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Realme 2

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The Realme 2 was launched as a successor to the Realme 1, aiming to capture the budget segment of the smartphone market. Introduced in 2018, the Realme 2 was positioned as a device that offers a blend of design, performance, and battery life at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 2:

Overview:

The Realme 2 was designed for users who wanted a stylish device with a good battery life without spending too much. With its diamond-cut design and notch display, it aimed to cater to users who prioritize aesthetics and basic performance.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Oppo’s 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: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 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 an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A substantial 4230 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a face unlock feature.

Pros:

  1. Stylish Design: The diamond-cut design on the back made the device stand out in its segment.
  2. Impressive Battery Life: The 4230 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last a day, even with moderate to heavy usage.
  3. Value for Money: Given its price point, the device offered a decent set of features and performance.
  4. Face Unlock: A feature typically found in more expensive devices, the face unlock was relatively fast and accurate.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD displays in a similar price range.
  2. ColorOS: Oppo’s ColorOS, while feature-rich, wasn’t to everyone’s liking due to its deviation from stock Android and the presence of bloatware.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 450 was decent for basic tasks but struggled with heavy multitasking and intensive gaming.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme 2 faced competition from:

  • Asus Zenfone Max M2: Offering a 6.26-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Redmi 6 Pro: Featuring a 5.84-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 625, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Honor 7C: With its 5.99-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Realme 2 was announced in August 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users found ColorOS to be cluttered and not as intuitive as other custom skins or stock Android.
  2. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while stylish, didn’t feel as premium as some competitors with metal or glass backs.

Conclusion:

The Realme 2 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize aesthetics and battery life. Its diamond-cut design, large battery, and face unlock feature made it a popular choice among users looking for style and basic performance without spending too much. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of display resolution and performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a stylish device that can handle basic tasks and last through long days, the Realme 2 was a top contender. However, those looking for a sharper display or better performance might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Nokia 6.1 Plus

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The Nokia 6.1 Plus, also known as the Nokia X6 in some markets, was a part of Nokia’s resurgence under the stewardship of HMD Global. Launched in 2018, this device aimed to offer a solid mid-range experience with the promise of timely software updates, thanks to its Android One certification. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 6.1 Plus:

Overview:

The Nokia 6.1 Plus was designed to cater to the mid-range segment, offering a blend of decent hardware and a clean software experience. With its modern design and Android One certification, it aimed to appeal to users who value both aesthetics and software purity.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10 due to its Android One certification.
  2. Display: 5.8-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636.
  4. Memory: 4 GB or 6 GB RAM with 32 GB or 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 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3060 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Design: The Nokia 6.1 Plus featured a glass back and a metal frame, giving it a premium look and feel for its price segment.
  2. Software Experience: Being an Android One device, it offered a near-stock Android experience with the promise of regular updates.
  3. Compact Form Factor: The 5.8-inch display made the device relatively compact and easy to handle compared to many of its contemporaries.
  4. Price: The device was competitively priced, offering good value for its specifications.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 3060 mAh battery was decent but not outstanding, especially for power users.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera hardware was decent for its price, it wasn’t the best in its segment, especially in low-light conditions.
  3. No NFC: The absence of NFC was a limitation for users who rely on contactless payments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Nokia 6.1 Plus faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 5 Pro: Offering a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: Featuring a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup with a larger battery.
  • Moto G6: With its 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Nokia 6.1 Plus was announced in July 2018 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches, though these were generally addressed in subsequent updates.
  2. Durability Concerns: The glass back, while premium, made the device more susceptible to cracks and breaks from accidental drops.
  3. Heating Issues: A few users reported heating issues, especially during prolonged gaming or camera usage.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 6.1 Plus was a commendable effort from HMD Global to offer a balanced mid-range smartphone with a focus on design and software purity. Its Android One certification was a significant selling point, ensuring timely software updates and a bloat-free experience. While it had its set of challenges, especially in terms of camera performance and battery life, it was a solid option for those looking for a clean Android experience in the mid-range segment. For users who prioritize software updates and a compact form factor, the Nokia 6.1 Plus was a worthy consideration.

