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10 Reasons That Will Help You Decide Whether Or Not To Buy Xiaomi Mi3

Xiaomi has entered the market in India with a bang, everyone is talking about the ‘Apple of China’ that gives you amazing features at just 15k. But before buying any gadget, you need to make sure you know it well. Well, there is a certain taboo in India about things with the “Made in China” tag. Although Xiaomi is a Chinese company, we have to admit, they’re offering an amazing device.

Anyhow, here are our list of pros and cons, that’ll should help you decide:

1. Price

When Xiaomi was rumored to launch Mi3 in India, it was expected to be priced at Rs.14,999 and which was already pretty impressive, enough to give tough competition to the big players in the market. Surprisingly, Xiaomi reduced the price of the Mi3 further by Rs. 1000 at the Official press event held in Delhi and finally the 16Gb version Xiaomi Mi3 was priced at Rs.13,999. With all the hardware this smartphone has in it, the price of Rs 13,999 is a steal.

2. Hardware and Performance

The first thing that you will notice about the Xiaomi Mi3 is its impressive hardware specifications. The Xiaomi Mi3 is powered by a 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 quad core processor which is coupled with an ample 2GB of Ram and a Adreno 330 GPU . As for the display, the smartphone has a 5 inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080p (441 ppi pixel density). No other Android device in its price range offers a Snapdragon 800 processor and this is a major reason why the device stands out in the crowd.

3. Camera

The Xiaomi Mi3 has rear facing 13 MP camera with f/2.2 aperture and Dual led flash. Again, the best camera in its price range. Thanks to the F/2.2 aperture, the smartphone is able to capture impressive low light photography and adding to that the Dual led flash is a also a useful feature.

4. Android 4.4

Well, as we all know the retail units of Xiaomi Mi3 in India come loaded with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and this makes the Xiaomi Mi3 an amazing deal.

5. Non Removable Battery

The Xiaomi Mi3 has a non detachable/removable battery. In case the battery dies out, you won’t able to replace the battery yourself. You’d be required to make a tedious visit to the service centre.

6. Memory

With all the things that we would want to store on our smartphones, the option of expandable storage always comes in handy. However, the Xiaomi Mi3 has no option for expandable storage which is a major let down for a phone with such impressive specifications.

7. Tendency to Heat Up

While all phones tend to heat up while performing resource intensive tasks, but since the Mi3 has got an aluminum body, you get to feel more heat.

8. Warranty

A total of 36 service centers were announced by Xiaomi at the press event held in Delhi. Among these 32 service centers, two service centers located in Delhi and Bangalore will be exclusively operated by Xioami itself and will have a maximum turnaround time of 2 Hours.

9. Slippery build

The Xiaomi Mi3 body is made of brushed aluminum and this makes it extremely slippery. If you are planning to buy this smartphone, you should also consider investing in a good case and mind your clumsy habits.

10. Flipkart Angle

While the company has made a smart choice of cutting its retail costs by partnering with Flipkart. It is also one of the reasons we’re vary of the Mi3. The anonymity of suppliers is an issue. When there is a problem discovered in the delivered device, there is that possibility of Flipkart refusing to claim responsibility or help out.

So there you have it – the 10 pros and cons of the device. If these weren’t adequate, wait a while. We’ll be reviewing the phone soon.

July 26, 2014
Rumor : Apple To Launch an iWallet With The iPhone 6

We have been waiting to get our hands on the Apple’s new iPhone 6 with its new design. But while we wait, there are many other rumours flying high. Most recently, the rumors are that along with the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone 6, Apple will also launch a Google Wallet rival.

According to these rumors, Apple is in talks with major credit card company Visa to collaborate and create an iWallet technology that could revolutionize the way consumers pay for goods. As noted by the publication, a direct partnership with Visa — or any similar company — would be a huge step in bypassing the payment processing chain, saving both merchants and customers money.

Apple is aiming to proceed with its payment system without handing over any control to wireless carriers, which may allow it to avoid difficulties that its competitors have faced. It has been expected for some time now that Apple would step into the mobile wallet sector and use the millions of shoppers who already store their card information with its iTunes Store and App Store. The iPhone maker has had to be cautious after seeing Google Inc. and others fail to rally users to make payments using their phones.

