Tag: pro

OnePlus 7 Pro

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The OnePlus 7 Pro marked a significant step for OnePlus, as the company ventured more decisively into the premium smartphone segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the OnePlus 7 Pro:

Overview:

Introduced in mid-2019, the OnePlus 7 Pro was OnePlus’s attempt to offer a no-compromise flagship experience, blending top-tier specifications with a refined design. It was a departure from the brand’s “flagship killer” moniker, moving towards a genuine flagship territory.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with OxygenOS 9 on top, upgradable to later Android versions.
  2. Display: 6.67-inch Fluid AMOLED with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, boasting a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Notably, it had a bezel-less design with a pop-up selfie camera.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8/12 GB RAM with 128/256 GB UFS 3.0 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide lens. The pop-up front camera was a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with Warp Charge 30W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and a range of customization and software features via OxygenOS.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 90Hz Fluid AMOLED display was one of the device’s standout features, offering a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
  2. Performance: With the Snapdragon 855 and up to 12 GB RAM, the device offered blazing-fast performance.
  3. Design: The bezel-less design with a pop-up camera gave it a futuristic and premium feel.
  4. OxygenOS: Widely praised for its speed, customization options, and near-stock experience.
  5. Fast Charging: Warp Charge 30W ensured a rapid charging experience, juicing up the phone significantly in a short time.

Cons:

  1. No Wireless Charging: Despite its premium positioning, the device lacked wireless charging.
  2. No Official IP Rating: While OnePlus claimed the phone had some water resistance, it didn’t come with an official IP rating.
  3. Camera Performance: While versatile, the camera setup was sometimes criticized for inconsistent performance compared to other flagships.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the OnePlus 7 Pro faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S10: With its Dynamic AMOLED display, wireless charging, and versatile camera setup.
  • Huawei P30 Pro: Known for its impressive camera capabilities, especially in zoom and low light.
  • Asus Zenfone 6: With its unique flip camera mechanism and competitive pricing.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 7 Pro was announced in May 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Pop-up Camera Durability: While OnePlus claimed the pop-up mechanism was durable, some users were concerned about its longevity and potential for damage.
  2. Weight and Size: The device, with its large display and battery, was on the heavier and larger side, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
  3. Initial Software Bugs: Some users reported software glitches and camera inconsistencies in the early days, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 7 Pro was a statement from OnePlus, showcasing its ability to produce a top-tier flagship that could compete with the best in the industry. While it had areas that could be improved, especially in the camera department, the overall package was compelling for those seeking a high-end experience without the traditionally high-end price tag. The device was well-received and solidified OnePlus’s position in the premium smartphone market.

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2

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The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 was a notable release in the budget to mid-range segment, building on the success of its predecessor. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2:

Overview:

Launched in late 2018, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 aimed to offer a balanced mix of performance, battery life, and affordability. It was a direct successor to the Zenfone Max Pro M1 and sought to address some of the shortcomings of the earlier model.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo), with a near-stock Android experience.
  2. Display: 6.26-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660.
  4. Memory: Options of 3/4/6 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera was a 13 MP shooter with an LED flash.
  6. Battery: A massive 5000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, dedicated microSD slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery was one of the device’s standout features, ensuring the phone could easily last more than a day with moderate use.
  2. Stock Android Experience: Unlike many competitors, the device offered a near-stock Android experience, which was appreciated by purists.
  3. Performance: The Snapdragon 660, combined with ample RAM options, provided a smooth experience for daily tasks and moderate gaming.
  4. Value for Money: Given its features and performance, the device offered excellent value for its price point.

Cons:

  1. Camera Performance: While decent in well-lit conditions, the camera setup struggled in low-light scenarios.
  2. Plastic Build: The device had a plastic back, which, while durable, didn’t feel as premium as some competitors with glass or metal finishes.
  3. Slow Charging: Despite its large battery, the device lacked fast charging, resulting in longer charging times.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 6 Pro: Offering a similar Snapdragon 660 chipset, MIUI software experience, and a more versatile camera setup.
  • Realme 2 Pro: With its waterdrop notch design, Snapdragon 660, and ColorOS software.
  • Motorola Moto G6 Plus: Known for its stock-like Android experience and robust build quality.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 was unveiled in December 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates, especially major Android version upgrades.
  2. Camera Software Processing: Despite the hardware, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Speaker Quality: The bottom-firing speaker was considered average by some users, lacking in depth and richness.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 was a strong contender in the budget to mid-range segment, especially for those prioritizing battery life and a stock Android experience. While it had areas that could be improved, especially in the camera department, the overall package was compelling for its price. The device further solidified Asus’s position in the competitive budget smartphone market.

