Category: Hardware

Sony Xperia XZ1

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The Sony Xperia XZ1 was a part of Sony’s flagship lineup, launched in late 2017. It followed the Xperia XZ and aimed to offer a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XZ1:

Overview:

The Xperia XZ1 was designed for users who wanted a premium smartphone experience with Sony’s signature design and camera expertise. With its compact design, high-end specifications, and unique features, it catered to users looking for a reliable flagship device.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo).
  2. Display: 5.2-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, supporting HDR10.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 19 MP Motion Eye primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 2700 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (region-dependent), USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, and 3D Creator (allows users to capture and print 3D images).

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The 960 fps super slow-motion video was a standout feature at the time of its release.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 835 combined with 4 GB RAM ensured smooth performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
  3. Build and Design: The phone featured Sony’s signature design with a metal unibody, giving it a premium feel.
  4. 3D Creator: A unique feature that allowed users to capture 3D images and even print them if desired.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 2700 mAh battery was on the smaller side for a flagship, which meant it might not last a full day for heavy users.
  2. Bezels: The design, while premium, had noticeable top and bottom bezels, which felt a bit outdated, especially when compared to the competition.
  3. Display Resolution: While the display supported HDR10, it was still a Full HD panel, whereas many competitors had moved to Quad HD resolutions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XZ1 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display, Exynos 8895/Snapdragon 835, and a modern design with minimal bezels.
  • LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
  • HTC U11: Featuring a 5.5-inch Quad HD Super LCD5 display, Snapdragon 835, and Edge Sense technology.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was announced in August 2017 and became available in various markets in September 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor was disabled in some regions, particularly in the U.S., which was a point of contention for many users.
  2. Camera Software: While the hardware was capable, some users found the camera software to be lacking, especially in low-light performance.
  3. Price: The Xperia XZ1 was priced similarly to other flagships but lacked some of the modern design elements and features that competitors offered.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XZ1 was a solid flagship offering, especially for those who are fans of Sony’s design and camera technology. Its performance, build quality, and unique features like the 960 fps super slow-motion and 3D Creator made it a worthy contender in the flagship segment. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of design aesthetics (bezels) and battery life, its overall package was compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a reliable device with a focus on camera capabilities and a unique feature set, the Xperia XZ1 was a good choice. However, those looking for a more modern design or a larger battery might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Max

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The Samsung Galaxy J7 Max was another addition to Samsung’s J series, targeting the mid-range segment. Launched in 2017, the J7 Max was designed to offer a larger display and enhanced camera capabilities compared to its siblings in the J series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy J7 Max:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Max was positioned as a device for users who wanted a larger display without breaking the bank. With its enhanced camera features and the introduction of Samsung Pay Mini, it aimed to provide a comprehensive package in the mid-range segment.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat).
  2. Display: 5.7-inch Full HD PLS TFT LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P20 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and a 13 MP front camera with an f/1.9 aperture, both accompanied by an LED flash.
  6. Battery: A 3300 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support, full metal unibody design, and Samsung Pay Mini.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The f/1.7 aperture on the rear camera allowed for better low-light shots, and the presence of LED flash for both front and rear cameras was a bonus.
  2. Display: The 5.7-inch Full HD display was suitable for media consumption, offering decent sharpness and color reproduction.
  3. Samsung Pay Mini: This was a toned-down version of Samsung Pay, allowing for UPI and wallet integrations, which was a unique feature in its segment.
  4. Design: The metal unibody design provided a premium feel to the device.

Cons:

  1. Processor Choice: The MediaTek Helio P20 was decent but wasn’t the most powerful in its class. Some competitors offered Snapdragon processors in the same price range.
  2. No AMOLED Display: Like the J7 Prime, the J7 Max also missed out on Samsung’s signature AMOLED display.
  3. Battery Life: While the 3300 mAh battery was decent, the larger display meant that the battery life wasn’t as impressive as some of its siblings.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the J7 Max faced competition from:

  • Moto G5S Plus: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
  • Oppo F3: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, MediaTek MT6750T, and a dual front camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Max was announced in June 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: As with many Samsung mid-range devices, the J7 Max wasn’t always the quickest to receive software updates.
  2. Performance Issues: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters, especially with heavy multitasking or gaming.
  3. Weight: Due to its metal build and larger battery, the device was on the heavier side, which some users found cumbersome.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Max was a device tailored for those who wanted a larger display and enhanced camera capabilities in the mid-range segment. While it had its strengths, especially in the camera department and the inclusion of Samsung Pay Mini, there were areas where it faced stiff competition from other brands. Overall, it was a decent offering from Samsung for users prioritizing display size and camera features.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro

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The Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro was part of Samsung’s mid-range J series lineup, released in 2017. It aimed to offer a blend of decent specifications, a premium design, and Samsung’s brand reliability at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro:

Overview:

The Galaxy J7 Pro was a step up in Samsung’s J series, offering a more premium feel with its metal unibody design and Super AMOLED display. It was targeted at users who wanted a reliable mid-range device with a touch of premium features.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 7870 Octa.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and autofocus. The front camera is also a 13 MP shooter with an f/1.9 aperture.
  6. Battery: A 3600 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, Always-On Display, and Samsung Pay (in some regions).

