Author: Into Droid

Redmi 8A

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The Redmi 8A was a part of Xiaomi’s Redmi series, which has been known for offering value-packed smartphones in the budget segment. Launched in 2019, the Redmi 8A aimed to provide essential features and decent performance at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi 8A:

Overview:

The Redmi 8A was designed for users who wanted a budget-friendly smartphone without compromising on essential features like battery life, display, and camera. With its large battery and decent specifications, it catered to users looking for a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Xiaomi’s MIUI skin on top.
  2. Display: 6.22-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 439.
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB/3 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 12 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A substantial 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging support (though it comes with a 10W charger in the box).
  7. Other Features: USB Type-C, P2i splash-resistant coating.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensured impressive battery life, easily lasting more than a day for most users.
  2. Build and Design: Despite its budget positioning, the Redmi 8A had a modern design with a waterdrop notch and splash-resistant coating.
  3. USB Type-C: Rare for its price segment, the inclusion of USB Type-C was a welcome feature.
  4. Value for Money: Given its price point, the device offered a balanced set of features that provided excellent value.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 439 was adequate for basic tasks but wasn’t the most powerful processor in its segment.
  2. MIUI Bloatware: While MIUI offered many features, it also came with a number of pre-installed apps that some users found unnecessary.
  3. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi 8A faced competition from:

  • Realme C3: Offering a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G70, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy M01: With its 5.7-inch PLS TFT display, Snapdragon 439, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Nokia 2.3: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio A22, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Redmi 8A was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Ads in MIUI: One of the common complaints from users was the presence of ads within MIUI, which could sometimes be intrusive.
  2. Software Performance: Some users reported occasional slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps or heavy tasks.
  3. Camera Quality: While decent for the price, the camera was not the best in its segment, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Conclusion:

The Redmi 8A was a strong offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize battery life and value for money. Its large battery, modern design, and decent camera setup made it a popular choice among users who wanted a reliable day-to-day device without spending too much. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and camera quality, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that could handle daily tasks and offer long battery life, the Redmi 8A was a top contender. However, those looking for a cleaner software experience or better performance might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Realme 5

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The Realme 5 was a part of Realme’s lineup, which is known for offering feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices. Launched in 2019, the Realme 5 was positioned as a budget to mid-range device, aiming to provide a solid smartphone experience for its price segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 5:

Overview:

The Realme 5 aimed to cater to users looking for a good balance between performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. With its quad-camera setup and a large battery, it targeted users wanting more features without spending a lot.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Realme’s ColorOS 6.
  2. Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 12 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, 2 MP macro sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a micro USB port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensured impressive battery life, allowing users to get through a day or even more with moderate usage.
  2. Quad-Camera Setup: The versatile camera setup was a highlight, especially for its price segment.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Realme 5 offered excellent value for money.
  4. Decent Performance: The Snapdragon 665 chipset provided smooth performance for daily tasks and casual gaming.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate for the price but not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD in a similar price range.
  2. ColorOS Experience: While ColorOS offers many features, some users found it to be a bit heavy and different from stock Android.
  3. Micro USB Port: At a time when many devices were transitioning to USB Type-C, the Realme 5 still used the older micro USB port.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

  • Redmi Note 7: Offering a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 660, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy M20: Featuring a 6.3-inch PLS TFT display, Exynos 7904, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto G7 Power: With its 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a single 12 MP camera.

Launch Date:

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

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.
  2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally decent for its price, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions or when using specific modes.
  3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps, which not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Realme 5 was a commendable offering in the budget to mid-range segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its battery life and quad-camera setup were standout features, making it a popular choice among users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of display resolution and the software experience, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Realme 5 was a strong contender. However, those looking for a cleaner software experience or a sharper display might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Android 10 (No dessert name)

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Overview:

Android 10, breaking away from the tradition of dessert-themed names, was released in September 2019. This version brought a renewed focus on user privacy, advanced machine-learning capabilities, and support for emerging device formats like foldables.

