HMD Global to Launch First Nokia Smartphone

Nokia launches its first new Android smartphone under HMD Global. HMD Global owns the rights to use Nokia's brand on mobile phones as HMD Global has taken over Nokia. Nokia 6, runs on Google's Android platform and is manufactured by Foxconn. It will be sold exclusively in China through online process as informed by HMD. HMD said in its statement that the decision to launch its first Android smartphone into China is the way to meet different markets around the world.

 

Earlier, Nokia was the number one dominant cellphone maker but couldn’t make its impression in the world of smartphones, but further chose Microsoft's Windows operating system for its "Lumia" range. But couldn’t achieve much success. And finally, abandoned both businesses.

 

 

Soon, HMD took over the Nokia in December 2016, and now has full right to use the name of Nokia brand on all phones and tablets for the next decade. HMD and Nokia went under an agreement and accordingly HMD will pay Nokia royalties for the brand and patents. HMD is aiming to compete with other smartphone brands like Apple, Samsung, and dozens of other famous brands.

 

Here are some of the rumors about the look and features of the new Nokia 6 you must know:

 

Rumors are as such that Nokia would come up with four new phones in 2017, but in actuals, there will be as many as six or seven smartphones from Nokia. According to the rumors, here is what all we know about the new Nokia phones.

 

Nokia Pixel

The Nokia will come up with a basic dual-core Snapdragon 200 processor inside with 1GB of RAM, resulting in a very ordinary performance.

 

It is exciting to know that, it will have the latest version of Google’s operating system Android 7.0.1, installed. The screen size and resolution are still a mystery!

 

News has come that Nokia will launch a complete range of smartphones models that will be easily suited to all wallets.

 

Flagship Nokia phones

Recently, we have heard that Nokia will bring up with two handsets, one smaller (5.2 inches) and one larger (5.5 inches), with sturdy metal bodies. The camera of new Nokia 6 is said to be the most sensitive ever to come to market of smartphones, and it is one of the challenging news for other competitors.

 

Another reported innovation is “touch & hover” interaction that is much like Microsoft’s scrapped McLaren project, which uses a combination of sensors so as to respond to finger gestures.

 

Another highlighting rumor includes that the new Nokia smartphones will be water and dust resistance up to IP68, along with fingerprint sensors, and OLED displays with QHD (2,560 x 1,440 pixels) resolutions.

 

In a secretive way, both Nokia Android N powered phones will have packed Snapdragon 820 processor. Rumors suggest that the sensors on the two phones will be the most sensitive ever and will be based upon Nokia’s “Graphene” material.

 

MWC 2017 launch?

When will these Nokia phones arrive? Both Nokia and HMD Global have large meetings at Barcelona at the end of February. And rumors have come up with the news that the new Nokia brand smartphones will be launch in February this New Year (2017).

 

Built by HMD Global, designed by Nokia

The news is correct, Nokia will not undertake the development of the device, but the design! HMD Global, a Finnish company, has a contract with FIH, a subsidiary of iPhone manufacturer, and under the strict licensing partnership, follows Nokia’s design and hardware guidelines in exchange for access to the company’s extensive patent library. Currently, Nokia cannot make phones at the moment but can design the smartphones.

 

The handset will be launched in early 2017 and will be available and sold only in China. Although the date of public availability is not yet announced.

 

This time Nokia smartphones will change the mobile market with its new features along with an excellent battery backup. Nokia is all set to give hard competition to its competitors, so let’s wait and watch!

 

Author Bio:

Varun Kumar Works for LatestOne.com as Content Writer. It is the e-tailer Company known for bringing the Mobile Covers, Wrist Watches, Bluetooth Speakers, Power banks models from all major manufacturers at best discounts. The company has a fully operational office and warehouse maintained to make timely deliveries across the nation.

Continue Reading

Xiaomi Mi Mix May Spoil Apple’s Decade Special iPhone 8 Concept

Xiaomi, once known as the Chinese Apple, has now got evolved into a separate hybrid and been proving it from the last few device releases. With the new design ergonomics of the Mi 5 to the flagship budget release of Redmi 3S and 3S Prime, the company has put a dent in the smartphone universe (excuse me if that is a Apple thing).

Apple has disappointed us this year with the iPhone 7 which has same old design but a few strike offs and discontinuing of most needed hardware specifications. This is not the era of forgetting the 3.5mm audio jack yet Apple did it with no other thought of present but future. The iPhone 7, in the performance wise still stands out and it has notable significant changes if observed.

We all know that by 2017, Apple turns 10 and it would be a big thing for the company. Even Microsoft made it special with the release of the Windows 10 which is of course yet not liked by many users all over the world. It looks like a business gimmick to present something that glitters in the dark that they create themselves. Windows 10 is such a successor or bi-judgemental Windows 8 and 8.1. Now, Apple is going to do the same with the next version of the iPhone.

It is leaked in some interviews of the Apple employees that the next version would be called as iPhone 8 and it is better to do for Apple as the people are no going to tolerate another old iPhone 7 model with some extra features named as iPhone 7S.

Apparently, there could be new iPhone with whole new design and specs next year. As Samsung is already identified by its curved displays, it would be brand defaming if Apple follow the same. The next possible alternative could be the full screen iPhone. The bezel less display is rumoured with iPhone 7 till some factory leaks happened. May be the company wants to release the new revolutionary tech in the decade anniversary.

Coming to the Mi Mix makes the wildest tech dream of an average smartphone user true. With the help of Philippe Starck, a French designer Xiaomi makes the techie’s dream of having a bezel less smartphone true. This concept phone from Xiaomi sports a 6.4 inch display, Snapdragon 821 Processor, 6GB RAM and 256GB internal memory along with the fingerprint scanner on the back placed side-by-side with the single camera module.

Mi Mix is the first smartphone to have 91.3% screen-to-body ratio in the smartphone evolution and has created history. The body is full ceramic with 8MoHs hardness on all sides gives a glossy looks to the device. The bezel less screen leads to the 17:9 custom ratio display which is again a new introduction to the smartphone market.

The Mi Mix features a 18-karat gold rims around the camera and fingerprint sensor that adds beauty to the glossy back. It comes with 4400mAh battery which adds long lasting power backup to the device. Compared to the Mi Max, Mi Mix’s battery is a fine justification to the new tech introduced.

Mi Mix is available in two versions, 4GB RAM+128GB storage and 6GB RAM+256GB storage. Just like all other concept phones, Mi Mix is not a showcase piece device. Xiaomi releases it into the market from November 4 in China, initially. It is available for 3499Yuan and 3999Yuan which is $517 USD and $590 USD respectively. The Indian price of this revolutionary smartphone/phablet could be around Rs.34,999 and Rs.39,999.

How Mi Mix might spoil the Apple’s 10th year anniversary and iPhone 8?

As we discussed about how Apple is planning to make it big on its 10th year anniversary with the new iPhone 8 which would have special futuristic design, The availability of the Mi Mix in the market with the beast specifications, battery, screen and the price it is available for, might get butterflies on the stomach of the ‘putting a dent in the universe’ company.

To save the unique design fame and branding name, Apple should looks for a new technology to introduce in a smartphone or should take over the Xiaomi which is impossible in a year if even planned so.

Xiaomi really put a dent in the face of Apple this time. Let’s see what way this cold war of technology implementation leads to. What’s you point on this? Do you think Apple will release the same bezel less screen for iPhone 8? Or something else that will compensate the brand name that it has lost with iPhone 7? Don’t hesitate to post your comments on this below. I’ll be excited to read them.

Continue Reading

Samsung Kills Galaxy Note 7 and What's Next?

