Category: Hardware

Motorola Moto G6

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The Motorola Moto G6 was a part of Motorola’s popular G series, which has been known for offering solid specifications and performance at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto G6:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Moto G6 continued Motorola’s tradition of providing a balanced smartphone experience without breaking the bank. It aimed to offer a blend of design, functionality, and value.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo.
  • Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. An 8 MP or 16 MP front camera (varies by region).
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with TurboPower fast charging.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Design: The Moto G6 featured a glass back and aluminum frame, giving it a more premium look compared to its predecessors.
  • Clean Software: Motorola’s near-stock Android experience, with minimal bloat and useful additions like Moto Actions, was a selling point.
  • Display: The 18:9 aspect ratio display was vibrant and offered good viewing angles.
  • Value for Money: The Moto G6 provided a balanced set of features for its price point.

Cons:

  • Processor Performance: The Snapdragon 450, while adequate for daily tasks, was not the most powerful in its segment.
  • Camera Performance: While decent in good lighting, the camera struggled in low-light conditions.
  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was average, and while TurboPower charging helped, some competitors offered larger batteries.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the mid-range smartphone segment was packed with options. The Moto G6 faced competition from:

  • Nokia 7.1: Offering a premium design, HDR10 display, and Android One experience.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro: Known for its powerful specs and larger battery at a similar price point.
  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: With a massive battery and clean Android experience.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto G6 was announced in April 2018 and released in May 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Slow Updates: Despite the near-stock Android experience, Motorola was criticized for slow software updates for the G6.
  • Speaker Quality: The front-facing speaker, while clear, wasn’t particularly loud.
  • Build Durability: The glass back, while premium, made the phone more susceptible to cracks and breaks from drops.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto G6 was a continuation of Motorola’s philosophy of offering reliable smartphones at an affordable price. While it faced stiff competition in its segment, the G6 carved out a niche for users looking for a clean Android experience, decent camera capabilities, and a premium design without spending too much. It was a testament to the evolving mid-range smartphone market, where users were getting more and more features previously reserved for flagship devices.

Motorola Moto E5

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The Moto E5 was part of Motorola’s E-series, which has always been targeted at the budget segment of the smartphone market. Launched in 2018, the Moto E5 aimed to provide a reliable smartphone experience at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto E5:

Overview:

The Moto E5 was designed for users who wanted a no-frills, reliable smartphone experience without spending a lot. With its large battery and near-stock Android experience, it catered to users who prioritize battery longevity and a clean software experience.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  2. Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 425.
  4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A substantial 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner (in some regions), 3.5mm headphone jack, and a water-repellent coating.

Pros:

  1. Impressive Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last a day, even with moderate to heavy usage.
  2. Near-Stock Android Experience: Motorola’s light touch on Android meant that the device offered a clean, near-stock experience, which many users appreciated.
  3. Value for Money: Given its price point, the device offered a decent set of features and performance.
  4. Durable Design: The device had a robust design with a water-repellent coating, making it more resistant to splashes and light rain.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 425 and 2 GB RAM were sufficient for basic tasks but could struggle with multitasking and more demanding apps.
  2. Camera Performance: The camera was average and could struggle in low-light conditions.
  3. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors in a similar price range.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto E5 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 6: Offering a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Realme C1: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy J4: With its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display and Exynos 7570 Quad.

Launch Date:

The Moto E5 was announced in April 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates or not receiving major Android version updates.
  2. Performance Hiccups: Given the limited RAM and entry-level processor, some users experienced occasional slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps.
  3. Storage: With only 16 GB of internal storage, users could quickly run out of space, making a microSD card almost essential.