With partnership talks ongoing, Apple is also working out the technology behind a mobile payment system. The reports illustrate that the company at one point planned to integrate Near Field Communication (NFC) modules in its iPhone lineup, though other rumors claim the system will rely on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

In either case, sensitive customer information is likely to be stored in the iPhone’s secure enclave or alternatively in the cloud.

July 25, 2014
Images of the Upcoming Sony Xperia Z3 Leaked Online
As per the company traditions, Sony is expected to launch Z3 at the IFA in Berlin this September. The new handset in the Xperia Z series is supposed to be a mere upgrade of its predecessor. Sony is known for releasing one high-end flagship phone every half-yearly instead of annually like most smartphone companies.

One benefit of releasing a new phone every six months is that Sony can stay ahead of the technological curve. Two new images have leaked showing the alleged Sony Xperia Z3. While the images don’t reveal much about the phone’s innards, they show the exterior, and it looks the same, if referred to earlier leaks.

The similarities run through the design and show the rounded edges – unlike the Xperia Z2, which has flatter, sharper edges. Other than a slightly larger screen, a faster processor, and what seems like a less powerful front camera, the Xperia Z3 hardly differs from the Xperia Z2.

The Sony Xperia Z3 is expected to retain the Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB of RAM of the Xperia Z2, as well as its 20.7MP camera and probably the 1080p 5.2″ display. The water resistance is also a sure thing and perhaps only the design will be different.

If in fact these are the Xperia Z3’s real specs, they’re very similar to the hardware offered by Sony’s current flagship phone, however it wouldn’t be the first time that a company released a follow up device with minimal improvements.

Rumored Specs
- 5.15-inch 1080p
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core 2.4Ghz
- Adreno 330
- 3GB RAM
- Storage: 16GB
- 20.7-megapixel rear camera; 2.1-megapixel front camera
- Android 4.4.4 KitKat
July 25, 2014
OS X Yosemite Public Beta Released, Here’s How You Can Get it

Apple first showcased their latest version of Mac OS, labeled OS X Yosemite, earlier this year at WWDC. It featured a completely redesigned user interface and better OS X to iOS integration. A lot of users have been waiting patiently to get their hands on it ever since. While developers have had access to the all new versions of Mac OS X ever since the announcement, Apple are finally allowing the general public to get a taste of Yosemite starting Thursday, 24th July.

To know about its various new features and their functionalities, follow this link to read more.

So here’s how it works. All users who signed up with their Apple ID on the beta program website (its still not too late to do so) will get an email with a link and an activation code which will allow them to download the latest build.

Users should keep in mind that this beta build, while fairly stable, might (and will) still contain bugs and errors. Apple clearly states that the software is still in development, which means some applications and services might not function properly. Also, some of those awesome new features require an iOS 8 device, which is not part of the program. The beta version has a built-in Feedback Assistant application, if users want to report any bugs or provide any feedback on the build as they’re using it.

Having the latest OS X Mavericks is a prerequisite for the installation of this build. We also recommend that you first back up your Mac using Time Machine before installing this build. Also, if you have a secondary Mac, you should install the beta onto that, rather than risking your primary machine.

Now, if at any stage, users feel that they do not want to be part of the program, Apple will also give instructions to revert back to OS X Mavericks. So, if you just can’t wait till Apple officially releases the latest Mac OS X this fall, hit this link.

By Pranav Arora

July 25, 2014
Xiaomi-Competitor One Plus Might Arrive in India Soon

Just when you were thinking that Xiaomi was the kickass all-in-one package, a new competitor is raising its head at the horizon. Smartphone manufacturer One Plus is planning to come to India with its One Plus One smartphone and boy, is it impressive.

The One Plus One has an incomparable spec sheet at the price it is offered. The phone runs on CyanogenMod 11S based on Android 4.4 Kitkat. It has a heart of steel with a Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz Quad-core processor. Its graphics is powered by a 578MHz Adreno 330 GPU. The RAM on the One Plus One is a phenomenal 3 GB LP-DDR3 and comes in a 16 GB and 64 GB variants.