History:

With the evolving digital landscape, Google recognized the need for enhanced user privacy and more adaptive system behaviors in Android 10. The release aimed to give users more control over their data and cater to the diverse range of devices entering the market.

Changes:

Android 10 introduced several new features and refinements. A significant highlight was the enhanced privacy controls, allowing users to decide when and how their data is shared. The platform also embraced the rise of foldable devices, ensuring Android was versatile enough to offer a consistent experience across various form factors.

First devices to receive the update:

Google’s Pixel devices were among the first to receive the Android 10 update, showcasing the platform’s new features and privacy enhancements.

Features:

Android 10 brought a plethora of features:

  • Enhanced Privacy Controls: Users could control app access to location data, ensuring apps only accessed location when in use.
  • Smart Reply: The system offered intelligent response suggestions in messaging apps.
  • Gesture Navigation: Building on Pie, Android 10 refined gesture navigation, offering a more intuitive system interaction.
  • Dark Theme: A system-wide dark mode was introduced, reducing eye strain and potentially saving battery life on OLED screens.
  • Live Caption: This feature automatically captioned media playing on the device in real-time.
  • Support for Foldables: Android 10 was optimized for foldable devices, ensuring a consistent experience across different form factors.
  • Family Link: Tools to help parents manage their children’s device usage and app access.

User Experience:

Android 10 aimed to provide a more controlled and adaptive user experience. The enhanced privacy controls resonated with users increasingly concerned about their digital privacy. Features like Smart Reply and Live Caption showcased Android’s commitment to harnessing machine learning for user benefit.

Platform:

Building on the Linux kernel, Android 10 continued the open-source ethos of the platform. The version was designed to be versatile, catering to traditional smartphones, emerging foldables, and other device formats.

Security:

Android 10 took significant strides in bolstering user security and privacy. The platform introduced scoped storage, limiting app access to external storage, and enhanced user control over app permissions. Biometric authentication saw improvements, and security updates could be sent directly via Google Play, ensuring faster patching of vulnerabilities.

Reception:

Android 10 was well-received by the tech community and users. The focus on privacy and the introduction of features like Dark Theme and Live Caption were particularly praised. Android 10 showcased Google’s commitment to evolving with user needs and the changing tech landscape.

Vivo Z1 Pro

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The Vivo Z1 Pro was one of Vivo’s attempts to capture the mid-range smartphone market, especially targeting the younger audience with its gaming capabilities and punch-hole camera design. Launched in 2019, the Vivo Z1 Pro was positioned as a device that offers a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. Here’s an in-depth review of the Vivo Z1 Pro:

Overview:

The Vivo Z1 Pro was designed for users who wanted a device capable of handling gaming, multitasking, and day-to-day tasks with ease. With its large battery and dedicated gaming features, it aimed to cater to the younger generation who prioritize performance and battery longevity.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Vivo’s Funtouch 9 skin.
  2. Display: 6.53-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB/6 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter located in a punch-hole design.
  6. Battery: A substantial 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated button for Google Assistant.

Pros:

  1. Large Battery: The 5000 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last more than a day, even with heavy usage.
  2. Gaming Capabilities: With the Snapdragon 712 and software optimizations, the device was capable of handling popular games with ease.
  3. Punch-hole Camera Design: The punch-hole design for the front camera provided a more immersive screen experience.
  4. Camera Performance: 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. Weight: Due to its large battery, the device was a bit on the heavier side.
  3. IPS LCD: While the display was decent, it lacked the vibrancy and deep blacks of an AMOLED screen.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Vivo Z1 Pro 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 7 Pro: With its 6.3-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 675, and a dual-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor.

Launch Date:

The Vivo Z1 Pro was announced in July 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. Build Quality: Some users felt the plastic build didn’t feel as premium as some of its competitors with glass backs.

Conclusion:

The Vivo Z1 Pro was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize gaming performance and battery life. Its large battery, gaming capabilities, and punch-hole camera design made it a popular choice among younger users. 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 device that can handle gaming and multitasking with ease while lasting through long days, the Vivo Z1 Pro was a top 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.