Author: Into Droid

Motorola Moto X4

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The Motorola Moto X4 was a part of Motorola’s mid-range lineup, aiming to offer a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities at a more affordable price point compared to flagship devices. Launched in late 2017, the Moto X4 was a successor to the Moto X series, bringing back the lineup after a hiatus. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto X4:

Overview:

The Moto X4 was designed for users who wanted a solid mid-range smartphone experience with a touch of Motorola’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 7.1 (Nougat) and later received updates to Android 9.0 (Pie).
  2. Display: 5.2-inch LTPS IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 630.
  4. Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter with a dedicated flash.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with TurboCharge (fast charging).
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera setup provided versatility with its ultra-wide-angle lens.
  2. Build and Design: The Moto X4 featured a glass back with an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The design was compact and ergonomic.
  3. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification was a notable feature in its price range.
  4. Moto Experiences: Motorola’s suite of gestures and features, like the chop-chop for flashlight and twist for camera, added convenience.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: While decent, the 3000 mAh battery might not be enough for heavy users to last a full day.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera struggled in low-light scenarios compared to some competitors.
  3. Software Updates: While the device did receive updates, they weren’t as frequent as some users would have liked.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto X4 faced competition from:

  • Nokia 6.1: Offering a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a solid build with Android One certification.
  • Sony Xperia XA2: With its 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a focus on camera capabilities.
  • Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018): Featuring a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7885, and a dual front camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto X4 was announced in August 2017 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 Software: Some users found the camera software to be a bit clunky and not as intuitive as competitors.
  3. Glass Back: The glass back, while premium, was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage if dropped.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto X4 was a solid mid-range offering, especially for those who are fans of Motorola’s design and software features. 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 camera performance in low light and battery life, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a reliable device with a focus on design and a clean software experience, the Moto X4 was a good choice. However, those looking for better camera capabilities or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Sony Xperia XZ1

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The Sony Xperia XZ1 was a part of Sony’s flagship lineup, launched in late 2017. It followed the Xperia XZ and aimed to offer a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ1:

Overview:

The Xperia XZ1 was designed for users who wanted a premium smartphone experience with Sony’s signature design and camera expertise. With its compact design, high-end specifications, and unique features, it catered to users looking for a reliable flagship device.

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, supporting HDR10.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 19 MP Motion Eye primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 2700 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, and 3D Creator (allows users to capture and print 3D images).

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The 960 fps super slow-motion video was a standout feature at the time of its release.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 835 combined with 4 GB RAM ensured smooth performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
  3. Build and Design: The phone featured Sony’s signature design with a metal unibody, giving it a premium feel.
  4. 3D Creator: A unique feature that allowed users to capture 3D images and even print them if desired.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 2700 mAh battery was on the smaller side for a flagship, which meant it might not last a full day for heavy users.
  2. Bezels: The design, while premium, had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated, especially when compared to the competition.
  3. Display Resolution: While the display supported HDR10, it was still a Full HD panel, whereas many competitors had moved to Quad HD resolutions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XZ1 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display, Exynos 8895/Snapdragon 835, and a modern design with minimal bezels.
  • LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
  • HTC U11: Featuring a 5.5-inch Quad HD Super LCD5 display, Snapdragon 835, and Edge Sense technology.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was announced in August 2017 and became available in various markets in September 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor was disabled in some regions, particularly in the U.S., which was a point of contention for many users.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware was capable, some users found the camera software to be lacking, especially in low-light performance.
  3. Price: The Xperia XZ1 was priced similarly to other flagships but lacked some of the modern design elements and features that competitors offered.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was a solid flagship offering, especially for those who are fans of Sony’s design and camera technology. Its performance, build quality, and unique features like the 960 fps super slow-motion and 3D Creator made it a worthy contender in the flagship segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of design aesthetics (bezels) and battery life, its overall package was compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a reliable device with a focus on camera capabilities and a unique feature set, the Xperia XZ1 was a good choice. However, those looking for a more modern design or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo

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Overview:

Android 8.0, codenamed “Oreo,” was unveiled in August 2017. With Oreo, Google aimed to further refine the Android experience, introducing features that enhanced speed, efficiency, and user control. Oreo was designed to be smarter, faster, and more powerful than ever.

