Category: Mobile

Smartphone News and Reviews, Latest Cellphones, Accessories, New Launches, Specifications, Details with Image and Video from Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Moto, HTC, Xiaomi, Oneplus, Meizu, Sony, Lava, Micromax Yu Mobile and More.

Top Three E-Wallet Apps In India
For most of the transactions, we use physical currency. However, that goes out the window once most of your currency is demonetised. But, thanks to some really good e-wallet apps, transactions are not that difficult. So, let’s have a look at the top 3 e-wallet apps in India.

Paytm

Paytm is probably the first widely accepted e-wallet service in India. It can be accessed using an iOS or an Android smartphone. In fact, one can also access it using any of the standard web browsers. The platform comes with features like Paytm Wallet, where a user can use the wallet to make seamless transactions. Recently, Paytm has also started the Paytm payments bank, where the user can create a virtual savings bank account and get its own physical debit card. The platform also offers the ability to transfer money to bank accounts for a nominal fee. Paytm can be used to recharge mobiles, DHT, paying electricity bills, paying college tuition fees etc.
- Link to Android
- Link to iOS
Google Tez

Google Tez is the newest member of the e-wallet group. Unlike most of the e-wallets, Tez does not have the wallet service. The money sent/received will directly reflect in the user’s bank account. To use Google Tez, one has to have an active bank account with the Unified Payment Interface (UPI). Tez also offers coupons in return for the transactions. A user can win from Rs 1 to Rs 1,00,000by scratching those coupons on Google Tez. One can link the UPI account created on Tez to the third party apps like Uber. Similarly, one can invite others to Google Tez to earn Rs 51.
- Link to Android
- Link to iOS
Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay is similar to Paytm with an Amazon Wallet. As the name suggests, this feature is initiated by Amazon, which can be used to shop on Amazon. However, one can also use this feature to pay the post-paid account bills, recharge pre-paid numbers and can be used with other services like Bookmyshow and Tapzo. Amazon Pay comes with additional perks like 50% cashback on recharges, Rs 100 back by adding Rs 300 to the wallet and more. If you are an online shopping junkie, then this a must have e-wallet service.
- Link to Android
- Link to iOS
March 19, 2018
Android P Might Have iPhone X Like Gesture-Based Navigation

Google recently released the first developer preview of Android P. Since this is the first preview, the official version will be very different and new features will be added and discarded.

Reported by 9to5Google, it is possible that Android P will have native gesture-based navigation, similar to the iPhone X. While it might seem a bit far-fetched, it is possible. Google has already conceded that the “notch” is here to stay. The developer preview has support for a notch. Sources have said that an internal build of Android P running the April or May security patch has an iPhone X-like user interface.

OnePlus 5T Gestures

If this turns out to be true, there will be a lot of debate around the “inspiration” for this decision. However, Xiaomi and OnePlus have already started moving on to gestures. However, OnePlus is still testing the feature in a Beta build. Xiaomi, on the other hand, introduced the feature with Android 8 Oreo for the Mi MIX 2. This means that the Mi MIX 2S will also have this feature out of the box.

Over the years, stock Android OS, for all its stability and beauty, has lacked features that were readily available in custom skins. With a few smartphone makers adopting gestures, this could be a sign for Google. It is high time Google goes a step ahead and introduces a popular feature natively.

With smartphones moving closer to a bezel-less design, it doesn’t make sense to lose out on a little screen real estate because of the navigation buttons. Also, Android’s navigation system needs a little refresh after being so stagnant since its inception.

March 19, 2018
This Device Can Break Into Any iPhone

Smartphones have become our primary devices very quickly. Our documents, pictures, music, everything resides in our palm thanks to smartphones. Also, over the years, smartphones have come under scrutiny for their lacklustre security. A few months ago, OnePlus 5 was found to be vulnerable to hacking. While that was software based, a new device claims to be able to break into any iPhone.

