India’s festival of color and water is just around the corner. While we would seriously advocate that you do not waste water and play a dry Holi. For those still willing to go all out, the smartphone is one of the biggest victims of an accident on and around the festival of Holi.
Imagine your phone gets struck by a water and color filled balloon, and moments later it is time to go hunting for a new one.
While every smartphone should now feature some kind of waterproofing, many companies do not agree with us. So if you plan on playing Rambo on Holi try the following smartphones guaranteed to last through the water filled festival. Zip lock bags and plastic wrapped phones are soon to be a thing of the past.
Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge
The latest and greatest flagship from Samsung is actually now iP68 rated, means that it will mostly survive if immersed for up to 30 minutes or 1.5 meters under (water). The glass and metal should also prevent it from easily getting colored by Holi colors, however, industrial dyes and the infamous gold men may be instrumental in helping you change the color of your handset from say black to Gold.
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
Apple’s latest releases, to everyone’s surprise, do indeed feature a water resistant body. Though not rated or officially announced by Apple. This secretive water resistance was Apple’s way of reducing servicing costs and general user appreciation. Tested out by many people including us, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, turns out to be more resilient than Samsung’s latest and greatest S7 and S7 Edge. Offering up the same all metal design, the iPhone should fare well in colored water as long as you don’t have some serious stainers.
MotoG (gen 3) and Moto X Play
Motorola has been adding water resistant coatings on their devices for a while, while not fully rugged they would help the phone survive spills of coffee or accidental drops in puddles. The Moto G gen 3 was a whole new breed from Motorola, with an IPX7 rating the phone is water resistant for up to 1 Meter and for a total of 30 minutes. The body is made from plastic, which may not do too well with colors, though. On the plus side, the back panel is cheap and easily replaceable. The X Play offers up a water resistant coating too though it may not survive dunking like the Moto G, however, may be less prone to color accidents or damage.
Sony Xperia Z5, Z5 Premium, Z5 Compact
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium
With dual IP68 and IP65 ratings, the Xperia phones from Sony are no stranger to water. The revolution by far has ben led by the Japenese manufacturer who has led the water resistance category smartphones for a while.
With glass on both sides and a glossy metal bezel, the Xperia Z5 series is very resistant to color and water. As a matter of fact, the number 5 in the IP65 stands for resistance from water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against enclosure from any direction. Reminds you of a certain subject of this story doesn’t it.
HTC Desire Eye
With a whole lot of optical capability, the HTC Desire Eye makes our list. Although this complete plastic phone may not do so well with colors the HTC Desire Eye has serious cameras on the front and the back. With an IPX7 certification just like the Moto G, the phone will survive for 30 minutes under 1 m of water guaranteed.
Of course there are many other phones and gadgets that would easily survive the onset of Holi. Have any favorites add them to the list below.
Micromax unveiled the Canvas 5 yesterday and we’ve provided all the technical details as well as a hands-on with the device. But if you’re still a little uncertain about whether you should buy Micromax’s latest flagship then have no worries. We’ve made a list of everything that is going for the Micromax Canvas 5, and if you find your needs mentioned then we suggest you have your wallets ready.
Design
Right off the bat then, the Canvas 5 looks amazing. It has improved a lot since the Canvas 4 in terms of looks. The moment you see the Canvas 5 after unboxing, you’ll notice a shiny and attractive Gorilla Glass 3 on the front that has a 2.5D Curve Touch panel. The glass doesn’t leave smudges and stays pretty clear. This along with a metal side and rounded edge gives the device an iPhone-like feel. In the back you have a removable plastic panel that has a faux leather texture to it. Because it’s extremely flexible, it’s not likely to break any time soon. So if you want a phone that looks and feels great in your hand, you should definitely look to the Canvas 5.
Display
On switching on the device, we found that the 5.2-inch 1920×1080 Full HD display is crisp, clear and bright. The colours are attractive and makes you want to switch on the device even if you have nothing in particular to do. A graphic-intensive game like Asphalt 8 looks great on the device and works pretty smoothly. The details of the game look crisp and also give decent sound clarity.
