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Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro

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The Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro was part of Samsung’s mid-range J series lineup, released in 2017. It aimed to offer a blend of decent specifications, a premium design, and Samsung’s brand reliability at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro:

Overview:

The Galaxy J7 Pro was a step up in Samsung’s J series, offering a more premium feel with its metal unibody design and Super AMOLED display. It was targeted at users who wanted a reliable mid-range device with a touch of premium features.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 7870 Octa.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and autofocus. The front camera is also a 13 MP shooter with an f/1.9 aperture.
  6. Battery: A 3600 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, Always-On Display, and Samsung Pay (in some regions).

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED display was vibrant, offering deep blacks and good viewing angles.
  2. Design: The metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel, which was a step up from previous J series models.
  3. Battery Life: The 3600 mAh battery, combined with the power-efficient Exynos 7870, resulted in good battery life.
  4. Camera: The f/1.7 aperture in the rear camera allowed for better low-light shots compared to many competitors in the same price range.
  5. Samsung Pay: The inclusion of Samsung Pay (in supported regions) was a bonus for users looking for contactless payment solutions.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: While the Exynos 7870 was decent for everyday tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful in its class.
  2. Software Updates: The J series typically didn’t receive as frequent software updates as Samsung’s flagship models.
  3. Weight: Due to its metal build and large battery, the phone was slightly on the heavier side.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy J7 Pro faced competition from:

  • Moto G5 Plus: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
  • 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 Pro was announced in June 2017 and became available in various markets in the following months.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Touchscreen Responsiveness: Some users reported issues with the touchscreen, especially around the edges.
  2. Speaker Volume: The speaker, while clear, was not the loudest and could have been better.
  3. Slow Charging: The device lacked fast charging, which meant longer charging times compared to some competitors.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro was a commendable mid-range offering from Samsung, aiming to provide a touch of premium features at a more affordable price point. Its Super AMOLED display and camera were standout features, and the inclusion of Samsung Pay added extra value. For users who wanted a reliable mid-range device with a premium feel, the J7 Pro was a strong contender in its segment. However, those looking for top-tier performance might have considered other options in the market.

Oppo F3

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The Oppo F3 was a part of Oppo’s F series, which was primarily focused on camera capabilities, especially selfies. Launched in 2017, the Oppo F3 was dubbed as a “Selfie Expert” due to its dual front camera setup. Here’s an in-depth review of the Oppo F3:

Overview:

The Oppo F3 was designed for the selfie-loving generation. With a dual front camera setup and a sleek design, it aimed to capture a significant share of the mid-range smartphone market, especially among users who prioritize camera capabilities.

Features:

  1. Operating System: ColorOS 3.0 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).
  2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek MT6750T Octa-core.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The front features a dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and an 8 MP wide-angle sensor.
  6. Battery: A 3200 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support, and a dedicated microSD slot.

Pros:

  1. Front Camera: The dual front camera setup, with its wide-angle lens, allowed for group selfies (or “groufies”) and provided versatility in selfie shots.
  2. Design: The sleek metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel.
  3. Dedicated microSD Slot: Unlike many phones that offer a hybrid SIM slot, the Oppo F3 had a dedicated slot for microSD, allowing users to use two SIM cards and expand storage simultaneously.
  4. Display: The Full HD display was sharp and offered good color reproduction.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: The MediaTek MT6750T was decent for everyday tasks but wasn’t the most powerful in its class.
  2. Outdated OS: The phone launched with Android Marshmallow at a time when Android Nougat was already available, and updates were not as frequent.
  3. Price: Compared to some competitors, the Oppo F3 was priced slightly higher, given its specifications.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Oppo F3 faced competition from:

  • Vivo V5s: Offering a 5.5-inch HD display, MediaTek MT6750, and a 20 MP front camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro: With its 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
  • Moto G5 Plus: Featuring a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.

Launch Date:

The Oppo F3 was announced in May 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. ColorOS Customizations: While some users liked the features offered by ColorOS, others found it to be too far removed from stock Android, leading to a learning curve.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: Despite being marketed as a camera-centric phone, the Oppo F3’s cameras, especially the rear one, struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. Battery Life: The 3200 mAh battery, while decent, wasn’t the best in its class, especially given the phone’s focus on camera usage.

Conclusion:

The Oppo F3 was a device tailored for selfie enthusiasts. Its dual front camera setup was its standout feature, and for users who prioritized this, the phone was a compelling choice. However, when it came to overall performance and value for money, there were other devices in the market that offered a more balanced package. Still, for those who valued camera capabilities, especially for selfies, the Oppo F3 was a strong contender in its segment.

