Category: Smartphones

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Vs Moto G4 Plus Which is better

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and Moto G4 Plus are two mid range Android smartphones with 5.5 inch display screen. Both  have their own advantages and disadvantages. There is no perfect smartphone. But according to our requirement and budget, we need to decide on which phone to buy. So here is the comparison of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Vs Moto G4 Plus.

    Redmi Note 3 Vs Moto G4 Plus

    Recommended Reading:

    LeEco Le 2 Vs Redmi Note 3

    Redmi Note 3 Review

    Moto G4 Plus Review

    Comparison of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Vs Moto G4 Plus

    Design and build quality:

    • Redmi Note 3: Dimensions: 150 x 76 x 8.7 mm and weighs 164 grams.
    • Moto G4 Plus: Dimensions: 153 x 76.6 x 9.8 mm  and weighs 155 grams.

    Redmi Note 3 has all metal design which looks good. It is also slightly slimmer and compact. However, it weighs marginally more than the Moto G4 Plus. When it comes durability, Moto G4 Plus is better. Redmi Note 3 does not have Corning Gorilla Glass protection.

    Winner: Draw

    Display:

    • Redmi Note 3: 5.5 inch full HD IPS display screen with around 72.4% screen to body ratio and 408 ppi pixel density.
    • Moto G4 Plus: 5.5 inch Full HD IPS display screen with around 71.2% screen to body ratio and 408 ppi pixel density.

    Display panel on the both the device are good. But when we compare the display quality of Moto G4 Plus Vs Redmi Note 3, Moto G4 Plus looks better.

    Winner: Moto G4 Plus.

    SoC, RAM, OS and Performance:

    • Redmi Note 3: 1.8GHz Hexa Core Qualcomm MSM8956 Snapdragon 650 Soc With 3GB RAM with Adreno 510 GPU. It runs on MIUI 7 which is based on Android 5.1.1.
    • Moto G4 Plus: 1.5 GHz octa-core processor MSM8952 Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 with 3GB RAM and Adreno 405 GPU.  It runs on latest almost stock Android 6.0.1.

    Moto G4 Plus overall performance and gaming performance both are excellent and better than the Redmi Note 3. However, it is let down by heating issue. If you are running graphic intensive games like Asphalt 8, Nova 3 etc for extended period of time, it tends to heat up(The temperature touches upto 48 degree). Redmi Note 3 is a decent performer. But, there is visible lag while playing games like Nova 3.

    Winner: Moto G4 Plus(Except heating issue).

    Storage:

    • Redmi Note 3: 32GB of internal storage and microSD card support.
    • Moto G4 Plus: 32GB of internal storage with microSD card support.

    Redmi Note 3 comes with hybrid sim slot. So you cannot use second sim card and microSD card simultaneously. Whereas Moto G4 Plus comes with dedicated microSD card slot.

    Winner: Moto G4 Plus.

    Camera:

    • Redmi Note 3: 16MP primary camera with F/2.0 and dual LED flash. 5 MP front facing camera with F/2.0.
    • Moto G4 Plus:16MP primary camera with F/2.0 and Dual LED flash. It also has laser auto focus. 5MP front facing camera with F/2.2.

    When we compare Redmi Note 3 Vs Moto G4 Plus camera samples side by side, both are very close in good lighting condition. However, in low light condition and artificial lighting conditions, Moto G4 Plus performs better. Also in video recording section, Moto G4 Plus fares better.

    Winner: Moto G4 Plus.

    Battery:

    • Redmi Note 3: 4050 mAh battery with fast charging capability.
    • Moto G4 Plus: Non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery.

    In this section, Redmi Note 3 is way ahead of Moto G4 Plus. It provides one of the best battery performance in this price segment.

    Winner: Xiaomi Redmi Note 3.

    Price:

    • Redmi Note 3: Rs.11,999 for 2GB RAM with 16GB storage variant and Rs.11,999 for the 3GB RAM variant.
    • Moto G4 Plus: Rs. 13,499 for the 2GB RAM and 16GB storage variant and Rs.14,999 for the 3GB RAM with 32GB internal storage variant.