Samsung is one of the best brands out there in the market. From being a small electronics maker to be the giant of the smartphone market, the rise of this brand has been no less than phenomenal. But the brand seems to have received one of its biggest setbacks recently. So, Lee Kun-Hee owned company has got itself in a zone which it least wanted.

 

With small complaints coming initially, the major setback came when the major mobile carriers of USA said that they would not sell Samsung Galaxy Note 7 due to high safety concerning issues. This made Samsung act in an alarming mode which even resulted in Samsung putting 150,000 defective phones on fire outside one of its major factory in South Korea.

 

The major question coming in the mind of every single common person is why Galaxy Note 7 which was expected to be the direct rival of Apple iPhones is catching fire. For their power, phones use lithium-ion battery packs which are most likely to explode in case of short-circuiting. We've known for quite a long time that lithium particle batteries represent a hazard. However, the hardware business keeps on utilizing the combustible recipe on the grounds that the batteries are so much littler and lighter than less-dangerous sciences.

 

 

Lithium particle batteries pack a punch, for better or in negative ways. No brand or model is essentially protected; for example, unfortunate iPhone owners supposedly experienced dreadful blazes detonating gadgets in 2015 and 2016. What's more, however, the Galaxy Note 7 is standing out as truly newsworthy right now. Other Samsung mobile phones have likewise blasted into blazes, similar to the Galaxy Core that purportedly smoldered a 6-year-old tyke prior this week.

 

In the event that the battery short circuits – Say, by puncturing the unfathomably thin sheet of plastic isolating the positive and negative sides of the battery - the cut point turns into the easiest course of action for power to stream. It warms up the (combustible!) fluid electrolyte at that spot.

 

What's more, if the fluid warms up rapidly enough, the battery can detonate.

 

Even the replacements models caught fire due to this major issue and at the moment Samsung has paused the sale of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and trying to find out a permanent solution to this issue.

 

Samsung Galaxy Note 7’s current issue has damaged the reputation and brand value of Samsung at the market which can affect the sale of its future premium smartphones along with other products. Samsung needs to work more on covering its battery with more protection against short circuit which is occurring more during the charging process or just after charging due to excessive heat.

 

Though, a positive critic review can help Samsung propel its future premium smartphones but the effect due to the blast will still be there in the mind of common people which is sure to bring down the market value of those phones well before its arrival to the market as we know- “Working hard for years cannot give you that many customers which you will lose with a mistake you make just once.”

Continue Reading

Made by Google, Google Pixel Impresses the Elite Android Users

Believe it or not Google Pixel is the first “Made by Google” where the best hardware meets the best software. With all the buzzes and expert views making rounds one can be pretty sure that iPhone got a direct rival and reasons to worry. It is available for pre-orders across USA, UK, Germany, Canada and Australia from October 6th its first shipping is expected to start from October 20th. Pre-ordering facility is available for India from October 13th so. Indian enthusiasts need not wait a lot to pre-order.

 

Google Pixel has predictably ticked all the boxes when it comes to specifications. It focused on key areas built-in Google Assistant with which you can easily get 24/7 artificial intelligence support available over chat or through phone including screen sharing option. Pixel highlights top class photography experience, Google Cloud so that one never runs out of space (eve after uploading photos of original size). 

 

 

Pixel is built up from the ground for virtual reality with the Daydream VR. It is the first time phone to have Daydream VR for the best VR experience for its users. 143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5mm dimensioned phone is 143g by weight. It makes a splash and dust resistant body, but it disappointed the fans who were looking for a dual SIM. It has only one nano-SIM slot.

 

When it now comes to display it has a high resolution 16M colored 5 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen. with body to screen ratio of 69 percent which are considered appropriate by the smart-phone critics.

 

This phone ensures multi-touch as well as protection of the screen. So, for protection, it has the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 4. When it comes to platform, everyone are expected to have high hopes on Google. But, it has not matched the soaring hopes though the platform that does not seem disappointing with the latest in-built system.

 

 

It comes with v7.1 (Nougat) Android OS. Andorid Nougat makes sure that you get a fast system and security updates. As system updates will happen in the background you can keep on using public phone normally.

 

Pixel runs on Snapdragon 821 processor. The CPU and Adreno 530 GPU are quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) enabling fastest graphics and animation rendering capability. When it comes to memory it has 4GB RAM and allows up to whopping 128 GB storage, but regrettably it does not possess an external storage slot. When it comes to camera one can say it is the best damn-thing-ever-smart-phone-camera. The primary camera is about 12 MP with f/2.0, phase detection & laser auto-focus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash. The main features of primary camera are 1/2.3" sensor size, 1.55µm pixel size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR and panorama. It also has a 8MP secondary camera with f/2.4, 1/3.2" sensor size, 1.4 µm pixel size and 1080p video recording.

 

When it comes to sound it has a highly appreciable sound quality with active noise cancellation feature. With all the features matching the expectations battery is also not disappointing at this phone. It has non-removable Li-ion 2770mAh Battery. It also supports fast charging as the experts say only 15 minutes of charging can let the phone run up to 7 hours.

 

After seeing at all the features many would be expecting that this phone’s price may be exceeding the price of the latest iPhones but surprisingly Google Pixel is set to be launched in India with a price Rs.57,000 (starting price). This can divert iPhone users to Google which may lead Apple to scratch its head over the direct rivalry with Google edging it with ease. So, if you are eager to experience the Gen-Next smartphones then missing Google pixel will be a decision you may regret.

 

What’s your take? Share it in comments below.

Continue Reading

If This Is True, Turing Cadenza Is The Redefined Future Of Smartphones

While the smartphone manufacturers are in the rat race of flagships with a little bit extra powerful specifications each time they release a new smartphone, Turing Robotic Industries (TRI) company have announced a phone that redefined the word ‘flagship’ itself. Turing Cadenza it is called, comes with the monster specifications which is hard to believe.

Turing Cadenza that is claimed to be launching next year (2017) most probably, is said to be having the dual Snapdragon 830 SoC, 12GB of RAM (two 6GBs), 60MP+20MP camera module, 1TB storage (256GBx2 and microSD 256GBx2), triple power source 2400mAh Super capacitor battery along with 1600mAh Li-ion Hydrogen fuel cell and 5.8 inch 2K display.

Seriously? Is that a phone? Unbelievable

If the claims are true and the specifications leaked are really happening, the future of smartphone flagship is going to start with the year 2017. The next technological transformation of the palm computers will see a tremendous change.

Some of the critics say that this is going to be the biggest prank for the year 2017 and the company is supposedly cooking it from now.

What would be the price of Turing Cadenza?

What is the best configuration you have known so far? Probably the SD 821 SoC with 6GB of RAM along with 128GB of internal memory. If that is premium configuration and is so called beast, the specifications of Cadenza would make it a monster.

The highest pricing scale of an Android smartphone today goes up to $1000. If priced, what could be the price of Turing Cadenza blows off the minds of the tech experts. it could be closer to $1000 or cheaper than that. If it comes cheaper than $1000, Samsung, Apple and recently Asus would have to find numbers under affordable scales.

Hoping that this leak is a true news and this would change the face of mobile computing in the next year to come, I would like to welcome Turing Cadenza into market with all pleasure.

Continue Reading

BLU Pure XR Review: Specifications, Price, Pros & Cons

The BLU has released a new phone, Pure XR for $299 with interesting hardware and software specifications. The phone looks great, well metallic built and has moderate powerful SoC along with some iconic 3D touch feature on the Android platform. This phone is a dual SIM phone and comes with three major network carriers, T-Mobile, AT&T and Metro PCS. Let’s take a quick look into BLU Pure XR.

