Motorola Moto G8 Plus

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The Motorola Moto G8 Plus was part of Motorola’s G-series lineup, which has been known for offering solid specifications at an affordable price point. Released in 2019, the Moto G8 Plus aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on camera and multimedia capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Motorola Moto G8 Plus:

Overview:

Launched in late 2019, the Moto G8 Plus was designed to cater to users looking for a mid-range smartphone with a particular emphasis on camera performance and multimedia consumption. It built upon the legacy of the G-series, which has been known for its near-stock Android experience and value for money.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665.
  4. Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 16 MP ultrawide “Action Cam”, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 25 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W TurboPower fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, and Bluetooth 5.0.

Pros:

  1. Camera Versatility: The inclusion of the “Action Cam” allowed users to record wide-angle videos while holding the phone vertically, which was unique and useful for certain scenarios.
  2. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 665 ensured impressive battery life.
  3. Stereo Speakers: The stereo speakers provided a better multimedia experience, which was a nice addition at this price point.
  4. Near-stock Android Experience: The Moto G8 Plus provided a clean and bloat-free Android experience, which many users appreciated for its simplicity and smoothness.

Cons:

  1. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, although expected at this price point, didn’t feel as premium as some competitors.
  2. Delayed Software Updates: Motorola’s track record with updates was inconsistent, leading to potential delays in receiving the latest Android versions.
  3. No NFC (in some regions): The absence of NFC in certain regions was a limitation for users who rely on contactless payments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto G8 Plus faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
  • Samsung Galaxy A50: With its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9610, and a triple-camera system.
  • Realme 5 Pro: Featuring a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a quad-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto G8 Plus was announced in October 2019 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Software: Some users reported occasional hiccups with the camera software, especially in terms of focus and color accuracy.
  2. Screen Bleeding: A few users noted minor screen bleeding issues at the edges of the display.
  3. Bulky Design: The phone was a bit on the thicker and heavier side, which might not be comfortable for all users.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto G8 Plus was a solid offering in the mid-range segment, providing essential smartphone features with the added benefits of camera versatility and a good multimedia experience. While it had its set of drawbacks, especially in terms of build quality and software updates, it served as a reliable option for those looking for a no-nonsense smartphone experience. For users who prioritize camera versatility, battery life, and a clean Android interface in the mid-range segment, the Moto G8 Plus was a strong choice.

Redmi Note 8 Pro

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The Redmi Note 8 Pro is a part of Xiaomi’s popular Redmi Note series, known for delivering solid specifications at a mid-range price point. Launched in 2019, the Redmi Note 8 Pro was positioned as a mid-tier device with a particular emphasis on camera capabilities and gaming performance. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

Overview:

The Redmi Note 8 Pro aimed to offer a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on photography, gaming, and overall value. It was targeted at users looking for a feature-rich device without breaking the bank.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 10, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 6.53-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio G90T, a chipset optimized for gaming.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 6 GB/8 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB/256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, NFC, and IR blaster.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The 64 MP primary camera was a significant highlight, allowing for detailed photography and versatile shooting options.
  2. Gaming Performance: The MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, combined with the liquid cooling system, provided a smooth gaming experience.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Redmi Note 8 Pro offered substantial value for money.
  4. Battery Life: The 4500 mAh battery ensured the device could easily last a full day with regular usage.

Cons:

  1. MIUI Bloatware: While MIUI is feature-rich, it came with a fair amount of bloatware and ads, which some users found intrusive.
  2. Weight and Size: The device was on the heavier side, which might be uncomfortable for some users during prolonged usage.
  3. Mediatek Chipset: While the Helio G90T was powerful, some users prefer Qualcomm chipsets due to better developer support and custom ROM availability.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi Note 8 Pro faced competition from:

  • Realme XT: Offering a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30s: Featuring a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 9611, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Vivo Z1x: With its 6.38-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Redmi Note 8 Pro was announced in August 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially with MIUI’s aggressive RAM management.
  2. Ads in MIUI: One of the common criticisms was the presence of ads within the MIUI software experience.
  3. Heating Issues: Some users reported heating issues, especially during prolonged gaming sessions, although the liquid cooling system was supposed to mitigate this.

Conclusion:

The Redmi Note 8 Pro was a strong offering in the mid-range segment, providing features that were often reserved for higher-priced devices. Its camera capabilities, gaming performance, and overall value proposition made it a popular choice among users. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of software experience and weight, its overall package was hard to argue against. For users looking for a feature-packed device without spending too much, the Redmi Note 8 Pro was a strong contender. However, those sensitive to software ads and bloatware might have considered other options or custom ROMs.