Everything is Awesome about the One Plus One

The camera department is as impressive as the hardware spec sheet. The main camera is 13 Megapixel with Sony Exmor IMX 214 sensors and a dual LED Flash. The front camera is a distortion free 5 MP Selfie Shooter. The camera also has a wide aperture of f/2.0. The most remarkable feature is its 4K recording capability with and its ability to record slow motion at 720p resolution at 120 frames per second(fps). Now that’s a camera!

The display on the One Plus One is a giant Full HD, 5.5 inch, Corning Gorrila Glass 3 screen. There is nothing to complain about in this phone, a true all-rounder from every angle. To power all of these epic features, this phone comes with 3100 mAh battery.

If you thought the features are impressive the One Plus One also provides impressive back panel options

Now you might be asking, how much lighter would your pockets get if you get this power packed gizmo, well the answer is: the 16 GB variant comes at $299 (around Rs. 17,900)and the 64 GB variant comes at $349 (around Rs. 20,900). Yeah, you read that right, go ahead pull your jaw up!

The company said that there is an enormous interest in their phones in India and they have heard talks of Indians importing them from the US. They would like to take advantage of this favorable situation.

Now this is a real competitor to Xiaomi, which came in and cleared the market and took the limelight away from the Moto G. Indian smartphone consumers might be feeling like a king right now in the times of heavy inflation. So what if food is expensive, you can simply distract yourself with these badass phones.

July 24, 2014
Oplus Introduces the Xonphone 5 in India

Taiwan based phone manufacturers Oplus have introduced their 5-inch smartphone by the name Xonphone 5 in India today.

The Xonphone 5 runs Android 4.4.2 out of the box. It gets it processing power from a Mediatek 1.3GHz quad-core processor. It possesses 1 GB of RAM with 16 GB’s of internal storage with expandable storage support for a 32 GB MicroSD card. The phone is powered by a 2000 mAh battery. The phone is dual sim capable with a Micro SIM and Mini SIM slot.

The display on the Xonphone 5 is a 5 inch 1280x720p HD display with an 180-degree viewing angles. The display also has a 320 ppi display which sounds impressive for the price. The main camera on the device is an 8 MP shooter with autofocus and LED flash, and the front cam is a 2 MP fixed focus selfie cam.

The makers of the phone provide a screen protector inside the box with the usual USB connector, charger and earphones. The phone provides a Yamaha professional bass speaker system which will give a good audio experience.

The selling price of the device is set at Rs7,999 which is pretty competitive for the Indian market. The company has made an exclusive deal with Snapdeal to reach the consumers. If its performance matches up to its spec sheet, it might be another Asian brand that will create troubles for the Indian manufacturers like Micromax, Lava and others.

July 24, 2014
Phones With a Terabyte Of Storage To Become a Reality Soon With RRAM

Now right when you were wondering if the 128 GB expandable option would make your memory troubles obsolete, a group of scientists has something better in store for you. The researchers at Rice University have come up with a new resistive RAM (RRAM) which can be made with regular equipment at room temperature.

Several companies have been in the process of developing an RRAM, but they all have required higher temperature and voltages thereby making the production process expensive and inefficient for the manufacturers.

The RRAM acts as a flash memory and can store data without a constant influx of power. Now unlike the regular flash memory which uses transistors to save the data, this new technique uses resistance to save their bits. These bits can, therefore, be stored in a smaller area in comparison to a flash drive and hence increasing the amount of data that can be stored in a small amount of space.

Also like a multiple core processor, these RRAM’s can be stacked on top of each other so their storage capacity increases phenomenally. It is also said that RRAM performs much faster than regular flash storage, about a hundred times faster. They are apparently so efficient that they a postage stamp sized chip can hold a terabyte worth of data.

The research is being led by Professor James Tour of the Material science department. The technique is cheap and efficient as it utilizes one of the most abundant elements on the planet, Silicon. The process involves a silicon oxide with tiny 5 nanometers holes. This material acts as an active electrode and data bits can be stored by changing the conductivity of the electrode with low-voltage pulses.

Mobile technology will get a boost with this advancement. Major companies like Samsung are also experimenting with RRAM’s. While we would want our phones to be as robust and large data capable as our computers, we are restricted by the miniaturizability of the storage technology. RRAM’s and technology like it will bring us closer to achieving that. Maybe we could someday have a pro video rendering capability on our iPads.

