Author: Into Droid

Vivo V5s

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The Vivo V5s was a part of Vivo’s V series, which was primarily focused on camera capabilities, especially for selfies. Launched in 2017, the Vivo V5s was promoted as a “Perfect Selfie” smartphone due to its high-resolution front camera. Here’s an in-depth review of the Vivo V5s:

Overview:

The Vivo V5s was designed to cater to the selfie-loving audience. With a high-resolution front camera and features tailored for selfie enthusiasts, it aimed to capture a significant share of the mid-range smartphone market.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Funtouch OS 3.0 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).
  2. Display: 5.5-inch HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek MT6750 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 and phase detection autofocus. The front camera boasts a 20 MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and a “Moonlight Glow” soft selfie light.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support, and dedicated AK4376 Hi-Fi audio chip for improved audio performance.

Pros:

  1. Front Camera: The 20 MP front camera, complemented by the “Moonlight Glow” flash, ensured detailed and well-lit selfies.
  2. Design: The sleek metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel.
  3. Storage: 64 GB of internal storage was generous for its price segment.
  4. Audio: The dedicated Hi-Fi audio chip provided an enhanced audio experience, especially with headphones.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD resolution on a 5.5-inch screen resulted in a lower pixel density, which was not as sharp as some competitors offering Full HD displays in the same price range.
  2. Processor Performance: The MediaTek MT6750 was decent for everyday tasks but wasn’t the most powerful in its class.
  3. Outdated OS: The phone launched with Android Marshmallow at a time when Android Nougat was already available, and updates were not as frequent.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Vivo V5s faced competition from:

  • Oppo F3: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, MediaTek MT6750T, and a dual front camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy J7 Max: With its 5.7-inch Full HD display, MediaTek Helio P20, 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 Vivo V5s was announced in April 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Funtouch OS Customizations: While Funtouch OS offered many features, it was quite different from stock Android, which some users didn’t prefer. It also had a fair amount of bloatware.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: Despite being marketed as a camera-centric phone, the Vivo V5s’s rear camera struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. Price: Some users felt that the device was priced a bit high, given its specifications, especially when compared to other devices in the same segment.

Conclusion:

The Vivo V5s was a device tailored for selfie enthusiasts. Its 20 MP front camera 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 Vivo V5s was a strong contender in its segment.

Sony Xperia XA1

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The Sony Xperia XA1 was a part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, aiming to offer a blend of decent specifications and Sony’s signature design language at a more affordable price point. Launched in 2017, the Xperia XA1 was a successor to the Xperia XA. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA1:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia XA1 was designed to cater to the mid-range segment, offering a good camera, compact design, and decent performance. It was positioned for users who wanted a taste of Sony’s smartphone experience without spending on the flagship range.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat), with subsequent updates.
  2. Display: 5.0-inch HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P20 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 23 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and an 8 MP front camera with a wide-angle lens.
  6. Battery: A 2300 mAh non-removable battery with Qnovo Adaptive Charging.
  7. Other Features: USB Type-C, edge-to-edge display design, and NFC.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The 23 MP rear camera was one of the highlights, offering good photo quality for its price range.
  2. Design: The edge-to-edge display design gave the XA1 a modern look, and the compact size made it easy to handle.
  3. Performance: The MediaTek Helio P20, combined with 3 GB of RAM, offered decent performance for everyday tasks.
  4. Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage with a microSD card was a plus for many users.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 2300 mAh battery was relatively small, leading to average battery life.
  2. Display Resolution: While the display was sharp, competitors in the same price range were offering Full HD resolutions.
  3. No Fingerprint Sensor: The absence of a fingerprint sensor was a notable omission, especially when many competitors included it.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XA1 faced competition from:

  • Moto G5: Offering a 5.0-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 430, and a metal design.
  • Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Exynos 7870, and a 13 MP rear camera.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a larger 4100 mAh battery.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA1 was announced in February 2017 and released in April 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Touchscreen Issues: Some users reported issues with the touchscreen, especially near the edges.
  2. Battery Drain: Some users experienced faster battery drain, especially with mobile data or GPS usage.
  3. Software Updates: While the XA1 did receive updates, the frequency and speed of updates were not as consistent as some users hoped.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA1 was a decent mid-range offering from Sony, focusing on camera capabilities and a compact design. While it had its strengths, especially in the camera department, it faced stiff competition in its price range, particularly in terms of battery life and display resolution. For users who were fans of Sony’s design language and prioritized camera capabilities, the Xperia XA1 was a viable choice in the mid-range segment. However, it had to contend with other offerings that provided better value in certain areas.

