Author: Into Droid

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1

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The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was a notable release from Asus, targeting the mid-range segment with a focus on battery life and a clean Android experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1:

Overview:

Introduced in 2018, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 was Asus’s attempt to capture a larger share of the competitive mid-range market. The device emphasized its massive battery and departure from the typical ZenUI in favor of a more stock-like Android experience.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo with a near-stock experience.
  • Display: 5.99-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3/4/6 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 13 MP (or 16 MP for the 6 GB RAM model) primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. An 8 MP (or 16 MP for the 6 GB RAM model) front camera.
  • Battery: A whopping 5000 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated microSD slot.

Pros:

  • Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery was one of the main selling points, ensuring the phone lasted well over a day for most users, even with heavy usage.
  • Stock Android Experience: A departure from Asus’s typical ZenUI, the near-stock Android experience was a refreshing change and was well-received by users.
  • Performance: The Snapdragon 636 chipset, combined with ample RAM options, ensured smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance.
  • Value for Money: The device offered a balanced set of features for its price point, making it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Cons:

  • Camera Performance: While decent in well-lit conditions, the camera struggled in low-light scenarios and lacked some of the refinements seen in competitors.
  • Build Quality: The all-metal design, while sturdy, lacked the premium feel of glass-backed devices in its segment.
  • Slow Charging: Despite the large battery, the device did not support fast charging, making charging times lengthy.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 faced stiff competition in the mid-range segment:

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro: With a similar Snapdragon 636 chipset, enhanced camera capabilities, and MIUI software experience.
  • Motorola Moto G6: Offering a glass design, clean software, and focus on camera capabilities.
  • Nokia 6.1 (Nokia 6 2018): With its robust build, clean Android One experience, and reliable performance.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was announced in April 2018 and released in May 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches and inconsistencies, especially with the camera app.
  • Delayed Updates: Despite the stock Android experience, the device faced delays in receiving timely software updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker, while decent, wasn’t particularly loud or clear.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was a significant release for Asus, showcasing their ability to adapt to market demands and preferences. The device’s massive battery, combined with its clean software and balanced performance, made it a favorite among users looking for longevity and a no-nonsense Android experience. While it had its challenges, especially in the face of fierce competition, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 marked a positive direction for Asus in the mid-range smartphone market.

Motorola Moto G6

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The Motorola Moto G6 was a part of Motorola’s popular G series, which has been known for offering solid specifications and performance at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto G6:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Moto G6 continued Motorola’s tradition of providing a balanced smartphone experience without breaking the bank. It aimed to offer a blend of design, functionality, and value.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo.
  • Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 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: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with TurboPower fast charging.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Design: The Moto G6 featured a glass back and aluminum frame, giving it a more premium look compared to its predecessors.
  • Clean Software: Motorola’s near-stock Android experience, with minimal bloat and useful additions like Moto Actions, was a selling point.
  • Display: The 18:9 aspect ratio display was vibrant and offered good viewing angles.
  • Value for Money: The Moto G6 provided a balanced set of features for its price point.

Cons:

  • Processor Performance: The Snapdragon 450, while adequate for daily tasks, was not the most powerful in its segment.
  • Camera Performance: While decent in good lighting, the camera struggled in low-light conditions.
  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was average, and while TurboPower charging helped, some competitors offered larger batteries.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the mid-range smartphone segment was packed with options. The Moto G6 faced competition from:

  • Nokia 7.1: Offering a premium design, HDR10 display, and Android One experience.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro: Known for its powerful specs and larger battery at a similar price point.
  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: With a massive battery and clean Android experience.

Launch Date:

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

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Slow Updates: Despite the near-stock Android experience, Motorola was criticized for slow software updates for the G6.
  • Speaker Quality: The front-facing speaker, while clear, wasn’t particularly loud.
  • Build Durability: The glass back, while premium, made the phone more susceptible to cracks and breaks from drops.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto G6 was a continuation of Motorola’s philosophy of offering reliable smartphones at an affordable price. While it faced stiff competition in its segment, the G6 carved out a niche for users looking for a clean Android experience, decent camera capabilities, and a premium design without spending too much. It was a testament to the evolving mid-range smartphone market, where users were getting more and more features previously reserved for flagship devices.