Performance and UI
First use of the device right after unboxing will generally give a fast performance. So, it is a little early in the day to know exactly how the device will run. But our initial response to the Canvas 5 is that it gives a solid performance for a phone that is priced at Rs. 11,999. The phone will respond quickly to all your basic day-to-day needs and with no app drawer, you can access your apps a lot faster, as is the case with the iPhone. Though, those who prefer an app drawer may find the screen cluttered with bloatware.
Sliding through the phone quick and fluid and you will love the ease of it all within 5 minutes of usage. A 3 GB RAM for a device under 12K bracket is a rare sight and the Canvas 5 comes with just that. This allows you to multi-task with greater ease and also improves gaming performance. In terms of competition, the Canvas 5 wins over the Moto G (3rd Gen) and the Xiaomi Mi 4i for sure.
Camera
The Canvas 5 actually has a great camera app with loads of modes and pro features like those found on flagship Samsung Galaxy phones. You also get an app that lets you retouch images and give the desired makeup that it needs.
The device features a 13MP primary camera and a 5MP front with flash. The images taken by the primary camera are fairly decent and is quick at capturing images. The added professional modes like ISO, exposure compensations and white balance help you take that perfect shot. So, for a mid-range device, the Canvas 5 gives you a lot to play around with.
Price
Pricing is always key for a successful smartphone (unless it’s an iPhone). The Canvas 5 with all the above mentioned pros would be worth it if it is reasonably priced. And luckily it is. At Rs. 11,999, the Canvas 5 is a terrific phone that gives Motorola and Xiaomi a run for their money. The performance, display and design are premium material. The Canvas 5 along with the OnePlus X show us that it is possible to make a great looking device for a mid-level market. Should you go for it? Well, your interests are ticked in the list above then you definitely should buy the Canvas 5.
We often get similar questions from multiple users, this new section is to address exactly that, and we begin with the most asked question in recent times.
User Question :
Bharat Addresses to “ppi” in his videos, what does this mean? and does it have any relation to the camera resolution?
iG Answer :
PPI (pixels per inch), often referred to as pixel density is a measurement of the resolution of display of the device in question. this can also be the density of the images captured by a camera, but in Bharat’s reference it is always in terms of the display of the device in question.
PPI, is an actual count of the number of pixels found in one inch of a display, which varies depending on the resolution of the display and the overall size of the display.
Lets clarify further:
1. Calculate .
2. Calculate PPI:
where
is diagonal resolution in pixels,
is width resolution in pixels,
is height resolution in pixels and
is diagonal size in inches.
The HTC One M9+ has a screen resolution of 1440×2560 px
So, = [underoot of = (2073600 + 6553600)] =2937.2 (approx)
The diagonal size in inches is 5.2 inch, therefore / = 2937.2/5.2 = 564.84
Therefore the pixels per inch (ppi) of the HTC One M9+ = 565 (rounded)
Buying a new phone is always cumbersome, and unless you spent the past few months researching up on what the tech world is all about, you probably have a few misconceptions in your head. Here is a list of the most common confusions and beliefs that we think need to be set right.
1. Which Phone can I buy, that will be future proof?
Answer : No technology is future proof, no matter what the manufacturer says. In fact its bound to get dated even so more if the manufacturer says that its future proof. The reason why technology advances is because there will be someone buying whatever is new. Because there will always be demand for new things, more resources are put into creating a better technology, all so that something can be sold and a profit can be made.
Projects like the Motorola Ara provide hope for a future proof phone, but once we think about it, it essentially ends up being the same thing. The Motorola Ara is comprised of the phone’s exoskeleton and various modules that “can be anything” according to Motorola. The modules could include anything from a new processor or display to a pulse oximeter or an extra-large battery. But every module will need to be bought and there is a high chance that the owners will get bored of the design or looks of the concept. In that situation a newer phone would make more sense vs buying newer modules.
