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Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018)

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The Samsung Galaxy A7 is part of Samsung’s mid-range “A” series. Since its introduction, there have been multiple iterations of the Galaxy A7, with the first one being released in 2015 and subsequent versions in the following years. For the sake of clarity, I’ll provide an overview of the 2018 version, which was notable for its triple camera setup.

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was a part of Samsung’s effort to bring innovative features to the mid-range segment. It was the company’s first smartphone with a triple rear camera setup.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, later upgradeable.
  • Display: 6.0-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels.
  • Processor: Exynos 7885 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB.
  • Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 24 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and 5 MP depth sensor. A 24 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (region-dependent), and GPS.
  • Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Dolby Atmos sound, and Samsung Experience UI.

Pros:

  • Triple Camera Setup: The A7 (2018) brought versatility in photography to the mid-range segment with its triple camera setup.
  • Display: The Super AMOLED display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
  • Design: With a glass back and sleek design, the phone had a premium feel.
  • Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage with a microSD card was a welcome feature for many users.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: While the 3300 mAh battery was decent, it wasn’t the best in its class.
  • Processor Performance: The Exynos 7885 was competent, but there were other devices in the same price range with more powerful chipsets.
  • No USB Type-C: The device still used a micro USB port, which felt a bit dated in 2018.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the mid-range smartphone segment was highly competitive. The Galaxy A7 (2018) faced competition from:

  • Nokia 7.1: With its solid build, Android One experience, and HDR10 display.
  • Xiaomi Pocophone F1: Offering flagship-level specs, including the Snapdragon 845, at a mid-range price.
  • Motorola Moto G6 Plus: Known for its clean Android experience, good build quality, and decent camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was announced in September 2018 and released in October 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bloat: Some users found Samsung’s UI to be filled with redundant apps and bloatware.
  • Camera Inconsistencies: While the triple camera was a highlight, some users reported inconsistent performance, especially in low light.
  • Fingerprint Sensor Placement: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor had mixed reviews, with some finding it inconvenient.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was an important device for Samsung, showcasing the company’s intent to bring flagship features to the mid-range segment. The triple camera setup was its standout feature, offering users more versatility in photography. While it had its share of criticisms, it was generally well-received by those looking for a balanced smartphone experience without breaking the bank. The A7 (2018) was a testament to the rapidly evolving mid-range smartphone market, where premium features were becoming increasingly accessible.

Google Pixel 3

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Overview:

Introduced in 2018, the Google Pixel 3 was the third iteration of Google’s Pixel series. Building on the strengths of its predecessors, the Pixel 3 aimed to offer a refined design, an even better camera experience, and the latest software innovations from Google.

Features:

  • Operating System: Launched with Android 9.0 Pie, with the hallmark of receiving direct and prompt updates from Google.
  • Display: 5.5-inch P-OLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 64/128 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: 12.2 MP rear camera with optical and electronic image stabilization. Dual 8 MP front cameras, one of which is wide-angle, enabling wider group selfies.
  • Battery: 2915 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted), USB Type-C, water and dust resistance (IP68), stereo front-facing speakers, and deep integration of Google Assistant.

Pros:

  • Camera Prowess: The Pixel 3’s camera, especially its Night Sight feature, set new standards for low-light photography in smartphones.
  • Compact Design: The Pixel 3 offered a more hand-friendly size compared to many of its larger competitors.
  • Wireless Charging: The introduction of wireless charging was a welcome addition, and the Pixel Stand accessory provided unique features when the phone was docked.
  • Call Screen Feature: Using Google Assistant, the Pixel 3 could screen calls and transcribe them in real-time, helping users avoid spam calls.
  • Build and Design: The two-tone glass back was both functional (enabling wireless charging) and distinctive.

Cons:

  • Memory Management: Some users reported aggressive memory management, which led to apps being closed prematurely.
  • Battery Life: The 2915 mAh battery was decent but not standout, especially when compared to some competitors.
  • Price: The Pixel 3’s starting price was seen as high by some, especially given the competition.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the smartphone landscape was evolving rapidly. The Google Pixel 3 faced competition from:

  • iPhone XS: Apple’s flagship with its A12 Bionic chip, dual cameras, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Samsung Galaxy S9: With its Infinity Display, variable aperture camera, and a plethora of features.
  • OnePlus 6T: Offering high-end specs with a more competitive price tag.

Launch Date:

The Google Pixel 3 was announced in October 2018 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Notch on Pixel 3 XL: The larger variant, the Pixel 3 XL, had a notably deep notch that was divisive among users and reviewers.
  • Audio Quality: Some users reported issues with the audio quality during video recording.
  • Software Bugs: As with most new launches, there were occasional software bugs, but Google was generally quick to address them with updates.