GrayKey

A new device called GrayKey looks, ironically, like an Apple TV and can bypass any iPhone’s security code. The device is made by Grayshift, an Atlanta, US-based company and comes to light after the recent debate around company ethics and smartphone security. A couple of years ago, FBI asked Apple to give it access to the iPhones of San Bernardino shooters. Apple declined and FBI discovered that there are third-party services that can break into iPhones. While FBI was able to bypass those iPhones, it is surprising that Apple has not yet closed that backdoor access.

GrayKey has two lightning cables attached to it. The process of hacking into an iPhone starts with the iPhone being connected to the device for two minutes. After two minutes, the iPhone is disconnected and it shows a black screen. The black screen then displays the passcode and other information. However, it is worth noting that this process depends on how complex the passcode. It can even take up to two days to crack the code.

Grayshift claims that even disabled phones can be cracked. Once the iPhone is unencrypted, all the data is downloaded to the GrayKey device. What is even more mindboggling is the price of this device. The GrayKey is available in two variants, the US$ 15000 (Rs 975,675 approx.) model needs an internet connection, and is geofenced to work on a single network. The other variant costs a whopping US$ 30,000 (Rs 1,951,350 approx.) which doesn’t need an internet connection and can bypass devices as the owner wants.

It is worth noting that these devices will be nullified if and when Apple comes up with a fix for this vulnerability.

March 19, 2018
Apple iPhone X Advertisement Shows An iOS Bug

Apple launched the iPhone X with a radical design change. This was the first iPhone to skip the infamous home button in favour of a bezel-less design. This also meant that Apple had to drop Touch ID and introduce an able replacement. Face ID uses 3D sensors for such accuracy which are housed in the now iconic notch. While the iPhone X has been well-received, iOS 11 has had a rocky start. But, it has come a long way since its introduction in September, thanks to timely updates.

It looks like Apple had a quality assurance mess up with the new iPhone X advertisement. Towards the end of the video, a very old iOS 11 bug was spotted by 9to5Mac. The text that was supposed to stay inside the bubble appears a tad faster than the bubble animation. Having a minor glitch on any smartphone OS is common. However, the showcasing of this bug in an official advertisement highlights the bugs-ridden story of iOS 11 so far.

https://youtu.be/-pF5bV6bFOU

This is not the only bug that the iOS 11 has. There is an unusual UI bug on Music app and there are even screen rotating issues. In fact, we recently reported about the black screen of death as well. There is even a rumour in the industry that, Apple will refine the user experience of the iOS 11 next year, instead of launching the iOS 12. In fact, the company will unveil the new iteration of iOS at WWDC 2018.

Apple iPhone X Specs

The iPhone X has a 5.8-inch 2436 x 1125 px OLED True Tone Super Retina display. The phone runs iOS 11.1 and is powered by a 3,000 mAh battery which charges through the Apple signature lightning port placed at the bottom of the phone or via wireless charging. Because of the all-glass design, the iPhone 8 also has wireless charging.

Under the hood, the smartphone has the Apple A11 Bionic chipset with a neural engine, a hexacore processor, 3GB of RAM and storage options of 64GB, and 256GB. The small bezels mean there is no physical home button, which is now replaced with gestures for navigation. Siri is activated by pressing the now larger lock/unlock button. The iPhone X is also IP67 certified for water and dust resistance, and wireless charging.

March 17, 2018
LG G7 To Have An LCD Display

LG has postponed the launch of the LG G7 (tentatively named) to improvise the design of the smartphone. LG’s smartphone business has been dwindling for quite some time now and its flagship devices have not performed to their expectations. The company will now launch its flagship phones as and when it deems fit, instead of following a launch pattern.

The LG G7 was expected to be launched at MWC 2018. But, it was only showcased behind closed doors at the event. The LG G7 is expected to do what a lot of Android smartphones have done lately. It will follow the iPhone X path and have a notch at the top of the display. Now, a new report has claimed that the company will; revert to an IPS LCD display for the G7 instead of continuing with the p-OLED panel found on the LG V30.

