Author: Into Droid

Samsung Galaxy J6

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The Samsung Galaxy J6 was a part of Samsung’s J-series, which was aimed at the budget to mid-range segment of the smartphone market. Launched in 2018, the Galaxy J6 was positioned as a device that offers a blend of Samsung’s reliable brand name, decent performance, and an AMOLED display at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy J6:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy J6 was designed for users who wanted a reliable and stylish device without spending too much. With its Super AMOLED display and sleek design, it aimed to cater to users who prioritize display quality and basic performance.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung’s Experience UI.
  2. Display: 5.6-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 720 x 1480 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 7870 Octa.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/1.9 aperture. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with an f/1.9 aperture.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Super AMOLED Display: The display, even though it’s 720p, offers vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels.
  2. Compact Design: The device’s relatively compact size made it comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
  3. Reliable Performance: The Exynos 7870 Octa provided decent performance for day-to-day tasks.
  4. Brand Reliability: Being a Samsung device, it came with the brand’s reputation for reliability and after-sales service.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: Even though it’s an AMOLED, the HD+ resolution was not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD displays in a similar price range.
  2. Camera Performance: The camera was decent in well-lit conditions but struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was average and might not last a full day with heavy usage.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy J6 faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 5: Offering a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 625, and a 12 MP primary camera.
  • Realme 2: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto G6: With its 5.7-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy J6 was announced in May 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users found Samsung’s Experience UI to be a bit bloated with unnecessary apps and features.
  2. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while sleek, didn’t feel as premium as some competitors with metal or glass backs.
  3. Charging Speed: The device lacked fast charging, which meant longer charging times.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy J6 was a solid offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize display quality. Its Super AMOLED screen, despite being HD+, was one of its standout features. Coupled with Samsung’s brand reliability, it was a popular choice among users who wanted a dependable device without breaking the bank. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of camera performance and battery life, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device with a great display and basic performance, the Galaxy J6 was a strong contender. However, those looking for better camera performance or a more premium build might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Sony Xperia XZ2

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The Sony Xperia XZ2 is the larger sibling to the Xperia XZ2 Compact and was a part of Sony’s flagship lineup for 2018. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ2:

Overview:

Introduced in 2018, the Xperia XZ2 showcased Sony’s revamped design language, moving away from the “OmniBalance” design to the “Ambient Flow” design. It was a significant step forward in terms of aesthetics and features for Sony.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, but upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, supporting HDR10.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845.
  4. Memory: 4/6 GB RAM (depending on the region) with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Single 19 MP rear camera with capabilities like 4K HDR video recording and super slow-motion video at 960fps. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3180 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging and wireless charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and Dynamic Vibration System.

Pros:

  1. Performance: With the Snapdragon 845 at its core, the Xperia XZ2 offers top-tier performance, handling tasks and games with ease.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The 19 MP Motion Eye camera is capable of impressive slow-motion video and 4K HDR recording.
  3. Design and Build: The new design language offers a fresh look, with a curved back and premium materials.
  4. Audio Experience: Front-facing stereo speakers and support for LDAC and aptX HD offer a rich audio experience.
  5. Wireless Charging: The inclusion of wireless charging is a welcome feature, adding to the convenience.

Cons:

  1. No Headphone Jack: The XZ2, like its Compact sibling, dropped the 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a point of contention for some users.
  2. Dynamic Vibration System: While unique, some users found this feature, which provides haptic feedback during media playback, to be more gimmicky than practical.
  3. Camera Software: Despite having capable hardware, some users felt the camera software could benefit from further refinements, especially in low light scenarios.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia XZ2 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9+: Offering a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), and a dual-camera setup.
  • iPhone X: With its 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, Apple A11 Bionic chip, and a dual 12 MP camera system.
  • Google Pixel 2 XL: Featuring a 6.0-inch P-OLED display, Snapdragon 835, and a highly-praised 12.2 MP camera.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 was announced in February 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. Weight and Thickness: The device was considered a bit chunky and heavy compared to some of its competitors.
  3. Heat Management: Similar to the Compact version, some users reported the device getting warm during extended camera use or gaming.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 marked a significant shift in Sony’s smartphone design and was a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and quality. While it had its set of drawbacks, the device offered a balanced mix of performance, camera capabilities, and design. For Sony enthusiasts and users looking for a flagship experience with unique features like the Dynamic Vibration System, the Xperia XZ2 was a solid choice in 2018.

Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact

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The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is part of Sony’s XZ2 series, which was introduced in 2018. The “Compact” moniker in Sony’s lineup typically refers to a smaller, more pocket-friendly version of their flagship devices, but without compromising much on the specifications. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Xperia XZ2 Compact was Sony’s answer to users who desired flagship-level performance in a more compact form factor. It retained many of the features of its bigger sibling, the Xperia XZ2, but in a smaller package.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 5.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels, supporting HDR10.
  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 4K HDR video recording and super slow-motion video at 960fps. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 2870 mAh non-removable battery with USB Type-C fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, stereo speakers, and Dynamic Vibration System.

Pros:

  1. Compact Size: One of the few phones in the market to offer top-tier specs in a compact form factor.
  2. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 845, the device offers smooth and responsive performance.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The 19 MP Motion Eye camera offers impressive slow-motion video capabilities and 4K HDR recording.
  4. Build Quality: Despite its size, the phone feels premium with a mix of glass and aluminum construction.
  5. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 rating ensures the phone can handle splashes and brief submersion.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: While decent, the 2870 mAh battery might not last a full day for heavy users, given the powerful internals.
  2. No Headphone Jack: Unlike its predecessors, the XZ2 Compact dropped the 3.5mm headphone jack.
  3. Design: Some users found the design to be a bit chunky compared to other compact phones.
  4. Front Camera: The 5 MP front camera might not be sufficient for users who prioritize selfies.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xperia XZ2 Compact faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Offering a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810), and a variable aperture camera.
  • iPhone 8: With its 4.7-inch Retina IPS display, Apple A11 Bionic chip, and a single 12 MP camera.
  • Google Pixel 2: Featuring a 5.0-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 835, and a highly-praised 12.2 MP camera.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact was announced in February 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Dynamic Vibration System: Some users found this feature, which adds haptic feedback to media playback, to be more of a gimmick than a useful feature.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware was capable, some users felt that Sony’s camera software lacked some of the refinements seen in competitors.
  3. Heat Management: Some users reported the device getting warm during extended camera use or gaming.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact was a unique offering in 2018’s smartphone market. For users who desired flagship specifications but in a more manageable size, the XZ2 Compact was one of the few options available. While it made some compromises, like battery size and the omission of the headphone jack, it didn’t skimp on performance or general capabilities. For those who prioritize one-handed use and portability but still want a powerful device, the Xperia XZ2 Compact was a compelling choice.

Motorola Moto G6 Plus

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The Motorola Moto G6 Plus was the more advanced sibling in the G6 lineup, offering enhanced specifications and features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto G6 Plus:

Overview:

Introduced in 2018 alongside the Moto G6, the Moto G6 Plus aimed to cater to users who wanted a bit more power and features from their mid-range device, without a significant jump in price.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo.
  • Display: 5.9-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. An 8 MP or 16 MP front camera (varies by region).
  • Battery: 3200 mAh non-removable battery with TurboPower fast charging.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (in certain regions), and GPS.
  • Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 630 chipset, combined with options for more RAM, ensured smoother multitasking and overall performance compared to the standard G6.
  • Build and Design: Like the G6, the G6 Plus featured a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a premium feel in the mid-range segment.
  • Clean Software: Motorola’s near-stock Android with minimal additions was a highlight, ensuring a bloat-free experience.
  • Battery Life: The 3200 mAh battery, combined with efficient software optimizations, ensured a day’s worth of usage for most users.

Cons:

  • Camera Low-light Performance: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled to capture detail in low-light scenarios.
  • Weight and Size: The G6 Plus was slightly larger and heavier than the G6, which might not be comfortable for all users.
  • Competitive Market: The mid-range segment in 2018 was fiercely competitive, with several brands offering devices with similar or better specs at comparable prices.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Moto G6 Plus faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

  • Nokia 7 Plus: Offering a larger battery, Android One experience, and a more powerful Snapdragon 660 chipset.
  • Xiaomi Mi A2: Known for its clean Android One experience, powerful specs, and impressive camera performance.
  • Asus Zenfone 5: With its AI-enhanced features, dual-camera setup, and Snapdragon 636 chipset.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto G6 Plus was announced in April 2018 and released in May 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Update Delays: Like the G6, the G6 Plus faced criticism for not receiving timely software updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single front-facing speaker, while decent, wasn’t the loudest or clearest in its segment.
  • Durability Concerns: The glass back, though aesthetically pleasing, was prone to smudges and potential breakage upon impact.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto G6 Plus was a solid addition to the G series, offering users an option with enhanced performance and features compared to the standard G6. It retained the strengths of the G6, such as its design and clean software, while addressing some of its limitations with a more powerful chipset and increased RAM options. For users loyal to the Motorola brand or those looking for a balanced mid-range device with a touch of premium design, the G6 Plus was a compelling choice. However, in a saturated market, it faced stiff competition from brands offering devices with similar or better value propositions.