Conclusion:

The Google Pixel 3 continued Google’s tradition of offering a top-tier camera experience and the latest software innovations. While it had its share of criticisms, especially concerning price and some design choices, it was generally well-received by those who prioritized camera performance, software updates, and a pure Android experience. The Pixel 3 solidified Google’s position in the premium smartphone market and showcased its vision for the Android ecosystem.

Realme C1

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The Realme C1 is part of Realme’s C series, which is aimed at offering budget-friendly smartphones with a decent set of features. Launched in 2018, the Realme C1 was positioned as an entry-level device with a focus on providing value for money. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme C1:

Overview:

The Realme C1 was designed for users who wanted a basic smartphone experience without compromising on essential features. With its large display and battery, it aimed to cater to users looking for a budget-friendly multimedia device.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with ColorOS 5.1 skin.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 450.
  4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with 16 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: 4230 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Face unlock, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a micro USB port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Large Display: The 6.2-inch display was quite large for its price segment, making it suitable for media consumption.
  2. Decent Battery Life: The 4230 mAh battery ensured a day’s worth of usage for most users.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Realme C1 offered excellent value for money.
  4. Face Unlock: The inclusion of face unlock was a nice touch for an entry-level device.

Cons:

  1. Limited RAM: With only 2 GB of RAM, multitasking could be a challenge.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera setup was decent for its price, it struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. Bloatware: ColorOS came with some pre-installed apps that not everyone found useful.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme C1 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 6A: Offering a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio A22, and a single 13 MP rear camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy J4: Featuring a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7570 Quad, and a single 13 MP rear camera.
  • Asus Zenfone Max M1: With its 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 430, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Realme C1 was announced in September 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Lags: Given its entry-level positioning, some users experienced occasional lags, especially when running multiple apps.
  2. Camera Software: There were reports of the camera software being a bit slow or occasionally freezing.
  3. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.

Conclusion:

The Realme C1 was a solid offering in the entry-level segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its large display and decent battery life made it a popular choice among budget-conscious users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and camera capabilities, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic smartphone experience without spending too much, the Realme C1 was a worthy contender. However, those looking for a more balanced device with better performance or camera capabilities might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Sony Xperia XA2 Plus

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The Sony Xperia XA2 Plus was a mid-range offering from Sony in 2018. Positioned as an enhancement to the Xperia XA2 and XA2 Ultra, it aimed to offer a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on multimedia consumption. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA2 Plus:

Overview:

Introduced in 2018, the Xperia XA2 Plus was part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, emphasizing a premium design, a decent camera setup, and a focus on audio and video playback.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo.
  2. Display: 6.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB or 6 GB RAM with 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Single 23 MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture and phase detection autofocus. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with a wide-angle lens.
  6. Battery: 3580 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, and high-resolution audio with LDAC.

Pros:

  1. Design: The device featured a sleek and modern design with a metal back and minimal bezels.
  2. Audio Capabilities: The XA2 Plus supported high-resolution audio and Sony’s LDAC for enhanced Bluetooth audio quality.
  3. Battery Life: The 3580 mAh battery, combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 630, ensured good battery life.
  4. Camera Performance: The 23 MP rear camera was capable of capturing detailed shots, especially in good lighting conditions.
  5. Display: The Full HD+ display offered sharp visuals and good color reproduction for its price range.

Cons:

  1. Processor: While the Snapdragon 630 was decent for everyday tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its segment.
  2. Camera Low-light Performance: The camera struggled in low-light conditions, with images often turning out grainy or lacking detail.
  3. Software Updates: Sony’s track record with updates for its mid-range devices was inconsistent, leading to potential delays in receiving the latest Android versions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XA2 Plus faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018): Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto G6 Plus: Featuring a 5.9-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a dual-camera system.
  • Nokia 6.1 Plus: With its 5.8-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA2 Plus was announced in July 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Weight and Size: Some users found the device to be a bit heavy and bulky, making one-handed use challenging.
  2. Camera Software: While the camera hardware was decent, some users felt that the software could benefit from further refinements, especially in terms of image processing and low-light performance.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA2 Plus was a balanced mid-range offering that brought some of the premium features from Sony’s flagship lineup, like high-resolution audio and a focus on multimedia consumption, to a more affordable price point. While it did make some compromises in terms of performance and camera software, it offered a unique package in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize audio and video playback.