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Redmi Note 8

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The Redmi Note 8 was part of Xiaomi’s popular Redmi Note series, which has been known for offering feature-rich smartphones at competitive prices. Launched in 2019, the Redmi Note 8 followed the success of its predecessor, the Redmi Note 7, and aimed to provide an enhanced experience in various aspects. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi Note 8:

Overview:

The Redmi Note 8 aimed to strike a balance between performance, camera capabilities, and affordability. With a quad-camera setup and a powerful chipset for its segment, it targeted users looking for a versatile smartphone experience without spending a fortune.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 11.
  2. Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 3 GB/4 GB/6 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro, and 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C port, IR blaster, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The quad-camera setup, especially with the 48 MP primary sensor, allowed for versatile photography and was a standout feature in its price segment.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 665 chipset provided a smooth experience for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Redmi Note 8 offered significant value for money.
  4. Build and Design: The device featured a glass back with Gorilla Glass 5 protection, giving it a premium feel.
  5. Fast Charging: The inclusion of 18W fast charging ensured that the device could be quickly juiced up.

Cons:

  1. MIUI Bloatware: MIUI, while feature-rich, came with a fair amount of bloatware and ads, which some users found intrusive.
  2. Battery Life: While the 4000 mAh battery was decent, it wasn’t the best in its segment, especially when compared to some competitors with larger batteries.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Redmi Note 8 faced competition from:

  • Realme 5: Offering a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 665, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7904, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Moto G8 Plus: With its 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 665, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Redmi Note 8 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 when running multiple apps or using more demanding applications.
  2. Ads in MIUI: One of the common criticisms was the presence of ads within the MIUI software experience.
  3. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was versatile, some users reported inconsistencies, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Conclusion:

The Redmi Note 8 was a strong offering in the mid-range segment, providing features that were often reserved for higher-priced devices. Its camera capabilities, performance, and build quality made it a popular choice among users looking for value. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of software experience, its overall package was hard to argue against. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Redmi Note 8 was a compelling choice. However, those who are sensitive to software ads and bloatware might have considered other options or custom ROMs.

Sony Xperia 5

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The Sony Xperia 5 was introduced in 2019 as a compact counterpart to the flagship Xperia 1. It aimed to offer a similar high-end experience in a more manageable size, retaining many of the premium features of its larger sibling. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia 5:

Overview:

Launched in the latter half of 2019, the Xperia 5 was Sony’s attempt to cater to users who desired flagship features in a more compact form factor. The device emphasized a high-quality display, professional-grade camera features, and Sony’s signature design language.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9 Pie, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.1-inch OLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels, supporting HDR BT.2020 and a 21:9 CinemaWide aspect ratio.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855.
  4. Memory: 6 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple 12 MP rear camera setup – primary sensor, telephoto lens, and an ultrawide lens. The camera system benefits from technology and expertise from Sony’s Alpha camera series. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3140 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP65/IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and Dolby Atmos sound.

Pros:

  1. Compact Design: The Xperia 5 was designed for users who prefer a smaller device without compromising on flagship features.
  2. 21:9 Display: The unique aspect ratio offered an immersive viewing experience for movies and allowed for multitasking with two apps running side by side.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The collaboration with Sony’s Alpha series brought professional-grade features to the camera system, including Eye AF and Cinema Pro video recording.
  4. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 855, the device offered smooth and responsive performance.
  5. Build Quality: The device featured a sleek and modern design with a glass back and metal frame, emphasizing its premium positioning.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 3140 mAh battery, while decent, might not be sufficient for power users, especially when considering the high-resolution display and powerful internals.
  2. Camera Low-light Performance: Similar to the Xperia 1, the camera sometimes struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. No Headphone Jack: The device lacked a 3.5mm headphone jack, which could be a downside for some users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia 5 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S10e: Offering a Dynamic AMOLED display, Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820), and a dual-camera setup.
  • iPhone 11: With its Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, Apple A13 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system.
  • OnePlus 7T: Featuring a Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 855+, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia 5 was announced in September 2019 and became available in October 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Scanner Sensitivity: Some users reported occasional misreads or sensitivity issues with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
  2. Camera Software: While the camera hardware was impressive, some users felt that the camera software could be improved for better image processing and more intuitive use.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia 5 was a compelling offering for those who desired flagship features in a more compact form factor. It catered to users who prioritize multimedia consumption, especially with its 21:9 display aspect ratio. While it had its set of drawbacks, especially in terms of battery life and camera software, it stood out in the market due to its unique features and Sony’s brand legacy. For those who value a cinematic viewing experience on a smartphone and prefer a smaller device, the Xperia 5 was a strong choice.

Asus ROG Phone II

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The Asus ROG Phone II was a standout release in the gaming smartphone category, building upon the foundation set by its predecessor. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus ROG Phone II:

Overview:

Launched in 2019, the Asus ROG Phone II was designed with hardcore gamers in mind. It combined top-tier specifications with gaming-specific features and enhancements, aiming to provide the ultimate mobile gaming experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie), with the ROG UI skin, upgradable to Android 10.
  2. Display: 6.59-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256/512 GB or 1 TB UFS 3.0 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. A 24 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A massive 6000 mAh battery with 30W fast charging, 10W reverse charging, and Quick Charge 4.0.
  7. Other Features: AirTriggers (ultrasonic touch sensors), customizable RGB lighting, front-facing stereo speakers, and a range of gaming accessories.

