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OnePlus 6T

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The OnePlus 6T was a notable release from OnePlus, a brand known for offering flagship-level specifications at a more affordable price point. The 6T built upon the foundation of the OnePlus 6 with some key changes. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 6T:

Overview:

Introduced in late 2018, the OnePlus 6T aimed to refine the experience of the OnePlus 6, bringing in a new display design, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and more. It continued OnePlus’s “flagship killer” ethos by offering high-end specs at a competitive price.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie with OnePlus’s OxygenOS skin.
  • Display: 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, featuring a waterdrop notch.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 16 MP primary sensor and 20 MP secondary sensor. A 16 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3700 mAh non-removable battery with OnePlus’s fast “Dash Charge” technology.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and Face Unlock.

Pros:

  • In-display Fingerprint Scanner: One of the early adopters of this technology, the 6T’s in-display scanner was a highlight, offering a futuristic unlocking method.
  • Performance: The Snapdragon 845 chipset, combined with ample RAM, ensured top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and more.
  • OxygenOS: OnePlus’s custom skin was praised for its near-stock experience, speed, and additional customization features.
  • Battery Life: The 3700 mAh battery, combined with software optimizations, ensured a full day of usage for most users.

Cons:

  • No 3.5mm Jack: The OnePlus 6T removed the headphone jack, a move that was controversial among fans and users.
  • No Wireless Charging: Despite having a glass back, the device did not support wireless charging.
  • No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the device had some water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the OnePlus 6T faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Samsung’s flagship with a focus on camera capabilities, display quality, and a comprehensive feature set.
  • Google Pixel 3: Known for its pure Android experience, outstanding camera capabilities, and Google’s software optimizations.
  • Apple iPhone XR: Apple’s more affordable variant of its flagship lineup, offering the A12 Bionic chip and a range of color options.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 6T was announced in October 2018 and released in November 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • In-display Scanner Reliability: While futuristic, the in-display fingerprint scanner was sometimes less consistent and slower than traditional scanners.
  • Camera Night Mode: While the 6T introduced a night mode for photography, it wasn’t as refined as some competitors’ solutions upon launch.
  • Removal of Headphone Jack: Many users were disappointed by the removal of the 3.5mm jack, especially since OnePlus had retained it in the OnePlus 6 earlier that year.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 6T was a testament to OnePlus’s strategy of iterative improvements, offering a refined experience over its predecessor. With its in-display fingerprint scanner, improved battery life, and the ever-popular OxygenOS, it was a compelling option for those seeking flagship performance without the flagship price. While it had its compromises, the overall package presented by the OnePlus 6T solidified its position as a favorite among tech enthusiasts and general users alike.

Nokia 7.1

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The Nokia 7.1 was a part of Nokia’s resurgence in the smartphone market under the stewardship of HMD Global. Positioned in the mid-range segment, it aimed to offer a balanced performance with a touch of premium design. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 7.1:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Nokia 7.1 was a part of Nokia’s revamped lineup that emphasized build quality, clean software, and regular updates, thanks to its Android One partnership.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, under the Android One program, ensuring regular updates and a clean Android experience. It was later upgradeable to newer Android versions.
  • Display: 5.84-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, supporting HDR10.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 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: 3060 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Build Quality: The Nokia 7.1 boasted a glass back and aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel in its price segment.
  • Clean Software: Being a part of the Android One program, the device offered a bloat-free Android experience and was among the first to receive updates.
  • Display: The HDR10 support was a standout feature, ensuring better contrast and color reproduction for supported content.
  • Camera: With Zeiss optics, the camera performance was commendable for its price, especially in well-lit conditions.

Cons:

  • Processor Performance: While the Snapdragon 636 was competent for daily tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful in its segment.
  • Battery Life: The 3060 mAh battery was adequate but lagged behind some competitors offering larger batteries.
  • Low-light Camera Performance: The camera struggled in low-light conditions, producing grainy and sometimes underexposed shots.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the mid-range smartphone segment was highly competitive. The Nokia 7.1 faced competition from:

Launch Date:

The Nokia 7.1 was announced in October 2018 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software bugs, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker was not the loudest and lacked depth.
  • Slow Charging: Despite supporting fast charging, the device took a considerable amount of time to charge fully.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 7.1 was a testament to HMD Global’s commitment to reviving the Nokia brand in the smartphone market. It combined a premium design, clean software, and decent performance at a competitive price point. While it had its shortcomings, the device was well-received by those looking for a balanced smartphone experience with the promise of timely updates. The Nokia 7.1 was a part of Nokia’s broader strategy to regain trust and market share by focusing on build quality and software purity.