2. Does Buying an Expensive Phone Mean I will not have any problems?
Answer : Not everything expensive is perfect. At the end of the day every phone consists of hardware, which can fail due to a number of reasons. Buying a more expensive phone may reduce the chance of issues, but may not remove it completely. Companies like Apple, Samsung etc have various quality standards that they enforce on their products. While some lower level companies who sell “cheaper” phones (read : import and sell Chinese handsets) many not have any standards of their own what so ever. Most of these “cheap” phone sellers rely on standards set by the manufacturers they buy their products from.
Buying an expensive handset from a well known manufacturer mostly ensures good after sales support and maybe relatively less problems.
3. Should I buy my phone now or wait for the next version/ next big thing?
Answer: There are two ways to look at this and two possible answers. The first answer is Yes, Buying a newly launched phone means that you get the latest in technology, the newest features and the “coolest”, newest phone on the block.
However, the Second answer is No, every time you buy a new phone, there will be something newer that will be launched. Unfortunately thats how it works!
So if you want to buy a new phone, the time is when you have the money and the intent.
4. I have a budget of x, If I extend this will i get a better phone?
Answer : Again the answer is Yes and No. This truly depends on what your initial budget is and how much you are willing to extend it. For example if you extend your budget from a Galaxy Grand to a Galaxy Note 3 then yes you will get a better phone. But unless you are willing to drastically extend your budget, any other device around your original price bracket, even if its slightly more expensive may be no better than the other.
Q. My Son / Daughter wants to buy an iPhone, Is it a good investment?
(iPhone is purely for reference, it could be any other phone)
Answer : If your Son/ Daughter wants to buy a particular phone they have their reasons for it, so the best possible thing to do is to let them buy it. It will be the easiest decision to make without any repercussions and hey, If they don’t like the phone at a later stage, they can’t blame you.
Whatever their reason for selecting the phone; be it the way it looks or a special feature it has, is probably a good reason. Yes your job is to guide them and yes there may be a better phone or a better investment to be made, but it won’t be their choice and they won’t be happy.
So, If your budget permits buy them the damn phone.
Bonus Question : Can my new phone FaceTime ? Will i Be charged for it?
Answer : FaceTime is an Apple only VOIP service, that works between iPhones, iPads, iPods and Macs. So if your new phone is going to be an iPhone, Yes you will be able to FaceTime. That being said you can always use other services like Tango, Skype and possibly upcoming WhatsApp on any new phone that has a front facing camera and supports the said service.
Most of these services rely purely on the device being connected to a data network like 3G or Wifi, so all you will be charged for is your data connection or whatever you already pay for your Wifi.
In other words ; No, you will not be charged for the service.
There are several other questions or myths people have about new technology, do you have any myths to bust, or suggestions for more myth busters. Drop them in the comments below.
2013 (well 2012-end to be precise) ushered in a new era in the smartphone world. That of 1080p Full-HD displays. The HTC One, HTC Butterfly, Samsung Galaxy S4 etc all come equipped with what many would call the next step to smartphone greatness. But is it so? Or is it all just a big marketing gimmick?
This was a rather natural move, the one to Full-HD diplays, a move we all expected manufacturers to make.
When the Apple iPhone 4 was launched, with a new “high resolution display”, Steve Jobs decided that the best name for it would be the ‘Retina Display’, by dearth of the fact it was meant to be so high-res that it’s actually more than the eye can cope with. It had a PPI of 326, so high that individual pixels were indistinguishable to the human eye at normal viewing distances!
PPI is an actual count of the number of pixels found in one inch of a display, which varies depending on the resolution of the display and the overall size of the display.
The pixellation difference between the iPhone 3GS (left), and the Retina Display of the iPhone 4.
The difference was there for all to see. Consumers were mesmerized by the clarity and sharpness of these displays. More text would show up on the screen at once, and higher-resolution images show in full on a 720p screen.
[pullquote_left] Life seemed perfect. [/pullquote_left]
The focus of manufacturers shifted from WVGA (800*480) to 720p (720*1280) displays. Companies like Samsung, HTC, LG began churning out phone after phone equipped with what they all claimed were the best displays on the market!
