Author: Into Droid

Motorola Moto G7

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The Moto G7 was a part of Motorola’s popular G-series lineup, which has been known for offering solid performance and features at an affordable price point. The G7 continued this legacy with several improvements over its predecessors. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto G7:

Overview:

Introduced in early 2019, the Moto G7 was a part of Motorola’s strategy to offer a balanced smartphone experience in the mid-range segment. It combined a modern design, decent camera capabilities, and a clean software experience, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie with a near-stock Android experience.
  • Display: 6.2-inch LTPS IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2270 pixels, featuring a U-shaped notch.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. An 8 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with Motorola’s TurboPower fast charging.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Software Experience: Motorola’s near-stock Android experience, combined with useful Moto Actions, provided a clean and user-friendly interface.
  • Design: The Moto G7 featured a modern design with a glass back and a large display, giving it a premium look for its price segment.
  • Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera setup allowed for portrait mode photos, and the camera software included features like spot color and cinemagraph.
  • Fast Charging: The TurboPower charging ensured a quick top-up of the battery.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average, with some competitors offering larger capacities in the same segment.
  • Processor Performance: While the Snapdragon 632 was decent for daily tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful in its segment.
  • Lack of NFC: In some regions, the device lacked NFC, which meant no contactless payments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the Moto G7 faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

  • Samsung Galaxy A50: Offering a Super AMOLED display, in-display fingerprint scanner, and a triple camera setup.
  • Redmi Note 7: With its 48 MP primary camera, glass build, and the Snapdragon 660 chipset.
  • Realme 3: Known for its performance, camera capabilities, and value for money.

Launch Date:

The Moto G7 was announced in February 2019 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Camera Speed: Some users reported that the camera app could be slow to launch and process images, especially in low light.
  • Software Updates: While Motorola offered a clean software experience, they were sometimes slow in providing Android version updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single speaker, while decent, wasn’t particularly loud or clear for some users.

Conclusion:

The Moto G7 was a continuation of Motorola’s commitment to offering a balanced smartphone experience at an affordable price. With its modern design, decent camera capabilities, and clean software, it was a solid choice for those seeking a reliable mid-range device. While it faced stiff competition in its segment, the Moto G7’s blend of features and performance made it a worthy contender in the market.

Google Pixel 3a

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Overview:

Launched in 2019, the Google Pixel 3a was a strategic move by Google to address the mid-range smartphone market. It aimed to offer the core strengths of the Pixel series, particularly the camera experience, at a more affordable price point. The Pixel 3a was seen as Google’s response to the growing demand for high-quality, budget-friendly smartphones.

Features:

  • Operating System: Launched with Android 9.0 Pie, with the hallmark of receiving direct and prompt updates from Google.
  • Display: 5.6-inch OLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: 12.2 MP rear camera, mirroring the quality of the Pixel 3, and an 8 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted), 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, and Google Assistant integration.

Pros:

  • Camera Quality: The Pixel 3a boasted a camera experience on par with the more expensive Pixel 3, delivering excellent photos, especially in low light with Night Sight.
  • Pure Android Experience: The device offered a bloat-free, stock Android experience with the promise of timely updates.
  • Price Point: The Pixel 3a was priced competitively, making the Pixel camera and software experience accessible to a broader audience.
  • Headphone Jack: Unlike the Pixel 3, the 3a included a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was appreciated by many users.
  • OLED Display: The OLED screen provided vibrant colors and deep blacks, impressive for its price range.

Cons:

  • Build Material: To cut costs, the Pixel 3a was made of polycarbonate instead of the premium materials found on the Pixel 3.
  • Performance Limitations: While the Snapdragon 670 was capable for daily tasks, it wasn’t as powerful as flagship chipsets.
  • No Wireless Charging: The Pixel 3a lacked wireless charging capabilities.
  • Limited Storage Options: With no expandable storage and only a 64 GB variant available, some users might find storage limiting.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the mid-range smartphone segment was becoming increasingly competitive. The Google Pixel 3a faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 7: Offering high-end specs at a mid-range price point.
  • Samsung Galaxy A50: Samsung’s mid-range offering with a triple camera setup and in-display fingerprint sensor.
  • Moto G7: A budget-friendly option with decent specs and a clean Android experience.

Launch Date:

The Google Pixel 3a was announced in May 2019 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps or more demanding tasks.
  • Build Concerns: While the polycarbonate was durable, it didn’t feel as premium as other materials.
  • Battery Life Variability: While many found the battery life sufficient, some heavy users felt it could be better.

Conclusion:

The Google Pixel 3a was a significant device in the Pixel lineup, showcasing that premium features, especially in terms of camera capabilities, could be offered at a more accessible price point. It was well-received by critics and users alike, especially those who prioritized camera quality and software experience over top-tier performance or premium build. The Pixel 3a demonstrated that there was a demand for mid-range phones with standout features, and it set a precedent for future devices in the Pixel “a” series.

