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Realme C2

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The Realme C2 was a part of Realme’s C series, which is known for offering value-driven smartphones for budget-conscious consumers. Launched in 2019, the Realme C2 was positioned as an entry-level device, aiming to provide a decent smartphone experience at a very affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme C2:

Overview:

The Realme C2 aimed to cater to users looking for basic smartphone functionalities without breaking the bank. With its diamond-cut design and a decent camera for its segment, it was targeted primarily at first-time smartphone users and those on a tight budget.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Realme’s ColorOS 6 Lite.
  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/3 GB RAM with 16 GB/32 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 a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Face unlock, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a diamond-cut design on the back.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery combined with the efficient Helio P22 chipset ensured good battery life.
  2. Design: Despite its budget positioning, the device featured a diamond-cut design on the back, giving it a unique and attractive look.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Realme C2 offered excellent value for money.
  4. Decent Camera for the Price: The camera setup, while basic, was decent for its price segment.

Cons:

  1. Performance Limitations: The MediaTek Helio P22, while efficient, wasn’t the most powerful, leading to some limitations in multitasking and gaming.
  2. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate for the price but not the sharpest.
  3. ColorOS Experience: While ColorOS offers many features, some users found it to be a bit heavy and different from stock Android.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme C2 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 7: Offering a 6.26-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy A10: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Exynos 7884, and a single 13 MP camera.
  • Moto E6s: With its 6.1-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Realme C2 was announced in April 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 entry-level positioning, some users experienced occasional lags and slowdowns, especially with heavy apps.
  3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps that not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Realme C2 was a commendable offering in the entry-level segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its design and battery life stood out, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and the software experience, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic smartphone experience without spending much, the Realme C2 was a worthy consideration. However, those looking for a bit more power or a cleaner software experience might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy S10e

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The Samsung Galaxy S10e was part of Samsung’s 10th-anniversary S10 lineup, which also included the Galaxy S10 and S10+. Launched in 2019, the S10e was positioned as the more compact and affordable variant within the series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S10e:

Overview:

The Galaxy S10e aimed to deliver the core features of the S10 series in a smaller form factor and at a more accessible price point. With its flagship-grade processor, camera capabilities, and design, it targeted users who wanted a high-end experience without the larger screens or higher price tags of its siblings.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung’s One UI.
  2. Display: 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, HDR10+ support.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (USA variant) or Exynos 9820 (International variant).
  4. Memory: Options of 6 GB/8 GB RAM with 128 GB/256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 12 MP wide sensor and a 16 MP ultrawide sensor. The front camera is a 10 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3100 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner (integrated into the power button), IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Compact Form Factor: In an era of increasingly large phones, the S10e’s smaller size was refreshing and appealed to those who prefer one-handed use.
  2. Performance: With flagship-grade processors, the S10e delivered top-tier performance.
  3. Camera Capabilities: While it missed out on the telephoto lens of its siblings, the S10e’s cameras were still impressive, especially in good lighting conditions.
  4. Price: Being the most affordable in the S10 lineup, it offered a flagship experience without the flagship price.
  5. Headphone Jack: At a time when many flagships were ditching the headphone jack, the S10e retained it, much to the delight of audio enthusiasts.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 3100 mAh battery was decent but not outstanding, especially for power users.
  2. No In-Display Fingerprint: Unlike its siblings, the S10e had a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. While it was fast, it missed out on the in-display trend.
  3. No Telephoto Lens: The camera setup lacked a telephoto lens, which was present in the S10 and S10+.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Galaxy S10e faced competition from:

  • iPhone XR: Offering a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, and a single 12 MP rear camera.
  • Google Pixel 3: Featuring a 5.5-inch OLED display, Snapdragon 845, and a standout single-lens camera setup.
  • OnePlus 6T: With its 6.41-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S10e was announced in February 2019 and became available in March 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Battery Endurance: Some users reported that the device struggled to last a full day with heavy usage.
  2. Fingerprint Scanner Position: While the side-mounted fingerprint scanner was fast, its positioning was a bit high for some users, making it slightly awkward to reach.
  3. Software Updates: While Samsung improved its update cycle, it still wasn’t as fast as some competitors, especially the Pixel devices.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S10e was a compelling offering in the flagship segment, especially for those who wanted a compact device without compromising on performance. It managed to pack most of the features of its larger siblings into a smaller, more affordable package. For users who value a compact form factor, flagship performance, and a more accessible price point, the Galaxy S10e was an excellent choice. However, those looking for better battery endurance or a telephoto lens might have considered other options.

