Category: Hardware

Samsung Galaxy S20

Into Droid 7 Comments

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is part of Samsung’s flagship S-series lineup, which has always been at the forefront of smartphone innovation. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S20:

Overview:

Launched in early 2020, the Samsung Galaxy S20 was introduced as a successor to the Galaxy S10, aiming to provide users with top-tier performance, camera capabilities, and a refined design.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Samsung’s One UI 2.5 on top.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate (at FHD resolution), and HDR10+ support.
  3. Processor: Exynos 990 (global) or Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (USA).
  4. Memory: 8/12 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor, 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom, and 12 MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 10 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 9W reverse wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, 5G connectivity (in the 5G model), IP68 water and dust resistance, and Gorilla Glass 6 protection.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Dynamic AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth user experience, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate (albeit at FHD).
  2. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup offers a range of shooting scenarios, from ultrawide landscapes to zoomed-in shots.
  3. Performance: Whether it’s the Exynos or Snapdragon variant, the S20 handles daily tasks and gaming with ease.
  4. Compact Design: Compared to its bigger siblings (S20+ and S20 Ultra), the S20 offers a more compact and manageable form factor.
  5. One UI: Samsung’s One UI is feature-rich and offers a more streamlined experience compared to previous Samsung interfaces.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery can be a bit limiting, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate turned on.
  2. Price: At launch, the S20’s price was on the higher side, especially when compared to competitors offering similar specifications.
  3. Exynos vs. Snapdragon: The global Exynos variant was often reported to have inferior performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon variant.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy S20 faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 8: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a clean software experience.
  • iPhone 11: With its A13 Bionic chip, dual-camera setup, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Xiaomi Mi 10: Featuring a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a 108 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S20 was announced in February 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Exynos Performance: Many users and reviewers noted that the Exynos 990 variant of the S20 had inferior battery life and performance compared to the Snapdragon 865 variant.
  2. Camera Autofocus: Initial software had some issues with camera autofocus, especially in the S20 Ultra, but this was largely addressed in subsequent updates.
  3. Heating: Some users reported heating issues, especially with the Exynos variant during extended camera or gaming sessions.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is a premium offering that brings a host of features and innovations to the table. With its high-quality display, versatile camera setup, and the backing of Samsung’s ecosystem, it’s a compelling choice for those seeking a flagship experience. While there were some points of contention, especially regarding the Exynos variant, subsequent software updates and price reductions have made it a more attractive option as time has gone on. For users seeking a blend of compactness, performance, and camera capabilities, the Galaxy S20 remains a strong contender in the flagship segment.

Samsung Galaxy M31

Into Droid 3 Comments

The Samsung Galaxy M31 is a key release in Samsung’s mid-range M series lineup, known for offering substantial battery life and value for money. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy M31:

Overview:

Introduced in early 2020, the Samsung Galaxy M31 is a successor to the Galaxy M30s. It builds upon the foundation set by its predecessor, focusing on battery life, camera capabilities, and an AMOLED display, all while maintaining an attractive price point.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Samsung’s One UI 2.0 on top.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 9611.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A massive 6000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic build with a gradient finish.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery is undoubtedly the device’s standout feature, ensuring the phone can easily last more than a day, even with heavy use.
  2. Display: The Super AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for media consumption.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The 64 MP primary sensor captures detailed images, and the versatility of the quad-camera setup is commendable for its price point.
  4. Value for Money: Given its features, the device offers excellent value, especially for those prioritizing battery life and display quality.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The Exynos 9611 is decent for daily tasks but might not be the best for intensive gaming or heavy multitasking, especially when compared to some competitors.
  2. Build Quality: The device uses a plastic build, which, while durable, might not feel as premium as some metal or glass competitors.
  3. Charging Speed: Despite its large battery, the device supports only 15W fast charging, which means charging from 0 to 100% can take a while.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price segment, the Samsung Galaxy M31 faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 9 Pro: Offering a glass build, Snapdragon 720G chipset, and a versatile camera setup.
  • Realme 6 Pro: With its 90Hz IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 720G, and dual front cameras.
  • POCO X2: Known for its 120Hz display, Snapdragon 730G, and 64 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M31 was announced in February 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bloat: Some users found the pre-installed apps and occasional ads in the UI to be a bit intrusive.
  2. Weight: Due to its large battery, the device is on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
  3. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera performs well in good lighting, it can struggle in low-light scenarios.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M31 is a strong contender in the mid-range segment, especially for users who prioritize battery life and display quality. While it has areas that could be improved, such as performance and build quality, the overall package is compelling for its price. The device further solidified Samsung’s position in the competitive mid-range smartphone market, offering a reliable alternative to Chinese brands.