People rejoiced, gone were the days of pixelated displays and watering eyes. Everyone started enjoying browsing the web and reading content on their smartphones now. Life seemed perfect.
Difference between zoomed in text on a WVGA display, and a 720p display.
But as is the case with almost everything that us homo sapiens do, we wanted more. HTC duly obliged and up came the HTC Butterfly,
In addition to an impressive spec sheet and super-sized proportions, the HTC Butterfly packed the world’s first smartphone-sized 1080p Full-HD display, a five-inch Super LCD 3 boasting an insane 440 pixels per inch. Boy were we all excited!
Honestly though, once we got over all those amazing marketing lines that HTC threw at us, all that related to a Full-HD display and the massive ppi, we wondered about how useful these new displays truly were.
I had a chance to test the Butterfly soon after and was surprised at how unimpressed I was when I saw the screen. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful. It’s ridiculously sharp, everything looks perfect on it, and the sample videos that come with it truly show off what a 5″ 1080p Full-HD display is capable of, video-wise.
Despite all of that though, my reaction to it was more one of confirming what I was already expecting than it was one that blew me away. I still remember the first time I saw an iPhone 4; I was amazed at how good it looked. I didn’t get that with the Butterfly, because I fully expected it to look that way.
[pullquote_right]Back in February, Richard Yu, head of Huawei’s mobile division, claimed that a 1080p Full-HD display that is smaller than 5 inches didn’t make sense, as the human eye would be incapable of positively identifying the difference between that and a 720p panel.[/pullquote_right]
Post the launch of the latest smartphones like the HTC One and the Galaxy S4, I realised, it’s more of a psychological effect than a physical one. If today someone was to go out and buy a smartphone with a 720p display, it would keep playing at the back of his/her head that there is another phone out there in the world which has an even better display, scientifically at least, than the one he/she is getting by paying a premium price for that smartphone. Even if that means lesser battery life and more GPU usage.
And we can’t really blame ourselves, for the way these Full-HD displays are advertised, we can’t help but feel we’re missing out on something.
All that aside, it’s tough to see why anything substantially over 300ppi, the limit Apple initially cited as the “Retina” threshold, is even necessary. If pixels are indistinguishable at 300ppi, are they going to be more indistinguishable at the latest smartphones’ 440+ ppi?
It’s safe to assume now though that a Full-HD display will be the saturation point as far as screen resolution is concerned, and we hope manufacturers would now shift their focus on improving other aspects of smartphones such as battery life, durability, audio, OS, performance etc.
In conclusion, it’s clear that you can’t really differentiate between a 1080p Full-HD display and a 720p one. Yet we may find ourselves shelling out a bit more money to get a Full-HD “revolutionary” device than what we would on an equally capable 720p one. It’s all good marketing and the need for us humans to have the best of everything (even if that is not the case) in the end. At this point, it feels more like a bragging right than a feature that can make our lives better.
Since we already spoke about the use of plastics by Samsung, and their unwillingness to move to a different type of build for their most recent flagship the Galaxy S4. A lot of readers are confused about the one statement made by Samsung Executives who said, “The new Samsung Galaxy S4 comes with Polycarbonate Glaze”, in fact it appears Samsung’s use of the said statement has actually met with its purpose.
Lets lay down the details first, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the Korean company’s latest flagship announced at an event held in New York on the 14th of March 2013. The smartphone just like any other from Samsung in the past and others this year, features top of the line specifications. The norm being full HD 1920 x 1080p display, a 13 MP camera, various storage capacities, an octa-core processor and a newer set of software tweaks to satisfy the user and to set them apart from others. The Samsung Galaxy S4 also has a large 2600 mAh battery and the very latest Android 4.2.2 with their new designed for life TouchWiz/ Nature/ Life UI.
But one major element of the latest smartphone that seems to not be catching the fancy of the eye is the lack of design change and the continued use of plastics in the so called natural form factor. We do understand that most companies follow the “if it sells then why change it?” policy, But the reason Samsung came into the limelight is because they changed the norms, with the S2, with the Note series and even with their tablets to some extent, which were unique in their own way and different from the herd of smartphones that were being built on Android.
