Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 / Prime

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Overview:

Introduced in 2015, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 and its sibling, the Redmi Note 2 Prime, were part of Xiaomi’s strategy to offer feature-packed smartphones at an affordable price point. These devices were designed to cater to the mid-range segment but boasted specifications that rivaled some of the higher-end models of that time.

Features:

  • Operating System: MIUI 7 based on Android 5.0 Lollipop.
  • Display: 5.5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Mediatek MT6795 Helio X10 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage for the Redmi Note 2 and 2 GB RAM with 32 GB storage for the Prime variant. Expandable via microSD up to 32 GB.
  • Camera: 13 MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and LED flash, and a 5 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3060 mAh removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Dual SIM support, FM Radio, and Xiaomi’s custom MIUI skin.

Pros:

  • Performance: The Helio X10 chipset ensured smooth performance for most tasks.
  • Value Proposition: Offered impressive specifications for a very competitive price.
  • Camera Quality: The 13 MP camera was quite capable, producing decent shots in various lighting conditions.
  • MIUI Customizations: Xiaomi’s MIUI skin provided a range of customization options and features not found in stock Android.

Cons:

  • Limited Global LTE Support: The device’s LTE bands were limited, which could be an issue for users in certain regions.
  • MIUI Bloatware: While MIUI was feature-rich, it also came with several pre-installed apps that some users found unnecessary.
  • Battery Life: The battery life was average and could be a limiting factor for heavy users.
  • No Quick Charging: Despite having a sizable battery, the device lacked quick charging capabilities.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the mid-range smartphone segment was heating up with several contenders. The Redmi Note 2 faced competition from:

  • Meizu M2 Note: Another Chinese offering with similar specifications and price point.
  • Lenovo K3 Note: A mid-range device with a similar 5.5-inch display and MediaTek chipset.
  • Asus Zenfone 2: As previously reviewed, this was another strong contender in the mid-range segment.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 and Redmi Note 2 Prime were announced in August 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Updates: While Xiaomi was relatively good with MIUI updates, the underlying Android version often lagged behind.
  • Build Quality: Some users reported creaks and minor build quality issues over prolonged use.
  • Overheating: The Helio X10, while powerful, had occasional overheating issues, especially during intense tasks.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 and its Prime variant were significant in reinforcing Xiaomi’s reputation as a “value for money” brand. They offered a compelling package for their price, and while they had their shortcomings, they were generally well-received by users and critics alike. These devices were a testament to the rapid growth and innovation in the mid-range smartphone segment during that period.

Xiaomi Mi 4

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The Xiaomi Mi 4, released in 2014, was a flagship offering from Xiaomi that aimed to deliver top-tier specifications and performance at a fraction of the cost of other flagship devices from established brands. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Mi 4:

Overview:

The Xiaomi Mi 4 followed the success of the Mi 3 and was a testament to Xiaomi’s commitment to providing high-end hardware at competitive prices. With its premium build and powerful internals, the Mi 4 was a significant player in the market, especially in regions like China and India.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 4.4.3 (KitKat) with Xiaomi’s MIUI 5 skin, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 5.0-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad-core.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with options of 16 GB or 64 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and an 8 MP front camera with an f/1.8 aperture.
  6. Battery: A 3080 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Stainless steel frame, infrared port, and quick charge 2.0.

Pros:

  1. Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 801 and 3 GB of RAM, the Mi 4 delivered smooth and snappy performance.
  2. Build Quality: The stainless steel frame gave the Mi 4 a premium feel, distinguishing it from many other devices in its price range.
  3. Camera: The camera setup, especially the front-facing camera, was impressive for its time, producing good quality images.
  4. MIUI Customizations: Xiaomi’s MIUI skin offered a plethora of features and customizations, making it a favorite among many users.

Cons:

  1. Lack of 4G LTE in Initial Models: The initial versions of the Mi 4 did not support 4G LTE, which was a significant drawback for many users.
  2. Non-expandable Storage: The device did not feature a microSD card slot, limiting users to the internal storage options.
  3. Battery Life: While the 3080 mAh battery was decent, heavy users sometimes found it challenging to get through a full day without needing a charge.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the Xiaomi Mi 4 faced competition from:

  • OnePlus One: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 801, and a near-stock Android experience with CyanogenMod.
  • Huawei Honor 6: Featuring a 5-inch Full HD display, HiSilicon Kirin 920, and 3 GB RAM.
  • Asus Zenfone 2: With a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Intel Atom processors, and 2 GB/4 GB RAM options.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Mi 4 was announced in July 2014 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. MIUI Bloat: While MIUI was feature-rich, it also came with several pre-installed apps that not everyone found useful.
  2. Overheating: Some users reported overheating issues, especially during prolonged gaming or heavy multitasking.
  3. Software Updates: While Xiaomi was relatively prompt with MIUI updates, Android version updates were slower.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Mi 4 was a significant offering in the smartphone market in 2014. It showcased that users didn’t have to compromise on build quality or performance, even when spending less than what traditional flagships demanded. The phone’s success solidified Xiaomi’s reputation as a go-to brand for value-for-money smartphones and set the stage for its subsequent models.