Redmi 8

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The Redmi 8 is part of Xiaomi’s Redmi series, which is known for offering feature-packed smartphones at budget-friendly prices. Launched in 2019, the Redmi 8 was positioned as an entry-level device with features that were impressive for its price segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Redmi 8:

Overview:

The Redmi 8 aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on battery life, camera capabilities, and overall value. It was targeted at users looking for a reliable daily driver without spending a lot.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 11.
  2. Display: 6.22-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 12 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging support (though the box included a 10W charger).
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C port, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery was a standout feature, ensuring the device could easily last a full day or more with regular usage.
  2. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Redmi 8 offered significant value for money.
  3. Build and Design: The device featured a plastic back with a glossy finish, giving it a modern look.
  4. Camera Capabilities: For its price, the dual-camera setup allowed for decent photography.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 439, while suitable for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its segment.
  2. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was a bit on the lower side, especially when competitors offered Full HD+ displays in a similar price range.
  3. MIUI Bloatware: MIUI, while feature-rich, came with a fair amount of bloatware and ads, which some users found intrusive.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi 8 faced competition from:

  • Realme C2: Offering a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy M10: Featuring a 6.2-inch PLS TFT display, Exynos 7870 Octa, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto E6 Plus: With its 6.1-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Redmi 8 was announced in October 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps or using more demanding applications.
  2. Ads in MIUI: One of the common criticisms was the presence of ads within the MIUI software experience.
  3. Charging Speed: While the device supported 18W fast charging, it came with a 10W charger in the box, which meant users had to purchase a faster charger separately to take full advantage of the fast charging capabilities.

Conclusion:

The Redmi 8 was a solid offering in the budget segment, providing features that were often reserved for higher-priced devices. Its large battery, decent camera capabilities, and overall value proposition made it a popular choice among users looking for value. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of performance and software experience, its overall package was hard to argue against. For users on a tight budget who still wanted a feature-packed device, the Redmi 8 was a strong contender. However, those sensitive to software ads and bloatware might have considered other options or custom ROMs.

Realme X2

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The Realme X2 is a notable release from Realme, aiming to offer a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and an AMOLED display at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme X2:

Overview:

Launched in late 2019, the Realme X2 was positioned as a mid-range smartphone, emphasizing its 64 MP camera, fast charging, and Super AMOLED display, all while maintaining an attractive price.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, with Realme UI on top.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6/8 GB RAM with 64/128/256 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 2 MP dedicated macro camera, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 30W VOOC 4.0 fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a glass build with a gradient finish.

Pros:

  1. Camera Capabilities: The 64 MP primary sensor captures detailed images, and the versatility of the quad-camera setup is commendable for its price point.
  2. Display: The Super AMOLED display ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for media consumption.
  3. Fast Charging: The 30W VOOC 4.0 charging can quickly juice up the battery, providing a decent screen-on time.
  4. Performance: The Snapdragon 730G, combined with ample RAM options, ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and gaming.
  5. Value for Money: Given its features, the device offers excellent value, especially for those prioritizing camera and display quality.

Cons:

  1. Software Experience: While Realme UI offers a plethora of features, some users found occasional stutters or inconsistencies, especially with third-party apps.
  2. Build Quality: While the device has a premium feel, the glossy back is prone to fingerprints and smudges.
  3. No IP Rating: The device lacks any official water or dust resistance rating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme X2 faced competition from:

  • Xiaomi Redmi K20: Offering an AMOLED display, Snapdragon 730, and a pop-up selfie camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy M30s: Known for its massive 6000 mAh battery, Super AMOLED display, and Exynos 9611 chipset.
  • Vivo V17: With its AMOLED display, Snapdragon 675, and a focus on camera capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Realme X2 was announced in September 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Camera Processing: Some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions or with the macro sensor.
  2. Software Bloat: Some users found the pre-installed apps and occasional ads in the UI to be a bit intrusive.
  3. Thermal Management: A few users reported the device getting warm during extended gaming or high-performance tasks.

Conclusion:

The Realme X2 is a strong contender in the mid-range segment, offering a balanced blend of performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. It’s a testament to Realme’s commitment to delivering high-end specifications at a more accessible price point. While there are areas that could be improved, especially in terms of software optimization, the overall package is compelling for its price. The device further solidified Realme’s position in the competitive mid-range smartphone market.