In the box

BLU Pure XR package comes with a silicon protective back cover, ear phones with buds, USB to Typc-C connector cable, type-c USB with detachable charger unit, SIM ejector tool, screen protector and some manual guides.

Design

The BLU Pure XR is a metallic built with curved touch panel. The font panel has the front camera, fingerprint sensor in the home button along with the backlit navigation keys. On the back it has sandstone finished metallic back panel along with camera accompanied by the dual tone flash. The diamond cut chamfered and mirror like polish enhances the premium look of the phone.

Display

BLU Pure XR comes with 5.5 inch AMOLED FHD 1080p display that is spread over 400 pixels per inch. The curved display on the above gives a good touch experience. The display is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The touch panel supports the pressurized 3D touch like as the iPhone 6S had.

Performance

BLU Pure XR has MediaTek P10 Octa-Core SoC that runs at 2.0GHz clock speed which is supported by the 4GB RAM making the multitasking a breeze. On the top end, the Android Marshmallow operating system gives the intuitive UI experience in multitasking.

Storage

BLU Pure XR comes with the huge 64GB internal memory giving no scope to the storage complaints. This is more than a fair deal for a phone of $300.

Camera

The camera module in XR is the big deal. It has 16MP PDAF rear camera with 6P lens and laser focus which is accompanied by the dual-tone LED flash. The front camera is a 8MP shooter with f/1.8 aperture. The BLU’s final touch software will help to make selfies more beautiful.

Battery

Pure XR has 3,000mAh Li-ion battery along with 9V/2A charger. One single complete charge can standout one full day on average usage, 12 hours on moderate usage and 6 hours on heavy usage. The typical screen-on time would be 4-5 hours on this device.

Pros

+ Premium sleek design
+ Curved FHD display
+ Iconic 3D touch feature
+ One of the flagship processor with 4GB RAM
+ Fingerprint sensor
+ 64GB internal memory for $300 phone
+ 9V quick charger
+ Good camera
+ Screen guard, silicon back cover and type-c connector cable

Cons

- Rattling home button
- No specified details on GPU
- No storage expansion option

Conclusion: Should you but it?

BLU Pure XR has wonder hardware and software features to talk about. Taking from the processing power to the camera module, the device is having many upgraded features for the price of $299. You can’t get a phone with curved display with 3D touch, 4GB RAM, 64GB internal memory and 9V quick charger for this price.

BLU Pure XR is available with T-Mobile, AT&T and Metro PCS carriers. You can grab it from the following link.

Buy BLU Pure XR Gray (4GB/64GB) from Amazon

Buy BLU Pure XR Gold (4GB/64GB) from Amazon

Continue Reading

Asus Zenfone 3 Review: Overpriced or Feature Rich?

The latest zenvolution event revealed the new class of Zenfone smartphones, the Zenfone 3 in India at most shocking price range. The whole Zenfone fans are a bit disappointed with the rates but, what do you think made this phone wear a tag of such a high price?

 

Asus has got a new nick name with this revelation. People started calling Asus the next Apple, not fortunately in the terms of quality but the pricing. However, Zenfone 3 is not that dumbest phone. It has all those extra bit features (except the processor) that we were expecting.

 

Let’s see what Zenfone 3 has got in its armor and later decide if it is over priced or really a feature rich smartphone.

 

What’s in the box?

Zenfone 3 package comes with the handset, charging unit with detachable USB cord, ear phones (surprise!!), SIM ejector tool along with the manuals and usage guides.

 

Good to see Asus including the earphones this time. It seems like the company has taken the user frustrated feedback on no-earphone package seriously this time.

 

Design

If you had ever closely observed the previous class of Zenfones, you would have noticed that the similarity of design between the Zenfone 5 and Zenfone 2 and difference compared to the Zenfone 3.

 

Zenfone 3 has the full metallic unibody design this time with an eccentric back pointing to the finger print sensor. The device is made flat and slimmer than Zenfone 2 leaving the marks of premium looks in its design.

 

     

 

The power button and volume rockers are replaced to their normal position compared to that of Zenfone 2. So, the complaint of difficulty to reach out to the power button on Zenfone 2 has been solved. The Zenfone 2 Deluxe and Laser also had the same problem as they are the sibling products of the Zenfone 2 era.

 

Zenfone 3 has the Type-c 2.0 port at the bottom beside the 5-Magnet loud speaker and mic. The other edge has the SIM tray and the top of the device has the 3.5mm audio jack along with the secondary mic.

 

The back side has the premium looking eccentric glass over metal design with a fingerprint scanner, camera, dual-tone flash and laser. On the front, it has the secondary camera and proximity sensor. The front and back panel is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 0.25D glass.

 

 

Display

Zenfone 3 ZE520KL comes with 5.2 inch FHD 1920x1080 IPS display with 75.6% screen-to-body ratio and 600nits of brightness. The 178 degree viewing angle display will not let the true color performance of the screen. It also comes with the blue-light filter for eye care. The ZE522KL version has the 5.5 inch display with the same specifications.

 

ZF3’s display has 10-point capacitive touch with the fingerprint and smudge-resistant Oleophobic coating. You would see less smudges on the screen and less oil stick to it.

 

This ZE520KL model is the one with the smaller screen among all the Zenfone 3 phones that were released.

 

Performance

Zenfone 3 sports a 64-bit Octa-Core Snapdragon 625 processor clocking at 2.0GHz. The processor is accompanied by the 3GB/4GB RAM and Adreno 506 GPU. The hardware combo is powered by the Android 6.0 based ZenUI 3.0, unleashing the performance out of the device.

 

Though Snapdragon 625 is not a fair exciting processor that a smartphone of 2016 should be having, with the support of 3GB/4GB RAM, Adreno 506 and Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the Zenfone 3 will perform at best.

 

However the SD 625 processor can support the LTE aggregation, camera module up to 24 mega pixels and 35% less power consumption. Trust me, you still can count on it.

 

Storage

The basic Zenfone 3 comes in 32GB internal storage at minimum. It ditched the 16GB version this time or may introduce with lessened prices in future. ZF3 comes in two memory variants, 32GB and 64GB. These two variants come along with the 3GB and 4GB RAM variants respectively.

 

You can expand the memory of Zenfone 3 up to 2TB with the help of a microSD card. You will also get 100GB of free Google Drive space for 2 years.

 

Camera

Zenfone 3 has an interested upgrade to the camera module. It has 16MP rear camera with 6P Largan lens, f/2.0, dual tone flash and laser auto-focus system. This means that we don’t get a laser version in future like as Zenfone 2 Laser.

 

The front camera is a 8MP shooter with f/2.0 aperture. This is a good upgrade compared to ZF2 to take clearer and sharper photos.

 

Network

Zenfone 3 supports the UMTS/WCDMA/TD-SCDMA/LTE/TDD-LTE/FDD-LTE networks all over the world. Their specifications are as follows:

Data Rate:
HSPA+: UL 5.76 / DL 5.76 Mbps
DC-HSPA+: UL 5.76 / DL 42 Mbps
LTE Cat4:UL 50 / DL 150 Mbps (WW version)
LTE Cat6:UL 50 / DL 300 Mbps (TW/JP/HK/SG/PH version)
2G: 850/900/1800/1900
WW version:
3G:
WCDMA: Band: 1/2/5/8
ID/IN/TH version:
3G:
WCDMA: Band: 1/5/8
4G:
FDD: Band: 1/3/5/8
TD: Band: 40
TW/JP/HK version:
3G:
WCDMA: Band: 1/2/5/6/8/19
4G:
FDD: Band: 1/2/3/5/7/8/18/19/26/28
TD: Band: 38/39/40/41
BR version:
3G:
WCDMA: Band: 1/2/4/5/8
4G:
FDD: Band: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/17/28
CN version:
3G:
WCDMA: Band: 1/2/5/8
TD-SCDMA: Band: 34/39
CDMA: BC0

 

*The above network information is taken from the ASUS official website. The ASUS phone 4G/LTE band compatibility may vary by region. You are advised to check compatibility with local carriers if intending to use your ASUS phone outside the original purchase region.

