Author: Into Droid

The HTC 10 was HTC’s flagship offering for 2016, aiming to bring the company back to the forefront of the smartphone market. It was a device that emphasized build quality, audio experience, and a streamlined software approach. Here’s an in-depth review of the HTC 10:

Overview:

The HTC 10 was a culmination of HTC’s design and engineering prowess, offering a solid metal unibody design with chamfered edges. It aimed to address criticisms of previous HTC devices while emphasizing areas where HTC traditionally excelled, such as audio.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) and later received updates.
2. Display: 5.2-inch Quad HD Super LCD5 with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820.
4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: 12 MP rear sensor (HTC UltraPixel 2) with an f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and laser autofocus. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter with OIS.
6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
7. Other Features: USB Type-C, front-mounted fingerprint sensor, and HTC BoomSound Hi-Fi edition speakers.

Pros:

1. Build Quality: The metal unibody design with chamfered edges gave the phone a premium and robust feel.
2. Audio Experience: With its BoomSound Hi-Fi edition speakers and 24-bit DAC, the HTC 10 offered one of the best audio experiences on a smartphone.
3. Camera: The UltraPixel 2 camera provided good low-light performance and the inclusion of OIS in the front camera was a unique touch.
4. Software: HTC’s approach to software was more streamlined with the 10, reducing bloat and working closely with Google to offer a near-stock Android experience.

Cons:

1. Battery Life: While decent, the battery life wasn’t standout, especially when compared to some competitors.
2. Price: The HTC 10 was priced similarly to other flagships, but some felt that it didn’t offer as much value.
3. Heat: The device could get warm during intensive tasks, a common trait with Snapdragon 820 devices.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the HTC 10 faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S7: Offering a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890, and a premium glass/metal design.
• LG G5: With its 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 820, and a unique modular design.
• iPhone 6s: Apple’s offering with a 4.7-inch Retina display, Apple A9 chip, and a premium metal design.

Launch Date:

The HTC 10 was announced in April 2016 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Battery Degradation: Over time, some users reported a significant decrease in battery performance.
2. Software Updates: While HTC started strong with software support for the 10, updates became less frequent over time.
3. Camera Stability: Some users experienced occasional crashes with the camera app.

Conclusion:

The HTC 10 was a solid attempt by HTC to reclaim its position in the flagship smartphone market. It offered a robust build, excellent audio experience, and a more refined software approach. For users who prioritized build quality and audio, the HTC 10 was a compelling choice. However, in a highly competitive market, some felt that it didn’t stand out enough in other areas to justify its premium price. While it had its strengths, the HTC 10 faced stiff competition from other brands offering unique features and innovations.

The LG G5 was a unique and ambitious offering from LG in 2016. It was one of the first mainstream smartphones to experiment with a modular design. Here’s an in-depth review of the LG G5:

Overview:

The LG G5 aimed to stand out in the crowded smartphone market with its modular “Friends” approach. This allowed users to swap out the bottom chin of the phone to add different modules or accessories. While it was an innovative concept, it received mixed reactions from both critics and consumers.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) and later received updates.
2. Display: 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820.
4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and an 8 MP wide-angle sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A 2800 mAh removable battery.
7. Other Features: USB Type-C, fingerprint sensor, and modular design.

Pros:

1. Modular Design: The G5’s modularity allowed for unique accessories like a camera grip or a Hi-Fi DAC for improved audio.
2. Camera: The dual-camera setup, especially the wide-angle lens, was appreciated for its versatility.
3. Removable Battery: At a time when most flagships were moving away from this feature, the G5 still offered a removable battery.
4. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 820, the device offered solid performance.

Cons:

1. Build Quality: Despite being made of metal, the phone’s coating gave it a plastic-like feel, which wasn’t as premium as competitors.
2. Modular Implementation: While innovative, the modular system was seen as not fully fleshed out, with limited modules available.
3. Battery Life: The 2800 mAh battery was considered small for a flagship, leading to average battery life.
4. Software: LG’s UI was considered bloated by some and wasn’t as refined as some competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the LG G5 faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S7: Offering a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890, and a premium glass/metal design.
• HTC 10: Featuring a 5.2-inch Quad HD Super LCD5 display, Snapdragon 820, and a metal unibody design.
• iPhone 6s: Apple’s offering with a 4.7-inch Retina display, Apple A9 chip, and a premium metal design.

Launch Date:

The LG G5 was announced in February 2016 and became available in various markets in April 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Modular Connection Issues: Some users reported issues with modules not connecting properly or the phone restarting when swapping modules.
2. GPS Issues: There were reports of the GPS not locking onto a signal or being inaccurate.
3. Screen Burn-In: Some users experienced screen burn-in or image retention issues over time.