July 24, 2014
Get Exploring with the New Google Maps Feature

Remember the time when there was a profession dedicated to guides? oh yes they still exist and Google has plans to make that job obsolete. With the new ‘Explore’ feature, exploring new places will get a lot easier. The feature will be available on Google Maps app on both Android and iOS platform.

The Explore feature will be available on Android as well as iOS

All the user needs to do with this update is to tap the new Explore button at the bottom right corner of the map to get a quick look at what’s nearby (where available). The feature will provide you information on different places and activities that adapt to each area and moment throughout the day. This also allows you to browse other neighborhoods and cities on the map so you can plan your day’s outing or daydream about your next vacation.

The feature also gives you an option of finding what is nearby the place where you’ll be in the next five minute walk or a 20 minute drive. The convenience of finding a spot that suits your taste has never been this easy. As the results change according to the time of the day and weather, you can be assured that you will find exactly what you are looking for. The feature performs optimally when the location reporting and web history have been turned on.

The Awesome functionality of this app will make it stand out.

The feature also lets you assess the reviews and relevant information about the spot you have chosen to hang at. This can be done by tapping on the ‘My location’ on an Android devices. You can also save these places for future references. Like other data analysis based system, the app will personalize itself with regular use.

On the look from, the upgrade features Google’s latest material design. The interface is simple, clean and easy to understand.

So if you have an itch to always be outdoor and exploring, Google Maps and the Explore feature was what the doctor would prescribe for you. So go ahead, get Exploring !

July 24, 2014
BenQ Launches a New 24-inch Monitor For Competitive Gaming

BenQ, a renowned digital lifestyle provider and professional gaming monitor pioneer, announced a new addition to its RL Series: the RL2460HT. Company said that RL2460HT is a fully optimized monitor for high-speed PC and console gaming — perfect for RTS- and MOBA-style games, as well as fighting games.

The new addition to RL series is packed with exclusively designed Fighting Mode and HDMI Output for console games, as well as all the latest features from 1ms GTG to Flicker-free Technology, Black eQualizer, Low Blue Light Technology and Height Adjustment Stand with Precision Scale System, the 24” novelty is the world’s first-ever professional gaming monitor dedicated to optimize the experience of high speed gaming. This is also BenQ’s first time to work with professional gamers of this exciting genre, inviting console game legend, Justin Wong of Evil Geniuses, to co-develop the new Fighting Mode.

“With the launch of RL2460HT, BenQ aims to offer exciting special features for some of the professional gaming industry’s most popular titles, played by millions of in-person and online gamers,” said, Rajeev Singh, Country Head & General Manager, BenQ India. “The RL2460HT has been engineered in collaboration with the world’s top professional fighting game champions enabling it to deliver the precision, speed, and market-first innovations needed to provide gamers with a memorable experience”.

The RL2460HT now features a built-in HDMI output, which eliminates the risk of system input lag and delay by allowing for action to be captured after rather than prior to going through the monitor. This ensures an ultra-smooth, distortion-free gaming experience and uncompromised streaming while also enabling easy head-to-head setup capabilities for multiplayer games using a single screen – giving gamers a solid combination of game play supremacy and setup satisfaction.

With the RL2460HT’s HDMI Out port, pro gamers can stream their game content after it goes through the monitor so that the audience sees exactly what the player has seen, without risk of lag or delay to the player. In this manner, pro gamers can preserve monitor speed and performance regardless of the streaming system used. The monitor provides a height-adjustable stand with a precision adjustment marker system that makes setup fast and easy, enabling the player to duplicate the precise setup every time and everywhere.

The RL2460HT is available at a price of Rs.17,500 across India.

July 23, 2014
Microsoft’s Nokia Lumia 530 Officially Arrives

After taking in the Nokia brand and completely trashing away the Android based Nokia X series, Microsoft Mobility has come back with their Lumia series. The new phone known as the Lumia 530 will come in single and double Sim variants.