 

Battery

Zenfone 3 ZE520KL comes with a 2650mAh Li-ion non-removable battery. It is less powerful than that of Zenfone 2 had (3000mAh). The battery is quite a disappointment for Zenfone 3. The Adreno 506 will suck up the juice faster when in use. Though the processor is 35% energy efficient, it cannot perform as good as ZF2’s.

 

The ZE522KL version has the 3000mAh battery. With the little extra large screen on this version, the battery performance of both the devices makes no difference at all.

 

The Zenfone2’s battery also couldn’t stand for 24 hours when moderately used, because of the bloatware that keeps on running in the background. The less powered battery is hopeless.

 

Pros

+ Premium looking design

+ Better display

+ Type-C port for quick charging

+ Improved cameras

+ 2TB storage expandability

+ 100GB Google Drive space for 2 years

 

Cons

- Average processor in price point

- Weaker battery

- Drastically overpriced

 

Verdict

The SD 625 may be energy efficient, the 3GB/4GB RAM variants are good enough for better multitasking. The Antutu score of 60,000 is not a negligible one. Zenfone 3 could have been a good device if it was labelled around $180 (Rs.12,000 INR). But, the device is overpriced at $328 (Rs.22,000 INR) for 3GB/32GB version and $418 (Rs.28,000 INR) for 4GB/64GB version.

 

I don’t understand the point that why would someone spend that much whereas the better processor phones like Redmi Note 3 is coming out for just $180 (Rs.12,000 INR).

 

Another point is that why would someone spend another $90 (Rs.6,000 INR) for just 1GB more RAM, 32GB more storage,0.3 inch extra screen and 350mAh extra juice in the battery? Looks like Asus have gained more over confidence this time.

 

Performance wise, Zenfone 3 ZE520KL makes a very good device. If you want to buy one, you may buy it from the following links:

 

Buy Zenfone 3 ZE520KL 3GB/32GB

Buy Zenfone 3 ZE522KL 4GB/64GB

Continue Reading

Is BlackBerry DTEK50 a Good Buy? Or Will It Get Trouble with Android Again?

BlackBerry was the first preference of the business persons and professionals. Before the iPhones that become mainstream of security communications now, BlackBerry is the captain of the dignity ship. The adaption of the open source android technology into the mobile phone market and the availability of the applications suppressed the other brands with custom software.

 

One of the brands that was suppressed in the market was BlackBerry with BlackBerry OS after Nokia with Symbian. BlackBerry was a special operating system with the support to some Android applications and Google Play services. Later, after the evolution of Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0, the support to Google Play Services on BlackBerry devices has been revoked which pushed the users into a pit hole.

 

After so long time in producing and after being taken over by several hands, the company has decided to come up with a most secured version, BlackBerry Priv with a sliding keypad for a 5 inch phone. Though it satisfied the security requirements, it couldn’t satisfy the customer with a huge size and mutant shape.

 

BlackBerry has introduced a new android smartphone after Priv, i.e., BlackBerry DTEK50, a mid-range budget smartphone of this era configuration.

 

 

BlackBerry DTEK50

BlackBerry DTEK50 is mid-range budget smartphone from BlackBerry unlike previous premium versions. It comes with Qualcomm Snapdragon 617, 3GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage which can be expanded up to 2TB extra with external microSD card. This is a 5.2 inch screen phone that runs on Android Marshmallow 6.0. The camera module comes with 13MP rear and 8MP front for selfies.

 

 

Security is the main feature of the BlackBerry phones. It vows to manufacture the device with all security measures and send security software patches often. This the main advantage of BlackBerry smartphone after all.

 

BlackBerry ditches its own operating system and adapts the Android in the mainstream. So, most probably, you won’t be getting the Google Play Services errors on the device just as we used to get on previous BB phones.

 

There is another thing to consider when buying this DTEK50 device and that is the price. The BlackBerry DTEK50 is available for $299 (appx. ₹20,000) in US when pre-ordered. I will come up with a complete review of DTEK50 along with pros and cons.

 

If you are looking out for a secured android device at mid-range budget, at $299, BlackBerry DTEK50 can be a good buy.

 

Bring out the professional swag out of you. Share you thoughts about it in comments below.

Continue Reading

Asus ZenFone Max (2016) Review: Is It Worth Buying?

The Asus Zenfones wave seemed like ended with the Zenfone 2 clan of smartphones until Zenfone Max (2016) was released. Asus, this time has brought a powerful processor, better memory, better OS and massive battery in the smartphone that could reverse charge another smartphone like a powerbank. So, literally, you would have a 5000mAh powerbank in your pocket.

Battery may be highly eyed on, but it is not alone the master here. A smartphone is every sort of digital assistance for an average user. He would use it with any number of apps till the phone creaks out.

Asus Zenfone Max could be a long liver for some class of people and the hanger for some. It depends on the people and how they use it. If you are confused in buying a Zenfone Max, read this article, by the end, you will be having a decision.

No more confusions and no more waitings. Let's start reviewing the device.

Design

With little changes to the design ergonomics of the Zenfone 2, Asus have made profound changes to the Max version. Having the battery size in mind, it was made a little bulkier to 10.5mm thickness from the edges.

A nice gold coloured bezel was continued on to all the three coloured variants, black, blue and white.

The design is not as premium looking as previous models but toughly built. If design is one of the factors that are driving you to buy this phone, you better think about it once again.

Display

Zenfone Max has a 5.5 inch 720p IPS HD TFT display with 450 LED nits. This may not be the best of the class but not bad at the price point and the form factor it is made with.

Performance

Zenfone Max released in the year 2016 has Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with 2GB RAM and 32GB internal memory. The processor has been upgraded from SD 410 to SD 615 while the RAM remained the same and the internal storage has been doubled to 32GB with no change in the expandability up to 64GB.

The older Zenfone Max has Android Lollipop v5.0 based Zen UI on board where as the new 2016 model comes with Android Marshmallow v.6.0.1 based ZenUI.

Camera

Both the Zenfone Max versions have the same 13MP rear cameras and 5MP front facing camera accompanied by the dual-tone LED flashes. There made no change in the cameras here. 

Network

Max supports LTE networks in both the slots unlike the previous versions that have only supported 4G in one slot and 3G in another. There are no changes in the network also comparatively to the older version. 

Battery

The Zenfone Max has a massive 5000mAh battery that could last long more than 2 complete days on heavy usage as well. The Snapdragon processor optimises the performance with battery power as they are made to serve the better mobile computing. But the version of the SD processor might worry you with over heating sometimes.

Pros

+ Tough build quality

+ Better processor

+ New colour

+ Android Marshmallow based ZenUI

+ Doubled internal storage

+ Massive battery

Cons

+ SD 615 processor shows heating signatures

+ Not so premium design

+ Bulkier in size; Adding back covers may make it look much hulkier

Conclusion

If good battery, good processor, doubled internal memory are considered with the processor heating issues, Zenfone Max can become a good companion for you. This massive battery device is good for travellers who don't power use the smartphone but for navigation and simple internet. C'mon you can't expect more from a phone of Rs.10,000 range.

By the way, you have a choice here; If you don't use smartphone as a smart as it sounds and you wanted it for longer battery, you can simply opt out for older one which is now Rs.1000 off on Flipkart. Or else the Zenfone Max (2016) can be your good buddy. 