Choosing an LCD display over an OLED might be an important move by the company in the grand scheme of things. But, the presence of a notch would mean that this decision might not get the importance it deserves. OLED panels look much better than LCD and only a 120Hz display will justify this decision. However, from the financial point of view, this choice makes sense as OLED displays cost three times the cost of an LCD display. The LG G6 came with an LCD display and the company switched to P-OLED display for the LV V30+. This means the company might reserve the OLED display for the V series smartphones.

LG G7 Specs

The LG G7 is expected to have a 6 inch LCD display with a 2880 x 1440 px resolution. Until Corning comes up with Gorilla Glass 6, we expect most flagship smartphones to have the Gorilla Glass 5 on top.

Under the hood, the G7 will have the Snapdragon 845 chipset. One of the primary issues with the LG G6 was its older chipset. By no means was the Snapdragon 821 a bad chipset but, the Galaxy S8 with the Snapdragon 835 made the G6 look archaic. However, that won’t happen this time around as Samsung no longer has exclusive access to the new chipset.

Features like water resistance, wireless charging and fast charging are expected to be retained. The dual-camera setup on the back will be placed vertically, this time around. The implementation is expected to be the same as the G6 and V30. A regular lens coupled with a wide-angle lens. This is also something that has been appreciated by many LG users.

March 17, 2018
Samsung Galaxy Note8 Android 8 Oreo Starts Seeding

Samsung launched the Galaxy S9 and the S9+ in India on the 6th of March and the devices went on sale on 16th of March. And now, the company has started updating their existing devices to Android 8 Oreo operating system. As the update was available for the Galaxy S8 and S8+, the Galaxy Note8 has started receiving the software update based on Android 8 Oreo.

The update comes with the firmware version N950FXXU3CRC1, which includes security update for the month of March. The Android 8 Oreo update brings in some new features to the device with Samsung Experience UI 9.0. This update includes features like a customisable keyboard, new emojis, new stickers, and support for dual apps.

Specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8

The Galaxy Note8 has a 6.3 inch 2960 x 1440 px Super AMOLED display with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio with an all-glass body and a metal frame. Powering the device is a 3300 mAh battery with wireless charging capabilities. The device has the Exynos 8895 chipset, 6GB of RAM and 128GB onboard storage. The graphics are handled by the Mali-G71 MP20 GPU. The Galaxy Note8 and the S Pen are both IP68 certified water and dust resistant and will be available in Midnight Black and Maple Gold colour variants.

The Galaxy Note8 is also the first Samsung smartphone to feature a dual-camera setup. The new Note8 has a 12MP dual-camera setup, one of which has a wide lens and the other a telephoto. The use of dual camera allows for the ability to blur out the background for bokeh effect shots. Samsung claims that the first smartphone to feature OIS in both the cameras at the back. The Samsung Galaxy Note8 also records 4K videos at 30 FPS along with high-speed video at a lower resolution. The front camera has an 8MP sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and also records 4K UHD videos at 30 FPS.

March 17, 2018
Apple iPhone SE 2 Might Have Wireless Charging

Apple launched the iPhone X, which showcases the best of Apple’s design and engineering. Though it is a great smartphone, the US$ 1,000 price tag makes it a tough buy. Many features of the iPhone X will trickle down to upcoming iPhones. While major iPhone launch will happen in September, rumours about the iPhone SE 2 don’t seem to fade away.

A new leaked back case of the iPhone SE 2 shows design similarities to the iPhone 8. This picture suggests that the iPhone SE 2 will have a glass panel with support for wireless charging. Similarly, the case has round cutouts for the volume buttons, which is distinctive of the iPhone SE design.

Apple introduced the iPhone SE after the launch of the iPhone 6S. The iPhone SE had hardware similar to the iPhone 6S in a compact shell with aggressive pricing. In fact, the iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone ever (launch price).

Most of the leaks and rumours about the iPhone SE 2 are very conflicting. A report says that the iPhone SE 2 is expected to follow the iPhone X’s design cues while others have conceded that the device will retain the original iPhone SE design.

iPhone SE 2 Concept

Considering the first scenario, if SE 2 comes with an iPhone X like the design, what will be the future of the iPhone 8, which might retail for a much higher price? In the second scenario, the company has to stick with Touch ID.

