Category: Hardware

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3

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The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, released in 2016, was a game-changer in the budget smartphone segment. It offered a compelling mix of features and performance at an extremely competitive price point, making it a favorite among many users. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3:

Overview:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 was one of the early devices that truly embodied the idea of delivering high-end specifications at a budget-friendly price. Its success set the stage for Xiaomi’s increasing dominance in the budget and mid-range segments in various markets, especially in countries like India.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 7 skin, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 Hexa-core (in the global version) / MediaTek Helio X10 Octa-core (in the Chinese version).
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB or 3 GB RAM with 16 GB or 32 GB internal storage, respectively (expandable via microSD).
  5. Camera: 16 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus, and a 5 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A substantial 4050 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Fingerprint sensor, metal body, and infrared port.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 650, especially combined with 3 GB of RAM, delivered smooth performance for most tasks.
  2. Battery Life: The 4050 mAh battery ensured the phone lasted comfortably through a full day of heavy use.
  3. Build Quality: The metal body gave the Redmi Note 3 a premium feel, which was uncommon in its price segment.
  4. Price: The device offered incredible value for its price, making high-end features accessible to a broader audience.

Cons:

  1. MIUI: While feature-rich, Xiaomi’s MIUI skin was a point of contention for some users, especially those who preferred a closer-to-stock Android experience.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was decent for its price, it struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. No Quick Charge: Despite having a large battery, the device lacked quick charging support.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Redmi Note 3 faced competition from:

  • Moto G4 Plus: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 617, and a near-stock Android experience.
  • LeEco Le 2: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 652, and a focus on content integration.
  • Asus Zenfone Max: Featuring a 5.5-inch HD display, Snapdragon 615, and a massive 5000 mAh battery.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 was announced in November 2015 and released in various markets starting from early 2016.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While Xiaomi was relatively prompt with MIUI updates, Android version updates were slower.
  2. Hybrid SIM Slot: The device had a hybrid SIM slot, meaning users had to choose between using two SIM cards or one SIM card and a microSD card.
  3. Availability: The high demand for the phone meant that it was often out of stock, and many had to wait or participate in flash sales to purchase the device.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 was a landmark device in the budget segment. It showcased that users didn’t have to compromise on performance, build quality, or features even when spending less. The phone’s success paved the way for Xiaomi’s subsequent models and solidified its reputation as a go-to brand for value-for-money smartphones.

Motorola Moto X Play

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Overview:

The Motorola Moto X Play, released in 2015, was a mid-range offering from Motorola that aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on battery life and camera performance. It was positioned between the flagship Moto X Style (also known as Moto X Pure Edition in some regions) and the budget-friendly Moto G.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, later upgradable to Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
  • Display: 5.5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM with options of 16/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 128 GB.
  • Camera: 21 MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and dual-LED flash, and a 5 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3630 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Water repellent nano-coating, front-facing stereo speakers, and Moto custom features like Moto Display and Moto Actions.

Pros:

  • Battery Life: One of the standout features was its large 3630 mAh battery, which ensured the phone lasted through a full day of heavy use.
  • Camera Performance: The 21 MP camera was impressive for its price range, producing detailed and vibrant shots.
  • Stock Android Experience: Motorola’s approach to software was minimalistic, offering a near-stock Android experience with some added useful features.
  • Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD slot was a welcome feature for many users.
  • Value for Money: The Moto X Play offered a balanced set of features for its mid-range price point.

Cons:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 615, while decent, wasn’t the most powerful chipset and could show signs of lag with intensive tasks.
  • No Fingerprint Sensor: Unlike many phones released in the same period, the Moto X Play lacked a fingerprint sensor.
  • Lack of Quick Charging: Despite its large battery, the device did not support quick charging out of the box (though a quick charger could be purchased separately).

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the mid-range smartphone segment was seeing a lot of action. The Moto X Play faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 2: Offering high-end specs at a similar price point.
  • Asus Zenfone 2: Known for its performance and value proposition.
  • Samsung Galaxy A7: Samsung’s mid-range offering with a premium design.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto X Play was announced in July 2015 and released in August 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional slowdowns, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps.
  • Heating Issues: The Snapdragon 615 was known to have some heating issues, and the Moto X Play was no exception, especially during prolonged gaming or camera usage.
  • Software Updates: While Motorola initially had a reputation for quick software updates, some users felt that updates for the Moto X Play were slower than expected.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto X Play was a commendable mid-range device that struck a balance between performance, camera quality, and battery life. Its near-stock Android experience and added Moto features were appreciated by many. While it had its shortcomings, it was a solid choice for those looking for a well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank.