But, before we start another battle, lets talk about the “Polycarbonate Glaze”. Polycarbonate Glazing (confused here), is used to replace glass in areas where extra strength is required, like greenhouses, security cars, safe rooms and even on some fighter jets. However the thinnest form of this polycarbonate glazing which can be used effectively is either 4mm or 5mm, and since most of us know that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is just short of the 8 mm thickness, Samsung did not fill half of that bulk with a polycarbonate sheet.
[pullquote_left] special poly-carbonate body [/pullquote_left]Polycarbonate Glaze, however, is what Samsung has actually done on this variant of the Galaxy, Glaze by definition of its use here is “a layer of paint, thinned with a medium, so as to become somewhat transparent” . The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a fully plastic shell/frame which does not use Polycarbonate anywhere. In-fact Samsung goes to say that the Galaxy S4’s bezel is wrapped in a “special polycarbonate body” which means that the plastic back panel has a coating of polycarbonate paint, generally used to provide added strength to RC boats, cars and toys. This particular “Polycarbonate Glaze” is also used on some other model novelty items to provide some added shine and strength.
In May 2012 Samsung responded to several users upset with the build quality of the galaxy S3, claiming that the back cover of the Galaxy S3 in-fact has polycarbonate, “Using three layers of high quality, pure and clear polycarbonate”, what they did not mention is that these three layers are by all intents and purposes laid on top (read: painted/coated) of the plastic back panel of the Galaxy S3, the Note 2 and in-fact the recently launched Galaxy Grand aswell. So, go ahead Grand owners celebrate your phone is made out of polycarbonate. The Lumia series of phones from Nokia, are the greatest example of the kind of feel a polycarbonate shell would give to the one holding it, some HTC phones also possess this type of build.
The fact remains Samsung may or may not change their design process, especially if they continue to sell the numbers they already do. We have reached out to Samsung for better clarification and will update this article, once they do respond.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is a larger version of the Galaxy Note smartphone launched in Nov 2011. The Note 10.1 smart tablet was announced at the Mobile World Congress 2012 and has some exciting features that should intrigue a lot of potential customers.
The device runs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system. It is powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM, and It also comes packed with a 7,000mAh Li-ion battery. But that is not what makes the Note 10.1 special. The tablet features a 6.5mm S Pen, similar to the one on the original Galaxy Note, which is optimised for the creation of personalised and expressive content. The S Pen is embedded directly in the device and, when removed, automatically launches specially-optimised applications, including S Note and S Planner
New level of multitasking can be achieved on the Note 10.1 thanks to a new multiscreen feature, users can effortlessly utilise two different applications side-by-side. Galaxy Note 10.1 also incorporates Learning Hub for accessing educational curricula and Adobe’s premium creative application Photoshop Touch.
Optics are there : The device also includes a 5-megapixel main camera and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera. both capable of HD video. The Galaxy Note 10.1 comes in three connectivity options: WiFi-only and WiFi-and-3G HSPA-Plus connectivity, which are both available at launch, and WiFi-and-LTE which will be available later this year.
The Tablet is supposedly going to be announced in India a day or two. Expect a full iGyaan Treatment soon after.
[toggle_box title=”Press Release of the Note 10.1″ width=”Width of toggle box”]
SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 10.1 AVAILABLE GLOBALLY IN AUGUST
Samsung inspires a culture of active content creation, productivity and learning
London UK, August 6 2012 – Samsung today announced the launch of the Galaxy Note 10.1, an extension of the Galaxy Note category. The Galaxy Note 10.1 offers the functionality and precision of a pen and paper on a 10.1-inch large display, which will enable people to amplify their creativity, productivity, and learning ability.
Providing an intuitive experience and armed with a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM for enhanced performance, the Galaxy Note 10.1 is designed to simplify the process of capturing ideas, accessing information and multi-tasking, making each easier and faster and allowing people to express their ideas in an efficient way.