Motorola Moto G7 Plus

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The Motorola Moto G7 Plus was a part of Motorola’s popular G-series lineup, which has been known for offering solid specifications at an affordable price point. Launched in 2019, the G7 Plus was the most premium variant in the G7 series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto G7 Plus:

Overview:

The Moto G7 Plus aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a touch of premium features, all while maintaining a competitive price. With its enhanced camera capabilities and fast charging, it was targeted at users looking for a bit more than the average mid-range device.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie), with a near-stock Android experience.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch LTPS IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2270 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 12 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with 27W TurboPower fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, and stereo speakers.

Pros:

  1. Fast Charging: One of the standout features was its 27W TurboPower charging, which could charge the device quickly.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The camera, especially for its price, delivered decent shots with the help of optical image stabilization (OIS).
  3. Software Experience: Motorola’s near-stock Android experience with useful Moto Actions was a plus for many users.
  4. Build and Design: The device had a glass back and a water-repellent design, giving it a premium feel.

Cons:

  1. Battery Capacity: While the device had fast charging, the 3000 mAh battery was on the smaller side for a device of its size.
  2. Processor: The Snapdragon 636, while competent, was starting to show its age by 2019 standards.
  3. Competitive Market: The mid-range segment in 2019 was fiercely competitive, with devices offering better specifications at similar or lower price points.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto G7 Plus faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 7 Pro: Offering a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 675, and a 48 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy A50: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9610, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Realme 3 Pro: With its 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 710, and VOOC fast charging.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto G7 Plus was announced in February 2019 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Battery Life: Due to its relatively small battery, some users reported that the device struggled to last a full day with heavy usage.
  2. Performance Hiccups: Some users experienced occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps.
  3. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was decent, some users reported inconsistencies, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto G7 Plus was a solid mid-range offering that aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a few premium touches. Its fast charging and camera capabilities were its main selling points. However, in a highly competitive mid-range market in 2019, it faced stiff competition from brands offering higher specifications at aggressive price points. For users loyal to Motorola or those who value a clean software experience with timely updates, the Moto G7 Plus was a viable option. However, those looking for the best specifications for their money had other compelling options to consider.

Sony Xperia L3

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The Sony Xperia L3 was Sony’s entry-level offering for 2019. Positioned as a budget-friendly option, it aimed to provide essential smartphone features with a touch of Sony’s design and reliability. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia L3:

Overview:

Introduced in 2019, the Xperia L3 was Sony’s answer to the growing demand for affordable yet reliable smartphones. It was designed for those who wanted a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo.
  2. Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio.
  3. Processor: MediaTek MT6762 Helio P22.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual 13 MP and 2 MP rear camera setup. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.0, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Pros:

  1. Design: The Xperia L3 maintained a modern design with minimal bezels and a sleek profile, which was commendable for its price point.
  2. Battery Life: The 3300 mAh battery, combined with the power-efficient MediaTek chipset and HD+ display, ensured decent battery life.
  3. Dual Camera Setup: The inclusion of a dual-camera system in this price segment was a plus, allowing for depth-sensing and bokeh effects.
  4. Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: This ergonomic placement was convenient for many users, offering quick and easy access.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The MediaTek Helio P22, while decent for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful chipset, and some users might experience occasional lags.
  2. Outdated OS: Shipping with Android 8.1 Oreo when Android 9 Pie was already available was a downside.
  3. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate but not the sharpest available in its segment.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia L3 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy A10: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Exynos 7884, and a single 13 MP rear camera.
  • Moto G7 Play: With its 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a single 13 MP rear camera.
  • Nokia 4.2: Offering a 5.71-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 439, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia L3 was announced in February 2019 and became available in the subsequent months.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Sony’s track record with updates for its entry-level devices was inconsistent, leading to potential delays in receiving the latest Android versions.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios and lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors.
  3. Speaker Quality: The audio output from the speaker was considered average by some users, lacking in depth and volume.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia L3 was a solid entry-level offering, providing essential smartphone features with a touch of Sony’s design ethos. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and camera capabilities, it served as a reliable option for those on a tight budget or looking for a basic smartphone experience. For brand loyalists or those who prioritize design and build quality in the entry-level segment, the Xperia L3 was a worthy consideration.