The certainty of the launch of an iPhone SE 2 is extremely slim. But, the constant leaks are enough to create an air of hope, especially with WWDC 2018 coming up soon.

March 17, 2018

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Vs Xiaomi Redmi Y1

Xiaomi Launched the Redmi 5 in India in on the 14th of March. The price starts at Rs 7,999 for the base variant and goes up to Rs 10,999 for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. This is the cheapest smartphone from the company with an 18:9 display. In late 2017, Xiaomi also launched the selfie-centric Redmi Y1 at a similar pricing.

In late 2017, Xiaomi also launched the selfie-centric Redmi Y1 at a similar pricing. Interestingly, the Redmi Y1 also retails for Rs. 8999 for the 32GB storage variant. So, does the Redmi 5 essentially makes the Redmi Y1 redundant?

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To begin with the display, the 18:9 aspect ratio display on the Redmi 5 is generations apart from the one found on the Redmi Y1 with 16:9 aspect ratio. The Redmi 5 has narrower bezels with a higher resolution display. The Redmi 5 takes the lead even with the build-quality. The Xioami Redmi Y1’s plastic unibody design is no match for the Xiaomi Redmi 5’s metal unibody design. The metal design not only looks premium, but it also helps to dissipate the heat in a faster way.

The Xiaomi Redmi Y1 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 435. However, the 5 has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset. Both the smartphones have an Octa-core processor. However, the Snapdragon 450, which is based on the 14nm FinFET technology is superior to the Snapdragon 435. The chipset on the Redmi 5 is a much more efficient and a faster chipset.

The camera is the one department, where the Redmi Y1 excels. The Redmi Y1 has a 16MP front-facing camera, which puts the 5MP front-facing camera on the Redmi 5 to shame. The primary 12MP camera on the Redmi 5 offers a much better 1.25 micron pixels and the Redmi Y1 packs in a 13MP primary camera with unknown pixel size. The 12 MP camera used on the Redmi 5 is an identical sensor, which has been used on other Xiaomi devices as well. In fact, the Redmi Note 5 Pro has an exact sensor.

Specifications comparision

Specifications	Xiaomi Redmi 5	Xiaomi Redmi Y1
Price	2GB RAM: Rs 7,999 3GB RAM: Rs 8,999 4GB RAM: Rs 10,999	3GB RAM: Rs 8,999 4GB RAM: Rs 10,999
Display	5.7 inch IPS LCD HD+ 1440 x 720px	5.5 inch IPS LCD HD 1280 x 720px
Design	Metal unibody design	polycarbonate shell
RAM	2/3/4GB	3/4GB
Storage	16/32/64GB	32/64GB
Primary camera	12MP with f/2.2	13MP with f/2.0
Front-facing camera	5MP	13 MP
Battery	3300 mAh	3080 mAh
Additonal features	Fingerprint sensor	Fingerprint sensor

March 17, 2018

Unboxing The Xiaomi Redmi 5
Xiaomi started 2018 with two great budget smartphones, the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro. While the Redmi Note 5 is essentially the Redmi 5 Plus that was launched in China, many expected the Redmi 5 to never hit the Indian shores. That, however, changed on the 14th of March when Xiaomi held a live stream event and launched the Redmi 5 in India.

At a starting price of Rs 7999, the Redmi 5 is a peculiar device for the India market. That doesn’t mean that it won’t sell because Xiaomi appears to have cracked the code for India. With three variants launched, there are a few options to consider. But, the base variant is expected to be the popular choice because the Redmi Note 5’s base variant essentially cancels out the other two models of the Redmi 5. Pricing:
- 2GB RAM/16GB storage: Rs 7999
- 3GB RAM/32GB storage: Rs 8999
- 4GB RAM/64GB storage: Rs 10999
So, does the Redmi 5 have enough firepower to have an impact on the increasingly congested budget smartphone segment of India? Let’s unbox the device and find out:
- Xiaomi Redmi 5
- Documentation
- Wall Charger
- Micro USB Cable
- Clear Case
First Impressions

Usually, the difference between a regular and a plus variant of a device is usually substantial, size wise. However, that is not the case with the Redmi 5 and Redmi Note 5 (Redmi 5 Plus). At a glance, the difference between the two is barely noticeable. The design and build quality of the Redmi 5 resembles the Redmi Note 5 with the same 18:9 aspect ratio. That being said, it still possesses considerable bezels which are even more prominent if you buy the Gold colour variant.