The Nokia Lumia 530 will come with a 4-inch FWVGA (480x854p) display. It gets its processing power from a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 200 quad-core processor with a 512 MB RAM. Though the phone comes with a 4 GB internal storage but is expandable upto 128 GB which is definitely welcome. The device is juiced up through a 1430 mAh battery which seems good enough for a 4-inch screen.

The camera on the phone is a 5MP fixed focus shooter without an LED Flash. The phone also lacks a front facing camera so that might be a dissuading factor for prospective buyers. Connectivity wise, the Lumia 530 offers Bluetooth 4.0, FM Radio, Wi-Fi, 3G and A-GPS.

Lumia 530 comes with Multi color Flip cover options

The phone comes preloaded with Microsoft Office apps and provides 15GB of free cloud storage space via OneDrive. Storage wise the phone is a warehouse but might lose in the feature race. The phone comes with multiple back panel color options like Orange, Green, Black and White. The company also provides multicolored Flip covers which is known as Flip shells.

Lumia 530 will be released globally and selective roll-outs will begin in August 2014. The expected price of the device is around 6,900 which is pretty steep when compared to what the competition offers at that price.

Considering this was the first independednt release from Microsoft they should have offered a lot more instead of a generic release. This phone doesn’t even match its predecessor, the Nokia Lumia 525 in terms of specs. A Moto G or E like release would have really set brand Microsoft in the Phone business. This phone seems inadequate except in terms of storage.

July 23, 2014
Sony Launched 7.7mm-Thin Xperia T3 in India

Sony, refreshing its mid-range smartphone segment, launched the Xperia T3 in India and the phone will be available starting Monday, 28th July.

It runs Android 4.4 KitKat OS out of the box, and has been launched in a single SIM variant, with no word on if a dual-SIM variant will be available soon. The company is proud of the large-screen smartphone’s slim design, giving it a thickness of 7.7mm, and a weight of 148 grams.

The T3 is a distinct looking device and it features a stainless steel frame around the sides, which immediately sets it apart from other mid-range Sony phones, which normally feature matte plastic on the sides. The Android smartphone from Sony features a 5.3-inch (720×1280 pixel) HD Triluminos display powered by a BRAVIA Engine 2. The display offers a pixel density of 277ppi. A quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (MSM8228) processor powers the device, clocked at 1.4GHz, with 1GB of RAM.

The smartphone sports an 8MP rear camera with auto focus Sony Exmor RS for mobile image sensors. The Xperia T3’s rear camera comes with features such as scene detection, HDR, face recognition, red-eye reduction, sweep Panorama and geo tagging. It also houses a 1.1-megapixel front-facing camera.

In terms of connectivity, Xperia T3 supports Wi-Fi, Miracast, NFC, LTE and A-GPS. It comes with 2500mAh battery promising standby time of up to 688 hours and talk time of up to 12 hours 46 minutes. It will be available in three colour options including Black, Purple and White.

The high pricing of the device may cost them some of their potential buyers, especially when there are so many great alternatives available. The Nexus 5, LG G2 and the Galaxy S4 come within the same price range and feature better specs.

July 23, 2014
Apple’s iTime Patent Strongly Hints Their Entry into The Wearable Market

While iPhone 6 is making rounds on the internet with new renders and rumours everyday, Apple’s much-awaited smart watch seemed to have gotten lost in the crowd. But recent evidence of Apple’s interest in wearable devices surfaced on Tuesday with the publication of the company’s latest U.S. patent.

Apple has never publicly acknowledged that it’s working on a smartwatch, although it’s widely expected that an “iWatch” could be introduced as soon as this September. On Tuesday, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted a patent to Apple for a smartwatch concept referred to as ‘iTime’. The documents was first spotted by AppleInsider, disrupting the secrecy code regarding company’s wrist-based ambitions at least a little bit.

Unlike the all-in-one smartwatch devices already revealed by Samsung and LG, the iTime will actually feature two main components: a smart strap, which can apparently be swapped out to change functionality, and a small touchscreen media player reminiscent of the sixth-generation iPod Nano, which is mentioned by name in the patent. Although, you can certainly expect the display technology used on the iTime to be vastly superior to the old Nano.

