Category: Hardware

HTC Desire

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HTC Desire, originally released in 2010, was one of the standout Android smartphones of its time. Let’s dive into an in-depth review of the HTC Desire:

Overview:

The HTC Desire was launched during the early days of Android’s rise in the smartphone market. It was seen as HTC’s answer to the iPhone and was widely regarded as one of the best Android phones available at the time.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially came with Android 2.1 Eclair, later upgradeable to 2.2 Froyo.
  • Display: 3.7-inch AMOLED (later versions used SLCD) capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon S1.
  • Memory: 576 MB RAM with 512 MB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: 5 MP rear camera with LED flash and autofocus.
  • Battery: 1400 mAh removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.1, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Optical trackpad, HTC Sense UI, FM radio, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • HTC Sense UI: HTC’s custom skin, Sense UI, was praised for its user-friendly features and added functionalities over stock Android.
  • Build Quality: The Desire had a solid build, with a mix of metal and soft-touch materials that gave it a premium feel.
  • Display: The AMOLED screen was vibrant and provided deep blacks and good contrast.
  • Performance: For its time, the HTC Desire was a fast and responsive device, handling most tasks with ease.

Cons:

  • Internal Storage: With only 512 MB of internal storage (part of which was taken up by the system), users had to rely heavily on microSD cards.
  • Battery Life: Typical of many smartphones of its era, the battery life could be a concern for heavy users.
  • Camera Quality: While decent for its time, the camera struggled in low-light conditions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2010, the smartphone market was rapidly evolving. The HTC Desire faced competition from:

  • iPhone 4: Apple’s offering with its Retina display, sleek design, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Samsung Galaxy S: Samsung’s flagship with a Super AMOLED display and TouchWiz UI.
  • Nexus One: Also manufactured by HTC, this was Google’s “pure Android” offering, very similar in specs to the Desire but without the HTC Sense UI.

Launch Date:

The HTC Desire was announced in February 2010 and released in March 2010.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Storage Issues: The limited internal storage meant users often encountered issues with app installations and updates.
  • Battery Concerns: Some users reported having to charge the device more than once a day under heavy use.
  • Updates: While the phone did receive an update to Android 2.2 Froyo, further major Android updates were not provided, leading to some user dissatisfaction.

Conclusion:

The HTC Desire was a landmark device in the Android ecosystem, showcasing what the platform was capable of during its early days. It combined solid hardware with HTC’s user-friendly Sense UI, making it a favorite among Android enthusiasts. While it had its limitations, especially by today’s standards, it was a significant device in the evolution of Android smartphones and played a role in HTC’s prominence during the early 2010s.

Samsung I909 Galaxy S

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Overview:

The Samsung I909 Galaxy S is one of the earlier models in Samsung’s Galaxy S series. It was primarily targeted at the Chinese market and supported both GSM and CDMA networks.

Features:

  • Display: 4.0-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels.
  • Processor: 1 GHz Cortex-A8.
  • Camera: 5 MP primary camera with autofocus and a secondary VGA camera.
  • Storage: 8/16 GB internal storage with an option to expand via a microSD card slot.
  • OS: Initially shipped with Android 2.1 (Eclair) and was later upgradable to 2.2 (Froyo).
  • Battery: 1500 mAh removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Pros:

  • Super AMOLED Display: Even for its time, the Super AMOLED display was known for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  • Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage with a microSD card was a plus.
  • Dual Network Support: The ability to support both GSM and CDMA was a unique feature, especially for the Chinese market.

Cons:

  • Outdated OS: Even though it received an update to Froyo, it quickly became outdated with the rapid evolution of Android.
  • Camera Quality: By today’s standards, the camera quality is quite low. Even for its time, it was decent but not outstanding.
  • Battery Life: The 1500 mAh battery might not last a full day with heavy usage.

Comparison to Other Technologies on the Market:

When the I909 was released, its main competitors were the iPhone 4 and other Android devices like the HTC Desire. Compared to the iPhone 4, the I909 had a larger screen but lacked the Retina display’s resolution. In terms of the Android ecosystem, while the I909 had the advantage of the Super AMOLED display, devices like the HTC Desire had a more robust build and arguably better software support.

Launch Date:

The Samsung I909 Galaxy S was launched in 2010.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Updates: One of the main complaints was the lack of timely software updates. Many users were stuck on older versions of Android.
  • GPS Issues: Some users reported issues with the GPS not locking onto satellites quickly or accurately.
  • Laggy User Interface: Over time, the device could become laggy, especially with newer apps that were more resource-intensive.