Conclusion:

The Moto E5 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize battery life and a clean Android experience. Its large battery and near-stock Android made it a popular choice among users who wanted a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. 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 device that can last through long days and handle basic tasks with ease, the Moto E5 was a top contender. However, those looking for better performance or a sharper display might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro

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The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was a significant release in Xiaomi’s lineup, particularly in markets like India where it gained immense popularity. It was known for offering high-end specifications at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in early 2018, the Redmi Note 5 Pro aimed to build on the success of its predecessors in the Redmi Note series. It combined a modern design, powerful internals, and a competitive price, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.1.2 Nougat with Xiaomi’s MIUI 9, later upgradeable.
  • Display: 5.99-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. A 20 MP front camera with LED flash.
  • Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, infrared port, and a microUSB port.

Pros:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 636 chipset, combined with ample RAM, ensured smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
  • Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera setup, especially the high-resolution front camera with flash, was a highlight, offering good photos in various lighting conditions.
  • Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured the phone lasted through a full day of heavy usage.
  • Value for Money: The device provided a balanced set of features for its price point, making it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Cons:

  • MIUI Ads: Xiaomi’s MIUI, while feature-rich, started showing ads in various native apps, which was a point of contention for many users.
  • MicroUSB Port: At a time when many devices were moving to USB Type-C, the Redmi Note 5 Pro still used the older microUSB standard.
  • Design: While the build was solid, the design was considered derivative, with many likening it to the iPhone X, especially due to the camera placement.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Redmi Note 5 Pro faced stiff competition in the mid-range segment:

  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: Offering a massive battery, stock Android experience, and similar Snapdragon 636 chipset.
  • Nokia 6.1: With its robust build, clean Android One experience, and reliable performance.
  • Motorola Moto G6: Offering a glass design, clean software, and focus on camera capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was announced in February 2018 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Flash Sale Model: The device was initially sold via flash sales, making it hard for many consumers to purchase due to high demand.
  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches in MIUI, especially related to notifications.
  • Heating Issues: Some users experienced heating, especially during prolonged gaming or camera usage.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was a testament to Xiaomi’s strategy of offering feature-packed devices at competitive prices. It combined a decent design, powerful internals, and a good camera setup, making it a favorite in the mid-range segment. While it had its challenges, especially in terms of software and the flash sale model, the overall value proposition of the Redmi Note 5 Pro made it a significant success for Xiaomi, further cementing its position in key markets.

Nokia 6.1

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The Nokia 6.1, also known as Nokia 6 (2018), was a part of Nokia’s revamped lineup under HMD Global, aiming to offer a blend of solid build quality, clean software, and good overall performance. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 6.1:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Nokia 6.1 was an upgrade to the previous year’s Nokia 6. It was a part of Nokia’s commitment to offering well-built devices with a clean software experience, thanks to its Android One partnership.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, under the Android One program, ensuring regular updates and a stock Android experience. It was later upgradeable to newer Android versions.
  • Display: 5.5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: 16 MP rear camera with Zeiss optics and an 8 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (in certain regions), and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Build Quality: The Nokia 6.1 boasted an aluminum unibody design, giving it a robust and premium feel.
  • Clean Software: Being a part of the Android One program, the device offered a stock Android experience, ensuring a bloat-free experience and timely updates.
  • Performance: The Snapdragon 630 chipset provided a decent performance boost over its predecessor.
  • Camera: With Zeiss optics, the camera performance was commendable for its price, especially in well-lit conditions.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average, with some competitors offering larger batteries in the same segment.
  • Low-light Camera Performance: The camera struggled in low-light conditions, producing grainy images.
  • Design: While the build was solid, the design was considered a bit dated, especially with the industry moving towards taller, bezel-less displays.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Nokia 6.1 faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

Launch Date:

The Nokia 6.1 was announced in January 2018 and released in April 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker was not the loudest and lacked depth.
  • Slow Charging: Despite supporting fast charging, the device took a considerable amount of time to charge fully.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 6.1 was a testament to HMD Global’s commitment to reviving the Nokia brand in the smartphone market. It combined a premium build, clean software, and decent performance at a competitive price point. While it had its shortcomings, the device was well-received by those looking for a balanced smartphone experience with the promise of timely updates. The Nokia 6.1 was a part of Nokia’s broader strategy to regain trust and market share by focusing on build quality and software purity.