OnePlus 6

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The OnePlus 6 was a pivotal release for OnePlus, continuing its tradition of offering flagship-level specifications at a more affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 6:

Overview:

Launched in mid-2018, the OnePlus 6 followed the OnePlus 5T and showcased the company’s commitment to refining design and performance. It was a representation of OnePlus’s “Never Settle” philosophy, aiming to provide a premium smartphone experience without the premium price tag.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, overlaid with OnePlus’s OxygenOS.
  2. Display: 6.28-inch Optic AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, featuring a notch design.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 16 MP primary sensor with OIS and a 20 MP secondary sensor. A 16 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery with Dash Charge fast charging technology.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, USB Type-C, and an all-glass design.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 845 chipset, combined with the optimized OxygenOS, ensured top-tier performance and smooth multitasking.
  2. Display Quality: The Optic AMOLED display was vibrant and offered deep blacks and good sunlight visibility.
  3. Fast Charging: Dash Charge remained one of the fastest charging technologies, providing a day’s power in half an hour.
  4. OxygenOS: Known for its near-stock experience, speed, and customization features, OxygenOS was a highlight for many users.
  5. Value for Money: The OnePlus 6 provided flagship specifications at a price significantly lower than many of its competitors.

Cons:

  1. No Wireless Charging: Despite having a glass back, the OnePlus 6 did not support wireless charging.
  2. No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus mentioned the device had some form of water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
  3. Camera Performance: While the camera was good, it wasn’t always on par with other flagship devices, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Samsung’s flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display, variable aperture camera, and feature-rich software.
  • iPhone X: Apple’s flagship with its OLED display, Face ID, and the iOS ecosystem.
  • LG G7 ThinQ: Known for its bright display, wide-angle camera, and Quad DAC for audio.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 6 was announced in May 2018 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Oil Painting Effect: Some users reported an “oil painting effect” in photos, where images appeared smudged or lacked detail. This was particularly noticeable in HDR mode.
  2. Battery Optimization: Some users felt the battery drained faster than expected, especially after certain software updates.
  3. Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker was not the loudest and lacked depth for some users.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 6 was a testament to OnePlus’s strategy of offering a high-end smartphone experience at a more accessible price point. With its modern design, powerful internals, and user-friendly software, it was a favorite among tech enthusiasts and regular users alike. While it had areas for improvement, especially in terms of camera software optimization, the overall value proposition of the OnePlus 6 made it a significant success for OnePlus in the competitive smartphone market.

Android 9.0 Pie

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Overview:

Android 9, codenamed “Pie,” was launched in August 2018. With Pie, Google focused on harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to make the Android experience even more tailored to individual users. The release emphasized intuitive navigation, adaptive battery usage, and user well-being.

History:

Building on the refinements of Oreo, Google’s vision with Pie was to create a more personalized and adaptive Android experience. By leveraging machine learning and AI, Pie aimed to anticipate user needs and optimize system performance accordingly.

Changes:

Pie introduced a series of new features and design changes. A significant shift was the introduction of gesture-based navigation, moving away from the traditional navigation buttons. The platform also emphasized digital well-being, offering features to help users manage their screen time.

First devices to receive the update:

Google’s Pixel devices were among the first to receive the Android Pie update, showcasing the platform’s new features and AI-driven enhancements.

Features:

Android 9 Pie introduced several notable features:

  • Gesture Navigation: Pie introduced a new system navigation based on gestures, offering a more immersive experience.
  • Adaptive Battery: Using machine learning, Pie optimized battery usage based on individual app usage patterns.
  • App Actions: The platform predicted user actions and offered quick shortcuts for common tasks.
  • Slices: This feature provided a deeper look into apps directly from search results.
  • Digital Wellbeing: Tools like Dashboard, Wind Down, and Do Not Disturb aimed to help users manage their screen time and ensure a balanced digital life.
  • Adaptive Brightness: The system adjusted screen brightness based on user habits and ambient light conditions.

User Experience:

Pie aimed to provide a more adaptive and personalized user experience. Features like Adaptive Battery and Adaptive Brightness showcased Android’s commitment to using AI for user benefit. Gesture navigation offered a fresh way to interact with devices, while the Digital Wellbeing tools resonated with users seeking a balanced digital lifestyle.

Platform:

Building on the Linux kernel, Pie continued Android’s open-source legacy. The platform was designed to be more adaptive, leveraging machine learning to optimize performance and user experience.

Security:

Pie introduced several security enhancements. The platform offered improved encryption, biometric authentication enhancements, and more robust protection against hardware-based attacks. Secure app data backups and protected confirmation were also notable security features.

Reception:

Android 9 Pie was positively received by users and tech enthusiasts. The AI-driven features, particularly Adaptive Battery, were praised for their practical benefits. Gesture navigation received mixed reviews, with some appreciating the modern approach, while others took time to adapt.