Conclusion:

The Samsung I909 Galaxy S was a significant step for Samsung in establishing its presence in the smartphone market, especially in China. While it had its strengths, particularly the display, it also had its share of issues. By today’s standards, it’s a relic of the past, but it’s an essential piece in the history of Samsung’s rise in the smartphone world.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

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The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ was a significant release from Samsung in 2015. It was essentially a larger version of the Galaxy S6 Edge, boasting a bigger display and a few other enhancements. Positioned as a flagship device, the S6 Edge+ aimed to cater to users who wanted a blend of performance, design, and a larger screen real estate. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ was designed to capitalize on the success of the Galaxy S6 Edge. It combined Samsung’s innovative edge display technology with a larger screen, making it a direct competitor to other “phablet” devices in the market.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), with subsequent updates available.
  2. Display: 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, featuring dual curved edges.
  3. Processor: Samsung Exynos 7420 Octa-core.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  5. Camera: 16 MP rear sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, optical image stabilization, and a 5 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
  7. Other Features: Fingerprint sensor, Samsung Pay, and heart rate monitor.

Pros:

  1. Design: The dual curved edges combined with a metal and glass design made the S6 Edge+ one of the most aesthetically pleasing devices of its time.
  2. Performance: The Exynos 7420, combined with 4 GB of RAM, ensured smooth and snappy performance.
  3. Display: The 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display was vibrant, sharp, and offered deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios.
  4. Camera: The 16 MP camera was capable of capturing detailed and vibrant images, especially in well-lit conditions.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: While the 3000 mAh battery was decent, it wasn’t exceptional, especially given the large Quad HD display.
  2. No Expandable Storage: Unlike previous Samsung flagships, the S6 Edge+ did not offer a microSD card slot, which was a drawback for some users.
  3. Price: Being a flagship device with unique design elements, the S6 Edge+ came with a premium price tag.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the S6 Edge+ faced competition from:

  • iPhone 6s Plus: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Apple’s A9 chip, and a focus on ecosystem and software experience.
  • Sony Xperia Z5 Premium: With its 5.5-inch 4K UHD display and a focus on camera capabilities.
  • LG V10: Featuring a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, secondary ticker display, and a focus on multimedia capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ was announced in August 2015 and released later the same month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Battery Degradation: Over time, some users reported that the battery life deteriorated faster than expected.
  2. Overheating: Some users experienced overheating issues, especially during extended camera usage or while charging.
  3. Edge Screen Accidental Touches: The curved edges, while aesthetically pleasing, sometimes led to accidental touches.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ was a testament to Samsung’s design and innovation capabilities. It offered a unique blend of aesthetics, performance, and features. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of design and display, it also had certain drawbacks like the lack of expandable storage and some battery concerns. For users who wanted a blend of design and performance, the S6 Edge+ was a strong contender in the premium smartphone segment. However, its premium price meant that it had to compete with other top-tier devices that also brought strong features to the table.

Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen)

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The Moto G (3rd Gen), released in 2015, was the third iteration of Motorola’s popular budget-friendly Moto G series. It built upon the success of its predecessors by offering a balanced mix of features and performance at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto G (3rd Gen):

Overview:

The Moto G (3rd Gen) continued Motorola’s tradition of providing a near-stock Android experience combined with decent hardware at a budget-friendly price. This model introduced some key improvements over its predecessor, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable budget smartphone.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), later upgradable to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).
  2. Display: 5.0-inch HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 Quad-core.
  4. Memory: Options of 1 GB RAM with 8 GB storage or 2 GB RAM with 16 GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 32 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and a 5 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A 2470 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: IPX7 water resistance, customizable shells, and a near-stock Android experience.

Pros:

  1. Water Resistance: The IPX7 rating was a standout feature, allowing the phone to be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
  2. Software Experience: The near-stock Android experience, combined with Motorola’s useful additions like Moto Display, was well-received.
  3. Build Quality: The device felt solid and durable, and the ability to customize the back shells added a touch of personalization.
  4. Price: The Moto G (3rd Gen) offered good value for its price, especially considering the features it packed.

Cons:

  1. Performance: While adequate for daily tasks, the Snapdragon 410 wasn’t the most powerful chipset, and the 1 GB RAM variant could feel sluggish at times.
  2. Display Resolution: The 720p resolution was acceptable but lagged behind some competitors offering Full HD displays in a similar price range.
  3. Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera struggled in low-light conditions, producing grainy images.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Moto G (3rd Gen) faced competition from:

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 650, and a metal body.
  • Asus Zenfone 2: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Intel Atom processors, and 2 GB/4 GB RAM options.
  • Samsung Galaxy J5: Featuring a 5-inch HD display, Snapdragon 410, and Super AMOLED technology.

Launch Date:

The Moto G (3rd Gen) was announced and released in July 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Especially on the 1 GB RAM variant, users reported occasional slowdowns and stutters.
  2. Limited Storage: The base 8 GB storage variant left limited space for apps and media, making a microSD card almost essential.
  3. Average Speaker Quality: The front-facing speaker, while decently loud, wasn’t particularly rich in terms of audio quality.

Conclusion:

The Moto G (3rd Gen) was a testament to Motorola’s commitment to delivering a balanced smartphone experience at an affordable price. While it had its limitations, the device’s clean software, water resistance, and overall reliability made it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers. It continued the legacy of the Moto G series, proving that good smartphones didn’t always have to come with a high price tag.