Author: Into Droid

Sony Xperia XA2

Into Droid Leave a comment

The Sony Xperia XA2 was a part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, aiming to offer a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities at a more affordable price point compared to its flagship counterparts. Launched in early 2018, the Xperia XA2 was a successor to the Xperia XA1. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA2:

Overview:

The Xperia XA2 was designed for users who wanted a solid mid-range smartphone experience with a touch of Sony’s design and camera expertise. With its signature design, decent specifications, and camera capabilities, it catered to users looking for a reliable daily driver with a focus on multimedia and photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  2. Display: 5.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with options of 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 23 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front camera is an 8 MP wide-angle shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3300 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The 23 MP rear camera was one of the highlights, offering good image quality, especially in well-lit conditions.
  2. Build and Design: The Xperia XA2 continued Sony’s signature design language with a sturdy build and a slightly curved back for better ergonomics.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 630, combined with 3 GB RAM, ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate multitasking.
  4. Battery Life: The 3300 mAh battery, combined with Sony’s optimizations, provided a full day of usage for most users.

Cons:

  1. Bezels: In an era where bezel-less designs were becoming popular, the Xperia XA2 still had noticeable top and bottom bezels.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was impressive in daylight, it struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. Weight: The device was a bit on the heavier side compared to some of its competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XA2 faced competition from:

  • Nokia 6.1: Offering a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a solid build with Android One certification.
  • Moto X4: With its 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018): Featuring a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7885, and a dual front camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA2 was announced in January 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While the device received updates, they weren’t as frequent as some users would have liked.
  2. Camera Software: Some users found the camera software to be a bit clunky and not as intuitive as competitors.
  3. Weight and Size: The phone’s weight and size made it a bit cumbersome for some users, especially those with smaller hands.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA2 was a solid mid-range offering, especially for those who are fans of Sony’s design and camera capabilities. Its performance, build quality, and camera setup made it a worthy contender in the mid-range segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of design aesthetics (bezels) and camera performance in low light, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a reliable device with a focus on photography and multimedia, the Xperia XA2 was a good choice. However, those looking for a more modern design or a cleaner software experience might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra was a part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, positioned as a larger sibling to the Xperia XA2. Launched alongside the XA2 in early 2018, the XA2 Ultra was designed for users who wanted a bigger display and enhanced multimedia capabilities, particularly in the selfie department. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra:

Overview:

The Xperia XA2 Ultra was aimed at users who wanted a phablet-sized device with a focus on camera capabilities, especially for selfies. With its large display, dual front-facing cameras, and Sony’s signature design, it catered to users looking for a multimedia-centric device.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  2. Display: 6.0-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 23 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front features a dual-camera setup: a 16 MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8 MP wide-angle shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3580 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC.

Pros:

  1. Front Camera Capabilities: The dual front-facing cameras, especially with OIS on the primary sensor, made it a selfie-centric device.
  2. Large Display: The 6.0-inch display was great for multimedia consumption and gaming.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 630 combined with 4 GB RAM ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and multitasking.
  4. Battery Life: The 3580 mAh battery provided a full day of usage for most users.

Cons:

  1. Bezels: Like its smaller sibling, the XA2 Ultra had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated.
  2. Size and Weight: Given its large display and battery, the device was quite hefty and might not be comfortable for all users.
  3. Camera Performance in Low Light: The rear camera, while decent in daylight, struggled in low-light conditions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XA2 Ultra faced competition from:

  • Nokia 7 Plus: Offering a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 660, and a solid build with Android One certification.
  • Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018): With its 6.0-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7885, and a dual front camera setup.
  • Moto X4: Although smaller with a 5.2-inch display, it had a Snapdragon 630 and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra was announced in January 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Like the XA2, the XA2 Ultra’s software updates weren’t as frequent as some users would have liked.
  2. Camera Software: Some users found the camera software to be a bit clunky, especially given the device’s focus on photography.
  3. Size and Weight: The phone’s weight and large size made it cumbersome for some users.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize selfies and multimedia consumption. Its dual front-facing cameras, large display, and decent performance made it stand out in its segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of design aesthetics (bezels) and rear camera performance in low light, its overall package was compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a phablet-sized device with a focus on selfies and multimedia, the Xperia XA2 Ultra was a good choice. However, those looking for a more compact device or a more modern design might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018)

Into Droid Leave a comment

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) was a part of Samsung’s mid-to-upper mid-range lineup, aiming to offer a blend of design, performance, and camera capabilities at a more affordable price point compared to the flagship Galaxy S series. Launched in early 2018, the Galaxy A8 (2018) was a successor to the Galaxy A series, bringing in features reminiscent of the flagship lineup. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018):

Overview:

