Category: Hardware

Samsung Galaxy M11

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The Samsung Galaxy M11 is part of Samsung’s M series, which is designed to offer value-driven smartphones primarily for emerging markets. Launched in 2020, the Galaxy M11 was positioned as a budget-friendly device, aiming to provide a decent smartphone experience for its price segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy M11:

Overview:

The Galaxy M11 aimed to cater to users looking for a reliable smartphone experience with a focus on battery life and display. With its large battery and Samsung’s One UI, it targeted budget-conscious users and those wanting a device from a reputable brand without spending too much.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2.0.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch PLS TFT LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 450.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor, 5 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensured impressive battery life, allowing users to get through a day or even more with moderate usage.
  2. One UI Experience: Samsung’s One UI is known for its user-friendly features and a decent level of customization.
  3. Expandable Storage: The microSDXC slot allowed users to expand storage if needed.
  4. Fast Charging: The 15W fast charging is a nice addition in this price segment.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate for the price but not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD in a similar price range.
  2. Performance Limitations: The Snapdragon 450, while suitable for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful, leading to some limitations in multitasking and gaming.
  3. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera setup was versatile for its price, it struggled in low-light conditions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy M11 faced competition from:

  • Realme Narzo 10A: Offering a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G70, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Redmi 9: Featuring a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G80, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Moto G8 Power Lite: With its 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P35, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M11 was announced in March 2020 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Given its budget positioning, some users experienced occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps or heavy games.
  2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally decent for its price, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions or when using specific modes.
  3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps, which not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M11 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its battery life and One UI experience were standout features, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of camera performance in challenging conditions and the overall performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a feature-packed device from a reputable brand without spending too much, the Galaxy M11 was a strong contender. However, those looking for a bit more power or a sharper display might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Huawei P40 Pro

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The Huawei P40 Pro is part of Huawei’s flagship P-series lineup, known for its emphasis on photography and cutting-edge technology. Launched in 2020, the P40 Pro was positioned as a high-end device, offering top-tier specifications and camera capabilities. However, due to the US trade ban, it came without Google services, which was a significant point of discussion. Here’s an in-depth review of the Huawei P40 Pro:

Overview:

The Huawei P40 Pro aimed to push the boundaries of smartphone photography while offering a premium build and top-tier specifications. It was targeted at users who prioritize camera capabilities and are looking for a flagship experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Huawei’s EMUI 10.1. However, it lacked Google services.
  2. Display: 6.58-inch OLED with a resolution of 1200 x 2640 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Kirin 990 5G.
  4. Memory: 8 GB RAM with 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB internal storage options, expandable via Huawei’s Nano Memory card.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor, 12 MP periscope telephoto lens, 40 MP ultrawide lens, and a TOF 3D depth sensor. The front camera setup includes a 32 MP primary sensor and an IR depth sensor.
  6. Battery: 4200 mAh non-removable battery with 40W fast charging, 27W wireless charging, and 27W reverse wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, and 5G connectivity.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The P40 Pro’s camera setup was among the best in its time, offering impressive low-light capabilities, zoom features, and overall image quality.
  2. Display: The OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate provided a smooth and vibrant viewing experience.
  3. Performance: The Kirin 990 5G ensured top-tier performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming smoothly.
  4. Build and Design: The device featured a premium build with a ceramic back and an aluminum frame, giving it a luxurious feel.

Cons:

  1. Lack of Google Services: Due to the US trade ban, the device lacked Google services, which meant no Play Store, Google Maps, YouTube, etc. This was a significant drawback for many potential users outside of China.
  2. EMUI Software: While EMUI offered many features, some users found it to be cluttered compared to stock Android.
  3. Price: Being a flagship, the P40 Pro came with a premium price tag, which, combined with the lack of Google services, made some potential buyers hesitant.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the P40 Pro faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra: Offering a 6.9-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865/Exynos 990, and a versatile camera setup.
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max: Featuring a 6.5-inch OLED display, Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system.
  • OnePlus 8 Pro: With its 6.78-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a quad-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Huawei P40 Pro was announced in March 2020 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Limitations: The most significant issue was the absence of Google services. While Huawei offered its AppGallery as an alternative, it couldn’t match the breadth and depth of the Google Play Store.
  2. Learning Curve: For users transitioning from another Android device with Google services, there was a learning curve in adapting to the P40 Pro’s software ecosystem.

Conclusion:

The Huawei P40 Pro was a technological marvel, especially in terms of camera capabilities and hardware. It offered a premium experience in almost every aspect. However, the lack of Google services was a significant hurdle for many potential users outside of China. For photography enthusiasts and those willing to navigate the software challenges, the P40 Pro was an excellent choice. However, for users deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, the device posed certain challenges.

