Author: Into Droid

Xiaomi Mi A2

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The Xiaomi Mi A2 was a significant device in Xiaomi’s lineup, especially because it was a part of the Android One program, ensuring a stock Android experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Mi A2:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Xiaomi Mi A2 followed the success of the Mi A1, Xiaomi’s first Android One device. The Mi A2 aimed to offer powerful specifications combined with a clean, bloat-free software experience, making it a unique offering in Xiaomi’s typically MIUI-heavy lineup.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, under the Android One program, ensuring regular updates and a stock Android experience. It was later upgradeable to newer Android versions.
  • Display: 5.99-inch LTPS IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 32/64/128 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 20 MP secondary sensor for low-light photography. A 20 MP front camera with a flash.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: USB Type-C, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and infrared port.

Pros:

  • Camera Performance: The Mi A2’s camera, especially the secondary 20 MP sensor, was designed for enhanced low-light photography, making it stand out in its price segment.
  • Clean Software: Being a part of the Android One program, the device offered a stock Android experience, which was a departure from Xiaomi’s typical MIUI interface.
  • Performance: The Snapdragon 660 chipset ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and gaming.
  • Build and Design: The slim aluminum unibody design gave the Mi A2 a premium feel.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average, especially when compared to other Xiaomi devices known for larger batteries.
  • No 3.5mm Jack: The Mi A2 omitted the headphone jack, which was a point of contention for many users.
  • No Expandable Storage: The lack of a microSD slot meant users had to be content with the onboard storage options.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Xiaomi Mi A2 faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Mi A2 was announced in July 2018 and released in the same month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Camera Bumps: The camera module protruded quite a bit, making the phone wobble when placed on a flat surface.
  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches, especially with camera performance, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.
  • Battery Drain: Some users experienced faster battery drain, especially after certain software updates.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Mi A2 was a testament to Xiaomi’s versatility as a brand. While they were primarily known for their MIUI software experience, the Mi A2 showcased their ability to deliver a device with stock Android, catering to a different set of users. The phone’s camera capabilities, combined with its clean software and robust performance, made it a compelling choice in the mid-range segment. While it had its shortcomings, the overall package offered by the Mi A2 made it a favorite among users looking for a no-nonsense Android experience with reliable performance.

Asus Zenfone 5Z

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The Asus Zenfone 5Z was Asus’s answer to the growing demand for flagship-level specifications at a more affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone 5Z:

Overview:

Launched in mid-2018, the Asus Zenfone 5Z was part of Asus’s revamped approach to the smartphone market. It aimed to compete directly with other value flagships, offering high-end specifications and features without the flagship price tag.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, overlaid with Asus’s ZenUI 5.0.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch Super IPS+ LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels, featuring a notch design.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6/8 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8 MP secondary wide-angle sensor. An 8 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset, the Zenfone 5Z ensured top-tier performance, suitable for gaming and multitasking.
  2. Display Quality: The Super IPS+ LCD display was sharp and offered good color reproduction and brightness levels.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The camera setup, especially the wide-angle lens, allowed for versatile photography.
  4. ZenUI Improvements: Asus’s ZenUI 5.0 was more streamlined and closer to stock Android than previous iterations, improving the overall user experience.
  5. Value Proposition: The Zenfone 5Z provided flagship specifications at a significantly lower price point than many competitors.

Cons:

  1. No Water or Dust Resistance: The device lacked any official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
  2. Battery Life: While decent, the battery life wasn’t standout, especially with heavy use.
  3. ZenUI Bloatware: Despite improvements, ZenUI still came with some pre-installed apps that not all users found useful.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Asus Zenfone 5Z faced competition from various flagship and value flagship devices:

  • OnePlus 6: Known for its performance, OxygenOS, and value proposition.
  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Samsung’s flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display and variable aperture camera.
  • LG G7 ThinQ: Featuring a bright display, wide-angle camera, and Quad DAC for audio.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone 5Z was announced in February 2018 and released in July 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches in ZenUI, especially related to notifications and app management.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware was capable, some users felt the camera software sometimes produced inconsistent results, especially in low light.
  3. Audio Quality: Despite having a 3.5mm jack, some users felt the audio output wasn’t as high quality as some competitors.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone 5Z was a significant step forward for Asus in the smartphone market, offering a compelling blend of features, performance, and value. It catered to both enthusiasts looking for high-end specifications and regular users seeking good value for their money. While it had areas for improvement, especially in terms of software refinement, the overall package made the Zenfone 5Z a noteworthy contender in the 2018 smartphone landscape.