Simon Stanford, Vice President, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division, Samsung UK and Ireland said: “Following the success of the very first Galaxy Note which we launched at the end of last year, we’re delighted that our UK customers will now be able to experience the evolution of this device for themselves. The Galaxy Note 10.1 is a product we are very excited about and will offer our customers a new way to use and experience a tablet device. As well as being able to consume content such as videos, photos, document and the Internet, the Galaxy Note 10.1 also gives them the power to produce, create and customise that same content – something they won’t get from any other product on the market.”
The Galaxy Note 10.1 incorporates key intuitive features and capabilities such as side-by-side multitasking. This is thanks to its ‘Multiscreen’ on a 10.1-inch large screen; unique S Pen with a variety of S Note templates and productive tools (Shape Match and Formula Match); Learning Hub* for accessing educational curricula and Adobe’s premium creative application Photoshop® Touch.
True Multi-Tasking with Multiscreen feature
With the Galaxy Note 10.1’s Multiscreen feature, it’s possible to use two different applications side-by-side simultaneously. So Web pages and videos can be viewed, or applications launched using one half of the screen, at the same time as the other half is used for writing or sketching ideas with the S Pen. What’s more, customers can capture and crop images, and paste them onto the other screen to make personal notes. The Multiscreen feature allows people to be more productive and efficient whilst also enjoying multimedia content. Galaxy Note 10.1 brings a new culture of creation through the owner’s own notes, and enables an entirely new experience to improve productivity and enjoyment.
S Pen & S Note for Personalised and Organised Note-taking
Featuring its advanced 6.5mm S Pen, the Galaxy Note 10.1 is optimised for the creation of personalised and expressive content in the most natural and intuitive way. The S Pen’s feel and functionality are specifically designed for an optimal experience on the 10.1-inch screen. The S Pen is embedded directly in the device and, when removed, automatically launches specially optimised applications, including S Note, S Planner, Crayon physics, Adobe® Photoshop® Touch, and Polaris Office.
Alternatively, people can easily set their preferred application to be launched instantly. For example, S Note can be launched instantly when the S Pen is taken out from the device. Owners can also tap the screen twice while pressing the S Pen button for quick S Note access via the S Note-dedicated widget, which can be easily moved anywhere on the display, never hindering or obstructing creativity or productivity.
The S Note is a unique tool that enables notes and sketches to be combined with other digital content in ready-to-use templates. The Shape Match and Formula Match features help correct and digitise geometric shapes and solve numeric formulas hand-written with the S Pen. The S Note is also integrated with knowledge search engines so that content can be searched for and information obtained, and then easily drag and dropped onto S Notes without having to switch between screens. Exclusively pre-loaded on Galaxy Note 10.1, the Adobe® Photoshop® Touch application means owners can professionally edit photos with the ease and precision of the S Pen.
Active Learning Experience
The Galaxy Note 10.1 is an ideal learning tool that allows students to take notes directly on an eTextbook whilst in lectures, or research the Web at the same time as writing an essay. Samsung’s Learning Hub service is optimised for Galaxy Note 10.1 allowing owners to access extensive multimedia educational content whatever their age. This content includes eTextbooks, video lectures, interactive coaching and much more, and can be shared with multiple Samsung devices. Furthermore, Learning Hub comes with a learning management system providing schedule management and performance and achievement management tools so students of any age can learn at their own pace.
Superior Hardware Performance
Galaxy Note 10.1 is designed with advanced hardware technology, including a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of internal RAM. Seamless multi-tasking, high-standard graphics, and blazing-fast performance without any lag are essential features of the device. The Galaxy Note 10.1 also includes a 5- megapixel main camera and a 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera.
Several other features have been added to the Galaxy Note 10.1, including Smart Stay, which tracks the owner’s eye to ensure that the screen is always on while being looked at; and Pop Up Play, which allows a video to be watched anywhere on the screen while simultaneously running other tasks. With AllShare® Play, content can be shared with a large group in real-time by connecting the Galaxy Note 10.1 to Samsung HD TVs, mobile tablets, laptops, and other consumer electronic devices on the same network. With AllShare Group Cast, people can also share and collaborate on documents, presentations, or images without loading the files separately.
