Category: Hardware

Motorola Moto G 5G

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The Moto G 5G is part of Motorola’s G series, which has traditionally aimed to provide solid smartphones at an affordable price point. The Moto G 5G, as the name suggests, brings 5G connectivity to the mid-range segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto G 5G:

Overview:

Launched in 2020, the Moto G 5G is positioned as a mid-range device within Motorola’s lineup, aiming to offer users a taste of 5G connectivity without a premium price tag.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with a near-stock Android experience.
  2. Display: 6.7-inch LTPS IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro camera. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 20W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, water-repellent design, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 750G chipset brings 5G connectivity to the mid-range segment, making the device somewhat future-proof.
  2. Stock Android Experience: Motorola’s near-stock Android experience is clean and bloat-free, ensuring smooth performance and timely updates.
  3. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage, making it suitable for users who are on the go.
  4. Value for Money: Given its specifications and the addition of 5G, the device offers good value for its price.
  5. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD slot provides flexibility for users who need more storage.

Cons:

  1. Camera Performance: While the primary sensor is decent for well-lit scenarios, the overall camera performance can be inconsistent, especially in low light.
  2. Build Quality: The device uses a plastic back, which might not feel as premium as devices with glass or metal builds.
  3. Lack of High Refresh Rate: Unlike some competitors, the Moto G 5G sticks to a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto G 5G faced competition from:

  • Realme 7 Pro: Offering a Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 720G, and 65W fast charging.
  • Redmi Note 9 Pro Max: With its Snapdragon 720G, 64 MP primary camera, and a 5020 mAh battery.
  • Samsung Galaxy A42 5G: Featuring an AMOLED display, Snapdragon 750G, and a quad-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Moto G 5G was announced in November 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While Motorola promises timely updates, some users reported delays in receiving software updates or patches.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is decent, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Speaker Quality: Some users mentioned that the single bottom-firing speaker lacked depth and richness in sound.

Conclusion:

The Moto G 5G is a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for users who are looking to experience 5G connectivity without spending a fortune. With its reliable performance, clean software experience, and decent battery life, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the camera setup and build quality, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a clean software experience, the Moto G 5G is a worthy contender in the mid-range market.

Samsung Galaxy A51

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The Samsung Galaxy A51 was a part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is known for offering a blend of solid features at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A51:

Overview:

Launched in late 2019, the Samsung Galaxy A51 was a successor to the popular A50, bringing in several improvements and new features. Positioned in the mid-range segment, the A51 aimed to provide a good mix of performance, camera capabilities, and design without breaking the bank.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with Samsung’s One UI 2.
  2. Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, featuring an Infinity-O design (centered hole-punch).
  3. Processor: Exynos 9611 (10nm).
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6/8 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 12 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. A 32 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Under-display optical fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic back with a “prism” design.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup allowed for a variety of photography options, from ultrawide shots to live focus (bokeh) effects.
  3. Design: The “prism” design on the back and the slim bezels, combined with the centered hole-punch, gave the device a modern and appealing look.
  4. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD card slot was a plus, especially when some competitors were omitting this feature.
  5. One UI: Samsung’s software experience was feature-rich, offering a plethora of customization options and features.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: The Exynos 9611 was capable for daily tasks, but it wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its price segment, leading to occasional lags in intensive tasks.
  2. Plastic Build: While the “prism” design was visually appealing, the plastic build felt less premium compared to glass or metal.
  3. Fingerprint Scanner: The under-display fingerprint scanner was not always as fast or consistent as traditional capacitive scanners.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019 and 2020, the Galaxy A51 faced competition from various mid-range devices:

  • OnePlus Nord: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and a versatile camera setup.
  • Realme X2: Known for its AMOLED display, Snapdragon 730G chipset, and fast charging capabilities.
  • Redmi Note 9 Pro: Xiaomi’s offering with a balanced set of features at a competitive price point.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A51 was announced in December 2019 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional stutters or lags, especially when multitasking or running heavy apps.
  2. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was generally good, some users felt that its performance in low-light conditions could be improved.
  3. Battery Optimization: Some users felt that the battery drain was faster than expected, especially with prolonged screen-on time.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A51 was a well-rounded mid-range device that offered a mix of design, features, and performance. While it had its shortcomings, it provided good value for its price, especially for those looking for a reliable brand with a solid software experience. The A51 continued the A-series’ tradition of offering a balanced smartphone experience for the masses.

