Author: Into Droid

Realme 3 Pro

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The Realme 3 Pro was a significant release from Realme, a brand that quickly gained traction for offering high-end specifications at a budget-friendly price point. The Realme 3 Pro was designed to compete directly with some of the best mid-range smartphones in the market. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 3 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in mid-2019, the Realme 3 Pro aimed to challenge the dominance of brands like Xiaomi in the budget and mid-range segments. It combined a stylish design, powerful internals, and a competitive camera setup, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie with Realme’s ColorOS 6 skin.
  • Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 710 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 16 MP primary sensor (Sony IMX519) and 5 MP depth sensor. A 25 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 4045 mAh non-removable battery with VOOC 3.0 fast charging.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, microUSB port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 710 chipset ensured smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall performance.
  • Camera Capabilities: The primary 16 MP sensor, borrowed from some flagship devices, offered impressive photos for its price range.
  • Battery Life & Charging: The large battery combined with VOOC fast charging meant users could quickly charge their devices and get extended usage.
  • Value for Money: The device provided a balanced set of features for its price point, making it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Cons:

  • ColorOS: While improved, some users still found Realme’s ColorOS to be cluttered compared to stock Android.
  • Plastic Build: The device, while looking premium, was primarily made of plastic, which didn’t feel as premium as glass or metal.
  • MicroUSB Port: At a time when many devices were moving to USB Type-C, the Realme 3 Pro still used the older microUSB standard.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the Realme 3 Pro faced stiff competition in the mid-range segment:

  • Redmi Note 7 Pro: Offering a 48 MP primary camera, glass build, and the Snapdragon 675 chipset.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30: With its Super AMOLED display and a massive 5000 mAh battery.
  • Moto G7: With its clean software experience, glass design, and focus on camera capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Realme 3 Pro was announced in April 2019 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches in ColorOS, especially related to notifications and app management.
Camera Processing: While the hardware was capable, some users felt the camera software sometimes produced oversaturated images or struggled in low light.
Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker was not the loudest and lacked depth.

Conclusion:

The Realme 3 Pro was a testament to Realme’s strategy of offering feature-packed devices at competitive prices. With its decent design, powerful internals, and impressive camera setup, it was a favorite in the mid-range segment. While it had its challenges, especially in terms of software, the overall value of the Realme 3 Pro made it a significant success for Realme, further cementing its position in key markets.proposition

Redmi 7

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The Redmi 7 was a part of Xiaomi’s Redmi series, which has been known for offering value-packed smartphones at budget-friendly prices. Launched in 2019, the Redmi 7 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 Redmi 7:

Overview:

The Redmi 7 aimed to cater to users looking for a reliable smartphone experience without spending a lot. With a decent camera setup and a good processor for its segment, it was targeted at budget-conscious users and those making their first switch to a smartphone.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 10.
  2. Display: 6.26-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 632.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 2 GB/3 GB/4 GB RAM with 16 GB/32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 12 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and splash-resistant design.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured decent battery life, allowing users to get through a day with moderate usage.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 632 chipset provided smooth performance for daily tasks.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Redmi 7 offered a compelling value proposition.
  4. Build Quality: Despite its budget positioning, the device had a decent build with a gradient back design that looked modern.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate but not the sharpest when compared to some competitors offering Full HD in a similar price range.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was decent for its price, it struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. MIUI Experience: While MIUI offers many features, some users found it to be heavy and filled with bloatware.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi 7 faced competition from:

  • Realme 3: Offering a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P70, and a 13 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy M10: Featuring a 6.22-inch PLS TFT display, Exynos 7870 Octa, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Asus Zenfone Max M2: With its 6.26-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Redmi 7 was announced in March 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Ads: Some users reported the presence of ads in MIUI, which could be intrusive at times.
  2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally decent for its price, 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 Redmi 7 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, providing a balanced mix of features and performance. Its battery life, build quality, and overall value made it a popular choice among users. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of camera performance in challenging conditions and the MIUI experience, its overall package was quite compelling for its price. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Redmi 7 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.

OnePlus 7

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Overview:

Launched in mid-2019, the OnePlus 7 was introduced alongside its more feature-packed sibling, the OnePlus 7 Pro. While the Pro variant garnered more attention due to its unique features, the OnePlus 7 offered a balanced package for those who wanted a high-end experience without the highest price tag.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie with OnePlus’s OxygenOS skin, later upgradeable.
  • Display: 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, retaining the waterdrop notch.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage (UFS 3.0).
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor with OIS and a 5 MP depth sensor. A 16 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3700 mAh non-removable battery with OnePlus’s fast “Warp Charge” technology.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, USB Type-C, and Face Unlock.