Based on the patent, Apple envisions a smartwatch with a range of functions, including notifying the user of incoming messages and allowing a user to remotely control other devices. “An incoming phone call, a text message, a social network post, or a news feed directed to a user’s electronic device (e.g., mobile phone) can cause a notification to be provided to a nearby electronic wristband of the user,” the document said. The electronic wristband can also “provide remote controls to a user.”

Apple is widely expected to introduce a wearable device with functionality very similar to that described in the patent. According to the most recent speculation, Apple’s first attempt into the wearables game may sport a “slightly curved” 2.5-inch OLED display and could come in three sizes. The device is also said to have a heavy focus on health and wellness, with possible fitness tracking functions built-in.

Based on what Apple told us at WWDC of company’s plans for health, fitness and home automation, a new wearable (or wearables) could fit perfectly into the its grand scheme of things. And if this patent is any indication, they’ve already been devising that scheme for years.

July 23, 2014
Xiaomi Announced a Super Cheap Mi Band Along With Mi 4

Since the Xiaomi Mi 3 sold in India like hot cakes, we’re keeping our eyes on any and every device the company might soon offer. Yesterday, Xiaomi not only introduced the new flagship phone Mi4, but also a fitness tracker. The band looks quite simple with no display. It is a bold step for the company to enter the wearable market, but with their aggressive pricing strategy they are mostly likely to sell out within hours.

The Mi Band tracks your movement (walking or running) plus sleeping pattern, and you can also use it as a smart vibrating alarm to wake up feeling better. Interestingly, a single charge on this waterproof device will last up to 30 days, which easily beats its competitors that tend to last for a week or less.

Just like Xiaomi’s smartphones, the band is super-cheap compared to the ones available in the market priced at CNY79 (approximately Rs 789). At this price point, the Xiaomi could take the reach of wearable tech to a new level, in case it is launched as a standalone device that works with other devices too. However, there is the possibility that it may work only with Xiaomi phones.

Equipped with an aluminium surface with a micro laser perforation and no display screen, the Xiaomi Mi Band is water resistant (IP67). Once paired with the smartphone, the Mi Band can be used to unlock the user’s smartphone without typing a password or patterns. The Mi Band will be available in range of colour variants including Blue, Pink, Brown, Black, Purple and Grey.

There is no word on the availability of the device in India. We wonder if Xiaomi plans to bundle it with the Mi 4. While, Xiaomi is little known in the West, where it does not yet sell devices, there is an emerging popularity of the company in India. Furthermore, the firm disclosed that its first batch of Mi 3 went on sale in India and sold out within 38 minutes earlier.

July 23, 2014
Windows 9 Leaks Show The Revival Of The Start Menu

Windows 8 never became as successful as Microsoft had hoped. One of the major reasons cited was the entirely new ‘Tiled’ interface and gesture support which helped unify the tablet, mobile and desktop experience. The new interface dissuaded a lot many folks and enterprises from switching over to the new OS. One of the major demands from the consumers who did switch over to the latest Windows OS was the inclusion of a start menu. Now in a recent leak by Myce (sounds like a great name for a mole) shows that Microsoft might finally revive the Start button.

The new revamped Start menu, if this really is what it would look, is quite impressive. According to Myce, the build is 9795 and was compiled on 13^thJuly. It is said to be from the User Interface and Platform team. Although it was widely rumored that the Start menu would resurface with this year’s release of Windows 8.2, it seems now that it will only be ready for release with Windows 9. Even though the leaked images refer have Windows 8 written over it, they are for Windows 9.

Microsoft had showcased a demo of the menu option during the Build conference this year. That version had a mix of traditional windows experience with the new metro features.

A second leaked image shows a new App store design. Though these design elements can be seen as a precursor to new windows styling too.

Now these are still images from ‘work-in-progress’ situation so it’s advisable to not get your hopes high. There are several glitches and compatibility issues that the developers have to work out. Hence, this should be taken as what it is, a leak!

July 22, 2014

HTC Desire 816 Vs 616 : Which One Is More Desirable?

HTC has come up with two amazing phones recently; Desire 816 and 616. Though, these two devices belong in different price brackets, they are actually very similar in terms of of design and other specifications. The Desire 816 came out some time back, priced at Rs 25,000, where as the Desire 616 is awaited and is priced at Rs. 17,000.

