Category: Hardware

Asus Zenfone 5Z

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Asus Zenfone 5Z was Asus’s answer to the growing demand for flagship-level specifications at a more affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone 5Z:

Overview:

Launched in mid-2018, the Asus Zenfone 5Z was part of Asus’s revamped approach to the smartphone market. It aimed to compete directly with other value flagships, offering high-end specifications and features without the flagship price tag.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, overlaid with Asus’s ZenUI 5.0.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch Super IPS+ LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2246 pixels, featuring a notch design.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6/8 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8 MP secondary wide-angle sensor. An 8 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset, the Zenfone 5Z ensured top-tier performance, suitable for gaming and multitasking.
  2. Display Quality: The Super IPS+ LCD display was sharp and offered good color reproduction and brightness levels.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The camera setup, especially the wide-angle lens, allowed for versatile photography.
  4. ZenUI Improvements: Asus’s ZenUI 5.0 was more streamlined and closer to stock Android than previous iterations, improving the overall user experience.
  5. Value Proposition: The Zenfone 5Z provided flagship specifications at a significantly lower price point than many competitors.

Cons:

  1. No Water or Dust Resistance: The device lacked any official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
  2. Battery Life: While decent, the battery life wasn’t standout, especially with heavy use.
  3. ZenUI Bloatware: Despite improvements, ZenUI still came with some pre-installed apps that not all users found useful.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Asus Zenfone 5Z faced competition from various flagship and value flagship devices:

  • OnePlus 6: Known for its performance, OxygenOS, and value proposition.
  • Samsung Galaxy S9: Samsung’s flagship with its Dynamic AMOLED display and variable aperture camera.
  • LG G7 ThinQ: Featuring a bright display, wide-angle camera, and Quad DAC for audio.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone 5Z was announced in February 2018 and released in July 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches in ZenUI, especially related to notifications and app management.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware was capable, some users felt the camera software sometimes produced inconsistent results, especially in low light.
  3. Audio Quality: Despite having a 3.5mm jack, some users felt the audio output wasn’t as high quality as some competitors.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone 5Z was a significant step forward for Asus in the smartphone market, offering a compelling blend of features, performance, and value. It catered to both enthusiasts looking for high-end specifications and regular users seeking good value for their money. While it had areas for improvement, especially in terms of software refinement, the overall package made the Zenfone 5Z a noteworthy contender in the 2018 smartphone landscape.

Redmi 6A

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Redmi 6A was a part of Xiaomi’s Redmi series, which is known for offering value-packed smartphones at budget-friendly prices. Launched in 2018, the Redmi 6A was positioned as an entry-level device, aiming to provide essential smartphone features at a very affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi 6A:

Overview:

The Redmi 6A was designed for users who were either first-time smartphone buyers or those looking for a basic smartphone experience without spending much. With its compact design and decent performance for its class, it catered to users who prioritize affordability and essential functionality.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Xiaomi’s MIUI skin.
  2. Display: 5.45-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio A22.
  4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with options of 16 GB/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: 3.5mm headphone jack, face unlock.

Pros:

  1. Affordability: One of the most affordable smartphones with decent specifications for its price bracket.
  2. Compact Design: The device’s compact size made it comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
  3. Decent Camera for the Price: The 13 MP camera provided satisfactory shots in well-lit conditions for its price range.
  4. MIUI Features: Xiaomi’s MIUI skin brought several additional features and customization options.

Cons:

  1. Performance Limitations: The Helio A22 and 2 GB RAM were suitable for basic tasks but could struggle with multitasking or more demanding apps.
  2. No Fingerprint Scanner: The device relied on face unlock and traditional unlocking methods.
  3. Ads in MIUI: One of the common criticisms of MIUI at the time was the presence of ads within the UI, which some users found intrusive.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi 6A faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy J2 Core: Offering a 5-inch TFT display, Exynos 7570 Quad, and an 8 MP primary camera.
  • Moto E5 Play: Featuring a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 425/427, and an 8 MP primary camera.
  • Nokia 2.1: With its 5.5-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 425, and an 8 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Redmi 6A was announced in June 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Being an entry-level device, it wasn’t always the first in line to receive MIUI updates or Android version upgrades.
  2. Limited RAM: With only 2 GB of RAM, the device could experience slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps.
  3. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while expected at this price point, wasn’t the most durable.