Pros:

  • Performance Boost: With the Snapdragon 855 chipset and UFS 3.0 storage, the OnePlus 7 offered a significant performance boost over its predecessor.
  • Camera Improvements: The 48 MP primary sensor provided detailed shots, and the inclusion of OIS improved low-light photography and video stability.
  • Stereo Speakers: The addition of stereo speakers enhanced the audio experience for media consumption.
  • Value for Money: Despite the improvements, the OnePlus 7 was priced competitively, offering great value.

Cons:

  • No 3.5mm Jack: Like the 6T, the OnePlus 7 continued to omit the headphone jack.
  • No Wireless Charging: The device still lacked wireless charging, a feature present in many other flagships.
  • No Official IP Rating: While there were claims of water resistance, the device did not have an official IP rating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the OnePlus 7 faced competition from various devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S10e: Samsung’s more compact and affordable variant of its flagship lineup, offering a dynamic AMOLED display and a wide-angle camera.
  • Google Pixel 3a: Known for its camera capabilities and pure Android experience at a mid-range price.
  • Asus Zenfone 6: With its unique flip camera mechanism and massive battery.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 7 was announced in May 2019 and released in June 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Camera Software: While the hardware was improved, some users felt the camera software needed refinements, especially in terms of color accuracy and HDR processing.
  • Lack of Some “Pro” Features: Some users wished for features present in the OnePlus 7 Pro, like the 90Hz display, to be in the standard variant.
  • Vibration Motor: While improved from previous models, the haptic feedback was still considered inferior to some competitors.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 7 was a strategic offering from OnePlus, catering to users who wanted flagship performance without all the bells and whistles (and associated costs) of the Pro variant. With its enhanced performance, improved camera, and the beloved OxygenOS experience, it was a compelling choice in the premium segment. While it had areas of improvement, the OnePlus 7 continued the brand’s legacy of challenging flagship norms and offering value-packed devices.

OnePlus 7 Pro

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The OnePlus 7 Pro marked a significant step for OnePlus, as the company ventured more decisively into the premium smartphone segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 7 Pro:

Overview:

Introduced in mid-2019, the OnePlus 7 Pro was OnePlus’s attempt to offer a no-compromise flagship experience, blending top-tier specifications with a refined design. It was a departure from the brand’s “flagship killer” moniker, moving towards a genuine flagship territory.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with OxygenOS 9 on top, upgradable to later Android versions.
  2. Display: 6.67-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, boasting a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Notably, it had a bezel-less design with a pop-up selfie camera.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB UFS 3.0 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. The pop-up front camera was a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and a range of customization and software features via OxygenOS.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display was one of the device’s standout features, offering a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
  2. Performance: With the Snapdragon 855 and up to 12 GB RAM, the device offered blazing-fast performance.
  3. Design: The bezel-less design with a pop-up camera gave it a futuristic and premium feel.
  4. OxygenOS: Widely praised for its speed, customization options, and near-stock experience.
  5. Fast Charging: Warp Charge 30W ensured a rapid charging experience, juicing up the phone significantly in a short time.

Cons:

  1. No Wireless Charging: Despite its premium positioning, the device lacked wireless charging.
  2. No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the phone had some water resistance, it didn’t come with an official IP rating.
  3. Camera Performance: While versatile, the camera setup was sometimes criticized for inconsistent performance compared to other flagships.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the OnePlus 7 Pro faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S10: With its Dynamic AMOLED display, wireless charging, and versatile camera setup.
  • Huawei P30 Pro: Known for its impressive camera capabilities, especially in zoom and low light.
  • Asus Zenfone 6: With its unique flip camera mechanism and competitive pricing.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 7 Pro was announced in May 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Pop-up Camera Durability: While OnePlus claimed the pop-up mechanism was durable, some users were concerned about its longevity and potential for damage.
  2. Weight and Size: The device, with its large display and battery, was on the heavier and larger side, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
  3. Initial Software Bugs: Some users reported software glitches and camera inconsistencies in the early days, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 7 Pro was a statement from OnePlus, showcasing its ability to produce a top-tier flagship that could compete with the best in the industry. While it had areas that could be improved, especially in the camera department, the overall package was compelling for those seeking a high-end experience without the traditionally high-end price tag. The device was well-received and solidified OnePlus’s position in the premium smartphone market.