The Innards

The Desire 816 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core chipset which runs on at 1.6 GHz. Where as the Desire 616 runs a Mediatek MT6592 processor which is on Octa-core at 1.4 GHz. Now, whether you consider Snapdragon stronger or not, we personally feel that Octa-core chipset is slightly more powerful at 1.4 Ghz than the 1.6 GHz Snapdragon 400 in Desire 816. That means Desire 616 will give a slightly better performance than the Desire 816.

Display

The 5.5 inch Desire 816 has a 1280X720 pixel resolution which is same as the Desire 616 which fashions a 5-inch screen. This means, the 5.0 inch 616 has a better resolution and higher pixel per inch ratio, thereby giving it a better display in comparison to the Desire 816.

Operating System

Now, this is the category where Desire 816 easily wins. The 816 sports Android 4.4 out of the box, also the device has HTC sense as well as HTC BlinkFeed, which come fully loaded to the device. Although, you do get BlinkFeed and HTC Sense 5.5 with the 616, but it is not a full version and the device runs on Android 4.3 JellyBean. So, the 616 doesn’t possess latest version softwares and there is no schedule for any update either.

Camera

As far as the imaging is concerned the Desire 816 wins with its 13 MP camera at the rear and a 5 MP on the front. Both the rear and the front camera are capable of shooting 1080p videos. It fashions an f/2.2 aperture lens with various additional features for the HTC Sense camera. Whereas in the 616 only the 8MP rear camera supports 1080p video capturing, the 2MP front camera shoots at 720p only and also you don’t get those fancy camera features.

Battery

Desire 816 sports a pretty impressive battery at 2,600 mAh where as the 616 gets a 2000 mAh battery. We have experienced that 816 has a phenomenal battery life while 616 lags behind in this segment.

Memory and RAM

Desire 816 holds a much larger internal storage than 616 i.e. 8 gigabytes against 616’s 4 gigabytes. Both devices support microSD cards with 616 supporting expansion of only 32 GB while the 816 being capable of expanding to 128 GB of additional memory. Also Desire 816 gets 1.5 GB of RAM whereas you get only 1 GB RAM with Desire 616.

Design

In terms of design, Desire 816 looks impressive with its matte plus gloss finished body, which looks amazing. Overall the device feels sturdy . You don’t get a removable back panel which some people may not like, but the aesthetics as well as the shiny steel barrel around the camera steals the show.

The Desire 616 is slightly thicker and has an overall plastic shell (even the buttons are plastic). It’s back panel is removable. The plastic body makes it look less impressive when compared to the 816. But still the 616 is a really good looking device, in fact one of the best looking ones in it’s price bracket.

Summary

Overall, both the devices are the hottest selling commodities in their respective categories and there is good reason for that. They are fantastic in terms of build quality, software and obviously the support you get from the HTC. 616 gives you an octa-core processor at the price in which other devices provide you with dual core where as 816 brings out a large screen and fantastic built quality t0 the Rs. 25,000 segment. You do have several good alternatives in both these categories such Nexus 5 and also LG G2in 25k price bracket while you can get various handsets from the likes of Gionee, Micromax and others in the 17k segment. But with this purchase, you get amazing customer support from HTC. The company has proved that they have well built phones and have great service and support in India, which very crucial in today’s market place.

Phone	HTC Desire 816	HTC Desire 616
Display	5.5 inches720x1280 pixels	5.0 inches720x1280 pixels
Memory	8GB	4GB
Ram	1.5GB	1GB
Camera	13MP rear5MP front	8MP rear2MP front
OS	Andriod 4.4 KitKat	Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
Processor	1.6 Ghz Quad-coreQualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset	1.4 GHz Octa-coreMediatek MT6592 processor
Battery	2,600 mAh Non-removable	2000 mAh removable
Price	Rs. 25,000(approx)	Rs. 17,000(approx)

July 22, 2014

Category: Tech

1. Price

2. Hardware and Performance

3. Camera

4. Android 4.4

5. Non Removable Battery

6. Memory

7. Tendency to Heat Up

8. Warranty

9. Slippery build

10. Flipkart Angle

Rumored Specs

The Innards

Display

Operating System

Camera

Battery

Memory and RAM

Design

Summary