tech2touch

Category: Smartphones

  • Asus Zenfone Android 6.0 Marshmallow Update coming soon

    Asus Zenfone 2 smartphones became very popular because of its value for money offering and user friendly ZenUI. Zenfone Zoom with 3x optical zoom proved technical capability of Asus team. However, sadly, this phone didn’t release with latest Android version Marshmallow. Now, Asus has finally revealed the list of smartphone which are going to get Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

    Which are the Asus Zenfone Variants going to get Android 6.0 Marshmallow?

    Asus has announced the roll out of Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the users in India for the following Zenfone Variant. For these variants, updates will start rolling out from this month.

    • ZenFone 2 (ZE550ML, ZE551ML)
    • ZenFone 2 Deluxe (ZE551ML)
    • ZenFone 2 Laser ( ZE500KL, ZE550KL, ZE601KL)
    • ZenFone Selfie (ZD551KL)
    • ZenFone Max (ZC550KL)
    • ZenFone Zoom (ZX551ML)

    The new Android 6.0 update will replace three ZenUI apps-ASUS Messenger, ASUS Mail and ASUS Calendar with Google Messenger, Calendar, and Gmail apps as the default apps in Android 6.0 version of ZenUI. Do note that, it will happen if and only if you do factory reset after the update. If you do the factory reset after update and if you want to have ASUS Messenger, ASUS Mail and ASUS Calendar, then you need to download it from Play store.

    The older Zenfones which are not mentioned here also will get Android 6.0 starting from April. However, Asus has not revealed on which are they.

    Google Android 6.0 is largely provides improved performance rather than changes in the design language. The Now on Tap, Doze, ability to use microSD card as internal storage are some key features of this new Android version.

    Android 6.0 introduced with Nexus 5X and Nexus 6p. Then we saw Motorola devices to get the update. Recently  Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge,  Sony Xperia Z5 as well started getting Android 6.0 update. So far, Android Marshmallow adoption rate is 1%. It is a welcome move from Asus to provide latest and greatest Android experience to Zenfone users.

  • Xiaomi Mi 4S Features Price and Specification

    Xiaomi has unveiled a new midrange android smartphone called Mi4S. The device will go on sale from 1st March. The price of Xiaomi Mi4S is CNY1699(Approximately Rs.18,000). It will be available in Black, Gold, Purple, and White colour variants.

    Xiaomi Mi4S comes with front and rear glass panels with metal frame for premium look and feel. The device is powered by 2.5GHz  hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 paired with Adreno 418 GPU and 3GB of RAM. It comes with 64GB of internal storage and support for microSD card upto 128GB. Mi4s is a dual sim phone and runs on MIUI 7 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

    Mi4S dual sim

    Xiaomi Mi4S sports 5 inch full HD IPS display screen which offers approximately 441ppi pixel density. The connectivity features of the device are 4G LTE, 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, GPS, and packs USB Type-C. One of the most teased feature of this device is its fingerprint scanner. This is the first phone from Xiaomi to features fingerprint scanner. It also has Infrared sensor.

    Xiaomi Mi4S houses 13-megapixel rear camera with dual-tone LED flash and PDAF.  For selfie lovers, there is a 5 Mega pixel front facing camera. This handset has 3260mAh non-removable battery and supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology. It also supports VoLTE supports.

    Advantages of Xiaomi Mi4S over Mi 4

    • 64 bit Faster processor: (64 bit hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 vs 32 bit quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor in Mi4)
    • Fingerprint scanner.
    • Bigger battery with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology. (3260mAh vs 3080 mAh).
    • MicroSD card support.
    • Android 6.0 based MIUI 7 out of the box.

    At the time of writing this, there is no update on the release date of Mi4S in India. This device will be of the tough competitor for the other midrange smartphones in this price segment.

  • Samsung Galaxy S7 Features and FAQ

    Samsung has unveiled much anticipated Galaxy S7, its flagship device for 2016. Like last year, this year too we have 2 different variants Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. The preorders will begin from Tuesday and the device will be available to consumers starting March 11th in selected regions. Samsung also announced offer to provide free Gear VR headset bundled along with six games for those who preorder in some region.

    Galaxy S7
    Based on the information we have as of now, here is the few FAQ on the new Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphone. We will be updating this post in coming days as and when we get more information. If you want to ask any specific questions, feel free to use the comment section below.

     Samsung Galaxy S7 Features and FAQ

    What are different variants of Galaxy S7 available?
    Primarily there are 2 variants. One is Galaxy S7 and another one is Galaxy S7 Edge. There is also variant based on the Soc, single and hybrid dual sim variants. The different colour variants available are black onyx, gold platinum.

    What is the SoC is used on Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge?

    As mentioned above, there 2 different  SoC variants are available. One is based on  Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 processor and another one is  Exynos 8890 SoC. Based on the region, availability of these variant changes.

    How about Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge display?

    Samsung Galaxy S7 comes with 5.1-inch QHD Super Amoled display and Galaxy S7 Edge comes with 5.5-inch QHD Super Amoled display panel. Both smartphones feature Always-On display which allows you to check important notifications, time and date without having to wake up the device.

    Is there any changes interms of camera unit used in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge?

    Yes. Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge comes with 12MP primary camera with f1.7 and 5MP front facing camera. Like we have seen in iPhone 6s, this also use display flash while taking selfies. There are plenty of camera tweaks such as Motion photo, Motion panorama  to name few.

