Category: Hardware

Realme X2 Pro

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Realme X2 Pro was a significant release for Realme, marking its entry into the premium mid-range or “flagship killer” segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme X2 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in late 2019, the Realme X2 Pro was Realme’s answer to the growing demand for high-performance smartphones at a more affordable price point. It packed flagship-level specifications and features, aiming to challenge established players in the segment.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially came with Android 9.0 (Pie) with ColorOS 6.1 on top, upgradable to Android 10 and Realme UI.
  2. Display: 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  3. Processor: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+.
  4. Memory: Available in configurations of 6/8/12 GB RAM and 64/128/256 GB UFS 3.0 storage.
  5. Camera: Quad rear setup with a 64 MP primary sensor, 13 MP telephoto lens, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera was a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: Packed a 4000 mAh battery with 50W SuperVOOC Flash Charge.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Performance: With the Snapdragon 855+ at its core, the device offered top-tier performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming with ease.
  2. Display: The 90Hz Super AMOLED display was a highlight, offering smooth scrolling, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
  3. Fast Charging: The 50W SuperVOOC charging could juice up the phone from 0 to 100% in just about 35 minutes.
  4. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup, especially the 64 MP primary sensor, captured detailed and vibrant shots.
  5. Value Proposition: Given its features and performance, the device offered excellent value for its price.

Cons:

  1. ColorOS: While Realme UI was on the horizon, the device initially came with ColorOS, which wasn’t to everyone’s liking due to its bloatware and design choices.
  2. Weight and Size: The device was on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
  3. Lack of Wireless Charging: While it had super-fast wired charging, it missed out on wireless charging, a feature present in some competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme X2 Pro faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 7T: Offering a similar 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 855+, and OxygenOS.
  • Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro (Redmi K20 Pro in some markets): With a Snapdragon 855, pop-up selfie camera, and a bezel-less display.
  • Asus ROG Phone 2: Targeted at gamers with its 120Hz display, massive battery, and gaming-centric features.

Launch Date:

The Realme X2 Pro was unveiled in October 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users weren’t fans of ColorOS, though this was addressed to an extent with the subsequent Realme UI update.
  2. Camera Software Processing: While the hardware was impressive, some users felt that the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Heat Management: A few users reported the device getting warm during extended gaming sessions or while using the camera for prolonged periods.

Conclusion:

The Realme X2 Pro was a bold move by Realme, showcasing its ability to produce a high-end smartphone without the flagship price tag. It combined a powerful chipset, a high-refresh-rate screen, and fast charging, making it a compelling option for those seeking flagship-level features without breaking the bank. The device was well-received and established Realme as a serious contender in the premium mid-range segment.

OnePlus 7T

Into Droid 2 Comments

The OnePlus 7 was a continuation of OnePlus’s strategy to offer flagship-level specifications at a relatively more affordable price. Building on the foundation of the OnePlus 6T, the OnePlus 7 brought in several improvements. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 7:

Overview:

Introduced in late 2019, the OnePlus 7T built upon the foundation set by the OnePlus 7, offering several enhancements and features that were previously exclusive to the Pro variant. Positioned as a premium mid-range device, the 7T aimed to provide flagship-level performance and features at a competitive price point.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with OnePlus’s OxygenOS 10.
  2. Display: 6.55-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, supporting a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+.
  4. Memory: 8 GB RAM with options of 128 GB or 256 GB internal storage (UFS 3.0).
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 12 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide sensor. A 16 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 3800 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30T fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and an aluminum frame.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 855+ chipset, combined with OxygenOS, ensured top-tier performance, suitable for everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming.
  2. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display provided a smooth and immersive experience, with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  3. Fast Charging: Warp Charge 30T offered rapid charging capabilities, allowing for a significant battery boost in a short amount of time.
  4. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup allowed for a range of photography options, from ultrawide shots to portrait mode.
  5. OxygenOS: Known for its near-stock experience, speed, and customization features, OxygenOS was a highlight for many users.

Cons:

  1. No Wireless Charging: Despite its premium positioning, the 7T lacked wireless charging capabilities.
  2. No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the device had some water resistance, it lacked an official IP rating.
  3. No Expandable Storage: The 7T did not feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the OnePlus 7T faced competition from various flagship and mid-range devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S10: Samsung’s early 2019 flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and One UI software.
  • iPhone 11: Apple’s more affordable flagship offering with its A13 Bionic chip and iOS ecosystem.
  • Asus ROG Phone II: A gaming-centric phone with a 120Hz display, Snapdragon 855+ chipset, and a massive battery.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 7T was announced in September 2019 and released in October 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Consistency: While the camera hardware was impressive, some users felt that the post-processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  2. Battery Life: While the battery life was generally decent, the combination of the 90Hz display and powerful chipset could lead to faster drain under heavy use.
  3. Brightness Levels: Some users reported that the auto-brightness setting was not always accurate, leading to a need for manual adjustments.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 7T was a testament to OnePlus’s strategy of offering high-end specifications and features at a competitive price point. It successfully combined many of the features and qualities that users loved about OnePlus devices, such as the display and software experience, while making necessary improvements over its predecessor. The device was well-received and further solidified OnePlus’s reputation for delivering value-packed devices in the premium mid-range segment.