    Winner: Redmi Note 3.

    Summary of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Vs Moto G4 Plus comparison:

    Redmi Note 3 and Moto G4 Plus are very good mid range smartphones. Based on the requirements, one can choose between them. If you want a smartphone which has good ergonomics, good camera, good display screen, latest Android version with stock experience, Dedicated microSD card slot, then Moto G4 Plus is the better option. If you want a phone which has excellent battery life, Decent display and camera, affordable pricing, metallic build, then Redmi Note 3 is better.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Tips and Tricks

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is one of the popular mid range Android smartphone in India. It is available in two variant. One is 2GB with 16GB internal storage which is priced at Rs.9,999 and another one is with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage which is priced at Rs.11,999. Both the variants runs on MIUI 7 on top of Android 5.1 Lollipop. Here are  some of the useful Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Tips and Tricks.

     

    Redme Note 3

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Tips and Tricks

    Below are the Redmi Note 3 Tips and Tricks which are in the form of frequently asked questions.

    How to move contacts, messages, photos, music, video, documents etc from old device to Redmi Note 3?

    When one buys a smartphone, the first thing to do after inserting sim card is transferring data from old device to new device. For this Redmi Note 3 offers a simple method. You just need to install a app called “Mi Mover” from Play Store which is available for free. Then pair the devices using a QR code and start transferring instantly. This app will transfer all data from your old device which includes contacts, messages, photos, music, video, documents etc to Redmi Note 3.

    How to take screenshot on Redmi Note 3?

    Capturing screenshot on Redmi Note 3 is easy and simple. There are 2 ways. First one is using power button and volume down button. You need to press both at the same time and hold for a while. The  screenshot will be taken. The other method is, access the quick setting menu. Tap on to the “screenshot” icon. The screenshot will be captured.

    Is there any way to filter service messages & Promotional messages in Redmi Note 3?

    In MIUI 7, there is a option called Smart SMS filter. This helps you to filter all sms and group all these messages under one single folder. By default it is disabled. You can enable it by going to Settings > System Apps > Messaging > enable Notification Group.

    How to show data speed indicator on notification bar?

    You can enable data speed indicator on notification bar in Redmi Note 3 by going to Settings > Notifications > turn on Show Connection Speed. This will start showing the data speed in notification bar.

    How to change text size in Redmi Note 3?

    In MIUI 7, you have total 6 different text size to choose from. You can change the text size by navigating to Settings->Text Size. The text size varies from XS(extra small) to XXL.

    How to use Redmi Note 3 as Modem?

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 supports WiFi hotspot, USB tethering and Bluetooth tethering. Using any one of this method you can share your mobile data with PC/Laptop and other wifi enabled device. For enabling USB tethering, you need to connect your device to PC via USB cable. Similarly, for enabling Bluetooth tethering, you need to pair your device with the device which you want to share the mobile data.

    Couldn’t open WiFi hotspot and USB Tethering on Redmi Note 3?

    If you have enabled restricted app data usage, then you might face this issue. You need to allow Mobile data access to “Android System”. You can do that, by going to “Security” app. Then tap on to data usage->Restrict App data usage. Now give mobile data access to “Android System”.

    How to share PC internet to Redmi Note 3?

    Reverse tethering of Redmi Note 3 is very easy. First you need to download and install Mi PC suite. Now connect your phone to PC. It will automatically switches to your PC internet connection. You can toggle between reverse tethering on/off by accessing the notification page.

    Redmi Note 3 Tips and Tricks

    Is there any way to customise Notification LED to different colours?

    Yes. You can customise the colours of LED notification for calls, messages and notification. For this go to Settings> Additional settings> Notification light. Now you can select your preferred colours from the available option to different notifications.

