Motorola Moto E6 Plus

The Motorola Moto E6 Plus was a part of Motorola’s E series, which is known for offering budget-friendly smartphones with a decent set of features. Launched in 2019, the Moto E6 Plus was positioned as an entry-level device, aiming to provide a balanced smartphone experience for its price segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto E6 Plus:

Overview:

The Moto E6 Plus aimed to cater to users looking for a reliable smartphone experience without spending a lot. With its near-stock Android experience and a decent camera setup for its segment, it was targeted at budget-conscious users.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie).
  2. Display: 6.1-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P22.
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3000 mAh removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a micro USB port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Near-Stock Android Experience: Motorola is known for offering a near-stock Android experience, which many users appreciate for its simplicity and smoothness.
  2. Removable Battery: A feature that’s becoming rare, the removable battery allows users to replace the battery if needed.
  3. Decent Camera for the Price: The camera setup, while basic, was decent for its price segment.
  4. Expandable Storage: The microSDXC slot allowed users to expand storage if needed.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered modest, and some users might have found the need to charge the device before the day ends with heavy usage.
  2. Performance Limitations: The MediaTek Helio P22, while efficient for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful, leading to some limitations in multitasking and gaming.
  3. Build Quality: Being a budget device, the build was predominantly plastic, which might not feel as premium as some other devices in higher segments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto E6 Plus faced competition from:

  • Realme C2: Offering a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Redmi 7: Featuring a 6.26-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy A10: With its 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Exynos 7884, and a single 13 MP camera.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto E6 Plus was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Given its entry-level positioning, some users experienced occasional lags and slowdowns, especially with heavy apps.
  2. Battery Longevity: While the battery was removable, its 3000 mAh capacity meant that heavy users might struggle to get through a full day without a recharge.
  3. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally decent for its price, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto E6 Plus was a solid offering in the entry-level segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its near-stock Android experience and removable battery were standout features, making it a unique choice among its competitors. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of battery life and performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic smartphone experience with the added benefit of a removable battery and clean software, the Moto E6 Plus was a worthy consideration. However, those looking for a bit more power or a longer-lasting battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Realme 5 Pro

The Realme 5 Pro is part of Realme’s lineup, which has been known for offering competitive specifications at an affordable price point. Launched in 2019, the Realme 5 Pro was positioned as a mid-range device, aiming to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a particular emphasis on camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 5 Pro:

Overview:

The Realme 5 Pro aimed to cater to users looking for a feature-rich device without breaking the bank. With a quad-camera setup and a powerful processor for its segment, it was targeted at both photography enthusiasts and general users.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Realme’s ColorOS 6, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4035 mAh non-removable battery with VOOC 3.0 fast charging support (20W).
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and splash resistance.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The quad-camera setup, especially the 48 MP primary sensor, allowed for versatile and detailed photography.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 712 chipset ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming.
  3. Fast Charging: The VOOC 3.0 fast charging could charge the device quickly, a significant advantage for users on the go.
  4. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Realme 5 Pro offered a compelling value proposition.

Cons:

  1. ColorOS Experience: While ColorOS offers many features, some users found it to be cluttered compared to stock Android or other custom UIs.
  2. Build Quality: The device was primarily made of plastic, which, although expected at this price point, didn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass counterparts.
  3. No AMOLED Display: The device used an IPS LCD, which, while decent, couldn’t match the contrast and vibrancy of an AMOLED display.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme 5 Pro faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30s: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Vivo Z1 Pro: With its 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Realme 5 Pro was announced in August 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially with ColorOS’s aggressive RAM management.
  2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally praised, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions.
  3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps that not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Realme 5 Pro was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, providing a balanced mix of features and performance. Its camera capabilities, fast charging, and overall value made it a popular choice among users. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of software experience and build quality, its overall package was quite compelling. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Realme 5 Pro was a strong contender. However, those looking for a more premium build or cleaner software experience might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Motorola Moto E6s

The Motorola Moto E6s is part of Motorola’s E-series lineup, which is known for offering budget-friendly smartphones with essential features. Launched in 2019, the Moto E6s was positioned as an entry-level device, aiming to provide a reliable smartphone experience for users on a tight budget. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto E6s:

Overview:

The Moto E6s aimed to deliver a basic smartphone experience with a focus on simplicity and usability. With a removable battery and a dual-camera setup, it was targeted at users looking for a straightforward and affordable smartphone option.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie).
  2. Display: 6.1-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P22.
  4. Memory: 2 GB/4 GB RAM options with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP (or 5 MP, depending on the region) shooter.
  6. Battery: Removable 3000 mAh battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, micro USB port, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Removable Battery: One of the few modern smartphones with a removable battery, allowing users to replace the battery if needed.
  2. Stock Android Experience: Motorola is known for offering a near-stock Android experience, which means minimal bloatware and a clean user interface.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Moto E6s offered decent value for money.
  4. Compact Design: The 6.1-inch display made the device relatively compact and easy to handle.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The MediaTek Helio P22, while suitable for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its segment.
  2. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was on the smaller side, which could lead to shorter battery life, especially with moderate to heavy usage.
  3. Build Quality: The device was primarily made of plastic, which, although expected at this price point, didn’t feel particularly premium.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto E6s faced competition from:

  • Redmi 8A: Offering a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 439, and a single 12 MP rear camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy M01: Featuring a 5.71-inch PLS TFT display, Snapdragon 439, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Realme C3: With its 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G70, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto E6s was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Limitations: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps or using more demanding applications.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera was decent for its price, it wasn’t particularly impressive, especially in low-light conditions.
  3. Battery Life: Given the smaller battery size, some users reported having to charge the device more frequently than they would have liked.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto E6s was a basic offering in the budget segment, providing essential smartphone features without any frills. Its removable battery, near-stock Android experience, and straightforward design made it a suitable choice for many users looking for a no-nonsense device. However, it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance, camera quality, and battery life. For users on a tight budget who value simplicity and the stock Android experience, the Moto E6s was a viable option. However, those looking for better performance and additional features might have considered other options available in the market at the time.