The Galaxy A8 (2018) was designed for users who wanted a premium smartphone experience without the flagship price tag. With its Infinity Display, decent specifications, and camera capabilities, it catered to users looking for a reliable daily driver with a focus on design and multimedia.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.6-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels, featuring the Infinity Display design.
  3. Processor: Exynos 7885 Octa.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 16 MP primary sensor with an f/1.7 aperture. The front features a dual-camera setup: a 16 MP primary sensor and an 8 MP secondary sensor, both with f/1.9 aperture.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED Infinity Display was vibrant, with deep blacks and good sunlight visibility.
  2. Build and Design: The phone featured a glass back and front with an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The design was sleek and modern.
  3. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification was a significant feature in its price range.
  4. Selfie Camera: The dual front-facing cameras provided depth and focus adjustments for selfies.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: While decent, the 3000 mAh battery might not be enough for power users.
  2. Rear Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera, while good in daylight, had some struggles in low-light scenarios.
  3. Software Updates: Samsung’s mid-range devices typically don’t receive updates as quickly as the flagship ones.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy A8 (2018) faced competition from:

  • Nokia 7 Plus: Offering a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 660, and a solid build with Android One certification.
  • Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra: With its 6.0-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a focus on selfie capabilities.
  • Motorola Moto X4: Featuring a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) was announced in December 2017 and became available in various markets in January 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Bloatware: As with many Samsung devices, the A8 came with a fair amount of pre-installed apps, which not everyone found useful.
  2. Speaker Placement: The side-mounted speaker was an unusual choice and could be easily covered when holding the phone in landscape mode.
  3. Price: Some users felt that the device was a bit pricey for the features it offered, especially when compared to competitors.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) was a commendable offering in the mid-to-upper mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize design and display quality. Its Infinity Display, premium build, and decent camera setup made it stand out in its segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of battery life and rear camera performance in low light, its overall package was compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a premium design with a focus on display and selfies, the Galaxy A8 (2018) was a good choice. However, those looking for better value for money or faster software updates might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Google Pixel 2 XL

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Google Pixel 2 XL, launched in 2017, was Google’s second iteration of its Pixel lineup, emphasizing the pure Android experience, timely updates, and camera prowess. Here’s an in-depth review of the Google Pixel 2 XL:

Overview:

The Pixel 2 XL was Google’s flagship offering for 2017, aiming to showcase the best of Android and set a benchmark for other Android OEMs. With its unique design, top-tier camera, and pure software, it was targeted at users who wanted the quintessential Android experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo), with guaranteed updates due to its Pixel lineage.
  2. Display: 6.0-inch P-OLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2880 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 64 GB or 128 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Single 12.2 MP rear camera with dual-LED flash and an 8 MP front camera. Despite having a single lens, it offered portrait mode using software algorithms.
  6. Battery: 3520 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, front-facing stereo speakers, water and dust resistance (IP67), and Active Edge (squeeze to activate Google Assistant).

Pros:

  1. Camera: The Pixel 2 XL’s camera was among the best in its class, offering outstanding photo quality, especially in low light. Its software-driven portrait mode was also impressive.
  2. Software Experience: Being a Pixel device, it offered a stock Android experience with timely updates directly from Google.
  3. Front-Facing Speakers: The stereo speakers provided a robust audio experience, especially for media consumption.
  4. Active Edge: The squeeze feature to activate Google Assistant was a unique addition, providing quick access to the voice assistant.

Cons:

  1. Display Issues: Early units of the Pixel 2 XL faced criticism for display issues, including muted colors, blue shift at off-angles, and potential burn-in.
  2. No Headphone Jack: The omission of the 3.5mm headphone jack was a point of contention for many users.
  3. Price: The Pixel 2 XL was priced at a premium, making it expensive compared to some of its competitors.
  4. Design: While the design was unique, it wasn’t universally loved, especially with its relatively large bezels compared to other 2017 flagships.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Pixel 2 XL faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 8895), and a dual-camera setup.
  • iPhone X: With its Super Retina OLED display, Apple A11 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system.
  • LG V30: Featuring an OLED display, Snapdragon 835, and a dual-camera setup with a wide-angle lens.

Launch Date:

The Google Pixel 2 XL was announced in October 2017 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Display Controversies: As mentioned, early units had various display issues, which Google addressed with software updates and extended warranties.
  2. Audio Recording: Some users reported subpar audio quality when recording videos, which was later improved with updates.
  3. USB-C Audio: A few users faced issues with USB-C audio, especially with third-party headphones.

Conclusion:

The Google Pixel 2 XL was a testament to Google’s vision of Android, offering a pure software experience, timely updates, and a camera that set benchmarks. While it had its set of challenges, especially concerning the display, it remained a solid option for those who prioritize software and camera performance. For users who value a bloat-free Android experience, timely updates, and top-tier camera performance, the Pixel 2 XL was a strong contender in the 2017 flagship segment.