One of the two main differences between the Redmi 5 and Note 5 is the display. It has a 720P display which measures 5.7 inches.

Specifications

Under the hood, it has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset, a 1.8GHz octa-core processor, Adreno 506 GPU, 2GB, 3GB or 4GB of RAM, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage which will be expandable via microSD card. In fact, the Snapdragon 450 is an underclocked Snapdragon 625 chipset, which is used in the Note 5.

There is a fingerprint sensor placed at the back of the phone just below the camera. However, that is mainly a signature Xiaomi decision and not due to the lack of bezels on the front. Powering the device is a 3300 mAh battery which, Xioami claims has a standby time of up to 12 days. The battery is charged via a micro USB slot which means no fast charging.

Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi Note 5 AI in China that, surprisingly, runs Android 8 Oreo. However, that is not the case in India as the Redmi 5 still runs Android 7 Nougat with MIUI 9 on top.

The device has a 12MP camera at the back with 1.25-micron pixel size. The camera surprisingly only records 1080P videos at 30fps. To the front of the device is a 5MP camera with Beautify 3.0, which is Xiaomi’s software for enhanced selfies. However, unlike the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro, the device misses out on Face Unlock feature.

Buy The Redmi 5 Here
March 17, 2018
Asus ZenFone 5Z

Asus has launched its new flagship smartphone, the Asus Zenfone 5Z in India. Astonishingly enough, the smartphone will retail for a starting price of Rs 29999, which is considerably cheaper than the OnePlus 6. The Zenfone 5Z has all the features for a 2018 flagship smartphone and will go on sale in India via Flipkart on 9th July. It is worth noting that there is a flat Rs 3000 discount upon using an ICICI Credit/Debit card, bringing the price down to Rs 26999 for the base model.

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Latest News

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Unboxing Video

March 17, 2018
Sony Xperia XZ2/ Xperia XZ2 Compact

The Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact were launched at Mobile World Congress 2018. The devices are the first from Sony to feature an 18:9 aspect ratio and the new Ambient Flow design. Apart from the Galaxy S9 and Asus 5Z, these are the only two smartphones launched at MWC 2018 to be powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset.

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March 17, 2018
Nokia 8 Sirocco

HMD Global launched the Nokia 8 Sirocco at MWC 2018. This is the first flagship smartphone from the brand to feature an 18:9 aspect ratio display. The smartphones come with a premium glass finish with a stainless steel mid-frame. In fact, after the iPhone X, this is the only smartphone that has a stainless steel build.

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March 17, 2018
Mickey And Minnie Mouse AR Emojis Now Available For The Galaxy S9 & S9+

Over the years, emojis have become an integral part of one of the most common daily tasks, texting. Smartphone makers have now started incorporating AR with emojis for an even more personalised experience. It all with the Apple iPhone X and its Animojis. Apple used its 3D sensors for some very accurate AR emojis that have become quite famous. Samsung jumped aboard the bandwagon with Galaxy S9 and AR Emojis.

To add more customisation options, the company has introduced Minnie and Mickey Mouse emojis as well. However, unlike Animojis, the AR Emojis doesn’t match the standard set by Apple, in terms of replicating the expression. In fact, we tried the AR emojis on the Galaxy S9+ and it doesn’t look anything similar to reality. This is possibly due to the lack of hardware required for accurate AR experience that the iPhone X possesses.