Continue Reading

Xiaomi Mi Max Full Technical Review: Traveller Choice Phablet

When the mobile phones are getting smarter and their screens were getting bigger, people thought it’s a trend and adapted to the 5+ inch screen though they are tough to fit in the pockets.

The tighter pants with smaller pockets have become an yesterday thing. I’d rather call this an adjustment to the inflexibility of the technology. The world started to realize that the bigger smartphones are not mobile anymore.

Xiaomi, one of those fastly grown companies has launched the new Mi Max featuring the ‘BIG’ as the new luxury need. The phone looks quite as good as Redmi Note 3 but is much bigger in hand with its 6.44 inch display. It is better be called a phablet rather a mobile phone.

Mi Max has been reviewed by some of the authority websites before its release in India and they reveal some interesting and shocking facts about the device.

Watch the Mi Max release video that has been aired live on Facebook:

Let’s take a look at those interesting facts and go through our style of very modular technical review of Mi Max and see if the size, though being a repulsively selective, convinces us to buy it.

Design

Xiaomi is at good at designing things. Their smartphones had the fantastic and beautiful design so far, till the Redmi Note 3 too. Mi Max comes with a metallic back design and 0.25D glass on the front. May be it is because of the larger and thinner size (7.5mm) of the phone or the bad build quality, the Mi Max opens inside out with the little application of pressure on the back with the thumb.

Is it safe to carry in the pocket?

Seriously, you should get rid of that idea of carrying it in the pocket. With that low build quality of large body whatever, you cannot handle the device roughly.

Coming to the hardware ergonomics, Mi Max is designed with thumb reach power button and index-finger reach fingerprint sensor on the back. The rear is positioned on the top accompanied by the dual LED flash. The whole design is a unibody design with the SIM tray on the left just like the one Redmi Note 3 had.

On the front side, the Mi Max have the 0.25D glass covered all over. The capacitive buttons, camera and the earpiece speaker are positioned in Xiaomi’s regular fashion.

Who can buy Mi Max based on design?

The giants. #NoOffense. The Mi Max is not for normal hands seriously. The 6.44 inch size is a way too much for a smartphone, I mean a phablet to hold on. The build quality is also a disappointment from Xiaomi this time.

Display

Mi Max as the name suggests has a huge display of 6.44 inch that renders the picture quality of 1920x1080p floored over 342ppi. The 74.8% screen to body ratio is what stops the growth of the device to go much around such a big screen.

The display is good and the biggie form factor is double plus to the gaming and movie lovers.

Who can buy Mi Max based on display?

The bigger screen is definitely a ‘Yes’ for the gamers and movie lovers. This biggie will suit for those who travel much or spend time on internet browsing stories and news. For big talkers, Mi Max is uncomfortable to hold on for longer times.

Performance

Mi Max is packed with Snapdragon 652/650 high performance processors that are proved to deliver the best performance in their previous successful budget beast Redmi Note 3.

This device is a primary memory variant. The 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM is made available at the price of ₹14,999 and 4GB RAM and 128GB variant at ₹19,999.

The 3GB RAM with SD 652/650 is a great deal and RN3 with same configuration performs like a beast and stands on top of budget phones. Adding 1 more GB to the same chipset will allow more multi-tasking without a lag.

Who can buy Mi Max based on performance?

Who doesn’t love the performance? Consider this the Redmi Note 3 in bigger size and with 1 more GB of RAM. Anyone who loves the good performing smartphones can consider this (That wasn’t sarcastic BTW).

Operating System

Mi Max comes with the Android Marshmallow 6.0.1 based MIUI8 on board. This version of MIUI brings a lot of changes and interesting features to the system software like full page screenshots, dual accounts on single installation of apps, new caller  screen and more. If you are using any Xiaomi phone, wait for the update hit your device to get full access to the MIUI8.

Who can buy Mi Max based on the operating system?

Old Mi device and Redmi device owners better be upgraded to new Xiaomi devices to experiences the new hardware and software features. Upgrading phone for a new operating system might sound gross in your perspective. But, see my view of getting new features and hardware for better mobile computing.

Camera

Xiaomi has put the same Redmi Note 3’s camera lens in Mi Max, the 16MP PDAF rear camera with dual-tone LED flash and 5MP front camera. The camera performance seems to have improved with the MIUI8 that Mi Max comes in.



The camera isn’t that bad on Redmi Note 3 but have some issues of image stabilization on touch and noise on low light conditions. The camera is apt for the price point it comes for.

Who can buy Mi Max based on camera?

Those who don’t do much focused clicking, who don’t mind getting pictures with 100% good color reproduction and those who don’t actually do ‘Photography’ (not regular imaging) can buy Mi Max.

Storage

Mi Max is a memory variant as said before. It comes in two storage variants 32GB and 128GB at the prices of ₹14,999 and ₹19,999 respectively. The 32GB variant is what will be available from July 6th 2016 and the 128GB version will be released later in India.

The storage can be expanded with the hybrid SIM slot up to 256GB additionally. Those who need storage, Mi Max is a bang for the price.

Who can buy Mi Max based on storage?

Those who travel a lot and carry lot of movies, videos and who takes pictures a lot can buy Mi Max. Watching videos on big screen and reading is a different fun.

Network & Connectivity

The Mi Max supports 3G and 4G connectivity in both the SIM slots (hybrid SIM slot) but the 4G is only supported on first SIM when two SIM cards are simultaneously used. You may use the second slot to expand the memory up to 256GB extra along with the internal (either 32GB or 128GB).

Mi Max has 802.11a/b/g/n/ac dual-band Wi-Fi, MU-MIMO enabled and Bluetooth 4.1, Bluetooth HID. It also has GPS, AGPS, GLONASS and BeiDou navigation connectivity system.

Who can buy Mi Max based on the network & connectivity?

Those who wanted a bigger phone, phablet with 4G calling facility and beast performance can buy Mi Max. It is expected to have the excellent call quality and delivers lag-free performance by comparing the hardware similarity between the Redmi Note 3 and this device.

Battery

Mi Max have a huge 4850mAh non-removable battery that comes with 5V/2A charger. It can definitely last long for two complete days on heavy usage as well. The Redmi Note 3 with the same chipset has excellent battery life and Mi Max with 25% extra juice will be the best plus.

Who can buy Mi Max based on the battery life?

With no other thought, Mi Max is for those who travel a lot. Once can enjoy the fullest of the battery life on Mi Max. Though it may not match the battery life of Kindle devices for readers, it would not disappoint you. Not only reading, the music, videos and movies will be on the go while travelling, without the low-power interruption.

Pros

+ Bigger display redefines the entertainment.
+ Good ergonomics
+ Huge battery life is impressive.
+ Camera is slightly better-ified than Redmi Note 3.
+ Performs better then Redmi Note 3 with SD 652 processor chipset.
+ 4GB RAM/128GB ROM version is available.
+ Runs on MIUI 8 based on Android Marshmallow 6.0.1.

Buy Mi Max from Flipkart

Cons

- Low build quality; bends on slight pressure appliance.
- Bigger in size and difficult to carry around.
- Higher price tag just for a bigger screen and Android Marshmallow OS.
- Camera is not promisedly made better.
- Screen PPI is lower than Redmi Note 3 (~342ppi).
- Only available in 2 colors (Silver and Gold).

Conclusion: Should you buy Mi Max or not?

Mi Max’s hardware specifications which are the same of Redmi Note3 promises the great performance. The battery life is incomparable to any other device. It would make a great device for travelers the most and the homemakers. Gaming and watching videos would always be a great fun on bigger devices. If you are looking out for a phablet device for your needs, go for Mi Max without any other thought.