    What are the storage option available?

    The device will be available in 32GB or 64GB variants depending on the region. There is also provision for additional storage through microSD card upto 200GB. All the variants of Galaxy S7 will come with 4GB of RAM.

    What about battery capacity of Galaxy S7?

    Galaxy S7 comes with 3000mAh battery and Galaxy S7 Edge has 3600mAh battery.  Both variants supports fast charging both on wired and wireless.

    What is the design and build quality change? 

    Aesthetically, both devices looks very similar to its predecessor. However, now both devices has IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

  • How to update Moto E 2nd Gen to Android 6.0 Marshmallow

    Motorola Moto E 2nd gen finally started to recieve Android 6.0  Marshmallow update in India. The size of the OTA update is around 450MB. So you need to have around double that space. The new Android 6.0  Marshmallow update for Moto E 2nd gen will bring new features like Now on Tap, Doze functionality which improves battery life, using microSD card as extension of internal storage etc.

    Useful links:

    How to take screenshot on Moto E

    How to use Moto E as modem

    Moto E 2nd gen pros and Cons

    How to update  Moto E 2nd Gen to Android 6.0  Marshmallow

    Before starting the update, it is better to fulfill some of the prerequisites. They are

    • Battery is charged at aleast 50%.
    • Have atleast 1GB free space.

    Now here is the update procedure.

    There are 2 scenarios.

    1. If you have received a notification message for this update:
      • Select “Yes, I’m in”.
      • After the software is downloaded, select “Install now”.
      • After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.
      • Your phone is now updated to Android 6.0.
    2. If you have not received a notification message for this update:
      • Select the Settings icon in the apps menu.
      • Select “About phone”.
      • Select “System updates”.
      • Select “Yes, I’m in”. After the software is downloaded, select “Install now”.
      • After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.
      • Your phone is now updated to Android 6.0.

    Motorola has released Android 6.0 update for its Moto G series(Starting Moto G 2nd Gen) and Moto X series. Now it is the turn for Moto E. Android 6.0  Marshmallow update as of now available through OTA in India only. But it expected to roll other parts of the world as well very soon.

    If you haven’t got the update, don’t be panic. The update will come in phases. With this update, Moto E 2nd Gen will be most affordable smartphone to run on Android 6.0  Marshmallow.  If you already recieved updated, don’t forget to share your experience with new OS in the comment section below.

  • Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 Features and FAQ

    Samsung has recently launched 2016 variant of Galaxy A5 and  Galaxy A7. Both devices share similar specification in many aspects. The key difference are display screen size, RAM  and the battery. In this post we will have a quick look into features of the Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 which are segregating into questions and answers.

    Samsung Galaxy A5

    Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 edition FAQ

    What are the different variants Galaxy A5 2016 available?

    Mainly Galaxy A5 2016 comes with 2 processor variants. One is powered by Snapdragon 615 Soc and the other one is Exynos 7580. The model which is available in India is powered by Exynos 7580 Soc which is a 64 bit 1.6GHz Octa core processor(Cortex A53) with Mali T20 GPU.  It has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. It also supports microSD card.

    What are the different colours options available?

    Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 will be available with 3 different colours variants namely Gold, White and Black.

    Does it has seperate dual sim slot or hybrid slim slot?

    Galaxy A5 2016 has dual sim card slot+ seperate memory card slot.

    How is the display on this device? Does it has any protective glass?

    The device sports 5.2 inch super AMOLED screen with a screen resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and pixel density of ~424 ppi. The screen has Corning Gorilla glass 4 protection.

    What about camera?

    Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 houses 13MP primary camera with f1.9 lense and LED flash. The camera also has optical image stabilisation. There is also a 5MP front facing camera with f1.9 lense. Both camera are equipped to record videos at 1080p resolution.

    What is battery capacity of Samsung Galaxy A5 2016? Does it has fast charging feature?

    Galaxy A5 2016 model houses 2900 mAh battery with fast charging feature.

    What is Android version? Will this device gets Android 6.0 Marshmallow?

    Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 edition runs on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop out of the box. There is no official communication on Android 6.0 update as of now. However, this device is expected to get the update.

    What are box content of Galaxy A5 2016 edition?

    The box content are device, Quick start guide, sim ejector pin, microUSB to USB cable, Power adaptor which supports fast charging.

    Does it has FM Radio?

    Yes. It has.

    What is the price of Galaxy A5 2016 edition? Where can I buy?

    Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 edition price in India is Rs.29,400. You can purchase it from Snapdeal.com.

    How to take screenshot on Galaxy A5 2016

    To take screenshot on Samsung Galaxy A5 2016, there are 2 different methods available. One is through the Power button and home key and another one is through palm swipe method. I have done detailed post on these method. You can read that in my previous post on how to take screeenshot on Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

    Can I use Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 as modem to share mobile data with PC and other devices?

    Galaxy A5 2016 supports USB tethering, Wi-Fi Hotspot and Bluetooth tethering features. Using these features, you can share mobile data with other capable devices.  You can read more on this in my previous post on how to use Samsung Galaxy as modem.

    These are most commonly asked question on this device. If you have any specific questions, you can ask using the comment section below. I will be doing the complete indepth review on Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 in the coming days which will cover pros and cons of the device.