Category: Hardware

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) is part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is known for offering solid features at a more affordable price point than the flagship S-series. The 2017 iteration of the A3 brought several improvements over its predecessor, blending a modern design with decent specifications.

Features:

1. Operating System: Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo).
2. Display: 4.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
3. Processor: Exynos 7870 Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53.
4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
5. Camera: 13 MP rear camera with f/1.9 aperture and an 8 MP front-facing camera.
6. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, USB Type-C.
7. Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 2350 mAh battery.
8. Other Features: IP68 dust/waterproof, fingerprint sensor, Always-on display.

Pros:

1. Compact Design: The 4.7-inch display made it one of the more compact smartphones available, appealing to those who prefer smaller devices.
2. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification meant it could withstand splashes and brief submersion in water.
3. Super AMOLED Display: Offered vibrant colors and deep blacks.
4. Decent Camera Performance: Especially in well-lit conditions.
5. USB Type-C: Modern connector for faster data transfer and charging.

Cons:

1. Limited RAM: 2 GB of RAM might cause occasional slowdowns during multitasking.
2. Battery Life: While adequate for light use, heavy users might find the 2350 mAh battery lacking.
3. Outdated OS: Launched with Android Marshmallow, and while it received updates, it didn’t get many of the latest Android versions.
4. Limited Internal Storage: 16 GB storage could fill up quickly, necessitating the use of a microSD card.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price range, the Galaxy A3 (2017) competed with phones like the Moto G5 and the Huawei P8 Lite (2017). While the Moto G5 had a removable battery and a slightly larger display, the A3 (2017) boasted water and dust resistance. The Huawei P8 Lite (2017) had more RAM and a larger battery but lacked the IP68 certification of the A3.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) was launched in January 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Software Updates: While it did receive some updates, it was left behind relatively quickly in terms of the latest Android versions.
2. Speaker Placement: The speaker was placed on the side, which some users found odd and easy to cover accidentally.
3. Occasional Performance Hiccups: Especially when running multiple apps or heavy tasks due to limited RAM.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) was a solid mid-range offering from Samsung, blending a compact design with some features commonly found in higher-end devices, like IP68 certification. While it had its limitations, it was a good option for those who wanted a smaller, reliable phone without breaking the bank. However, as with all tech, it’s essential to consider its age when comparing it to more recent devices.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was one of the standout devices in Xiaomi’s lineup when it was released in 2017. It quickly became a favorite among budget-conscious consumers due to its impressive specifications and affordable price. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4:

Overview:

The Redmi Note 4 followed the success of its predecessor, the Redmi Note 3, and aimed to offer even more value for its price. With a metal body, efficient processor, and a large battery, it was positioned as a mid-range powerhouse.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), later received updates.
2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (in the global version) and MediaTek Helio X20 (in the Chinese version).
4. Memory: Options of 2/3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus, and dual-LED flash. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A substantial 4100 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, infrared port, and dual SIM support.

Pros:

1. Battery Life: The combination of the Snapdragon 625’s efficiency and the large 4100 mAh battery resulted in excellent battery life.
2. Performance: The Snapdragon 625, while not a flagship chipset, offered smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
3. Build Quality: The metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel, which was impressive given its price point.
4. Price: The device offered a lot of value for its price, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

Cons:

1. Camera Performance: While adequate for its price, the camera struggled in low-light conditions.
2. MIUI Bloat: While MIUI offered many features, it also came with a fair amount of bloatware and ads in certain regions.
3. Lack of Quick Charge: Despite having a large battery, the device did not support Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi Note 4 faced competition from:

• Moto G5 Plus: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
• Nokia 6: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 430, and an aluminum unibody design.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was announced in August 2016 for the Chinese market (with the MediaTek processor) and in January 2017 for the global market (with the Snapdragon processor).

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Screen Ghosting: Some users reported temporary screen burn-in or ghosting, especially after prolonged static display.
2. MIUI Updates: While the device did receive MIUI updates, the underlying Android version remained outdated for many users.
3. Micro-USB Port: At a time when many devices were moving to USB-C, the Redmi Note 4 still used the older Micro-USB port.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was a testament to Xiaomi’s ability to offer high-value devices at affordable prices. Its combination of solid build quality, good performance, and impressive battery life made it a favorite in the mid-range segment. While it had its shortcomings, especially in the camera department, the overall package was hard to beat for the price, making it one of the best-selling devices in its category.