Redmi 6A

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The Redmi 6A was a part of Xiaomi’s Redmi series, which is known for offering value-packed smartphones at budget-friendly prices. Launched in 2018, the Redmi 6A was positioned as an entry-level device, aiming to provide essential smartphone features at a very affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi 6A:

Overview:

The Redmi 6A was designed for users who were either first-time smartphone buyers or those looking for a basic smartphone experience without spending much. With its compact design and decent performance for its class, it catered to users who prioritize affordability and essential functionality.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Xiaomi’s MIUI skin.
  2. Display: 5.45-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio A22.
  4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with options of 16 GB/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: 3.5mm headphone jack, face unlock.

Pros:

  1. Affordability: One of the most affordable smartphones with decent specifications for its price bracket.
  2. Compact Design: The device’s compact size made it comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
  3. Decent Camera for the Price: The 13 MP camera provided satisfactory shots in well-lit conditions for its price range.
  4. MIUI Features: Xiaomi’s MIUI skin brought several additional features and customization options.

Cons:

  1. Performance Limitations: The Helio A22 and 2 GB RAM were suitable for basic tasks but could struggle with multitasking or more demanding apps.
  2. No Fingerprint Scanner: The device relied on face unlock and traditional unlocking methods.
  3. Ads in MIUI: One of the common criticisms of MIUI at the time was the presence of ads within the UI, which some users found intrusive.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi 6A faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy J2 Core: Offering a 5-inch TFT display, Exynos 7570 Quad, and an 8 MP primary camera.
  • Moto E5 Play: Featuring a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 425/427, and an 8 MP primary camera.
  • Nokia 2.1: With its 5.5-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 425, and an 8 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Redmi 6A was announced in June 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Being an entry-level device, it wasn’t always the first in line to receive MIUI updates or Android version upgrades.
  2. Limited RAM: With only 2 GB of RAM, the device could experience slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps.
  3. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while expected at this price point, wasn’t the most durable.

Conclusion:

The Redmi 6A was a commendable offering in the entry-level segment, especially for those who wanted a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Its compact design, decent camera for the price, and the features offered by MIUI made it a popular choice among users on a tight budget. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device for essential tasks like calling, messaging, and light browsing, the Redmi 6A was a strong contender. However, those looking for better performance or additional features might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Redmi 6

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The Redmi 6 is part of Xiaomi’s Redmi series, which has been historically known for offering value-packed smartphones at very competitive prices. Launched in 2018, the Redmi 6 was positioned as an entry-level device. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi 6:

Overview:

The Redmi 6 aimed to cater to users looking for a basic smartphone experience without compromising on essential features. With its dual-camera setup and efficient processor, it targeted budget-conscious users who still wanted a decent smartphone experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 9, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 5.45-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P22.
  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 12 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a micro USB port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Compact Design: The 5.45-inch display made the phone relatively compact and easy to handle.
  2. Dual-Camera Setup: The inclusion of a dual-camera setup at this price point was commendable.
  3. MIUI Features: Xiaomi’s MIUI offers a plethora of features and customization options that many users appreciate.
  4. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Redmi 6 offered excellent value for money.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was adequate but not outstanding, especially when compared to some other devices in the same price range.
  2. Performance Limitations: While the Helio P22 is competent for basic tasks, it might not be the best for heavy gaming or intensive multitasking.
  3. Ads in MIUI: One common complaint among users was the presence of ads in the MIUI software experience.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi 6 faced competition from:

  • Realme 2: Offering a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy J6: Featuring a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a single 13 MP rear camera.
  • Moto E5: With its 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 425, and a single 13 MP rear camera.

Launch Date:

The Redmi 6 was announced in June 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bloat: Some users reported that the device came with a number of pre-installed apps, some of which were not useful.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera, while decent for its price, struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. Ads in MIUI: As mentioned earlier, the presence of ads in the UI was a point of contention for many users.

Conclusion:

The Redmi 6 was a solid offering in the entry-level segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its compact size and dual-camera setup were standout features, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of battery life and the occasional software bloat, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic smartphone experience without spending too much, the Redmi 6 was a strong contender. However, those looking for a cleaner software experience or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.