The Galaxy Note 10.1 comes in three connectivity options: WiFi-only and WiFi-and-3G HSPA-Plus connectivity, which are both available at launch, and WiFi-and-LTE which will be available later this year.
As requested by our viewers, Bharat Nagpal unboxes the Pebble Blue version of the Samsung Galaxy S3. The box contains a 2100 mAH battery, Stereo headphones with changeable earbuds and a microphone, a mains plug with USB sync charge cable, a Quick start guide and a Warranty card. The MRP of the device is INR 42,000 but is available in the market for around INR 36,000.
We will be coming out with a full in-depth review soon, so stay tuned!
Check out our unboxing, hand-on, video and image samples and launch videos here :
In this video Bharat Nagpal unboxes the More Color Gem Lucent Hard Case for the iPhone 4/4s. It is a bumper case and has a snap-on mechanism. The cut-outs on the case are really well spaced and accurate. The only drawback of the case is that it is only slightly raised above the surface the phone which may lead to some scratches. . It is available in the market for $29 (INR 1500)
No matter how many specs a phone has to offer, one of the biggest factors that affect our choice when we’re buying a new phone is the Camera! We put 5 smartphones to the test! Here they are (We rank them in 3 categories) –
Warning: Images are in Original size and may take long to load.
Outdoor- Close-up, Brightly Lit, Macro
Xperia S
5/5
Xperia P
4.5/5
Galaxy S3
4/5
iPhone 4S
3/5
One X
2.5/5
Indoor- Dim Lighting, Macro
iPhone 4s
4.5/5
One X
4/5
Xperia P
3/5
GS3
2.5/5
Xperia S
2/5
Outdoor- Far focus, Brightly Lit
Xperia S
5/5
One X
4/5
Xperia P
4/5
GS3
3.5/5
iPhone 4s
3/5
1. Outdoor – Close-up
Undoubtedly the best, the Xperia S with its 12MP camera produced an image that even Bharat Nagpal was proud of! Rich in colour and detail, it was hard to flaw the image. A close second was the Xperia P which clicked the image with a sharp focus and brilliant colours. The S3 delivered an image that was nicely detailed and sharply focussed, though the colours seemed a tad bit brighter than normal. The iPhone 4s captured a rather off-focus image but the colours and detailing were top-notch! On the bottom of the pile was the One X, not too surprisingly producing a dull and off-focus image.
2. Indoor – Dim Lighting
The iPhone 4S was the best in this category, with an image which had had perfect focus, brilliant colours and amazing detail! Out of the rest the One X surprised us by clicking a near perfect picture, which was lagging just a bit in detail. The Xperia P and Galaxy S3 followed with images which were didn’t have accurate colours but decent detailing. Last came the Xperia S, which disappointed us a lot as we expected more from it’s camera.
3. Outdoor – Far Focus
The Xperia S was once again the best, evenly focused, accurate colours, perfect image. Tied for second place were the One X and the Xperia P, with high detail images which were slightly off-colour. The Galaxy S3 produced an image which even though wasn’t as detailed as the rest, was perfectly focused. And at the bottom was the iPhone 4s, with an image which wasn’t focused or detailed, only the colours were accurate.
Summary
Xperia S (12/15)
With its 12-megapixel camera, the Xperia S is THE best of the lot when it comes to outdoor shooting, though indoor shooting could have been better.
Xperia P (11.5/15)
A close second was the S’s sibling, the Xperia P, which produced images that were sharply focused and amazingly detailed.
iPhone 4S & One X (10.5/15)
While the iPhone performed excellently indoors, it let us down in outdoor shooting with slightly off-focus images. The One X too was not as impressive as we would like it to be.
Galaxy S3 (10/15)
The biggest disappointment was the Galaxy S3 which boasts of an 8-MP camera but did not produce any exceptional image.
.
is width resolution in pixels,
is height resolution in pixels and
is diagonal size in inches.