Motorola Moto E5

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The Moto E5 was part of Motorola’s E-series, which has always been targeted at the budget segment of the smartphone market. Launched in 2018, the Moto E5 aimed to provide a reliable smartphone experience at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto E5:

Overview:

The Moto E5 was designed for users who wanted a no-frills, reliable smartphone experience without spending a lot. With its large battery and near-stock Android experience, it catered to users who prioritize battery longevity and a clean software experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  2. Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 425.
  4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A substantial 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner (in some regions), 3.5mm headphone jack, and a water-repellent coating.

Pros:

  1. Impressive Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last a day, even with moderate to heavy usage.
  2. Near-Stock Android Experience: Motorola’s light touch on Android meant that the device offered a clean, near-stock experience, which many users appreciated.
  3. Value for Money: Given its price point, the device offered a decent set of features and performance.
  4. Durable Design: The device had a robust design with a water-repellent coating, making it more resistant to splashes and light rain.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 425 and 2 GB RAM were sufficient for basic tasks but could struggle with multitasking and more demanding apps.
  2. Camera Performance: The camera was average and could struggle in low-light conditions.
  3. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors in a similar price range.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto E5 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 6: Offering a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Realme C1: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy J4: With its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display and Exynos 7570 Quad.

Launch Date:

The Moto E5 was announced in April 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates or not receiving major Android version updates.
  2. Performance Hiccups: Given the limited RAM and entry-level processor, some users experienced occasional slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps.
  3. Storage: With only 16 GB of internal storage, users could quickly run out of space, making a microSD card almost essential.

Conclusion:

The Moto E5 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize battery life and a clean Android experience. Its large battery and near-stock Android made it a popular choice among users who wanted a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. 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 device that can last through long days and handle basic tasks with ease, the Moto E5 was a top contender. However, those looking for better performance or a sharper display might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro

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The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was a significant release in Xiaomi’s lineup, particularly in markets like India where it gained immense popularity. It was known for offering high-end specifications at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in early 2018, the Redmi Note 5 Pro aimed to build on the success of its predecessors in the Redmi Note series. It combined a modern design, powerful internals, and a competitive price, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.1.2 Nougat with Xiaomi’s MIUI 9, later upgradeable.
  • Display: 5.99-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. A 20 MP front camera with LED flash.
  • Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, infrared port, and a microUSB port.

Pros:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 636 chipset, combined with ample RAM, ensured smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
  • Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera setup, especially the high-resolution front camera with flash, was a highlight, offering good photos in various lighting conditions.
  • Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured the phone lasted through a full day of heavy usage.
  • Value for Money: The device provided a balanced set of features for its price point, making it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Cons:

  • MIUI Ads: Xiaomi’s MIUI, while feature-rich, started showing ads in various native apps, which was a point of contention for many users.
  • MicroUSB Port: At a time when many devices were moving to USB Type-C, the Redmi Note 5 Pro still used the older microUSB standard.
  • Design: While the build was solid, the design was considered derivative, with many likening it to the iPhone X, especially due to the camera placement.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Redmi Note 5 Pro faced stiff competition in the mid-range segment:

  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: Offering a massive battery, stock Android experience, and similar Snapdragon 636 chipset.
  • Nokia 6.1: With its robust build, clean Android One experience, and reliable performance.
  • Motorola Moto G6: Offering a glass design, clean software, and focus on camera capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was announced in February 2018 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Flash Sale Model: The device was initially sold via flash sales, making it hard for many consumers to purchase due to high demand.
  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches in MIUI, especially related to notifications.
  • Heating Issues: Some users experienced heating, especially during prolonged gaming or camera usage.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was a testament to Xiaomi’s strategy of offering feature-packed devices at competitive prices. It combined a decent design, powerful internals, and a good camera setup, making it a favorite in the mid-range segment. While it had its challenges, especially in terms of software and the flash sale model, the overall value proposition of the Redmi Note 5 Pro made it a significant success for Xiaomi, further cementing its position in key markets.