Author: Into Droid

Samsung Galaxy M30s

Into Droid Leave a comment

The Samsung Galaxy M30 is part of Samsung’s M-series lineup, which is targeted primarily at the budget to mid-range segment, especially focusing on online markets. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy M30:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was designed for users who wanted a well-rounded smartphone experience without breaking the bank. With its massive battery, Super AMOLED display, and triple camera setup, it aimed to cater to users who prioritize multimedia consumption and photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung’s One UI skin, later upgradable to Android 10.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 9611.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB/6 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, and 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A massive 6000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery ensured outstanding battery life, easily lasting more than a day for most users.
  2. Super AMOLED Display: The FHD+ display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The triple camera setup provided versatility in photography, especially with the inclusion of an ultra-wide lens.
  4. One UI Experience: Samsung’s One UI skin brought a refined software experience with several features and optimizations.

Cons:

  1. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while durable, didn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass alternatives.
  2. Weight: Due to its large battery, the device was on the heavier side.
  3. Average Fast Charging: While the device supported fast charging, the 15W charger wasn’t the fastest available in the segment.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy M30s faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Realme 5 Pro: Featuring a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Vivo Z1x: With its 6.38-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a 48 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While Samsung improved its update cycle, some users reported delays in receiving major Android version upgrades.
  2. Weight and Bulk: The device, due to its large battery, was bulkier and heavier than some of its competitors.
  3. Bloatware: Some users found the pre-installed apps unnecessary and preferred a cleaner software experience.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was a strong offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize battery life and multimedia consumption. Its massive battery, combined with a Super AMOLED screen and a versatile camera setup, made it a popular choice among users who wanted a reliable all-day device with good photography capabilities. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of build quality and weight, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that could handle daily tasks, binge-watching, and photography, the Galaxy M30s was a top contender. However, those looking for a more premium build or faster charging might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Vivo Z1x

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Vivo Z1x is part of Vivo’s Z series, which aims to provide feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices, especially for the younger audience. Launched in 2019, the Vivo Z1x was positioned as a mid-range device with a focus on camera capabilities and fast charging. Here’s an in-depth review of the Vivo Z1x:

Overview:

The Vivo Z1x was designed for users who wanted a vibrant display, good camera capabilities, and fast charging without breaking the bank. With its Super AMOLED display and in-display fingerprint scanner, it aimed to offer premium features at a mid-range price point.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Vivo’s Funtouch 9.1 skin.
  2. Display: 6.38-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712.
  4. Memory: Options of 6 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 22.5W fast charging (Vivo’s FlashCharge).
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Vibrant Display: The Super AMOLED display provided vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it great for media consumption.
  2. Fast Charging: The 22.5W FlashCharge ensured rapid charging times for the device.
  3. In-display Fingerprint Scanner: A feature typically found in premium devices, the in-display fingerprint scanner added a touch of luxury.
  4. Decent Camera Setup: The triple-camera setup was versatile and performed reasonably well in various lighting conditions.

Cons:

  1. Funtouch OS: Vivo’s Funtouch OS, while feature-rich, wasn’t to everyone’s liking due to its deviation from stock Android and the presence of bloatware.
  2. Plastic Build: The device had a plastic back, which didn’t feel as premium as some competitors with glass backs.
  3. No NFC: The absence of NFC might be a deal-breaker for some users, especially those who use contactless payments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Vivo Z1x faced competition from:

  • Realme XT: Offering a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30s: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor.
  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: With its 6.53-inch IPS LCD, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.

Launch Date:

The Vivo Z1x was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users found Funtouch OS to be cluttered and not as intuitive as other custom skins or stock Android.
  2. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. Weight: Due to its large battery and screen size, some users found the device a bit heavy.