Realme X50

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Realme X50 was one of Realme’s early entries into the 5G smartphone market, aiming to offer next-generation connectivity at a more affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme X50:

Overview:

Launched in early 2020, the Realme X50 was positioned as a mid-range 5G smartphone, emphasizing performance, camera capabilities, and a high-refresh-rate display, all while maintaining a competitive price.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Realme UI on top.
  2. Display: 6.57-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G 5G.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 12 MP telephoto lens, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro sensor. The front features a dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary shooter and an 8 MP ultrawide lens.
  6. Battery: 4200 mAh non-removable battery with 30W VOOC fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, and a glass build with a reflective finish.

Pros:

  1. 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 765G chipset offers integrated 5G, making the device future-proof in terms of network connectivity.
  2. Display: The 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth user experience, especially while scrolling and gaming.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup, especially with its telephoto and ultrawide sensors, offers flexibility in photography.
  4. Fast Charging: The 30W VOOC charging can quickly juice up the battery, providing a decent screen-on time.
  5. Performance: The Snapdragon 765G, combined with ample RAM options, ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming.

Cons:

  1. No AMOLED Display: Unlike some competitors, the device uses an IPS LCD, which might not offer as vibrant colors or deep blacks as an AMOLED panel.
  2. No Expandable Storage: The device lacks a microSD card slot, limiting storage expansion options.
  3. No 3.5mm Jack: The device omits the traditional headphone jack, which might be a downside for some users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme X50 faced competition from:

  • Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite 5G: Offering an AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and a similar camera setup.
  • OnePlus Nord: With its AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and OxygenOS experience.
  • Vivo X50 Lite: Known for its AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and unique gimbal camera stabilization.

Launch Date:

The Realme X50 was announced in January 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: While Realme UI offers a plethora of features, some users found occasional stutters or inconsistencies, especially with third-party apps.
  2. Camera Processing: Some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions or with the macro sensor.
  3. Build Quality: While the device has a premium feel, the glossy back is prone to fingerprints and smudges.

Conclusion:

The Realme X50 is a commendable effort by Realme to bring 5G connectivity to a broader audience. With its high-refresh-rate display, versatile camera setup, and future-proof chipset, it offers a balanced package for its price. While there are areas of improvement, especially in terms of display technology and software optimization, the device is a strong contender in the mid-range 5G smartphone market.

Huawei Mate X Series

Into Droid 2 Comments

Overview:

The Huawei Mate X series represents Huawei’s ambitious venture into the foldable smartphone arena. This lineup has been a testament to Huawei’s commitment to innovation and design, with each iteration showcasing improvements and refinements.

Key Models:

  • Huawei Mate X (2019): The trailblazer of the series, the Mate X was unveiled at MWC 2019 on February 25, 2019. It was initially scheduled for a June 2019 launch but was postponed to November 2019 for extensive testing, especially in light of the challenges faced by Samsung’s Galaxy Fold.
  • Huawei Mate Xs (2020): Announced on February 24, 2020, this model was a hardware revision of the original Mate X. It featured a more durable display, an improved hinge mechanism, a redesigned cooling system, the Kirin 990 5G SoC, and Android 10 with EMUI 10.

Features and Specifications:

  • Design: The Mate X series is characterized by its outward-folding design, allowing for a seamless transition between phone and tablet modes.
  • Display: The original Mate X featured an 8-inch OLED display that, when folded, resulted in a 6.6-inch main display and a 6.38-inch rear display.
  • Performance: Powered by the HiSilicon Kirin 980, the Mate X was complemented by 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of UFS 2.1 storage.
  • Camera: The camera bar on the Mate X housed a 40 MP main lens, a 16 MP wide-angle lens, an 8 MP telephoto lens, and a time-of-flight sensor.
  • Battery: The device was equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, supporting Huawei’s Supercharge at 55W.

Pros:

  • Innovative Design: The outward-folding mechanism of the Mate X series offers a unique user experience, differentiating it from other foldables in the market.
  • High-End Specifications: The Mate X series is packed with top-tier specs, ensuring a premium user experience.
  • Camera Capabilities: Huawei’s expertise in smartphone photography shines through in the Mate X series, offering versatile shooting options.

Cons:

  • Durability Concerns: The foldable nature of the device raises questions about its long-term durability, especially the screen.
  • Price: The Mate X series comes with a hefty price tag, positioning it in the premium segment of the market.
  • Software Limitations: Due to ongoing tensions between the US and China, newer models might lack Google services, which could be a deal-breaker for many users.

Comparison to Other Technologies:

The Huawei Mate X series stands in direct competition with other foldable devices, notably Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. While both offer unique designs and features, the Mate X series differentiates itself with its outward-folding mechanism and Huawei’s proprietary software and hardware integrations.

Common Issues/Problems:

The primary concern with the Mate X series, similar to other foldables, revolves around the durability of the foldable screen. Some users have reported issues with the screen malfunctioning after prolonged use.

Conclusion:

The Huawei Mate X series is a bold representation of the future of smartphones, blending innovation with functionality. While it offers a plethora of features and a unique design, potential buyers should be aware of the associated durability concerns and software limitations. For those willing to embrace the foldable experience and Huawei’s ecosystem, the Mate X series is a compelling choice.