OnePlus 8 Pro

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The OnePlus 8 Pro, released in 2020, marked a significant step for OnePlus as it ventured into the true flagship territory, both in terms of features and pricing. Historically known for offering “flagship killer” devices, with the 8 Pro, OnePlus aimed to compete directly with top-tier smartphones from established brands. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 8 Pro:

Overview:

Introduced in April 2020, the OnePlus 8 Pro was designed to provide a premium smartphone experience, encompassing advanced display technology, top-tier performance, and a refined design, all while retaining the brand’s ethos of speed and smoothness.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with OxygenOS based on Android 10, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels, supporting 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865.
  4. Memory: Options of 8 GB or 12 GB RAM with 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage (UFS 3.0).
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 48 MP ultrawide sensor, 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 5 MP “color filter” camera. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4510 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30T fast charging and 30W wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, 5G connectivity, stereo speakers, and Bluetooth 5.1.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 120Hz QHD+ Fluid AMOLED display was among the best in 2020, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations.
  2. Performance: With the Snapdragon 865 and up to 12 GB RAM, the device delivered top-notch performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming with ease.
  3. Fast Charging: Both wired and wireless charging were impressively fast, ensuring minimal downtime for users.
  4. OxygenOS: OnePlus’ custom skin, OxygenOS, was widely praised for its clean interface, smooth performance, and useful customization options.
  5. Build and Design: The device featured a sleek and modern design with a glass back and aluminum frame, emphasizing its premium positioning.

Cons:

  1. Price: The OnePlus 8 Pro was significantly more expensive than previous OnePlus devices, moving away from the “flagship killer” pricing strategy.
  2. Color Filter Camera: The 5 MP “color filter” camera was seen by many as a gimmick and didn’t add significant value to the overall camera experience.
  3. Weight: Due to its large battery and screen size, the device was on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for all users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the OnePlus 8 Pro faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra: Offering a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990), and a versatile camera setup with 100x “Space Zoom”.
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max: With its Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple A13 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system.
  • Huawei P40 Pro: Featuring an OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Kirin 990 5G, and a quad-camera setup co-engineered with Leica.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 8 Pro was announced in April 2020 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Display Issues: Some early adopters reported issues like green tint and black crush on the display, especially at low brightness. OnePlus addressed these concerns with software updates.
  2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was a significant improvement over previous models, it still lagged behind some competitors in terms of consistency and low-light performance.
  3. Overheating: A few users reported overheating issues, especially when using the device intensively or during charging.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 8 Pro was a significant leap for OnePlus, marking its entry into the true flagship segment. While it retained many of the brand’s core strengths, such as a focus on speed, a clean software experience, and fast charging, it also ventured into areas like wireless charging and IP-rated water resistance. For users who value a high-refresh-rate display, fast performance, and a clean Android experience in the premium segment, the OnePlus 8 Pro was a compelling choice. However, its higher price point meant it faced stiff competition from established flagship devices.

OnePlus 8

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Overview:

Launched in 2020, the OnePlus 8 was introduced alongside its more feature-packed sibling, the OnePlus 8 Pro. While the Pro variant was aimed at those seeking the absolute best, the OnePlus 8 was designed for users who wanted a flagship experience without some of the bells and whistles (and the associated price tag).

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with OnePlus’s OxygenOS on top.
  2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.
  4. Memory: Options of 8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 16 MP ultrawide lens, and 2 MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4300 mAh non-removable battery with 30W Warp Charge fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, stereo speakers, and UFS 3.0 storage.

Pros:

  1. Performance: With the Snapdragon 865 at its heart, the OnePlus 8 delivers smooth and responsive performance across tasks.
  2. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display offers a smooth scrolling experience, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
  3. Fast Charging: The 30W Warp Charge ensures a quick battery top-up, getting the phone from 0% to about 50% in just 22 minutes.
  4. OxygenOS: Known for its clean and bloat-free experience, OxygenOS offers a near-stock Android feel with added customization options.
  5. Design: The device boasts a sleek and premium design, with a slim profile and attractive color options.

Cons:

  1. Camera Performance: While the camera setup is decent, it might not be on par with other flagship devices, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  2. Lack of Wireless Charging: Unlike the OnePlus 8 Pro, the standard OnePlus 8 does not support wireless charging.
  3. No Official IP Rating: While the OnePlus 8 Pro received an official IP rating, the standard OnePlus 8 did not (though it’s built with some water resistance in mind).

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the OnePlus 8 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Offering a 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 depending on the region), and a versatile camera setup.
  • Xiaomi Mi 10: Featuring a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a 108 MP primary camera.
  • Realme X50 Pro: With its 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and 65W fast charging.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 8 was announced in April 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Consistency: Some users and reviewers noted that while the camera could produce great shots, it sometimes lacked consistency, especially in low-light scenarios.
  2. Lack of Telephoto Lens: Unlike the Pro variant, the OnePlus 8 missed out on a telephoto lens, limiting its zoom capabilities.
  3. Battery Life: While the battery life was generally good, the 90Hz display could drain the battery faster under heavy usage.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 8 is a solid offering in the flagship segment, especially for users who prioritize performance and a clean software experience. With its high-refresh-rate display, reliable performance, and fast charging, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the camera performance and lack of wireless charging, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who want a flagship experience without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 8 remains a strong contender in the segment.