Category: Hardware

Sony Xperia XA1

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The Sony Xperia XA1 was a part of Sony’s mid-range lineup, aiming to offer a blend of decent specifications and Sony’s signature design language at a more affordable price point. Launched in 2017, the Xperia XA1 was a successor to the Xperia XA. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia XA1:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia XA1 was designed to cater to the mid-range segment, offering a good camera, compact design, and decent performance. It was positioned for users who wanted a taste of Sony’s smartphone experience without spending on the flagship range.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat), with subsequent updates.
  2. Display: 5.0-inch HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P20 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 23 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and an 8 MP front camera with a wide-angle lens.
  6. Battery: A 2300 mAh non-removable battery with Qnovo Adaptive Charging.
  7. Other Features: USB Type-C, edge-to-edge display design, and NFC.

Pros:

  1. Camera: The 23 MP rear camera was one of the highlights, offering good photo quality for its price range.
  2. Design: The edge-to-edge display design gave the XA1 a modern look, and the compact size made it easy to handle.
  3. Performance: The MediaTek Helio P20, combined with 3 GB of RAM, offered decent performance for everyday tasks.
  4. Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage with a microSD card was a plus for many users.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 2300 mAh battery was relatively small, leading to average battery life.
  2. Display Resolution: While the display was sharp, competitors in the same price range were offering Full HD resolutions.
  3. No Fingerprint Sensor: The absence of a fingerprint sensor was a notable omission, especially when many competitors included it.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia XA1 faced competition from:

  • Moto G5: Offering a 5.0-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 430, and a metal design.
  • Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Exynos 7870, and a 13 MP rear camera.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a larger 4100 mAh battery.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia XA1 was announced in February 2017 and released in April 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Touchscreen Issues: Some users reported issues with the touchscreen, especially near the edges.
  2. Battery Drain: Some users experienced faster battery drain, especially with mobile data or GPS usage.
  3. Software Updates: While the XA1 did receive updates, the frequency and speed of updates were not as consistent as some users hoped.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia XA1 was a decent mid-range offering from Sony, focusing on camera capabilities and a compact design. While it had its strengths, especially in the camera department, it faced stiff competition in its price range, particularly in terms of battery life and display resolution. For users who were fans of Sony’s design language and prioritized camera capabilities, the Xperia XA1 was a viable choice in the mid-range segment. However, it had to contend with other offerings that provided better value in certain areas.

Samsung Galaxy S8

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The Samsung Galaxy S8 was a significant release for Samsung, marking a major design overhaul and introducing the “Infinity Display.” Launched in early 2017, the Galaxy S8 was a flagship device that aimed to set a new standard for smartphone design and functionality. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S8:

Overview:

The Galaxy S8 was designed for users who wanted a cutting-edge smartphone experience with a blend of performance, design, and camera capabilities. With its bezel-less design, top-tier specifications, and enhanced features, it catered to users looking for the best that the smartphone world had to offer at the time.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.8-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels, introducing the Infinity Display design.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (USA & China) or Exynos 8895 (Global).
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 12 MP primary sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and OIS. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with autofocus.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, iris scanner, USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, Bixby virtual assistant with a dedicated button.

Pros:

  1. Design: The Infinity Display and almost bezel-less design made the S8 one of the most attractive phones on the market.
  2. Display Quality: The Super AMOLED panel was vibrant, with deep blacks and excellent sunlight visibility.
  3. Performance: Both the Snapdragon 835 and Exynos 8895 ensured top-tier performance.
  4. Camera: The camera, especially the rear one, was among the best in class, offering excellent shots in various lighting conditions.

Cons:

  1. Fingerprint Sensor Placement: The sensor was placed next to the rear camera, which many users found inconvenient and led to smudging the camera lens.
  2. Bixby Button: The dedicated Bixby button was not universally loved, especially since Bixby wasn’t as refined as other virtual assistants at launch.
  3. Battery Life: While decent, the 3000 mAh battery might not have been enough for power users.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy S8 faced competition from:

  • iPhone 7: Offering a 4.7-inch Retina display, Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, and a solid camera experience.
  • LG G6: With its 5.7-inch Quad HD+ IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 821, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Sony Xperia XZ Premium: Featuring a 5.46-inch 4K HDR display, Snapdragon 835, and a camera capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S8 was announced in March 2017 and became available in various markets in April 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Reddish Display Tint: Some early units had a reddish tint on the display, which Samsung later addressed with a software update.
  2. Bixby’s Readiness: At launch, Bixby was not fully functional, especially the voice features in many regions.
  3. Software Updates: While Samsung provided updates, they weren’t always the fastest compared to some other manufacturers.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S8 was a landmark device for Samsung, setting a new design language that many other manufacturers would follow. Its blend of performance, camera quality, and the stunning Infinity Display made it a top choice for consumers looking for a flagship device in 2017. While it had its quirks, like the fingerprint sensor placement and the introduction of Bixby, its overall package was compelling and set the stage for Samsung’s future successes in the smartphone market.