Conclusion:

The Redmi 6A was a commendable offering in the entry-level segment, especially for those who wanted a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Its compact design, decent camera for the price, and the features offered by MIUI made it a popular choice among users on a tight budget. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device for essential tasks like calling, messaging, and light browsing, the Redmi 6A was a strong contender. However, those looking for better performance or additional features might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Redmi 6

Into Droid 3 Comments

The Redmi 6 is part of Xiaomi’s Redmi series, which has been historically known for offering value-packed smartphones at very competitive prices. Launched in 2018, the Redmi 6 was positioned as an entry-level device. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi 6:

Overview:

The Redmi 6 aimed to cater to users looking for a basic smartphone experience without compromising on essential features. With its dual-camera setup and efficient processor, it targeted budget-conscious users who still wanted a decent smartphone experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 9, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 5.45-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P22.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 12 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a micro USB port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Compact Design: The 5.45-inch display made the phone relatively compact and easy to handle.
  2. Dual-Camera Setup: The inclusion of a dual-camera setup at this price point was commendable.
  3. MIUI Features: Xiaomi’s MIUI offers a plethora of features and customization options that many users appreciate.
  4. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Redmi 6 offered excellent value for money.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was adequate but not outstanding, especially when compared to some other devices in the same price range.
  2. Performance Limitations: While the Helio P22 is competent for basic tasks, it might not be the best for heavy gaming or intensive multitasking.
  3. Ads in MIUI: One common complaint among users was the presence of ads in the MIUI software experience.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi 6 faced competition from:

  • Realme 2: Offering a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy J6: Featuring a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a single 13 MP rear camera.
  • Moto E5: With its 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 425, and a single 13 MP rear camera.

Launch Date:

The Redmi 6 was announced in June 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bloat: Some users reported that the device came with a number of pre-installed apps, some of which were not useful.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera, while decent for its price, struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. Ads in MIUI: As mentioned earlier, the presence of ads in the UI was a point of contention for many users.

Conclusion:

The Redmi 6 was a solid offering in the entry-level segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its compact size and dual-camera setup were standout features, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of battery life and the occasional software bloat, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic smartphone experience without spending too much, the Redmi 6 was a strong contender. However, those looking for a cleaner software experience or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018)

Into Droid 1 Comment

The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) was part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is known for offering a balanced set of features at a more affordable price point compared to the flagship S-series. Released in 2018, the A6+ aimed to cater to the mid-range segment with a particular emphasis on display and camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018):

Overview:

The Galaxy A6+ (2018) was designed to offer a premium feel and essential features without breaking the bank. With its Super AMOLED display and dual-camera setup, it aimed to appeal to users who prioritize multimedia consumption and photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.0-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB or 4 GB RAM with 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 24 MP shooter with an LED flash.
  6. Battery: 3500 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Dolby Atmos sound.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED display was vibrant and offered deep blacks, which is typical of Samsung’s AMOLED panels.
  2. Front Camera: The 24 MP front camera with an LED flash was suitable for selfies, even in low-light conditions.
  3. Design: The device had a metal unibody design, giving it a premium feel.
  4. Dolby Atmos: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos provided an enhanced audio experience when using headphones.

Cons:

  1. Processor: The Snapdragon 450, while decent for basic tasks, was not the most powerful in its segment.
  2. No Fast Charging: The device lacked fast charging support, which meant longer charging times for the 3500 mAh battery.
  3. Price: Some users felt that the device was a bit overpriced for the specifications it offered, especially when compared to competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy A6+ (2018) faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 5 Pro: Offering a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto G6 Plus: With its 5.9-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a dual-camera system.
  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: Featuring a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) was announced in May 2018 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when multitasking or running heavy apps.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera hardware was decent, some users felt that the software processing could be improved, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Weight: The device was a bit on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for all users.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) was a decent mid-range offering that aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a touch of premium. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of display and front camera, it faced stiff competition in its segment. For Samsung loyalists or those who prioritize display quality, the A6+ was a viable option. However, those looking for better performance or value for money might have considered other options available in the market at the time.