Mi Max comes with the almost same configuration as of Redmi Note 3. Only the SD 652 processor(optional)+bigger screen(with lower PPI comparatively)+800mAh extra juice in the battery makes up to ₹3,000 extra compare to the price of Redmi Note 3. It could have been around ₹13,999 (at most for the upgrades) in my opinion.

Buy Mi Max from Flipkart

What do you think? Is Mi Max ‘for-everyone’ device? Or just for travelers and homemakers? Share your thoughts about Mi Max in comments below.

Continue Reading

Xiaomi Mi5 Vs.OnePlus 2: Which One to Buy?

OnePlus 3 is already here and do you wonder why I am talking about buying OnePlus 2? Because some older phones are far better than the latest versions. One the top OnePlus 2 have already got a price cut and is now available on Amazon at Rs.23,000 (as of now).

I know the latest phones come with better hardware and software upgrades but the older phones with the price cut are worth buying than buying them during releasing times.

There is another beast from Xiaomi, the Mi5 with the flagship features at the price of Rs.25,000 with the latest upgrades that you are looking for. The OnePlus3 might be the good opponent to compare but not at the price point. You can also read my comparison of OnePlus 3 vs Xiaomi Mi5 if you want.

This article is going to focus on the confusions over choosing the two middle range powerful smartphones, Mi5 and OnePlus 2. Let’s make this straight and simple,

Wait! Why don’t you take a minute and read my Xiaomi Mi5 review before reading this comparison. You might get some ideas to make your decision.

Decision making points about Xiaomi Mi5 vs. OnePlus 2

Comparison 1: The first thing that we look at the smartphone is the design. Unlike Moto phones, OnePlus 2 and Mi5 comes with fantastic design ergonomics that offer premium look as well as firm grip for better usage.

The OnePlus 2 is a bigger device with 5.5 inch screen followed by the bigger body. Mi5, on the other hand, is a 5.1 inch screen phone that fits well in hand.

Decision:
For bigger hands – OnePlus 2 (If you are okay with both the designs).
For smaller hands – Mi5 (If you are okay with both the designs).

Comparison 2: The performance is what get into mind next for any sort of buyer. Xiaomi Mi5 is packed with Snapdragon 820 where as OnePlus 2 comes with Snapdragon 810. You might not feel the difference in performance unless you use the phone at its dying best. OP2 comes with 4GB DDR4 RAM and Mi5 with 3GB DDR4 which might not show the difference when compared in an average user’s hand.

Decision:
If you are on a tight budget and cannot spend a penny after 23K INR, go for OnePlus 2 in terms of processing capability.

However, the Mi5 is a little bit better comparatively (amount of RAM will not increase the performance but multitasking capability).

Comparison 3: The third comparison module should be the camera. It is after all the third basic feature that matters to an average user.

Mi5 have 16MP OIS and 4MP ultra-pixel camera where as OnePlus 2 has 13MP (with 6-lens technology) and 5MP camera. Megapixels is not the first thing to count on when considering cameras here. It doesn't mean that higher the megapixels, better the camera.

Not considering the megapixels, when the sample shots are compared, Mi5 performs the best at taking clear and crispy subject focused photographs. OnePlus 2 underperforms when compared with the Mi5.

Decision:
Have no limits to budget, go for Mi5.
Can’t spend a penny over 23K INR? OnePlus is not worst at all. Go for it.

Comparison 4: The internal memory should be discussed here. OnePlus 2 comes with 64GB eMMC 5.0 internal memory technology where as Mi5 with 32GB eMMC 5.1 which is 80% more faster than 5.0.

Decision:
Need a phone with larger memory? it’s OnePlus 2.
Need a phone with faster memory? It’s Xiaomi Mi5.

Comparison 5: If software is considered, Mi5 and OP2 have customized android software which get updates often. The both operating systems are customizable to most extent at the user end and are comfortable.

Yet, Mi5 is complained to have software issues regarding the network connectivity. It was also reported to be having some bugs that are obstructing the performance.

Bugs are not permanent. Mi5 may get them removed in the next major software update. OP2 with Oxygen OS offers good performance with initial issues of fingerprint scanner malfunctions.

Decision:
MIUI is the most difficult UI of all Android phones. If you want a new UI to try or is used to MIUI in the past, go with Xiaomi Mi5.
If you need an easy UI, OP2 is the one for you.

Conclusion

There is nothing to conclude from my side. You have the points table now. Go with the device with highest personal points.

If this review helped you, please buy it from the following links and help us:
Xiaomi Mi5: http://amzn.to/1Qbu09l
OnePlus 2: http://amzn.to/1UDp2Ou

Continue Reading

YU Yunicorn First Impressions: Meizu M3 Note in Yunicorn Shell

YU has released a flagship device in India after all these days. From the first Zeus of smartphones to the color tailed Yunicorn, YU followed the trends of consumer taste and interest.

The YU Yunicorn reminds me of the Meizu M3 Note that was released a few days back into the country budget smartphone market.

Not completely, but partially, from the front. The back panel looks so similar to its competitors like the Redmi Note 3 and Meizu M3 again.

   

This metallic phone comes with MediaTek Helio P10 Octa-core processor coupled with 4GB of RAM and Mali T-860 GPU. The unit comes with 32GB internal memory on board and is expandable up to 128GB through microSD card.

The device runs on the Android 5.1 based Steroids operating system developed by AppGyver. This dual SIM 4G enabled device works GSM, WCDMA and LTE bands.

It weighs 172gms and measures 8.5mm thickness on the sides which is similar to the next alternatives under this budget, Redmi Note 3 and Meizu M3 Note. There is a reason for this thickness, the massive 4000mAh battery inside the unibody.

Yunicorn comes with 1080p Full HD display covered by the 2.5D glass. The fingerprint scanner just like the Meizu had on its front can store up to 5 finger prints for better and handful security.

YU has crafted rear 13MP PDAF camera with f/2.2 5-element lens and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). The front 5MP shooter is a  4P lens f/2.0 camera with HD video recording capability.

Overall, the phone is impressive but the specifications sounds similar to the Meizu M3 Note which disappointed the market with its low performing hardware combo. The full performance tests are to be wait and watch.

Meanwhile, go through my reviews of the alternatives of Yu Yunicorn, the Redmi Note 3 and Meizu M3 Note. Detailed review will be published very soon.

Continue Reading

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 & Mi5 to go on Open Sale from June 1st

Finally, after all Chor-Police game, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and Mi5 are going on in an open sale beginning June 1st. This one month had shown the stars in the day light to the Redmi Note 3 lovers who have been waiting to grab in an every flash sale. The scripts will have no demand and the 2PM tension and ‘Out of Stock’ dismays will no more be heard.

 

Hugo Barra announced it on Facebook just now with a GIF of himself creating a lip-print with the Xiaomi device;

 

 

The script and no-script tricks that we have been using so far will go in vain and they have to search for another flash device now.

 

Redmi Note 3 has been identified as the best performing device under the budget of Rs.15,000 in India with its outstanding multitasking and gaming showoff.

 

Read the full technical review of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3

 

 

This phablet even dominated the devices like Lenovo ZUK Z1 and Meizu M3 Note that came later. In fact, the sales of Redmi Note 3 are more in numbers than the Mi5 which came into market as a middle range device with powerful chipset and gear.

 

I though it was some bug in the Amazon in the previous flash sale itself that allowed me to add a product to the cart at 2:20PM and checkout later at 3:30PM on the same day. The actual expiry time was 15 minutes and the clock stopped showing counting down when I was entering the address details.

 

Who whos the Amazon is gearing up for this from the next week’s open sale. Anyhow, the hustle is no more. Walk free to the Redmi Note 3 page, add it to your cart and checkout.