Motorola Moto E6 Plus

Into Droid Leave a comment

The Motorola Moto E6 Plus was a part of Motorola’s E series, which is known for offering budget-friendly smartphones with a decent set of features. Launched in 2019, the Moto E6 Plus was positioned as an entry-level device, aiming to provide a balanced smartphone experience for its price segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto E6 Plus:

Overview:

The Moto E6 Plus aimed to cater to users looking for a reliable smartphone experience without spending a lot. With its near-stock Android experience and a decent camera setup for its segment, it was targeted at budget-conscious users.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie).
  2. Display: 6.1-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P22.
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3000 mAh removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a micro USB port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Near-Stock Android Experience: Motorola is known for offering a near-stock Android experience, which many users appreciate for its simplicity and smoothness.
  2. Removable Battery: A feature that’s becoming rare, the removable battery allows users to replace the battery if needed.
  3. Decent Camera for the Price: The camera setup, while basic, was decent for its price segment.
  4. Expandable Storage: The microSDXC slot allowed users to expand storage if needed.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered modest, and some users might have found the need to charge the device before the day ends with heavy usage.
  2. Performance Limitations: The MediaTek Helio P22, while efficient for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful, leading to some limitations in multitasking and gaming.
  3. Build Quality: Being a budget device, the build was predominantly plastic, which might not feel as premium as some other devices in higher segments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto E6 Plus faced competition from:

  • Realme C2: Offering a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Redmi 7: Featuring a 6.26-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy A10: With its 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Exynos 7884, and a single 13 MP camera.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto E6 Plus was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Given its entry-level positioning, some users experienced occasional lags and slowdowns, especially with heavy apps.
  2. Battery Longevity: While the battery was removable, its 3000 mAh capacity meant that heavy users might struggle to get through a full day without a recharge.
  3. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally decent for its price, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto E6 Plus was a solid offering in the entry-level segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its near-stock Android experience and removable battery were standout features, making it a unique choice among its competitors. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of battery life and performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic smartphone experience with the added benefit of a removable battery and clean software, the Moto E6 Plus was a worthy consideration. However, those looking for a bit more power or a longer-lasting battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Realme 5 Pro

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Realme 5 Pro is part of Realme’s lineup, which has been known for offering competitive specifications at an affordable price point. Launched in 2019, the Realme 5 Pro was positioned as a mid-range device, aiming to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a particular emphasis on camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme 5 Pro:

Overview:

The Realme 5 Pro aimed to cater to users looking for a feature-rich device without breaking the bank. With a quad-camera setup and a powerful processor for its segment, it was targeted at both photography enthusiasts and general users.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Realme’s ColorOS 6, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 712.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4035 mAh non-removable battery with VOOC 3.0 fast charging support (20W).
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and splash resistance.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The quad-camera setup, especially the 48 MP primary sensor, allowed for versatile and detailed photography.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 712 chipset ensured smooth performance for daily tasks and moderate gaming.
  3. Fast Charging: The VOOC 3.0 fast charging could charge the device quickly, a significant advantage for users on the go.
  4. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Realme 5 Pro offered a compelling value proposition.

Cons:

  1. ColorOS Experience: While ColorOS offers many features, some users found it to be cluttered compared to stock Android or other custom UIs.
  2. Build Quality: The device was primarily made of plastic, which, although expected at this price point, didn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass counterparts.
  3. No AMOLED Display: The device used an IPS LCD, which, while decent, couldn’t match the contrast and vibrancy of an AMOLED display.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme 5 Pro faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30s: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Vivo Z1 Pro: With its 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Realme 5 Pro was announced in August 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially with ColorOS’s aggressive RAM management.
  2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally praised, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions.
  3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps that not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Realme 5 Pro was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, providing a balanced mix of features and performance. Its camera capabilities, fast charging, and overall value made it a popular choice among users. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of software experience and build quality, its overall package was quite compelling. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Realme 5 Pro was a strong contender. However, those looking for a more premium build or cleaner software experience might have considered other options available in the market at the time.