tech2touch

Author: Aniruddh

Samsung Galaxy J5 2016 Review-Pros and Cons
Samsung has got good response to its Galaxy J series smartphones. AMOLED display screen, decent camera and battery life are key attractions of these smartphones. In this post, we will have a quick look into Samsung Galaxy J5 2016 Review with pros and Cons.

Samsung Galaxy J5 2016 is made up of plastic. However, it has matte metal strip covering in the sides. With the dimensions of 72.3×145.8×8.1 mm and weighs 158 grams, overall it feels good for a single handed usage.

Galaxy J5 2016 is powered by 1.2GHz Quad core Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 410 chipset with 2GB of RAM and Adreno 305 GPU. The day to day performance, I have not faced any lag. Games like Asphalt 8 can playable but in medium settings. In high settings, there is a minor frame drops. It runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with custom UI on top of it. The device is getting regular security updates which is welcome move from Samsung. It has 16GB of internal storage in which around 10.8Gb of storage available for the users. It also supports microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy J5(6) sports 5.2 inch super AMOLED display screen with 720p resolution. Though there are many devices available in this price segment which has 1080p resolution, display on this device is surprisingly decent.

Galaxy J5(6) houses 13MP CMOS sensor with wide f/1.9 aperture and a single LED flash. The front camera is a 5MP unit with f/1.9 aperture and a dedicated LED flash. In well lit conditions, camera performance is good. Though colours look little over saturated, images taken are sharp and contains decent details. In low light, the Galaxy J5 6 camera struggles a bit.

Samsung Galaxy J5 2016 houses Li-ion 3100 mAh battery which in our test lasted for more than a day. The connectivity features of the device includes 4G, 3G, 2G, WiFi, Bluetooth, WiFi hotspot, USB tethering and microUSB.

Samsung Galaxy J5 2016 review summary: In the below 15k price segment, there are many smartphones with much better specification than this are available such as LeEco Le 2, Redmi Note 3, Lenovo Vibe k5 Note etc. What sets apart Galaxy J5 2016 from the rest is availability of proper dual sim card slots with dedicated microSD card support, removable battery and most importantly timely availability of security patch updates.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy J5 2016

Pros of Galaxy J5 2016
- Super AMOLED display screen.
- Proper dual sim card support with dedicated microSD card slot.
- Timely security patch updates.
- Decent battery life.
- Compact size.
Cons of Galaxy J5 2016
- Dated Soc: Though it is a decent Soc, it is not comparable to the other smartphones available in this price segment.
- Lack of basic sensors: The basic sensors like Ambient light sensor, Compass, Gyroscope are missing on this device. Also you cannot use this device with VR headsets.
- Camera performance is average.
August 9, 2016
Lenovo Vibe K5 Note FAQ Tips Tricks and Cons
Lenovo has recently launched Lenovo Vibe K5 Note smartphone in India. It has got many improvement over its predecessor. All metal body, better SoC, higher RAM and storage capacity, addition of fingerprint scanner etc. Lets have a quick look into Lenovo Vibe K5 Note FAQ, Tips and Tricks and Cons.

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Lenovo Vibe K5 Note Vs Redmi Note 3

Lenovo Vibe K5 Note FAQ Tips Tricks and Cons

What are the different variants of Lenovo Vibe K5 Note available in India?

Specification Wise, Lenovo K5 note is available in two variants based on RAM size. The first variant available in 3GB RAM and the other one in 4GB variant. Both the variants comes with 32GB of internal storage.

What are the different colour options available?

You can get K5 Note in 3 different colour variants- Black,gold and grey.

What is the price of Lenovo Vibe K5 Note in India? Where can I buy one?

As mentioned before, it is available in two variants. So the prices are given below.
- Vibe K5 Note 3GB RAM variant price in India is Rs.11,999.
- Vibe K5 Note 4GB RAM variant price in India is Rs.13,499.
You can buy this smartphone from Flipkart. The link to this product is here.

What size sim cards, Vibe K5 Note accepts? Does it has dedicated microSD card support?

It comes with hybrid sim card slot. You can use either 2 nano sim cards or 1 nano sim card with microSD card. There is no dedicated microSD card slot.

Does it has Corning Gorilla Glass protection?

No. It doesn’t have Corning Gorilla Glass protection layer. However, out of the box, you get screen guard in the box.

What is the processor used in this smartphone?

Both variants of Lenovo Vibe K5 Note comes with 1.8GHz Octa-core MediaTek Helio P10 (MT6755M) based on Cortex A53.

What are the camera specification of Lenovo Vibe K5 Note?

Vibe K5 Note sports a 13-megapixel rear camera with a dual-LED flash, and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. The rear camera comes with features such as PDAF (phase detection autofocus), and packs an ISOCELL sensor. There is no optical image stabilisation.