 

Enjoy booking a RN3 from June 1st in an open sale like a boss.

Continue Reading

Meizu M3 Note vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: Which One to Buy?

The smartphones are tightening consumers necks with the similar specifications, design and price. Here comes the Meizu M3 Note and Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 under the same category with the great similar looks and similar specifications.

 

Both the smartphones are available at the same price leaving all the confusion to the buyer. In this article, I’ll be differentiating the differences specifically in both the devices and at the end, you will be able to go with your choice.

 

Let’s begin!

 

 

Design: Metal vs Metal

The 18 wheels of metal it sounds like to me when I had the thought of comparing both the devices. Meizu M3 Note and Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 are both the metallic devices with clean and aluminum alloys for their bodies.

 

Both these budget phones are inspired from the Apple iPhone 6’s design but with the minor changes to it. If you see the package of the Redmi Note 3, it exactly looks like that of an iPhone 6’s.

 

Meizu M3 Note on the other hand looks more like an iPhone than the Redmi Note 3. The metallic back, buttons, shape, finish and the position of the fingerprint sensor looks exactly like as of iPhone 6’s except the camera position.

 

Winner: Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is no less beautiful and strongly built to the Meizu M3 Note, but the iconic iPhone 6’s design and the looks of M3 Note steals the show with a little extra few glitz.

 

Meizu comes in 8.2mm thinness and Redmi Note 3 in 8.65mm. This even makes Meizu a good choice.

 

Display: IPS LCD vs LTPS

Xiaomi and Meizu have embedded two different display technologies on its screen, IPS-LED and LTPS respectively. The both technologies have their own features. IPS-LCD gives the better color reduction, viewing angles and good color in-depth and LTPS gives a high resolution display using the low temperatures.

 

The common factor about the display is that they both have 5.5 inch 1080p display with the pixel density of 403ppi.

 

Both the phones comes with the screen protection glass, Redmi Note 3 with Dragon Sapphire and M3 Note with Dinorex T2X-1.

 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 comes with a special auto-brightness feature that enhances the dark pixels on the screen when under sunlight, where as the Meizu M3 Note comes with the normal auto-brightness feature.

 

Winner: Both the phones win the display challenge with the outstanding display modules. If you want to pick a phone in terms of display, better choose one that take low battery power would be better for longer screen-on times without any compromising of quality and resolution.

 

Performance: Snapdragon & Adreno vs MediaTek & Mali

The is the perfect round to assess a smartphone’s ability. It’s not the looks and the battery power that weighs more in choosing a smartphone, it is the performance.

 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 with Snapdragon 650 hexa-core performs a lot better than the Meizu M3 Note with MediaTek Helio P10 Premium Octa-core processor. Though, it seemed to be the Octa-core to be dominating, the hexa-core take the lead surprisingly.

 

Snapdragon 650 of XRN3 is coupled with the Adreno 510 GPU giving it the power of graphics and gaming. Where as the MM3N comes with Mali-T860 64-bit GPU, which brought up the expectations but failed in real time.

 

Gaming is found to be smooth and no lags identified on Redmi Note 3 in many tech reviews online but, Meizu disappointed with the disastrous frame dropping on high-end gaming even with moderate graphics setting.

 

The Antutu benchmark scores of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and Meizu M3 Note are settled at 74000 and 44000 (that’s last year’s Zenfone 2 intel Atom processor version’s score) respectively.

 

Winner: Without no second thought, Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 wins the performance round.

 

Storage: Hybrid vs Hybrid

Both Xiaomi and Meizu comes in two memory variants, 16GB and 32GB. They can be expanded up to 128GB through microSD card. Both the phones have the hybrid SIM with a choice and sacrifice option for the user.

 

Winner: Let’s call this a warm-up round. Both the phones stand at the same point in terms of memory expandability.

 

Camera: 16MP vs 13MP & 5MP vs 5MP

Both the phone cameras work the same irrespective of their modular configuration. The 16MP PDAF camera of Xiaomi is better at taking outdoor shots and videos in Full HD 1080P. With Google Open camera, Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 can even record 4K videos.

 

The 13MP camera of Meizu is fast and right focusing the subject. The macro shots come much better on Meizu than the Redmi’s.

 

Winner: As camera is not just about the macro photography, I’d prefer to suggest the camera of Redmi Note 3 in case of all around photography.

 

Battery

The RN3 is having the powerful 4050mAh battery where as the M3N is having the 4010mAh that can give a full day (24 hour) charge on heavy usage as well.

 

Winner: Both are impressive but the LTPS of M3 Note might get the advantage over Redmi Note 3’s IPS LCD.

 

Pros

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3:	Meizu M3 note:
+ Full metallic premium design + Better processor & GPU + No over heating + Better display technology + Better camera + Powerful battery + Wi-Fi supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz band + Beast performance	+ Great premium design + Sharp screen with LTPS + Scratch protection + Good camera + Huge high capacity battery + Fingerprint sensor + Multipurpose single button (including fingerprint sensor)

 

Cons

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3	Meizu M3 Note
- No specific screen protection - Still Android 5.1.1 based MIUI7 - Heating issues	- Lags a lot with multitasking and gaming - Hybrid SIM is always a sacrifice - Custom Android Flyme OS 5.1 is hard to get used to it

 

Final Verdict

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and Meizu M3 Note are two great devices with wonderful premium design and specifications. The both devices are similar in many aspects expect the performance which is the mostly concerned metric while buying a smartphone.

 

Xiaomi heats up while charging and it is said to be normal when it happens with the beast performing device in a metallic armor.

 

Buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: If you are wanting a device that doesn't compromise in performance and needed a day/2-day battery.

 

Buy Meizu M3 Note: If you are looking to have an iPhone like android smartphone in your budget and you don’t game heavy games on the device.

Continue Reading

Meizu M3 Note Review: Great Design & Low Performance

Meizu company has released the next M series smartphone, M3 Note with an iconic iPhone like design and good configuration. Those who dream of having an iPhone should take a look at this smartphone. Because, it can fill your appetite of having an Apple (apple like) device in hand.

 

Meizu had got some bad reviews so far on the internet regarding the performance. The chipset is a good gig on the paper, but let’s see what it has got and why it is getting so many negative reviews.

 

Design

Meizu M3 Note is out standing in its design. It has the closest design phone to the iPhone 6 among all the devices that were released with the similarity. The curves, the buttons and the back panel makes M3 Note quite a beauty.

 

 

The only thing that it differs from the iPhone design is that the position of the back camera and dual tone flash. Even the metal alloy used is the 6000 aluminum alloy that is used in making the iPhone’s body.

 

The size wise, the M3 Note weighs 163gms which is better than the last year’s Zenfone 2 series smartphones and wears a 8.2mm thick body from the side.

 

Impressions: I, as an Apple iPhone’s design lover, extremely satisfied with the Meizu’s design and curvatures.

 

Display

Meizu packed M3 Note with 1080p 5.5 inch screen that can render 403ppi with 1000:1 contrast ratio. The screen is protected by Dinorex T2X-1 Glass from scratches. So, there is no need of worrying about scratches. It uses the LTPS (Low Temperature Poly-Silicon) technology to save more power and gives more screen-on time.

 

 

Impressions: The display is very good and sharp. It will make a good device for multimedia users in case of screen quality.

 

Performance

This device is powered with MediaTek Helio P10 Premium Octa-core processor coupled with 2GB/3GB RAM as optional. The duo is powered with Mali-T860 64-bit GPU. The mTouch 2.1 sensor with Flyme Assistive Touch technology gives user a brand new convenient experience. The whole hardware runs on Flyme OS 5.1 which is based on the Android Lollipop 5.1 operating system.