Samsung Galaxy Note5

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Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy Note5, released in 2015, was the fifth iteration of Samsung’s popular Note series, known for its large displays and stylus functionality. With the Note5, Samsung aimed to refine the design and functionality of its predecessor, offering a more premium experience and improved S Pen features.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, later upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat.
  • Display: 5.7-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels (QHD).
  • Processor: Exynos 7420 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64/128 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: 16 MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, autofocus, and LED flash, and a 5 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: S Pen stylus with enhanced features, fingerprint sensor, heart rate monitor, and Samsung Pay support.

Pros:

  • Premium Design: The Note5 boasted a sleek metal and glass design, marking a significant departure from the plastic build of earlier Note devices.
  • Impressive Display: The QHD Super AMOLED display was vibrant, sharp, and among the best in its class.
  • Enhanced S Pen: The stylus came with improved features, such as the ability to jot down notes even with the screen off.
  • Performance: Powered by the Exynos 7420 and 4 GB RAM, the device handled tasks smoothly.
  • Camera Quality: The 16 MP camera produced sharp and detailed images, performing well in various lighting conditions.

Cons:

  • Non-Removable Battery: A departure from previous Note devices, the Note5 did not offer a removable battery.
  • No MicroSD Slot: Unlike its predecessors, the Note5 did not support expandable storage, which was a point of contention for many fans.
  • Glass Back Concerns: While the glass back looked premium, it was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage.
  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was decent but could be challenging to last through a heavy day of use.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the high-end smartphone market was fiercely competitive. The Galaxy Note5 faced competition from:

  • iPhone 6s Plus: Apple’s larger offering with its A9 chipset, 3D Touch, and iOS ecosystem.
  • LG V10: Known for its secondary display, durable design, and camera capabilities.
  • Google Nexus 6P: Google’s flagship made by Huawei, offering a pure Android experience with a premium build.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 was announced in August 2015 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • S Pen Insertion: Early on, there were reports of users accidentally inserting the S Pen backward, leading to damage or the stylus getting stuck.
  • Software Bloat: While Samsung had reduced its software bloat compared to previous devices, some users still found certain pre-installed apps unnecessary.
  • Overheating: Some users reported occasional overheating, especially during intensive tasks.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 was a pivotal device in the Note series, emphasizing a premium design and enhanced features. While it was generally well-received and praised for its display, camera, and performance, certain design choices (like the omission of a microSD slot) were controversial among long-time fans. Nevertheless, the Note5 solidified Samsung’s position in the premium phablet market and set the stage for future iterations.

OnePlus 2 / Two

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Overview:

The OnePlus 2, unveiled in 2015, was the successor to the highly acclaimed OnePlus One, which had been dubbed the “flagship killer”. With the OnePlus 2, the company aimed to continue its momentum by offering high-end specifications at a competitive price point, while addressing some of the criticisms of its predecessor.

Features:

  • Operating System: OxygenOS based on Android 5.1 Lollipop, upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
  • Display: 5.5-inch LTPS IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage or 4 GB RAM with 64 GB storage.
  • Camera: 13 MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, laser autofocus, and dual-LED flash, and a 5 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS.
  • Other Features: USB Type-C port, fingerprint sensor, Dual SIM support, and Alert Slider (a physical switch to toggle notifications).

Pros:

  • Build Quality: The OnePlus 2 boasted a premium metal frame and a sandstone back, giving it a distinctive and solid feel.
  • Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 810, the device was capable of handling demanding tasks and applications.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor added an extra layer of security and convenience.
  • Price Point: Despite its high-end specs, the OnePlus 2 was priced significantly lower than other flagship devices.
  • Customizable OxygenOS: OnePlus’s custom skin was close to stock Android but offered additional customization options.

Cons:

  • No NFC: The omission of NFC was a controversial decision, especially given the growing popularity of mobile payments.
  • Overheating Issues: The Snapdragon 810 chipset was infamous for its heating issues, and while OnePlus tried to mitigate this, some users still reported occasional overheating.
  • No Quick Charging: Despite having a USB Type-C port, the device did not support quick charging.
  • Invite System: Initially, to purchase the OnePlus 2, one needed an invite, which many users found frustrating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the smartphone market was highly competitive. The OnePlus 2 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S6: Samsung’s flagship with a premium glass and metal design, QHD display, and Exynos 7420 chipset.
  • LG G4: Known for its leather back, QHD display, and excellent camera capabilities.
  • iPhone 6s: Apple’s offering with its A9 chipset, 3D Touch, and iOS ecosystem.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 2 was announced in July 2015 and released in August 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bugs: Early versions of OxygenOS on the OnePlus 2 had some bugs and stability issues.
  • Battery Life: Some users reported inconsistent battery life, with some days being better than others.
  • Heating: As mentioned, the Snapdragon 810’s heating issues were a concern for some users.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 2 had big shoes to fill, following the success of the OnePlus One. While it offered a lot for its price and was generally well-received, it wasn’t without its controversies and shortcomings. Nevertheless, it reinforced OnePlus’s position as a brand that challenged the status quo in the smartphone industry, offering flagship experiences at a fraction of the cost.