    These are the some of the basic yet useful Redmi Note 3 Tips and tricks. There are multiple customisation are available in MIUI 7 such as locking apps using the fingerprint scanner, limiting data usage to certain apps etc. If you are looking for certain feature, please feel free to ask in the comment section below. If you know any other Redmi Note 3 Tips and tricks, please share it in the comment section below.

  • How to set Custom Ringtone in Moto G4 Plus

    Moto G4 Plus is one of the recently launched popular Android smartphone. It runs on latest Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box. It gives good user experience and performance. However, many people asked us on How to set MP3 songs as ringtone in Moto G4 Plus or how can I set MP3 as ringtone for calls in Moto G4 Plus. It simple and very easy. Here is guide on the differents ways to set Custom Ringtone in Moto G4 Plus.

    Let us get started with the tutorial on how to set custom ringtone in Moto G4 Plus.

    Recommended Reading:

    Moto G4 Plus FAQ, Tips and Tricks

    Moto G4 Plus Review-Pros and Cons

    How to set custom ringtone in Moto G4 Plus

    There are two ways through which you can set custom ringtone and notification in Moto G4 Plus.  One through PC and another one using the file explorer app.

    How to set custom ringtone in Moto G4 using PC without installing any apps

    This is the simplest method to set the custom ringtone and notification in Moto G4 Plus

    • Connect your device to the PC/Laptop via USB cable.
    • In your device, access the notification area and tap on to “use USB for”. Select “File Transfer”.
    Set ringtone in Moto G4 through PC
    • Now from the PC/Laptop, browse to the Moto G4 Plus and go to device > Internal Storage > Ringtones.
    • Copy the MP3 songs or ringtones which you want to use.
    • Now in the device go to “Settings”->”Sound&notification”->”Phone Ringtone”.
    • You will find all the new ringtones which you have placed in the ringtone folder. Select the one which you would like to use.

    2. How to set custom ringtone in Moto G4 Plus by using a File explorer without connecting to PC

    For using this method, you need to download and install a third party File explorer app. There are many good file explorer apps  available in the play store for free. I personally use ES file explorer. Once you install the File explorer,

    • Go to “Settings”->”Sound & notification”->”Phone Ringtone”.
    • You get a option to select between Media storage app or file explorer. Choose complete action using the ES file explorer.
    set custom ringtone in Moto G4 Plus
    • Browse the folder, where you have saved the ringtone. Tap on to it. Ringtone will be set.

    Video guide on how to set custom ringtone on Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus

    Hope this tutorial on how to set custom ringtone in Moto G4 Plus is useful. If you face any issues or any suggestion, feel free to share it the comment section.

  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Vs LeEco Le2 Which one is better

    LeEco Le 2 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 are the two smartphones which offers great value for money to the user.  Here is the quick specification comparison of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Vs LeEco Le2.

    Redmi Note 3 Vs LeEco Le2

    Recommended reading:

    Comparison of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Vs LeEco Le2

    Design and Build quality

    • Redmi Note 3: Dimensions: 150 x 76 x 8.7 mm and weighs 164 grams.
    • LeEco Le 2: Dimension: 151.1×74.2×7.7mm and weighs 153 grams.

    Both the smartphone feature all metal unibody design and has good build quality. However, LeEco Le 2 feels slightly better in this segment because of its thin and light profile compared to Redmi Note 3.

    Winner: LeEco Le 2

    Display:

    • Redmi Note 3 : 5.5 inch full HD display screen.
    • LeEco Le 2: 5.5 inch full HD screen.

    Display panels of Redmi Note 3 and Le 2 are equal. There is no noticeable difference between the two. However, there is display quality issue with Le 2. When you press the screen hard, it flexes and sound comes out. This might impact on the durability of the screen.

    Winner: Redmi Note 3.

    SoC, RAM and OS:

    • Redmi Note 3 : 1.4GHz hexa core Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 with 3GB of RAM, Android 5.1 Lollipop.
    • LeEco Le 2: Octa core Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 with 3GB of RAM, Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

    Redmi Note 3 and LeEco Le 2 are powerful smartphones. However, looking at the SoC, Le 2 is slightly more powerful. Also it runs on latest Android version compared to last years Android 5.1 on Redmi Note 3.