One can download the Mickey and Minnie Mouse emojis using the camera on the Galaxy S9 and the S9+ for free of cost. Similarly, the company will add other Disney characters like The Incredibles, Zootopia, and Frozen in the coming days.

The company launched the Galaxy S9 and the S9+ in India on the 6th of March 2018. While the overall design remains identical to its predecessors, there are are some major camera upgrades.

What is AR Emojis?

AR Emojis are animated characters, that can replicate a user’s facial expressions. According to Samsung, it works on:

Deep learning and facial recognition technology to map more than 100 facial features to produce a 3D replica, allowing users to create fun, customized messages to send to friends.

Unlike Apple iPhone X, these AR emojis can be shared with other smartphone users, who don’t have a Galaxy S9 or S9+. To make the sharing process simpler, the smartphone creates 18 custom AGIF file format. However, Mickey and Minnie Mouse emojis do not support this feature. This means that these emojis are not very customisable, however, can be shared with everyone. One can also pin the AR emojis to the lock-screen (always on display) as well.

March 17, 2018
Xiaomi Blackshark Specifications Leaked

In one of our previous stories, we reported that Xiaomi could be working on a gaming smartphone under the “Blackshark” moniker. Now, a device codenamed BlackShark has been spotted on Geekbench.

This solidifies the argument that the company is indeed working on a gaming-specific smartphone. However, how viable is a gaming-centric smartphone in today’s day and age? Most flagship devices look and perform almost similarly. But, the one thing that should work in favour of the Blackshark is its pricing.

Xiaomi BlackShark

According to the listing, the Xiaomi Blackshark will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 8GB RAM. The device scored 2452 points on a single core and 8452 points on the multi-core performance. In fact, these scores are on par with other smartphones running on the Snapdragon 845.

The Razer Phone is the best example of a gaming smartphone. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset with 6GB RAM with a dual front-facing stereo speaker. One thing that differentiates the Razer Phone from the competition is its display. The device has an IPS LCD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. But, since this is only available on an LCD display, the company had to choose that feature over a better quality which an OLED display provides.

Conclusion

For a gaming smartphone to be a success, it needs to have the ability to tackle overheating. Interestingly, the Xiaomi Blackshark is expected to have a one of a kind aviation class cooling system. Apart from the cooling system, Xiaomi will have to introduce something worthwhile that will make this different from any other flagship smartphone.

If Xiaomi is planning to launch a gaming-centric smartphone, then the company has to make few sacrifices. Will Xiaomi choose the IPS LCD over OLED to offer a better refresh rate? Will the Blackshark come with dedicated stereo speakers with 16:9 aspect ratio?

March 17, 2018
LG Folder Flip Smartphone Officially Launched

We are slowly and steadily moving closer to that truly bezel-less smartphone. A display wrapped around the front of the phone with no bezels for distraction. But, smartphones or phones, in general, did not start out like that. Flip phones, in particular, used to be extremely famous before touchscreen devices came into being. While we have certainly moved on from that design, some companies continue to launch flip phones even today.

Samsung recently launched the W2018 in South Korea which was a flip smartphone running Android OS. Now, LG seems to be catching up on this throwback trend with the LG Folder flip phone.

Samsung W2018

Specifications of LG Folder

The LG Folder comes with a 3.0 inch WQVGA touch-enabled display. Under the hood, the phone is powered by MediaTek chipset 1.1 GHz Quad-core chipset with 1GB RAM and 8GB onboard storage. Similarly, the storage is expandable using micro SD card up to 32GB.

LG Folder

The device supports FM Radio and comes with a dedicated button to help the elderly users. The device has a 1740 mAh battery with a micro USB port for charging and data syncing. Similarly, the battery offers up to 350 minutes of continues voice call with a standby time of 260 hours, which is impressive for a battery of this size.

The device has a single 5MP camera, located on the back of the device which supports autofocus. However, the camera misses out on the flashlight.

The smartphone supports 3G and 4G connectivity. However, it misses out on the 2G capabilities. Additionally, the smartphone also offers Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Hotspot an Bluetooth for the wireless connectivity.

March 16, 2018