Conclusion:

The Vivo Z1x was a solid offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize display quality, camera capabilities, and fast charging. Its Super AMOLED display, in-display fingerprint scanner, and fast charging made it a popular choice among users looking for premium features without spending too much. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of software experience and build quality, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a feature-rich device with a vibrant display and fast charging, the Vivo Z1x was a strong contender. However, those looking for a cleaner software experience or a more premium build might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Realme XT

Into Droid 4 Comments

The Realme XT was a significant release from Realme, marking its entry into the mid-range segment with a focus on camera capabilities. Launched in 2019, the Realme XT was particularly notable for its 64MP primary camera sensor, which was a standout feature at its price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme XT:

Overview:

The Realme XT was designed for users who wanted a feature-rich smartphone experience without spending a premium. With its quad-camera setup and Super AMOLED display, it aimed to attract users who prioritize photography and media consumption.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with ColorOS 6, upgradable to Android 10 with Realme UI.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, 2 MP macro sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with VOOC 3.0 fast charging (20W).
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Impressive Camera: The 64 MP primary sensor was a highlight, offering detailed shots, especially in good lighting conditions.
  2. Vibrant Display: The Super AMOLED display provided vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the media consumption experience.
  3. Fast Charging: The VOOC 3.0 fast charging ensured quick charging times.
  4. Premium Design: The device featured a glass back with a gradient finish, giving it a premium look and feel.

Cons:

  1. ColorOS: While functional, ColorOS wasn’t everyone’s favorite due to its bloatware and UI design. However, the update to Realme UI improved the software experience.
  2. Low Light Camera Performance: Despite the impressive primary sensor, the camera struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. Single Speaker: The device lacked stereo speakers, which could have enhanced the media experience.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme XT faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30s: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Vivo Z1x: With its 6.38-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Realme XT was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Glitches: Some users reported occasional software glitches, especially with the early versions of ColorOS on the device.
  2. Camera Software: There were reports of the camera software being a bit slow or occasionally freezing, especially in certain modes.
  3. Heating Issues: A few users reported heating issues, especially during prolonged gaming sessions.

Conclusion:

The Realme XT was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize camera capabilities. Its 64 MP primary camera, coupled with a Super AMOLED display and fast charging, made it a popular choice among users looking for a feature-rich device without breaking the bank. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of software experience and low-light camera performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a camera-centric device with a vibrant display, the Realme XT was a strong contender. However, those looking for a more balanced device with a cleaner software experience might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy M30s

Into Droid 1 Comment

Overview:

The Galaxy M30s was designed for users who wanted a long-lasting battery and a versatile camera setup without spending a premium. With its massive battery and triple-camera setup, it aimed to cater to users who are always on the go and love capturing moments.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung’s One UI, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 9611.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB/6 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A massive 6000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Incredible Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last more than a day, even with heavy usage.
  2. Vibrant Display: The Super AMOLED display offered deep blacks, vibrant colors, and was a treat for media consumption.
  3. Versatile Camera Setup: The triple-camera setup was versatile and performed well in various lighting conditions.
  4. One UI: Samsung’s One UI offers a plethora of features and customization options that many users appreciate.

Cons:

  1. Weight: Due to its large battery, the device was a bit on the heavier side.
  2. Average Fast Charging: While the device supported fast charging, 15W was not the fastest available in the market.
  3. Plastic Build: The device had a plastic back, which didn’t feel as premium as some of its competitors with glass backs.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy M30s faced competition from:

  • Realme XT: Offering a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Featuring a 6.53-inch IPS LCD, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
  • Vivo Z1 Pro: With its 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.
  2. Performance Hiccups: Given its mid-range positioning, some users experienced occasional lags, especially when running multiple apps or heavy games.
  3. Camera Software: There were reports of the camera software being a bit slow or occasionally freezing in certain modes.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize battery life and camera capabilities. Its massive battery and versatile camera setup made it a popular choice among users who wanted a feature-rich device without spending too much. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of build quality and fast charging speed, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that can last through long days and capture decent photos, the Galaxy M30s was a top contender. However, those looking for a more balanced device with a premium build or faster charging might have considered other options available in the market at the time.