Motorola Moto G5 Plus

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The Moto G5S Plus was a part of Motorola’s G series, which has been known for offering solid specifications at an affordable price point. Launched in 2017, the G5S Plus was an enhanced version of the Moto G5 Plus, bringing in certain improvements and features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto G5S Plus:

Overview:

The Moto G5 Plus continued Motorola’s tradition of offering solid specifications and a near-stock Android experience at an affordable price. With a metal design and a focus on camera improvements, it sought to be the best value proposition in the mid-range segment.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.2-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625.
  4. Memory: Options of 2/3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  5. Camera: 12 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, dual-pixel autofocus, and 4K video recording. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with TurboPower fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, and NFC (in some regions).

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 625, combined with near-stock Android, provided a smooth and consistent user experience.
  2. Camera: The f/1.7 aperture and dual-pixel autofocus made the camera one of the best in its price range, especially in good lighting conditions.
  3. Build Quality: The transition to a metal design gave the phone a more premium feel compared to its predecessors.
  4. Battery Life: The combination of a power-efficient processor and a 3000 mAh battery resulted in commendable battery life.
  5. Software Experience: Motorola’s approach to software, with minimal bloat and useful additions like Moto Actions, was widely appreciated.

Cons:

  1. No NFC in Some Regions: The absence of NFC in certain regions was a drawback for users who relied on contactless payments.
  2. Speaker Quality: The front-facing speaker, while loud, wasn’t the best in terms of audio quality.
  3. Design: While the metal design was a step up, the phone still had noticeable bezels, which started to look a bit dated as the industry trended towards more edge-to-edge displays.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto G5 Plus faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
  • Huawei Honor 6X: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Kirin 655, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Moto G5 Plus was announced in February 2017 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Screen Burn-In: Some users reported temporary screen burn-in or image retention, especially with the navigation buttons.
  2. Microphone Issues: There were occasional reports of the microphone not working during calls.
  3. Camera Lag: Some users experienced a slight lag in the camera app, especially when using HDR.

Conclusion:

The Moto G5 Plus was a testament to Motorola’s commitment to offering solid performance and a good user experience at a budget-friendly price. It was especially praised for its camera and software experience. For users looking for a reliable mid-range device without breaking the bank, the G5 Plus was a strong contender. Its success further solidified the Moto G series’ reputation as one of the best value-for-money smartphone lines in the market.

LG G6

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The LG G6 was a pivotal smartphone for LG, marking a departure from the modular design of its predecessor, the LG G5. Launched in early 2017, the LG G6 was LG’s flagship offering, aiming to compete with the best in the market. Here’s an in-depth review of the LG G6:

Overview:

The LG G6 was designed for users seeking a premium smartphone experience with a focus on design, display, and camera capabilities. With its new design language, the G6 aimed to rectify the criticisms faced by the G5 and position itself as a top-tier smartphone.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
  2. Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1440 x 2880 pixels, adopting an 18:9 aspect ratio which was relatively new at the time.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual 13 MP rear sensors, with one being a standard lens and the other a wide-angle lens. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 3300 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a Quad DAC for enhanced audio (in select regions).

Pros:

  1. Design: The G6 featured a glass and metal design, giving it a premium look and feel.
  2. Display: The 18:9 aspect ratio provided more screen real estate, making multitasking and media consumption more enjoyable.
  3. Camera: The dual-camera setup, especially the wide-angle lens, was appreciated by many for its versatility.
  4. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification was a welcome addition.

Cons:

  1. Processor: While the Snapdragon 821 was a capable chipset, it was not the latest available at the time of the G6’s launch, with competitors opting for the Snapdragon 835.
  2. Software: LG’s UI was not to everyone’s liking, with some finding it bloated.
  3. Battery Life: While decent, the battery life wasn’t standout, especially when compared to some competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the LG G6 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display, Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895, and a sleek design.
  • Sony Xperia XZ Premium: With its 5.46-inch 4K HDR display, Snapdragon 835, and a camera capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video.
  • OnePlus 3T: Featuring a 5.5-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 821, and a focus on performance and software experience.

Launch Date:

The LG G6 was announced in February 2017 and became available in various markets in March 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Front Camera: The 5 MP front camera was considered mediocre by some, especially in low-light conditions.
  2. Software Updates: LG was not the fastest when it came to providing software updates.
  3. Pricing: The initial pricing of the G6 was considered high by some, especially given the older Snapdragon 821 chipset.

Conclusion:

The LG G6 was a significant step forward for LG, especially in terms of design and functionality. It addressed many of the criticisms of the G5 and offered a well-rounded smartphone experience. The display and camera were standout features, and the overall package was compelling. However, the choice of an older processor and the initial pricing strategy meant that it faced stiff competition in the market. For users who valued the wide-angle camera and the unique 18:9 display, the G6 was a solid choice. However, those looking for the absolute latest in terms of processing power might have considered other options available in the market at the time.