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Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018)

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The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) was part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is known for offering a balanced set of features at a more affordable price point compared to the flagship S-series. Released in 2018, the A6+ aimed to cater to the mid-range segment with a particular emphasis on display and camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018):

Overview:

The Galaxy A6+ (2018) was designed to offer a premium feel and essential features without breaking the bank. With its Super AMOLED display and dual-camera setup, it aimed to appeal to users who prioritize multimedia consumption and photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.0-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB or 4 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 24 MP shooter with an LED flash.
  6. Battery: 3500 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Dolby Atmos sound.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED display was vibrant and offered deep blacks, which is typical of Samsung’s AMOLED panels.
  2. Front Camera: The 24 MP front camera with an LED flash was suitable for selfies, even in low-light conditions.
  3. Design: The device had a metal unibody design, giving it a premium feel.
  4. Dolby Atmos: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos provided an enhanced audio experience when using headphones.

Cons:

  1. Processor: The Snapdragon 450, while decent for basic tasks, was not the most powerful in its segment.
  2. No Fast Charging: The device lacked fast charging support, which meant longer charging times for the 3500 mAh battery.
  3. Price: Some users felt that the device was a bit overpriced for the specifications it offered, especially when compared to competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy A6+ (2018) faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 5 Pro: Offering a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto G6 Plus: With its 5.9-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a dual-camera system.
  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: Featuring a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) was announced in May 2018 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when multitasking or running heavy apps.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera hardware was decent, some users felt that the software processing could be improved, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Weight: The device was a bit on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for all users.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) was a decent mid-range offering that aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a touch of premium. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of display and front camera, it faced stiff competition in its segment. For Samsung loyalists or those who prioritize display quality, the A6+ was a viable option. However, those looking for better performance or value for money might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

LG G7 ThinQ

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The LG G7 ThinQ was LG’s flagship offering in 2018, showcasing the company’s focus on innovation, audio quality, and AI features. Here’s an in-depth review of the LG G7 ThinQ:

Overview:

Introduced in mid-2018, the LG G7 ThinQ was a continuation of LG’s G series, aiming to compete with other flagship devices of the year. It combined a sleek design, powerful specifications, and unique features, particularly in the audio department.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, with LG’s custom skin.
  2. Display: 6.1-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, featuring a notch design and an ultra-bright mode for better sunlight visibility.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 16 MP primary sensor with OIS and a 16 MP wide-angle lens. An 8 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging support.
  7. Other Features: Quad DAC for superior audio, Boombox speaker, IP68 water and dust resistance, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, dedicated Google Assistant button, and face recognition.

Pros:

  1. Audio Experience: The Quad DAC, when paired with high-quality headphones, provided one of the best audio experiences on a smartphone. The Boombox speaker feature also enhanced the external audio output.
  2. Display: The ultra-bright mode allowed the display to be easily visible even under direct sunlight.
  3. Wide-angle Camera: The wide-angle lens offered a unique perspective, allowing for more creative photography.
  4. Build and Design: The device featured a premium glass and metal design with a sleek finish.
  5. Dedicated Google Assistant Button: A dedicated button for Google Assistant allowed for quick and easy access to voice commands.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average, and heavy users often found the need to charge before the day ended.
  2. Software Experience: While LG’s skin offered many features, it wasn’t as streamlined or as frequently updated as some competitors.
  3. Price: At launch, the LG G7 ThinQ was priced similarly to other flagships, making it a tough sell against brands with stronger reputations in certain markets.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the LG G7 ThinQ faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Known for its Dynamic AMOLED display, camera with variable aperture, and feature-rich software.
  • OnePlus 6: Offering flagship specifications at a more affordable price point.
  • iPhone X: Apple’s flagship with its OLED display, Face ID, and the iOS ecosystem.

Launch Date:

The LG G7 ThinQ was announced in May 2018 and released in June 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: LG was often criticized for its slow pace of delivering software updates, leading to users waiting longer for the latest Android features and security patches.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware was capable, some users felt the camera software sometimes produced inconsistent results, especially in low light.
  3. Battery Optimization: Some users reported subpar battery life, especially when using the device’s brighter display settings or when using resource-intensive apps.

Conclusion:

The LG G7 ThinQ was a solid flagship offering from LG, bringing together a mix of innovative features, especially in the audio department. While it had its strengths, it faced stiff competition in a market filled with compelling alternatives. For audiophiles and those who valued the wide-angle camera experience, the G7 ThinQ was a strong contender. However, for the broader audience, the device’s appeal was somewhat hampered by its average battery life and software experience.