    Winner: LeECo Le 2.

    Storage:

    • Redmi Note 3: 32GB of internal storage with microSD card support.
    • LeEco Le 2: 32GB of internal storage.

    Redmi Note 3 has microSD card support. But it uses hybrid sim card slot. Hence you cannot use 2 sim cards and microSD card simultaneously. However, you have the option to add microSD card which is not available on Le 2.

    Winner: Redmi Note 3

    Camera:

    • Redmi Note 3: 16MP primary camera with  f/2.2, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash and 5MP front facing camera with f2.0.
    • LeEco Le 2: 16MP primary camera with  f/2.0, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) and 8MP front facing camera.

    The primary camera of LeEco Le 2 is slightly better than Redmi Note 3. Redmi Note 3 front facing camera low light performance is better.

    Winner: Draw.

    Battery:

    • Redmi Note 3: 4050 mAh battery with fast charging.
    • LeEco Le 2: 3000 mAh battery with fast charging.

    LeEco Le2 and Redmi Note 3 both have decent battery life. But Redmi Note 3 is much better when it comes to overall battery performance.

    Winner: Redmi Note 3.

    Price:

    Redmi Note 3: Rs.9,999 for the 2GB RAM with 16GB of internal storage variant and Rs.11,999 for the 3GB RAM with 32GB variant.

    LeEco Le 2: Rs.11,999.

    For the 3GB variant of both smartphones are priced similar. Redmi Note 3 is available exclusively on Amazon.in and Mi stores via flashsales. LeEco Le 2 is available  via Flipkart and LeMall through flash storage. Le2 has slight advantage here. It offer free one year subscription for contents which is worth Rs.4,900 if purchased alone.

    Verdict: LeEco Le 2 and Redmi Note 3 are good phones. Both has their own advantages and disadvantages. Based on requirement, the device can be selected.   If your priority is battery life and support for microSD card, then Redmi Note 3 is better. If you want better SoC, latest Android, slimmer and lighter design then LeEco Le 2 is better.

  • Samsung Galaxy J5 Android Marshmallow Update Start Seeding

    Samsung has started rolling out much awaited Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update for Galaxy J5 2015 smartphones in India. The size of the update is 874.18MB which includes latest security patch as well.

    Galaxy J5 Android 6.0 update

    The changelog of new Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update includes change in looks of system settings and notification bar, tweak in animation all over the system, performance improvement, advanced power saving mode(Doze mode which restricts the background data and extends battery life), Google Now on tap etc.

    Recommended Reading:

    How to take screenshot on Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7

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    How to update Samsung Galaxy J5 to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow

    You will get a notification on the latest software update if you have enabled the automatic software updates. If not, you can manually check for the updates. As update is large in size, it is highly recommended to download via Wi-Fi rather than mobile data. Below is the step by step guide on how to update Galaxy J5 to Android 6.01 Marshmallow.

    Samsung Galaxy J5 Android 6.0 Marshmallow update via OTA

    • Go to settings->About device.
    • Tap on to Check for Software update.
    • If updates are available, you will get a onscreen instruction to complete the update.

    It is worth noting that, Samsung has launched Galaxy J5 2016 which runs on Android 6.0 out of the box. One of most advertised feature of the device is S-Bike mode. Though Galaxy J5 2015 has got S-Bike mode, it lacks NFC. Hence, users are not able use the function fully. However, latest Galaxy J5 comes with NFC which allows users to use S-Bike mode as advertised.

    It is good to see manufacturers are rolling out latest software updates to its budget smartphones. This week, Asus has started rolling Android Marshmallow update to its Zenfone Max and Zenfone Laser smartphones.

    There is no official communication regarding the Galaxy J7 Android Marshmallow update. However, it expected to hit smartphone very soon.