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1

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The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was a notable release from Asus, targeting the mid-range segment with a focus on battery life and a clean Android experience. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1:

Overview:

Introduced in 2018, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 was Asus’s attempt to capture a larger share of the competitive mid-range market. The device emphasized its massive battery and departure from the typical ZenUI in favor of a more stock-like Android experience.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo with a near-stock experience.
  • Display: 5.99-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3/4/6 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 13 MP (or 16 MP for the 6 GB RAM model) primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. An 8 MP (or 16 MP for the 6 GB RAM model) front camera.
  • Battery: A whopping 5000 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a dedicated microSD slot.

Pros:

  • Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery was one of the main selling points, ensuring the phone lasted well over a day for most users, even with heavy usage.
  • Stock Android Experience: A departure from Asus’s typical ZenUI, the near-stock Android experience was a refreshing change and was well-received by users.
  • Performance: The Snapdragon 636 chipset, combined with ample RAM options, ensured smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance.
  • Value for Money: The device offered a balanced set of features for its price point, making it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Cons:

  • Camera Performance: While decent in well-lit conditions, the camera struggled in low-light scenarios and lacked some of the refinements seen in competitors.
  • Build Quality: The all-metal design, while sturdy, lacked the premium feel of glass-backed devices in its segment.
  • Slow Charging: Despite the large battery, the device did not support fast charging, making charging times lengthy.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 faced stiff competition in the mid-range segment:

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro: With a similar Snapdragon 636 chipset, enhanced camera capabilities, and MIUI software experience.
  • Motorola Moto G6: Offering a glass design, clean software, and focus on camera capabilities.
  • Nokia 6.1 (Nokia 6 2018): With its robust build, clean Android One experience, and reliable performance.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was announced in April 2018 and released in May 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches and inconsistencies, especially with the camera app.
  • Delayed Updates: Despite the stock Android experience, the device faced delays in receiving timely software updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker, while decent, wasn’t particularly loud or clear.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 was a significant release for Asus, showcasing their ability to adapt to market demands and preferences. The device’s massive battery, combined with its clean software and balanced performance, made it a favorite among users looking for longevity and a no-nonsense Android experience. While it had its challenges, especially in the face of fierce competition, the Zenfone Max Pro M1 marked a positive direction for Asus in the mid-range smartphone market.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro

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The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was a significant release in Xiaomi’s lineup, particularly in markets like India where it gained immense popularity. It was known for offering high-end specifications at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in early 2018, the Redmi Note 5 Pro aimed to build on the success of its predecessors in the Redmi Note series. It combined a modern design, powerful internals, and a competitive price, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.1.2 Nougat with Xiaomi’s MIUI 9, later upgradeable.
  • Display: 5.99-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. A 20 MP front camera with LED flash.
  • Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, infrared port, and a microUSB port.

Pros:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 636 chipset, combined with ample RAM, ensured smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
  • Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera setup, especially the high-resolution front camera with flash, was a highlight, offering good photos in various lighting conditions.
  • Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured the phone lasted through a full day of heavy usage.
  • Value for Money: The device provided a balanced set of features for its price point, making it a compelling option in the mid-range segment.

Cons:

  • MIUI Ads: Xiaomi’s MIUI, while feature-rich, started showing ads in various native apps, which was a point of contention for many users.
  • MicroUSB Port: At a time when many devices were moving to USB Type-C, the Redmi Note 5 Pro still used the older microUSB standard.
  • Design: While the build was solid, the design was considered derivative, with many likening it to the iPhone X, especially due to the camera placement.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Redmi Note 5 Pro faced stiff competition in the mid-range segment:

  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: Offering a massive battery, stock Android experience, and similar Snapdragon 636 chipset.
  • Nokia 6.1: With its robust build, clean Android One experience, and reliable performance.
  • Motorola Moto G6: Offering a glass design, clean software, and focus on camera capabilities.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was announced in February 2018 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Flash Sale Model: The device was initially sold via flash sales, making it hard for many consumers to purchase due to high demand.
  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches in MIUI, especially related to notifications.
  • Heating Issues: Some users experienced heating, especially during prolonged gaming or camera usage.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro was a testament to Xiaomi’s strategy of offering feature-packed devices at competitive prices. It combined a decent design, powerful internals, and a good camera setup, making it a favorite in the mid-range segment. While it had its challenges, especially in terms of software and the flash sale model, the overall value proposition of the Redmi Note 5 Pro made it a significant success for Xiaomi, further cementing its position in key markets.