Sony Xperia XZs

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The Sony Xperia XZs was part of Sony’s flagship Xperia lineup, known for its premium build and camera prowess. Launched in 2017, the Xperia XZs was a slight upgrade over the Xperia XZ, bringing in enhanced camera capabilities and other refinements. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZs:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia XZs aimed to offer a premium smartphone experience with a focus on camera capabilities, especially super slow-motion video recording. Positioned in the high-end segment, it catered to users looking for a combination of performance, design, and camera features.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.1 (Nougat), with subsequent updates.
  2. Display: 5.2-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, featuring Sony’s TRILUMINOS™ display technology.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Quad-core.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: 19 MP rear Motion Eye™ sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and a 13 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A 2900 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: IP68 dust/waterproof, front-mounted fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), USB Type-C, and stereo front-facing speakers.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The 19 MP Motion Eye™ camera was capable of recording super slow-motion videos at 960 fps, a standout feature at the time.
  2. Build & Design: The Xperia XZs continued Sony’s OmniBalance design language with a premium metal and glass build.
  3. Display: The TRILUMINOS™ display technology offered vibrant colors and good contrast levels.
  4. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification meant the device was resistant to both water and dust.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 2900 mAh battery was on the smaller side for a flagship, leading to average battery life.
  2. Processor: While the Snapdragon 820 was a powerful chipset, competitors were moving to the newer Snapdragon 835 around the same time.
  3. Price: The Xperia XZs was priced at a premium, which made it a tough sell against competitors with newer hardware.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

  • Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ display, Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895, and a sleek design.
  • LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
  • HTC U11: Featuring a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 835, and Edge Sense technology.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZs was announced in February 2017 and released in April 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Distortions: Some users reported distortions in photos, especially when shooting straight lines.
  2. Overheating: Occasional overheating issues were reported, especially during extended camera usage or 4K video recording.
  3. Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor was disabled in certain regions, like the US, which was a point of contention for many users.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZs was a premium offering from Sony, focusing heavily on camera capabilities, especially with its super slow-motion video recording. While it had its strengths, such as its display technology and build quality, it faced stiff competition in its price range, especially with its choice of an older processor and a higher price point. For users prioritizing camera features and the Sony brand, the Xperia XZs was a solid choice, but it had challenges standing out in a crowded flagship market in 2017.

Samsung Galaxy S8

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The Samsung Galaxy S8 was a significant release for Samsung, marking a major design overhaul and introducing the “Infinity Display.” Launched in early 2017, the Galaxy S8 was a flagship device that aimed to set a new standard for smartphone design and functionality. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S8:

Overview:

The Galaxy S8 was designed for users who wanted a cutting-edge smartphone experience with a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities. With its bezel-less design, top-tier specifications, and enhanced features, it catered to users looking for the best that the smartphone world had to offer at the time.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.8-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, introducing the Infinity Display design.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (USA & China) or Exynos 8895 (Global).
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 12 MP primary sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and OIS. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with autofocus.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, iris scanner, USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, Bixby virtual assistant with a dedicated button.

Pros:

  1. Design: The Infinity Display and almost bezel-less design made the S8 one of the most attractive phones on the market.
  2. Display Quality: The Super AMOLED panel was vibrant, with deep blacks and excellent sunlight visibility.
  3. Performance: Both the Snapdragon 835 and Exynos 8895 ensured top-tier performance.
  4. Camera: The camera, especially the rear one, was among the best in class, offering excellent shots in various lighting conditions.

Cons:

  1. Fingerprint Sensor Placement: The sensor was placed next to the rear camera, which many users found inconvenient and led to smudging the camera lens.
  2. Bixby Button: The dedicated Bixby button was not universally loved, especially since Bixby wasn’t as refined as other virtual assistants at launch.
  3. Battery Life: While decent, the 3000 mAh battery might not have been enough for power users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy S8 faced competition from:

  • iPhone 7: Offering a 4.7-inch Retina display, Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, and a solid camera experience.
  • 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 Samsung Galaxy S8 was announced in March 2017 and became available in various markets in April 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Reddish Display Tint: Some early units had a reddish tint on the display, which Samsung later addressed with a software update.
  2. Bixby’s Readiness: At launch, Bixby was not fully functional, especially the voice features in many regions.
  3. Software Updates: While Samsung provided updates, they weren’t always the fastest compared to some other manufacturers.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S8 was a landmark device for Samsung, setting a new design language that many other manufacturers would follow. Its blend of performance, camera quality, and the stunning Infinity Display made it a top choice for consumers looking for a flagship device in 2017. While it had its quirks, like the fingerprint sensor placement and the introduction of Bixby, its overall package was compelling and set the stage for Samsung’s future successes in the smartphone market.