What are the connectivity options? Is VoLTE is supported?

The connectivity options of the device includes 4G, 3G, Bluetooth and WiFi. There is no infrared sensor. Out of the box, device doesnot supports VoLTE. However, company said that, support will be added via OTA update.

How to take screenshot on Lenovo Vibe K5 Note?

You can capture screenshot on this device in 3 different ways.

Volume down +Power button method: For taking screenshot using this method, you need to press and hold volume down and power button simultaneously for few seconds.

Using the screenshot button method: Just access the quick settings menu. Tap on to screenshot button to capture the screenshot.

Google now on tap method: Long press on the home button. It will capture the screenshot which you can share or save it in Google drive. For using this method, you need to enable Google now on tap.

What are the cons of Lenovo Vibe K5 Note?

It is not a complete Vibe K5 note review. Based on the initial impression, here are the few cons. We will be publishing detailed Lenovo Vibe K5 Note review in the coming days.
- Hybrid sim card slot: You cannot use both sim cards and microSD card simultaneously.
- No infrared sensor: We are seeing infrared sensors in many budget android smartphones which are priced lesser than this.
- Unavailability of Corning Gorilla Glass protection.
- There is no VoLTE support out of the box.
Lenovo Vibe K5 note will be competing with the likes of Redmi Note 3, Moto G4, Honor 5C and LeEco Le 2.
August 9, 2016
Xiaomi Redmi 3s FAQ Cons Tips and Tricks
Xiaomi has launched the Redmi 3s smartphone in India. The biggest USP of this smartphone is all metal design, 4000 mAh battery and fingerprint scanner. Here are the Xiaomi Redmi 3s FAQ, Cons with Tips and Tricks.

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Xiaomi Redmi 3s Prime Review-Pros and Cons

Xiaomi Redmi 3s FAQ Cons Tips and Tricks

What are the different variant of Redmi 3s available in India?

Xiaomi has launched two variants of Redmi 3s India. One is Redmi 3s and another one is Redmi 3s Prime.

What are the key difference between Redmi 3s and Redmi 3s prime?

Design Wise both smartphones are identical except the fingerprint scanner present in the backside of Redmi 3s prime. Other difference is RAM and storage option. Redmi 3s has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. Whereas Redmi 3s prime features 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Rest of the specifications are same.

What is the price of these smartphones in India? Where can I buy one?

The prices of these smartphones are given below.
- Xiaomi Redmi 3s price in India is Rs.6,999.
- Xiaomi Redmi 3s Prime price in India is Rs. 8,999.
Both devices will be available exclusively on Flipkart and Mi.com.

What size sim cards these two smartphones accepts? Does it has dedicated microSD card slot?

Xiaomi Redmi 3s and Redmi 3s prime comes with hybrid sim card slot. That means, you can insert two sim cards or one sim card and one microSD card. It accepts 1 micro sim card and 1 nano sim card. There is no dedicated microSD card slot.

Does Redmi 3s has Corning gorilla glass protection for display screen?

Company has not mentioned about what type of screen protection they have adopted in this smartphone. As they have not mentioned any thing, we assume, it does not feature Corning Gorilla glass protection. If you are planning to buy one, then it is highly recommended to use tempered glass.

Is these smartphones support fast charging? Is the bundled charger supports fast charging?

Xiaomi Redmi 3s supports qualcomm quick charge. But the bundled charger is not the fast charger.

What is the processor used in these smartphones?

Both smartphones are powered by all-new octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor with four cores clocked at 1.1GHz, and four other cores at 1.4GHz alongside the Adreno 505 GPU.

What is the camera specification of Redmi 3s?

The Redmi 3S and Redmi 3S Prime sports 13-megapixel rear camera with PDAF (phase detection autofocus), f/2.0 aperture, HDR mode, 1080p video recording, and LED flash. It also has 5-megapixel front camera with 1080p video recording capability.

What are the connectivity options? Is VoLTE is supported?

The connectivity options of the device includes 4G, Wi-Fi, GPRS/ EDGE, Bluetooth, GPS/ A-GPS, Bluetooth, Glonass, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and Micro-USB.

What are the cons of Redmi 3s?

Cons or demerits of Redmi 3s can be known only after using the device extensively for more than a week. However, looking at the specification and initial impression, here are the few Redmi 3s cons. I will update this once I complete the review.
- Hybrid sim card slot- No dedicated microSD card slot.
- Display does not have Corning Gorilla glass protection.
- Availability- Xiaomi devices are known for non availability. Most of the time their devices are out of stock.
- Limited service centers in India.
August 4, 2016
Asus Zenfone Selfie Diamond cut back panel variant launched in India
Asus has launched new variant of Zenfone Selfie in India. The new variant has diamond cut rear panel design just like the Zenfone 2 Deluxe. The new Zenfone Selfie price in India is Rs.12,999. Currently it is available exclusively on Amazon.in. The device will be available in Glacier Gray, Sheer Gold, Polygon-Illusion Diamond White, Illusion Polygon Blue and Illusion Smooth Pink colour options.