Conclusion:

The LG G5 was a bold attempt by LG to differentiate itself in the market with a modular design. While the concept was innovative, the execution and market reception were mixed. The phone did offer a good camera experience, especially with its wide-angle lens, and the removable battery was a plus for many users. However, the overall build quality, software experience, and limited modular ecosystem held it back from being a top contender in its year. For those intrigued by the modular concept and the wide-angle camera, the G5 was an interesting choice. However, those looking for a more traditional and polished flagship experience might have leaned towards other options available in the market at the time.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was a pivotal release for Samsung in early 2016. It built upon the design language introduced with the Galaxy S6 but addressed several criticisms and brought back some beloved features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S7:

Overview:

The Galaxy S7 was Samsung’s attempt to refine the premium design introduced with the S6 while reintroducing features that were missed in its predecessor. It was a blend of glass and metal, offering a compact and ergonomic design with top-tier specifications.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and later received updates.
2. Display: 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890, depending on the region.
4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: 12 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, OIS, and Dual Pixel technology. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging support.
7. Other Features: IP68 water and dust resistance, fingerprint sensor, and Always-On Display.

Pros:

1. Design: The phone’s compact and ergonomic design was praised, with its curved back making it comfortable to hold.
2. Camera: The camera was a highlight, offering excellent low-light performance and fast autofocus.
3. Performance: Both the Snapdragon 820 and Exynos 8890 variants offered smooth and responsive performance.
4. Expandable Storage: The return of the microSD card slot was a welcome feature for many users.
5. Water Resistance: The IP68 rating meant the phone could handle splashes and brief submersion without damage.

Cons:

1. Battery Life: While decent, some users hoped for a longer-lasting battery, especially given the Quad HD display.
2. Software: Samsung’s TouchWiz UI, while improved, still had its critics and was considered bloated by some.
3. Glass Back: While premium, the glass back was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy S7 faced competition from:

• LG G5: With its 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 820, and a unique modular design.
• HTC 10: Featuring a 5.2-inch Quad HD Super LCD5 display, Snapdragon 820, and a metal unibody design.
• iPhone 6s: Apple’s flagship with a 4.7-inch Retina display, Apple A9 chip, and 3D Touch.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was announced in February 2016 and became available in various markets in March 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Bootloop Issues: Some users reported their devices getting stuck in a bootloop, though this wasn’t widespread.
2. Battery Degradation: Over time, some users noticed a significant drop in battery performance.
3. Overheating: There were occasional reports of the device getting quite warm, especially during intensive tasks.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was a well-received device that combined a premium design, excellent camera, and solid performance. It addressed many of the criticisms of the Galaxy S6, such as the lack of expandable storage and water resistance. For users looking for a compact yet powerful device with a great camera, the S7 was a compelling choice. However, those who were not fans of Samsung’s software or who preferred a metal back might have leaned towards other options available in the market at the time.

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was part of Samsung’s revamped A-series lineup, which aimed to bring a premium design and build to the mid-range segment. Released in 2016, the Galaxy A5 (2016) was a significant upgrade over its predecessor in terms of design, build, and features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016):

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was designed to cater to users who wanted a premium-looking device without the flagship price tag. With its glass and metal construction, it echoed the design language of Samsung’s flagship devices from that period.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), later upgradable to Android 7.0 (Nougat).
2. Display: 5.2-inch Full HD Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: Exynos 7580 Octa-core or Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, depending on the region.
4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, optical image stabilization, and a 5 MP front camera with the same f/1.9 aperture.
6. Battery: A 2900 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
7. Other Features: Fingerprint sensor, Samsung Pay (in supported regions), and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection.

Pros:

1. Design & Build: The combination of glass and metal gave the A5 (2016) a premium look and feel, making it stand out in its segment.
2. Display: The Full HD Super AMOLED display was vibrant, offering deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios.
3. Camera: The f/1.9 aperture in both front and rear cameras allowed for better low-light shots compared to many mid-range competitors.
4. Battery Life: The 2900 mAh battery, combined with the efficient Super AMOLED display, ensured good battery life.

Cons:

1. Performance: With 2 GB of RAM and mid-range processors, the device wasn’t the snappiest, especially when multitasking.
2. Software Updates: The device received updates slower than some of Samsung’s flagship devices.
3. Storage: The base 16 GB storage could quickly fill up, making a microSD card almost essential for many users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Galaxy A5 (2016) faced competition from:

• Huawei P9 Lite: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Kirin 650 chipset, and a focus on design.
• Moto G4 Plus: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 617, and a focus on clean software experience.
• OnePlus X: A 5-inch Full HD AMOLED display, Snapdragon 801 chipset, and a premium design.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was announced in December 2015 and released in January 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters, especially with multiple apps running.
2. Fingerprint Sensor: While the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor was appreciated, its speed and accuracy weren’t always consistent.
3. Glass Back: The glass back, while premium, was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage if dropped.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) was a testament to Samsung’s efforts to bring flagship design elements to the mid-range segment. With its premium build, decent camera, and vibrant display, it was a strong contender in its price bracket. While it had its strengths, it also had areas where compromises were evident, especially in terms of performance. For users who prioritized design and build quality in the mid-range segment, the A5 (2016) was a compelling choice. However, those looking for the best performance in the segment might have looked towards other options.