Samsung Galaxy A71

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The Samsung Galaxy A71 is part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which focuses on offering solid features at a more affordable price point compared to its flagship S-series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A71:

Overview:

Launched in early 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A71 was a successor to the A70, offering improved specifications and features. Positioned in the upper mid-range segment, the A71 aimed to provide a balanced mix of performance, camera capabilities, and design.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with Samsung’s One UI 2.
  2. Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) or Snapdragon 730G for select regions.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 12 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. A 32 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 25W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic back with a “prism” design.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED Plus display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The 64 MP primary sensor captured detailed shots, and the versatility of the quad-camera setup allowed for a variety of photography options.
  3. Battery Life: The 4500 mAh battery ensured the device lasted through a full day of moderate to heavy use.
  4. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD card slot was a plus, especially when some competitors were omitting this feature.
  5. One UI: Samsung’s software experience was feature-rich, offering a plethora of customization options and features.

Cons:

  1. Plastic Build: While the “prism” design on the back was visually appealing, the plastic build felt less premium compared to glass or metal.
  2. Processor Performance: While the Snapdragon 730/730G was capable for daily tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its price segment.
  3. Weight: At around 179g, some users found the device to be a bit on the heavier side.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2020, the Galaxy A71 faced competition from various mid-range devices:

  • OnePlus Nord: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and a versatile camera setup.
  • Realme X2 Pro: Known for its 90Hz display, Snapdragon 855+ chipset, and fast charging capabilities.
  • Redmi Note 9 Pro: Xiaomi’s offering with a balanced set of features at a competitive price point.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A71 was announced in December 2019 and released in January 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Scanner: Some users reported that the in-display fingerprint scanner was not always consistent in recognizing fingerprints.
  2. Software Bloat: While One UI offered many features, some users felt that the device came with too many pre-installed apps.
  3. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was generally good, some users felt that its performance in low-light conditions could be improved.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A71 was a testament to Samsung’s strategy of offering a balanced smartphone experience at a more accessible price point. While it made some compromises, such as the plastic build, it delivered in areas like display quality, camera versatility, and battery life. For users seeking a Samsung experience without the flagship price, the A71 was a compelling option.

Nokia 2.3

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The Nokia 2.3 was part of Nokia’s revamped lineup under HMD Global, targeting the budget segment of the smartphone market. Launched in late 2019, the Nokia 2.3 aimed to provide a reliable and pure Android experience in an affordable package. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 2.3:

Overview:

The Nokia 2.3 was designed for users who wanted a straightforward, no-frills smartphone experience with the assurance of regular software updates, thanks to its Android One certification. With its simple design and decent build quality, it catered to users looking for a budget-friendly yet dependable device.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) as part of the Android One program, ensuring regular updates and a stock Android experience. It was later upgradable to Android 10 and 11.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio A22.
  4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual camera setup – 13 MP primary sensor and 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: 3.5mm headphone jack, dedicated Google Assistant button.

Pros:

  1. Android One: The device’s Android One certification meant a bloat-free, stock Android experience with the promise of regular security and OS updates.
  2. Build Quality: Despite its budget positioning, the Nokia 2.3 boasted a solid build with a textured back for better grip.
  3. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured decent battery life, lasting a day for most users.
  4. Price: Being a budget device, it offered good value for its price point.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The MediaTek Helio A22, combined with 2 GB RAM, was sufficient for basic tasks but could struggle with multitasking and more demanding apps.
  2. Camera Performance: While decent in well-lit conditions, the camera struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. No Fingerprint Sensor: The device lacked a fingerprint sensor, which was present in some competitors in the same price range.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Nokia 2.3 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 8A: Offering a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 439, and a 5000 mAh battery.
  • Realme C3: With its 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G70, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy A10: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Exynos 7884, and a 3400 mAh battery.

Launch Date:

The Nokia 2.3 was announced in December 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Performance: Some users reported occasional slowdowns and stutters, especially when running multiple apps.
  2. Camera Quality: The camera, while decent for the price, was not the best in its segment, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Lack of Fingerprint Sensor: Some users missed the convenience of a fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 2.3 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize software experience and build quality. Its Android One certification and solid build made it stand out in a crowded market. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and camera quality, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic device with a clean software experience and decent build, the Nokia 2.3 was a good choice. However, those looking for better performance, camera capabilities, or additional features like a fingerprint sensor might have considered other options available in the market at the time.