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED display was vibrant, offering deep blacks and good viewing angles.
  2. Design: The metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel, which was a step up from previous J series models.
  3. Battery Life: The 3600 mAh battery, combined with the power-efficient Exynos 7870, resulted in good battery life.
  4. Camera: The f/1.7 aperture in the rear camera allowed for better low-light shots compared to many competitors in the same price range.
  5. Samsung Pay: The inclusion of Samsung Pay (in supported regions) was a bonus for users looking for contactless payment solutions.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: While the Exynos 7870 was decent for everyday tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful in its class.
  2. Software Updates: The J series typically didn’t receive as frequent software updates as Samsung’s flagship models.
  3. Weight: Due to its metal build and large battery, the phone was slightly on the heavier side.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy J7 Pro faced competition from:

  • Moto G5 Plus: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
  • Oppo F3: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, MediaTek MT6750T, and a dual front camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro was announced in June 2017 and became available in various markets in the following months.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Touchscreen Responsiveness: Some users reported issues with the touchscreen, especially around the edges.
  2. Speaker Volume: The speaker, while clear, was not the loudest and could have been better.
  3. Slow Charging: The device lacked fast charging, which meant longer charging times compared to some competitors.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro was a commendable mid-range offering from Samsung, aiming to provide a touch of premium features at a more affordable price point. Its Super AMOLED display and camera were standout features, and the inclusion of Samsung Pay added extra value. For users who wanted a reliable mid-range device with a premium feel, the J7 Pro was a strong contender in its segment. However, those looking for top-tier performance might have considered other options in the market.

Oppo F3

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The Oppo F3 was a part of Oppo’s F series, which was primarily focused on camera capabilities, especially selfies. Launched in 2017, the Oppo F3 was dubbed as a “Selfie Expert” due to its dual front camera setup. Here’s an in-depth review of the Oppo F3:

Overview:

The Oppo F3 was designed for the selfie-loving generation. With a dual front camera setup and a sleek design, it aimed to capture a significant share of the mid-range smartphone market, especially among users who prioritize camera capabilities.

Features:

  1. Operating System: ColorOS 3.0 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).
  2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek MT6750T Octa-core.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The front features a dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and an 8 MP wide-angle sensor.
  6. Battery: A 3200 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, dual SIM support, and a dedicated microSD slot.

Pros:

  1. Front Camera: The dual front camera setup, with its wide-angle lens, allowed for group selfies (or “groufies”) and provided versatility in selfie shots.
  2. Design: The sleek metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel.
  3. Dedicated microSD Slot: Unlike many phones that offer a hybrid SIM slot, the Oppo F3 had a dedicated slot for microSD, allowing users to use two SIM cards and expand storage simultaneously.
  4. Display: The Full HD display was sharp and offered good color reproduction.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: The MediaTek MT6750T was decent for everyday tasks but wasn’t the most powerful in its class.
  2. Outdated OS: The phone launched with Android Marshmallow at a time when Android Nougat was already available, and updates were not as frequent.
  3. Price: Compared to some competitors, the Oppo F3 was priced slightly higher, given its specifications.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Oppo F3 faced competition from:

  • Vivo V5s: Offering a 5.5-inch HD display, MediaTek MT6750, and a 20 MP front camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro: With its 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
  • Moto G5 Plus: Featuring a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.

Launch Date:

The Oppo F3 was announced in May 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. ColorOS Customizations: While some users liked the features offered by ColorOS, others found it to be too far removed from stock Android, leading to a learning curve.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: Despite being marketed as a camera-centric phone, the Oppo F3’s cameras, especially the rear one, struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. Battery Life: The 3200 mAh battery, while decent, wasn’t the best in its class, especially given the phone’s focus on camera usage.

Conclusion:

The Oppo F3 was a device tailored for selfie enthusiasts. Its dual front camera setup was its standout feature, and for users who prioritized this, the phone was a compelling choice. However, when it came to overall performance and value for money, there were other devices in the market that offered a more balanced package. Still, for those who valued camera capabilities, especially for selfies, the Oppo F3 was a strong contender in its segment.