Xiomi Pocophone F1

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The Xiaomi Pocophone F1, often simply referred to as the Poco F1, made waves in the smartphone market due to its flagship-level specs at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Pocophone F1:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Pocophone F1 was Xiaomi’s attempt to disrupt the market by offering high-end specifications at an aggressive price. It was introduced under the Poco sub-brand, emphasizing speed and performance.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, with Xiaomi’s MIUI for Poco skin, later upgradeable.
  • Display: 6.18-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. A 20 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, stereo speakers, and a liquid cooling system for the chipset.

Pros:

  • Performance: With the Snapdragon 845 chipset, the Poco F1 delivered flagship-level performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming with ease.
  • Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured the phone lasted through a full day of heavy usage.
  • Price: The Poco F1’s aggressive pricing made it one of the best value-for-money smartphones in 2018.
  • Cooling System: The liquid cooling system was a unique feature in its price range, ensuring sustained performance during intensive tasks.

Cons:

  • Build Quality: To keep costs down, the Poco F1 used a polycarbonate back, which felt less premium compared to the glass and metal designs of other flagships.
  • MIUI for Poco: While the custom skin had some optimizations, it also came with bloatware and ads, which some users didn’t appreciate.
  • Display: The IPS LCD, while decent, couldn’t match the contrast and vibrancy of AMOLED displays found in some competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Pocophone F1 faced competition from various segments:

  • OnePlus 6: Another “flagship killer” with a more premium design, AMOLED display, and a cleaner software experience.
  • Asus Zenfone 5Z: Offering flagship specs with a focus on AI features and a competitive price.
  • Samsung Galaxy S9: A premium flagship with a stellar display, camera, and design but at a much higher price point.

Launch Date:

The Pocophone F1 was announced in August 2018 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Touch Latency: Some users reported touch latency issues, where the screen would occasionally not register touches promptly.
  • Screen Bleeding: There were reports of screen bleeding, where the edges of the display had uneven backlighting.
  • Software Bugs: Some users encountered software bugs, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Pocophone F1 was a game-changer in the smartphone market, challenging the notion that flagship performance necessitated a flagship price. Its combination of high-end specs and aggressive pricing made it immensely popular, especially in markets like India. While it had its compromises, the overall value proposition was hard to beat. The Poco F1 set the stage for the Poco brand to continue offering high-performance devices at competitive prices.

Sony Xperia XZ3

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The Sony Xperia XZ3 was Sony’s flagship offering for the latter part of 2018. It followed the Xperia XZ2 and showcased Sony’s evolving design language and commitment to delivering a premium multimedia experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ3:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Xperia XZ3 was a testament to Sony’s efforts to refine its smartphone design and improve upon the features of its predecessor, the Xperia XZ2. The device emphasized a high-quality display, sound, and camera experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9 Pie.
  2. Display: 6.0-inch OLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2880 pixels, supporting HDR BT.2020 and a 18:9 aspect ratio.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Single 19 MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture, predictive phase detection and laser autofocus. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter with a wide-angle lens.
  6. Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging and wireless charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP65/IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers with Dynamic Vibration System, and S-Force Front Surround sound.

Pros:

  1. OLED Display: The XZ3 was Sony’s first smartphone to feature an OLED display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast.
  2. Design: The device featured a sleek and modern design with a curved glass back and aluminum frame.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The 19 MP Motion Eye camera was capable of shooting 960 fps super slow-motion videos and offered 4K HDR recording.
  4. Sound Experience: The front-facing stereo speakers, combined with the Dynamic Vibration System, provided an immersive multimedia experience.
  5. Software: The XZ3 was one of the first devices to launch with Android 9 Pie, offering a near-stock Android experience with some Sony customizations.

Cons:

  1. Single Rear Camera: At a time when competitors were offering dual or triple camera setups, the XZ3 stuck with a single rear camera, which limited its versatility.
  2. Battery Life: While the 3300 mAh battery was decent, some users found it lacking, especially with heavy multimedia consumption.
  3. Price: Being a flagship, the Xperia XZ3 came with a premium price tag, which might have been a deterrent for some users considering the competition.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia XZ3 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), and a versatile camera setup with variable aperture.
  • iPhone XS: With its Super Retina OLED display, Apple A12 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system.
  • OnePlus 6T: Featuring an Optic AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ3 was announced in August 2018 and became available in October 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Scanner Placement: Some users found the rear fingerprint scanner’s placement to be a bit too low, leading to occasional mis-taps.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware was decent, some users felt that the camera software could be improved for better image processing, especially in low-light scenarios.
  3. Dynamic Vibration: The Dynamic Vibration System, which vibrated the phone in sync with audio, received mixed reviews. Some users liked the added immersion, while others found it gimmicky.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ3 was a solid flagship offering from Sony in 2018, showcasing the company’s strengths in display and audio technology. While it had its set of drawbacks, especially in the camera department, it stood out in a crowded flagship market due to its unique features and Sony’s brand legacy. For those who prioritize display quality and sound experience, the XZ3 was a compelling choice.