 

 

Impressions: The on-paper specifications are very good but the performance in terms of gaming and multitasking really sucks. It gets struck in every high end game even with medium graphic settings.

 

Storage

M3 note comes in two memory/storage versions. The 2GB RAM version comes with 16GB internal memory and the 3GB RAM version with 32GB internal memory. The storage can be expanded using the microSD card (through hybrid SIM slot).

 

Impressions: Hybrid SIM slots have been a tradition of smartphones these days. So, we can’t blame a single device for this.

 

Camera

Meizu M3 Note comes with a 13MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture and 5-element lens accompanied by dual tone flash. The front camera is a 5MP shooter with f/2.0 and 4-element lens.

Impressions: Camera on Meizu is pretty impressive. The tap to focus works great in taking the macro shots with full clear focus on the subject and blurred background.

 

Connectivity

M3 Note supports 4G FDD-LTE in both the SIM slots along with the 3G WCDMA, 2G GSM, 4G TD-LTE and 3G TD-SCDMA.

 

It has GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Digital compass for location connectivity. It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1

 

Impressions: Connectivity is no new in Meizu M3 compared to other smartphones. Thumbs up for connectivity.

 

Sensors

M3 Note have these sensors; Hall magnetic sensor, Gravity sensor, IR proximity sensor, Gyroscope, Ambient light sensor, Touch sensor and Digital compass.

 

Impressions: Good to have all needed sensors on the device.

 

Battery

Meizu comes with a 4100mAh high capacity battery that can hold the charge up to 2 days ion moderate usage. The LTPS screen technology gives more screen-on time with such a huge battery backup.

 

Impressions: Great battery backup. Fully satisfactory with the battery and price comparison.

 

Pros

+ Great premium design

+ Sharp screen with LTPS

+ Scratch protection

+ Good camera

+ Huge high capacity battery

+ Fingerprint sensor

+ Multipurpose single button (including fingerprint sensor)

 

Cons

- Lags a lot with multitasking and gaming

- Hybrid SIM is always a sacrifice

- Custom Android Flyme OS 5.1 is hard to get used to it

 

Verdict

Meizu M3 Note gives a great premium phone (iPhone 6) look in hand. The processor and RAM combo is great and should handle multitasking butter smooth.

 

Unfortunately, it lags like crazy skipping more number of frames while gaming under both high and moderate graphic settings.

 

This device is for those who won’t play games on the phone and only for general multitasking (not heavy) . This phone can also be considered for those who need longer battery life. The looks when holding it will dominate any other budget smartphone that was released so far.

 

The Meizu M3 Note is now available at Amazon for Rs.9,999 through flash sale. Follow this link to register for the next flash sale.

Continue Reading

Lenovo ZUK Z1 Review: Specifications, Price, Pros and Cons

Lenovo has released a beast into the Indian market for ₹13,499 ($319.99 USD). The ZUK Z1 looks neat, is well built and has very good hardware specifications. It is definitely a threat to the position of budget beast Redmi Note 3 in the market except the ₹1,500 extra price.

 

Let’s take a look into the full technical specifications, pros and cons of the Lenovo ZUK Z1 and see if it truly a competition for Xiaomi Redmi Note 3.

 

Design

The design of Lenovo ZUK Z1 is interesting with a metallic bezel around the device and a cloud grey plastic back. It is also available in ceramic white with glossy white back panel. The white version looks a bit like Samsung Galaxy phone from the front side.

It has power button and volume rockers on the right side crafted comfortable for right hand use. On the left it has that SIM tray, on the top, the 3.5mm headphone jack and on the bottom it has the microphone, type-c USB port and loud speaker. 

 

It weighs 175gms and has 155.7x77.3x8.9mm dimensions with slightly curved back summing up the width to the 8.9mm from the middle of the phone.

 

Impressions: Very good and clean design.

 

Display

ZUK Z1 comes with a 5.5 inch full HD display of 1080p resolution with the pixel density of 401 and 1500:1 contrast ratio. It is a non air-gap screen that is used on ZUK Z1 with fingerprint proof coating and display polarizer coating.

 

Impressions: Good for gaming and running multimedia content.

 

Have you seen Creo Mark 1, the 2K resolution display smartphone? Yes! 2K resolution on the screen will give you stunning picture quality. See more details about Creo Mark 1.

 

Performance

The Lenovo ZUK Z1 is packed with the Snapdragon 801 processor the one OnePlus One had. It is coupled with the 3GB LPDDR3 RAM and Adreno 330 3D GPU that runs at 578MHz.

 

 

The processor and RAM is a very good combo but it has complaints of over-heating. Even though the GPU is not a big one, ZUK Z1 exhibits excellent gaming performance with no lags even while playing heavy games.

 

The chipset is sparked with the Android 5.1.1 based Cyanogen mod 12.1 operating system.

 

Impressions: The temperature of the device touches 41+ degrees with 5-7 minute gaming. It is better than other devices that heat up like crazy nuts.

 

You would also like to know about Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 in terms of performance. Don’t miss!

 

Storage

ZUK Z1 comes with 64GB (eMMC 5.0) internal memory. You cannot expand the memory anymore. The 64GB is good enough for a phone of its price range.

 

Impressions: Z1 has very good amount of internal memory. You don’t have to worry about running out of memory unless you have huge memory needs.

 

Camera

Lenovo ZUK Z1 is equipped with 13MP rear Auto Focus (AF) camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) at pixel size of 1.12 microns. It is accompanied by the Sony Exmor RS Stack sensor and dual LED flash.

 

 

The front camera is a 8MP one with the same 1.12 microns and OmniBSI-2 technology. Both the cameras have Qualcomm’s dual-core ISP image processing solutions, MORPHO optimization algorithms and image optimization algorithms.

 

Impressions: Both the cameras are very good in terms of photography.

 

Connectivity

Lenovo ZUK Z1 is a dual SIM phone with Nano slots. It doesn't have external SD card support as we have seen in storage section. It supports the WCDMA/GSM/4G LTE networks with following bands:

• TDD-LTE Band 38, 39, 40, 41
• FDD-LTE Band  1, 3, 7
• TD-SCDMA Band  34, 39
• WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100 MHz
• GSM/EDGE  850/900/1800/1900 MHz

It has Type-C USB connectivity, supports OTG, have Bluetooth 4.1 and 5G Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac with Wi-Fi Direct.

 

Impressions: The connectivity features are impressive with Typc-C and  double LTE Nano slots.

 

Battery

ZUK Z1 comes with 4100mAh powerful Li-Ion non-removable battery that can last long more than a day and half once fully charged. It supports quick charging on the top which is necessary for a big batteries.

 

Impressions: Wonderful battery with so much juice to have the freedom of usage.

 

Pros

+ Very good design

+ Powerful processing capability

+ Lag-free gaming

+ Good cameras

+ Great internal memory

+ Typc-C connectivity

+ OTG Support

+ Huge battery

+ Fingerprint scanner

 

Cons

- Over-heating issues with the processor

- Camera performs weak in low light conditions

- No external memory card slot

- No proper information on service centers

 

Final Verdict

Lenovo and ZUK were built a great association in bringing up the Z1 as a powerful competitor for the market rulers like Xiaomi Redmi Note 3. Except the issues with the processor and camera, the smartphone is quite a grabbing material.

 

Moreover, ZukMobile has no proper information about the service centers all over the world for the questions asked by the users. It is what that tickles the users while buying. As it is introduced by Lenovo, ZUK Z1 smartphones might be repaired in the Lenovo stores if encountered any problems.

 

Lenovo ZUK Z1 is now available on Amazon in a flash sale. You may register for the next sale from this link.

Continue Reading