History:

Following the productivity and efficiency enhancements of Nougat, Google’s focus with Oreo was to further optimize the platform, ensuring faster boot times, limiting background activity, and offering users more control over notifications.

Changes:

Oreo introduced a variety of new features and improvements. Notably, the platform emphasized limiting background app activity to improve battery life and system performance. It also introduced adaptive icons and a more versatile picture-in-picture mode.

First devices to receive the update:

Google’s Pixel and Nexus devices were among the first to receive the Oreo update. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, launched later in 2017, also prominently featured Android Oreo.

Features:

Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo brought several key features:

  • Background Limits: Oreo placed limits on background app activity, aiming to improve battery life and system performance.
  • Picture-in-Picture Mode: Users could view videos in a small window while using other apps.
  • Notification Dots: App icons displayed dots to indicate pending notifications, offering a quick visual cue.
  • Adaptive Icons: Icons could adapt to different device themes and styles.
  • Autofill Framework: Oreo made it easier for password managers to auto-fill app logins.
  • Smart Text Selection: The platform could recognize entities like addresses and phone numbers, offering relevant actions.
  • Rescue Party: A feature designed to help recover devices stuck in boot loops.

User Experience:

Oreo aimed to provide a more streamlined and efficient user experience. Features like picture-in-picture mode and smart text selection added layers of convenience, while background limits ensured that devices remained snappy and battery-efficient.

Platform:

Building on the Linux kernel, Oreo continued Android’s open-source tradition. The platform was designed with versatility in mind, ensuring a consistent experience across a wide range of devices.

Security:

Oreo introduced several security enhancements. Google Play Protect was integrated, offering regular app scans to ensure device safety. The platform also introduced a more robust sandboxing system and enhanced web browsing security with the WebView feature running in multi-process mode.

Reception:

Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo was generally well-received. The focus on background limits and system optimization was particularly praised, addressing user concerns about battery life and device performance. Oreo showcased Android’s commitment to offering a modern, efficient, and user-friendly platform.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Max

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The Samsung Galaxy J7 Max was another addition to Samsung’s J series, targeting the mid-range segment. Launched in 2017, the J7 Max was designed to offer a larger display and enhanced camera capabilities compared to its siblings in the J series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy J7 Max:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Max was positioned as a device for users who wanted a larger display without breaking the bank. With its enhanced camera features and the introduction of Samsung Pay Mini, it aimed to provide a comprehensive package in the mid-range segment.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat).
  2. Display: 5.7-inch Full HD PLS TFT LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P20 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and a 13 MP front camera with an f/1.9 aperture, both accompanied by an LED flash.
  6. Battery: A 3300 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support, full metal unibody design, and Samsung Pay Mini.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The f/1.7 aperture on the rear camera allowed for better low-light shots, and the presence of LED flash for both front and rear cameras was a bonus.
  2. Display: The 5.7-inch Full HD display was suitable for media consumption, offering decent sharpness and color reproduction.
  3. Samsung Pay Mini: This was a toned-down version of Samsung Pay, allowing for UPI and wallet integrations, which was a unique feature in its segment.
  4. Design: The metal unibody design provided a premium feel to the device.

Cons:

  1. Processor Choice: The MediaTek Helio P20 was decent but wasn’t the most powerful in its class. Some competitors offered Snapdragon processors in the same price range.
  2. No AMOLED Display: Like the J7 Prime, the J7 Max also missed out on Samsung’s signature AMOLED display.
  3. Battery Life: While the 3300 mAh battery was decent, the larger display meant that the battery life wasn’t as impressive as some of its siblings.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the J7 Max faced competition from:

  • Moto G5S Plus: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
  • Oppo F3: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, MediaTek MT6750T, and a dual front camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Max was announced in June 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: As with many Samsung mid-range devices, the J7 Max wasn’t always the quickest to receive software updates.
  2. Performance Issues: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters, especially with heavy multitasking or gaming.
  3. Weight: Due to its metal build and larger battery, the device was on the heavier side, which some users found cumbersome.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Max was a device tailored for those who wanted a larger display and enhanced camera capabilities in the mid-range segment. While it had its strengths, especially in the camera department and the inclusion of Samsung Pay Mini, there were areas where it faced stiff competition from other brands. Overall, it was a decent offering from Samsung for users prioritizing display size and camera features.