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Asus Zenfone Selfie Review

New Asus Zenfone Selfie sports 5.5 inch full HD display of 1080×1920 pixel resolution which has a protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 4. It is powered by 64 bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor paired with 3GB of RAM and Adreno 405 GPU. The phone has 16GB of internal storage and supports microSD card upto 128GB.

One of the key USP of the Zenfone Selfie is 13MP rear and front camera with f/2.0 aperture, 28mm focal length, and dual-colour Real Tone flash. The rear camera also has laser autofocus module.

Asus Zenfone Selfie runs on Android 5.1 lollipop out of the box with ZenUI skin on top. It packs 3000 mAh battery. The connectivity options of this selfie centric smartphone includes 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac; WiFi-Direct, and GPS support. The device measures 156.5×77.2×10.8mm, and it weighs 170 grams.

Commenting on the launch, Peter Chang, Region Head – South Asia & Country Manager for ASUS India said, “The new Zenfone Selfie perfectly encapsulates the creativity of the ASUS design team with the stunning diamond cut back fashioned to deliver a stylish and luxury experience for the consumers. Apart from the design, the smartphone also offers great performance levels with its 3GB RAM and Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 to match the users’ performance needs.”

Including this variant, there are total 3 variants of Zenfone Selfie are available in India. The prices of these variants are given below.
- Asus Zenfone Selfie with 2GB RAM and 16GB Storage price in India is Rs.10,999.
- Zenfone Selfie Diamond cut back cover variant with 3GB RAM and 16GB Storage price in India is Rs.12,999.
- Asus Zenfone Selfie with 3GB RAM and 32GB Storage price in India is Rs.16,999.
Asus Zenfone Selfie(ZD551KL) Diamond cut back cover variant Specification
- 5.5 inch full HD display screen.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor paired with 3GB of RAM and Adreno 405 GPU.
- 16GB internal storage and support for microSD card upto 128GB.
- 3000 mAh battery.
- 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac; WiFi-Direct, and GPS support.
- 13MP rear and front camera with f/2.0 aperture, 28mm focal length, and dual-colour Real Tone flash.
August 3, 2016
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Launched-Price Specification Features
Samsung has today officially unveiled the much awaited Galaxy Note 7, the latest flagship from the Note series. The biggest highlight of this smartphone is its iris scanner. This is the first smartphone from Samsung to have such feature. Apart from this, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has borrowed most of the good features of its predecessor Note 5 and Galaxy S7 Edge with bit of improvements.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be available starting August 19 on selected markets. The device will be available in Blue Coral, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium and Black Onyx colour variants. Like Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 7 also has water proofing feature.

Galaxy Note 7 sports 5.7 inch QHD (1440×2560 pixels) dual-edge Super Amoled display with impressive pixel density of 518 ppi. It is powered by 14nm octa-core processor, with four cores clocked at 2.3GHz, and four cores clocked at 1.6GHz. The device has 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB of internal storage. It also supports microSD card upto 256GB.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 comes equipped with 3,500mAh battery with fast charging support on wired as well as wireless. According to company, Wireless Charging is compatible with WPC and PMA3. The connectivity features of the device includes Bluetooth, 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz), GPS/ A-GPS, Glonass, NFC, 3G, and USB Type-C. The smartphone also supports LTE and is compatible with LTE Cat.12, LTE Cat.10, and LTE Cat.9. The LTE compatibility may differ by markets and mobile operators.

Galaxy Note 7 features ‘Dual Pixel’ 12-megapixel OIS (optical image stabilisation) with f/1.7 aperture and dual-LED flash and 5-megapixel front camera which also has f1.7 aperture.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Accessories

Samsung has unveiled few accessories to the new Galaxy Note 7 smartphone. This includes new S View Standing Cover, a light and portable cover that can be used to prop the device at a 60-degree angle for easy viewing of content, as well as an IP68 water resistant Backpack for on-the-go charging.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 India availability and Pricing: As of now, there is no official communication on the pricing and availability of this smartphone in India. Also there might be a different variant for Indian consumers.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Specification
- 5.7 inch QHD (1440×2560 pixels) dual-edge Super Amoled display.
- 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.
- Support for microSD card upto 256GB.
- IP68 certified Water and dust resistant.
- ‘Dual Pixel’ 12-megapixel OIS primary camera and 5MP front facing camera.
- 3500 mAh battery with fast charging.
- USB-C type port.
Source: Samsung press release
August 2, 2016