OnePlus X

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The OnePlus X was a unique offering from OnePlus, released in 2015. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the company’s flagship lineup, the OnePlus X combined a premium design with mid-range specifications. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus X:

Overview:

The OnePlus X was OnePlus’s attempt to offer a stylish and compact smartphone at a more accessible price point. It was a departure from the company’s usual “flagship killer” approach, focusing more on design and user experience than raw power.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) with OnePlus’s OxygenOS skin, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 5.0-inch Full HD AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad-core.
  4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
  5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and an 8 MP front camera with the same f/2.4 aperture.
  6. Battery: A 2525 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Alert Slider, FM Radio, and a glass or ceramic back (depending on the variant).

Pros:

  1. Design: The OnePlus X was praised for its premium design, featuring a metal frame and a choice of glass or ceramic for the back.
  2. Display: The Full HD AMOLED display was vibrant, offering deep blacks and excellent contrast.
  3. Compact Size: The 5-inch form factor was comfortable for one-handed use and was a refreshing change from the trend of larger phones.
  4. Price: The device was competitively priced, offering good value for its specifications.

Cons:

  1. Processor: While the Snapdragon 801 was a flagship chip in its time, by 2015 it was starting to show its age.
  2. No NFC: The lack of NFC was a notable omission, especially for those who used contactless payments or other NFC features.
  3. Battery Life: The 2525 mAh battery was on the smaller side, leading to average battery life.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the OnePlus X faced competition from:

  • Moto G (3rd Gen): Offering a 5-inch HD display, Snapdragon 410, and a water-resistant design.
  • Xiaomi Mi 4: With its 5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 801, and a premium metal design.
  • Huawei P8 Lite: Featuring a 5-inch HD display, Kirin 620, and a sleek design.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus X was announced in October 2015 and released in November 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: The OnePlus X did not receive as many software updates as some of OnePlus’s flagship devices.
  2. LTE Band Support: Some users in the US reported that the device did not support all LTE bands, leading to compatibility issues with certain carriers.
  3. Glass Back: While premium, the glass back was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage if dropped.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus X was an interesting experiment from OnePlus, offering a blend of style, compactness, and affordability. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of design and display, it also had its challenges, particularly in terms of performance and feature omissions. For users who prioritized design and compactness over raw power, the OnePlus X was a compelling choice in its price bracket. However, those looking for the best performance or a more future-proof device might have looked towards other options.

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium

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The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium was a notable offering from Sony, primarily because it was the world’s first smartphone with a 4K display when it was launched in 2015. Positioned as a flagship device, the Z5 Premium aimed to push the boundaries of display technology and offer a top-tier smartphone experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium:

Overview:

The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium was the pinnacle of Sony’s Z5 series, showcasing the best of what Sony had to offer in terms of design, camera, and display technology. It was targeted at users who wanted the absolute best in terms of display resolution and overall performance.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), with subsequent updates available.
  2. Display: 5.5-inch 4K UHD IPS LCD with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, translating to an impressive 806 ppi.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 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, phase detection autofocus, and a 5.1 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: A 3430 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: IP68 dust/waterproof, fingerprint sensor, NFC, and front-facing stereo speakers.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 4K UHD display was the standout feature, offering unparalleled sharpness and clarity.
  2. Design: The Z5 Premium continued Sony’s OmniBalance design language, with a glossy mirrored finish at the back, making it stand out.
  3. Camera: The 23 MP camera was capable of capturing detailed images, and the camera app offered a plethora of features.
  4. Battery Life: Despite the 4K display, the Z5 Premium managed to offer decent battery life, thanks to software optimizations.

Cons:

  1. Overheating: The Snapdragon 810 was infamous for its heating issues, and the Z5 Premium was no exception, especially during intensive tasks.
  2. 4K Limitations: The 4K resolution was not always active; it was primarily used for media playback and certain apps. For most tasks, the display resolution was scaled down to conserve battery life.
  3. Price: Being a flagship device with a 4K display, the Z5 Premium came with a premium price tag.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Xperia Z5 Premium faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+: Offering a 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with curved edges and a premium glass design.
  • iPhone 6s Plus: With its 5.5-inch Full HD Retina display, Apple’s A9 chip, and a focus on ecosystem and software experience.
  • LG V10: Featuring a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, secondary ticker display, and a focus on multimedia capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium was announced in September 2015 and released in November 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Sensor: Some users reported issues with the fingerprint sensor’s accuracy and speed.
  2. Glossy Back: The mirrored finish at the back was a fingerprint magnet and could get scratched easily.
  3. Overheating: As mentioned, the Snapdragon 810’s heating issues were a concern, especially during extended camera usage or 4K video recording.

Conclusion:

The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium was a bold move by Sony, introducing the world to 4K displays on smartphones. While the display was undoubtedly its standout feature, the device also offered a solid camera, decent battery life, and a distinctive design. However, it faced challenges in terms of overheating and the practicality of a 4K display on a smartphone. For users who wanted the latest in display technology and were fans of Sony’s design language, the Z5 Premium was a compelling choice. However, it was a niche device in a market where other flagships offered a more balanced overall experience.