Pros:

  1. Performance: With the Snapdragon 855+ and up to 12 GB RAM, the device was a performance beast, handling even the most demanding games with ease.
  2. Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display provided a buttery-smooth gaming and browsing experience.
  3. Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery ensured extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharges.
  4. Gaming Features: AirTriggers, game mode optimizations, and a range of dedicated accessories made it a true gaming phone.
  5. Cooling System: The device featured an advanced cooling system to prevent overheating during intensive gaming sessions.

Cons:

  1. Weight and Size: Due to its large battery and cooling mechanisms, the device was bulky and heavy.
  2. Camera: While decent, the camera wasn’t the best in its price range, especially when compared to non-gaming flagships.
  3. ROG UI: The user interface, while feature-rich for gamers, might not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a more stock Android experience.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its release period, the ROG Phone II faced competition mainly from other gaming phones and flagship devices:

  • Black Shark 2 Pro: Another gaming phone with the Snapdragon 855+ and gaming-centric features.
  • OnePlus 7T Pro: Offering a 90Hz display, top-tier performance, and a more mainstream design.
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 10: A flagship with a focus on productivity and a premium design.

Launch Date:

The Asus ROG Phone II was announced in July 2019 and released in September 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches, especially in early versions of the ROG UI.
  2. Accessory Availability: While the device supported a range of gaming accessories, availability was an issue in some regions.
  3. Bulkiness: The phone’s size and weight made it less pocket-friendly and harder to use one-handed compared to other flagships.

Conclusion:

The Asus ROG Phone II was a dream come true for mobile gaming enthusiasts. It pushed the boundaries of what a gaming smartphone could offer, from its high-refresh-rate screen to its massive battery. While it had its quirks and was not the best all-rounder, for those prioritizing gaming above all else, it was one of the top choices in its time.

Google Pixel 4

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Overview:

Introduced in 2019, the Google Pixel 4 was the fourth main installment in Google’s Pixel series. With the Pixel 4, Google aimed to push the boundaries of what its smartphones could do, especially in terms of camera capabilities, software integrations, and new technologies like the Soli radar chip.

Features:

  • Operating System: Launched with Android 10, with the advantage of direct and swift updates from Google.
  • Display: 5.7-inch P-OLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, featuring a 90Hz refresh rate.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 6 GB RAM with options of 64/128 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup with a 12.2 MP primary sensor and a 16 MP telephoto lens. An 8 MP front camera with a TOF 3D sensor for secure face unlock.
  • Battery: 2800 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Soli radar chip for Motion Sense gestures, IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and deep Google Assistant integration.

Pros:

  • Camera Innovations: The Pixel 4 continued the legacy of its predecessors with standout camera capabilities, including astrophotography mode and improved portrait shots.
  • Smooth Display: The 90Hz refresh rate provided a smoother and more responsive user experience.
  • Motion Sense: The Soli radar chip allowed for gesture controls, enabling users to skip songs, snooze alarms, and silence calls by waving their hand.
  • Face Unlock: Using the front camera and the TOF 3D sensor, the Pixel 4 offered a fast and secure face unlock feature.
  • Software Experience: The device provided a pure Android experience with added features and integrations, making the most of Google’s ecosystem.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: The 2800 mAh battery was one of the main criticisms of the Pixel 4, with many users finding it insufficient for a full day’s use.
  • Storage Limitations: The lack of a microSD slot and the absence of a larger storage variant were points of contention for some users.
  • Motion Sense Limitations: While innovative, the Soli radar’s capabilities were seen by some as limited and occasionally gimmicky.
  • Price: The Pixel 4’s starting price was seen as high, especially when compared to competitors offering similar or better specs.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the smartphone market was filled with strong contenders. The Google Pixel 4 faced competition from:

  • iPhone 11: Apple’s flagship with its A13 Bionic chip, dual cameras, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Samsung Galaxy S10: Featuring a versatile camera setup, Infinity-O display, and a plethora of features.
  • OnePlus 7T: Offering high-end specs, a 90Hz display, and a competitive price point.

Launch Date:

The Google Pixel 4 was announced in October 2019 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Battery Concerns: As mentioned, the battery life was a common concern among users and reviewers.
  • Display Brightness: Some users found the maximum brightness to be lacking, especially in direct sunlight.
  • Limited Motion Sense Availability: The Soli radar chip’s features were not available in all countries due to regulatory restrictions.

Conclusion:

The Google Pixel 4 was a showcase of Google’s vision for the future of smartphones, blending hardware and software innovations. While it was praised for its camera capabilities, software experience, and the introduction of new technologies like the Soli radar chip, it also faced criticisms, particularly concerning battery life and price. Overall, the Pixel 4 was a testament to Google’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, even if it meant facing some challenges along the way.