Nokia 3.1

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The Nokia 3.1 was a part of Nokia’s revamped lineup under HMD Global, targeting the budget segment of the smartphone market. Launched in 2018, the Nokia 3.1 aimed to offer a reliable and pure Android experience in a compact and affordable package. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 3.1:

Overview:

The Nokia 3.1 was designed for users who wanted a straightforward, no-frills smartphone experience with the assurance of regular software updates, thanks to its Android One certification. With its compact design and decent build quality, it catered to users looking for a budget-friendly yet dependable device.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo) as part of the Android One program, ensuring regular updates and a stock Android experience.
  2. Display: 5.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek MT6750.
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB/3 GB RAM with 16 GB/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 2990 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC (in certain models).

Pros:

  1. Android One: The device’s Android One certification meant a bloat-free, stock Android experience with the promise of regular security and OS updates.
  2. Build Quality: Despite its budget positioning, the Nokia 3.1 boasted a solid build with an aluminum frame.
  3. Compact Design: The 5.2-inch display made the device easy to handle and use with one hand.
  4. Price: Being a budget device, it offered good value for its price point.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The MediaTek MT6750, combined with limited RAM, was sufficient for basic tasks but could struggle with multitasking and more demanding apps.
  2. Battery Life: The 2990 mAh battery was adequate but not outstanding, especially when compared to competitors with larger batteries.
  3. Camera Performance: While decent in well-lit conditions, the camera struggled in low-light scenarios.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Nokia 3.1 faced competition from:

  • Moto E5: Offering a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 425, and a 4000 mAh battery.
  • Samsung Galaxy J4: With its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7570 Quad, and a 3000 mAh battery.
  • Xiaomi Redmi 6: Featuring a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Nokia 3.1 was announced in May 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Performance: Some users reported occasional slowdowns and stutters, especially when running multiple apps.
  2. Camera Quality: The camera, while decent for the price, was not the best in its segment, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Storage: The base model with 16 GB of storage could quickly fill up, making a microSD card almost essential for many users.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 3.1 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize software experience and build quality. Its Android One certification and solid build made it stand out in a crowded market. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and camera quality, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic device with a clean software experience and decent build, the Nokia 3.1 was a good choice. However, those looking for better performance, camera capabilities, or battery life might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy J4

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The Samsung Galaxy J4 was a part of Samsung’s J-series, which catered to the budget to mid-range segment of the smartphone market. Launched in 2018, the Galaxy J4 was positioned as an affordable device that offers a reliable Samsung experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy J4:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy J4 was designed for users who wanted a dependable smartphone experience from a reputable brand without spending too much. With its Super AMOLED display and decent camera, it aimed to cater to users who prioritize display quality and basic photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo) with Samsung’s Experience UI.
  2. Display: 5.5-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 7570 Quad.
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB/3 GB RAM with 16 GB/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/1.9 aperture. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter with an LED flash.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh removable battery.
  7. Other Features: 3.5mm headphone jack, front-facing LED flash for selfies.

Pros:

  1. Super AMOLED Display: The HD display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels.
  2. Camera Performance: The 13 MP camera with an f/1.9 aperture performed decently in well-lit conditions.
  3. Removable Battery: A feature that’s becoming rare, the removable battery allowed users to replace the battery if needed.
  4. Selfie Flash: The front-facing LED flash was a bonus for selfie enthusiasts, especially in low-light conditions.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The Exynos 7570 and limited RAM were sufficient for basic tasks but could struggle with multitasking and more demanding apps.
  2. Plastic Build: The device had a plastic build which didn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass alternatives.
  3. No Fingerprint Scanner: The device lacked a fingerprint scanner, which was becoming standard even in budget devices.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy J4 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 6: Offering a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto E5: Featuring a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 425, and a 13 MP primary camera.
  • Nokia 3.1: With its 5.2-inch IPS LCD, MediaTek MT6750, and a 13 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy J4 was announced in May 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Being a budget device, it wasn’t always the first to receive updates or major Android version upgrades.
  2. Performance Hiccups: Given the limited RAM and entry-level processor, some users experienced occasional slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps.
  3. Build Quality: The plastic build, while expected at this price point, wasn’t the most durable and was prone to scratches.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy J4 was a decent offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize display quality and basic photography. Its Super AMOLED screen and decent camera setup made it a popular choice among users who wanted a reliable multimedia and photography experience without spending too much. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and build quality, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic device with a good display and camera capabilities, the Galaxy J4 was a top contender. However, those looking for better performance or a more premium build might have considered other options available in the market at the time.