Huawei P30

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The Huawei P30 was a significant release in Huawei’s lineup, emphasizing camera capabilities and design. Here’s an in-depth review of the Huawei P30:

Overview:

Launched in early 2019, the Huawei P30 was part of Huawei’s flagship P series, known for pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography. While it was overshadowed by its more feature-packed sibling, the P30 Pro, the P30 offered a compelling mix of features at a slightly lower price point.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with EMUI 9.1 on top, with potential upgrades to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.1-inch OLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 980.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage, expandable via Huawei’s Nano Memory card.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 40 MP primary SuperSpectrum sensor, 16 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front camera was a 32 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3650 mAh non-removable battery with 22.5W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Under-display fingerprint scanner, IP53 dust and splash protection, and a range of AI-enhanced features via EMUI.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The SuperSpectrum sensor captured more light, resulting in impressive low-light shots. The versatile camera setup was suitable for various scenarios.
  2. Compact Design: Compared to many 2019 flagships, the P30 was more compact and manageable in hand.
  3. Performance: The Kirin 980, combined with ample RAM, ensured a smooth and responsive user experience.
  4. Fast Charging: The 22.5W fast charging could quickly top up the battery.

Cons:

  1. EMUI: While feature-rich, Huawei’s EMUI skin wasn’t to everyone’s liking, with some users preferring a more stock Android experience.
  2. No Wireless Charging: Unlike the P30 Pro, the P30 lacked wireless charging.
  3. Lower Water Resistance: The IP53 rating was lower than many competitors, offering less protection against water and dust.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the Huawei P30 faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S10: With its Dynamic AMOLED display, ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, and One UI software.
  • OnePlus 7: Offering a fluid AMOLED display, Snapdragon 855, and OxygenOS.
  • iPhone XR: Apple’s more affordable variant with the A12 Bionic chip and iOS ecosystem.

Launch Date:

The Huawei P30 was announced in March 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Given the U.S. restrictions on Huawei, there were concerns about future Android updates and access to Google services.
  2. Speaker Quality: Some users found the bottom-firing speaker to be lacking in richness and depth.
  3. EMUI Quirks: Some users reported occasional software glitches or inconsistencies within EMUI, though many were addressed in updates.

Conclusion:

The Huawei P30 was a testament to Huawei’s engineering and design prowess. While it didn’t have all the bells and whistles of the P30 Pro, it offered a balanced flagship experience, especially for those who prioritized photography. The device was well-received, particularly in regions where Huawei’s brand was strong. However, external factors, like the U.S. restrictions, cast uncertainty over its long-term software support.

Redmi Note 7

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Overview:

The Redmi Note 7 Pro, launched by Xiaomi in 2019, was a significant leap in the Redmi Note series. It combined a compelling set of features with an aggressive price point, aiming to dominate the mid-range smartphone market.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially came with Android 9.0 (Pie) with MIUI 10 on top.
  2. Display: 6.3-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD with a waterdrop notch, boasting a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Powered by the Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675.
  4. Memory: Available in configurations of 4/6 GB RAM and 64/128 GB storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Dual rear setup with a 48 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera was a 13 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: Packed a 4000 mAh battery with support for Quick Charge 4.
  7. Other Features: Included a rear fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Camera Quality: The 48 MP camera was a standout feature, capturing detailed images, especially in daylight.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 675, though not top-tier, delivered smooth performance for most tasks and games.
  3. Design: With its gradient back and glass design, it looked and felt more premium than its price suggested.
  4. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery easily lasted a day for most users.
  5. Value Proposition: Given its features, the device offered excellent value for its price.

Cons:

  1. MIUI Ads: A common criticism was the inclusion of ads within MIUI, which many users found intrusive.
  2. Software Bloat: MIUI came with several pre-installed apps, not all of which were useful to every user.
  3. Low-Light Photography: While the camera was impressive in daylight, it struggled a bit in low-light conditions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

  • Samsung Galaxy M30: Which offered a Super AMOLED display and a bigger battery.
  • Realme 3 Pro: With its VOOC fast charging and a slightly different approach to camera processing.
  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2: Known for its stock Android experience and robust battery life.

Launch Date:

The Redmi Note 7 Pro was unveiled in February 2019 and hit the shelves in March 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Stability: Some users reported occasional lags or freezes, especially with certain MIUI updates.
  2. Camera Processing: Despite the hardware, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent.
  3. Heating Concerns: A few users mentioned the device getting warm during extended gaming sessions or while using the camera for prolonged periods.

Conclusion:

The Redmi Note 7 Pro was a milestone for Xiaomi in the mid-range segment. It showcased that premium features, like a high-resolution camera and a glass back, didn’t need to be restricted to flagship phones. While it had its quirks, especially on the software front, the overall package was compelling for the price, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.