HTC U11

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The HTC U11 was a notable release from HTC in 2017, aiming to compete with other flagship smartphones of its time. It introduced a unique feature called “Edge Sense,” which allowed users to squeeze the sides of the phone to trigger certain actions. Here’s an in-depth review of the HTC U11:

Overview:

The HTC U11 was designed to offer a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and unique features. With its “Liquid Surface” design, the U11 aimed to stand out in a crowded market and offer something distinct to its users.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.1 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.5-inch Super LCD5 with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 12 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, OIS, and UltraPixel 3 technology. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Edge Sense (squeeze functionality), USB Type-C, IP67 water and dust resistance, and HTC USonic with Active Noise Cancellation.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The U11’s camera was highly rated, offering excellent performance in various lighting conditions.
  2. Audio Experience: HTC’s USonic earbuds provided a personalized audio experience based on the user’s ear canal.
  3. Edge Sense: The squeeze functionality was unique and allowed for quick access to apps and features.
  4. Design: The “Liquid Surface” design was eye-catching, reflecting light in a way that made the phone stand out.

Cons:

  1. No Headphone Jack: The U11 did not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a point of contention for some users.
  2. Battery Life: While decent, the 3000 mAh battery wasn’t standout, especially when compared to some competitors.
  3. Bezels: The design, while premium, had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated compared to the competition.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the HTC U11 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display, Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895, and a sleek design.
  • LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Sony Xperia XZ Premium: Featuring a 5.46-inch 4K HDR display, Snapdragon 835, and a camera capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video.

Launch Date:

The HTC U11 was announced in May 2017 and became available in various markets in June 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fragility: The glass back, while beautiful, was prone to cracks and damage if dropped.
  2. Software Updates: HTC wasn’t the fastest in terms of providing software updates, and some users reported issues with updates when they did arrive.
  3. Edge Sense Sensitivity: Some users found the squeeze functionality either too sensitive or not sensitive enough, though this could be adjusted in settings.

Conclusion:

The HTC U11 was a commendable effort from HTC to bring something unique to the table. Its camera and audio capabilities were standout features, and the Edge Sense functionality offered a fresh way to interact with the device. However, the omission of the headphone jack and the phone’s fragility were points of criticism. For users who valued a great camera, unique design, and were intrigued by the squeeze functionality, the U11 was a solid choice. However, those looking for a more conventional design or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Sony Xperia XZ Premium

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The Sony Xperia XZ Premium was one of Sony’s flagship devices launched in 2017. It was notable for its 4K HDR display and super slow-motion video capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ Premium:

Overview:

The Xperia XZ Premium was Sony’s attempt to push the boundaries of smartphone technology, offering features that were unique or rare in the market at the time. With its high-resolution display and camera capabilities, it aimed to cater to users looking for a top-tier multimedia experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.1 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.46-inch 4K HDR TRILUMINOS display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 19 MP rear Motion Eye sensor capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3230 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: USB Type-C, IP68 water and dust resistance, front-facing stereo speakers, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor (in some markets).

Pros:

  1. Display: The 4K HDR display was one of the crispest screens available, offering unparalleled clarity and color reproduction.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The 960 fps super slow-motion video was a standout feature, allowing users to capture moments in extreme detail.
  3. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 835, the device offered smooth and responsive performance.
  4. Build Quality: The device had a premium feel with its combination of metal and glass.

Cons:

  1. 4K Content Availability: While the display was 4K, there was limited content available to truly take advantage of this resolution.
  2. Battery Life: The 3230 mAh battery, when combined with the 4K display, didn’t always provide all-day battery life for heavy users.
  3. Design: The design, while premium, had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated compared to the competition.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XZ Premium faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display, Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895, and a sleek design.
  • 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 unique Edge Sense functionality.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium was announced in February 2017 and became available in various markets around June 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Sensor: In some markets, notably the US, the fingerprint sensor was disabled due to business decisions, which was a point of contention for many users.
  2. Camera Consistency: While the camera had impressive features, in some scenarios, it wasn’t as consistent as competitors in terms of image quality.
  3. Heating Issues: Some users reported the device getting warm, especially when recording 4K or super slow-motion videos.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium was a showcase of Sony’s technological prowess, offering features that were ahead of its time, especially the 4K HDR display and super slow-motion video. It was a device meant for tech enthusiasts and multimedia consumers. However, some of its features, like the 4K display, felt more like future-proofing rather than immediate necessities, given the limited 4K content available. For users who valued a high-resolution display, unique camera features, and a premium build, the XZ Premium was a compelling choice. However, those looking for a more contemporary design or better battery life might have leaned towards other options available in the market at the time.