The Nokia 6 marked Nokia’s re-entry into the smartphone market after a hiatus, under the stewardship of HMD Global. Released in 2017, the Nokia 6 aimed to combine Nokia’s legacy of solid build quality with modern smartphone features at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 6:

Overview:

The Nokia 6 was a significant release as it represented Nokia’s comeback into the smartphone arena. With a robust aluminum body and a commitment to stock Android, it sought to appeal to both Nokia enthusiasts and new users looking for a reliable mid-range device.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) as part of the Android One program, ensuring regular updates.
2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430.
4. Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
5. Camera: 16 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and phase detection autofocus. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture.
6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, Dolby Atmos sound enhancement, and NFC.

Pros:

1. Build Quality: The Nokia 6’s aluminum unibody design was reminiscent of Nokia’s reputation for building sturdy phones.
2. Stock Android: Being part of the Android One program meant a bloat-free, near-stock Android experience with the promise of timely updates.
3. Sound: The Dolby Atmos sound enhancement provided a better audio experience compared to many competitors in the same price range.
4. Price: The device was competitively priced, offering good value for its specifications.

Cons:

1. Processor Performance: The Snapdragon 430, while decent for basic tasks, was not the most powerful in its class, leading to occasional lags in performance-intensive tasks.
2. Camera Performance: While adequate in well-lit conditions, the camera struggled in low-light scenarios.
3. Charging: The device lacked fast charging, resulting in longer charging times.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

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

• Moto G5 Plus: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro: With its 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.

Launch Date:

The Nokia 6 was announced in January 2017 and became available in various markets in the subsequent months.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Performance Hiccups: Due to the Snapdragon 430, users reported occasional slowdowns, especially when multitasking.
2. Camera Consistency: The camera’s performance was inconsistent, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
3. Speaker Quality: While the Dolby Atmos enhancement was a plus, the single bottom-firing speaker wasn’t the loudest.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 6 was a significant device, marking Nokia’s return to the smartphone market. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of performance, it offered a solid build quality and a clean Android experience that many users appreciated. It was a promising start for Nokia’s new journey under HMD Global, setting the stage for subsequent releases. For users who valued build quality and software purity, the Nokia 6 was a compelling choice in the mid-range segment.

The OnePlus 3T was a significant release from OnePlus in late 2016, serving as an upgraded version of the OnePlus 3. It continued the company’s “flagship killer” ethos by offering high-end specifications at a relatively affordable price. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 3T:

Overview:

The OnePlus 3T was introduced to address some of the feedback and criticisms of the OnePlus 3, offering improvements in key areas like battery life and performance. It aimed to provide a premium smartphone experience without the premium price tag.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with OxygenOS based on Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) and later received updates.
2. Display: 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821.
4. Memory: 6 GB RAM with options of 64 GB or 128 GB internal storage.
5. Camera: 16 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, OIS, and PDAF. The front camera is also a 16 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A 3400 mAh non-removable battery with Dash Charge.
7. Other Features: USB Type-C, front-mounted fingerprint sensor, and an Alert Slider.

Pros:

1. Performance: With the Snapdragon 821 and 6 GB of RAM, the device offered smooth and responsive performance.
2. Battery Life: The increased battery capacity (compared to the OnePlus 3) and Dash Charge technology provided a solid day’s use and rapid charging.
3. Build Quality: The metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel.
4. Price: The OnePlus 3T offered flagship-level specs at a price that was considerably lower than other flagships.

Cons:

1. No Expandable Storage: The device did not support microSD cards.
2. Camera: While decent, the camera wasn’t always on par with other flagship devices in terms of low-light performance.
3. Limited Water Resistance: Unlike some competitors, the OnePlus 3T didn’t have significant water or dust resistance.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the OnePlus 3T faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S7: Offering a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820/Exynos 8890, and IP68 water and dust resistance.
• LG G5: With its 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 820, and a modular design.
• Google Pixel: Featuring a 5-inch AMOLED Full HD display, Snapdragon 821, and a highly-rated camera.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 3T was announced in November 2016 and became available shortly after in various markets.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Touch Latency: Some users reported touch latency issues, though this was addressed in later software updates.
2. OxygenOS Bugs: While OxygenOS was generally well-received, early versions on the 3T had some bugs and stability issues.
3. Camera Bumps: The camera protruded slightly from the back, which some users didn’t prefer.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 3T was a testament to OnePlus’s commitment to offering high-quality smartphones at competitive prices. It built upon the foundation of the OnePlus 3, addressing key areas of feedback and providing an even more refined experience. For users who wanted a high-performance device without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 3T was an excellent choice. It combined a solid build, good performance, and a decent camera into a package that was hard to beat for the price. However, those looking for the best camera or additional features like water resistance might have considered other options available in the market at the time.