The guys over at PhoneArena compare two phablet handset from Samsung, the Galaxy Mega 5.8 and the Galaxy Note II. Check the comparison video after the break.
Maybe this is not a fair comparison because the Galaxy Note II is a flagship device, but it's good to know how the upcoming Galaxy Mega 5.8 stacks up against the top of the line Galaxy Note II.
We already saw some photos and specs of the upcoming Galaxy S4 mini, but we have the "real" specs as benchmark results of the handset leaked the net.
According to the leaked AnTuTu benchmark scores, the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini will feature a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display with resolution of 960x540 pixels, a 1.7 GHz dual-core Snadpragon 400 processor and Adreno 305 GPU, 1.5 GB of RAM, 8-megapixel main camera, 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera and run Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
Samsung Premiere 2013 event is scheduled for June 20 where the Galaxy 4 mini is expected to be announced.
The HTC One was initially released in two color options, a Glacial Silver and Stealth Black, but it looks like the latest HTC flagship will soon be available in two more colors.
mock-up photo
According to sources close to HTC, both the blue and the red color options will be released in the coming months. The red variant already popped up on U.K. retailer Handtec's website with a price tag of £503.99 (around $760) for a 32GB version but was quickly removed.
Every time the FedEx guy shows up the door it means good things, that a tester unit has arrived. This time I was super excited to see him because I knew that either the Samsung Galaxy S4 or the HTC One was inside. It turned out to be a Galaxy S4 demo and I could hardly wait to really dive into the device. But before I did wanted to make sure I got an unboxing video for you the reader.
The Galaxy S4 is the a feature packed device that is the current king of Android devices. With Samsung only features like Air View, Air Gesture, Smart Stay, Smart Scroll, etc.. Not only does it have all these new features but it has the hardware to run it smoothly.
Specs of the Galaxy S4:
1.9 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Krait 300
2 GB RAM
Qualcomm Adreno 320
5 inch Full HD Super AMOLED Capacitive Touchscreen Display
1080 x 1920 pixels Screen Resolution with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.0
Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz “Nature UX” graphical user interface
13 MP Primary Camera with Full HD Video Recording
16 GB Internal Memory (Expandable upto 64 GB)
NFC, 4G LTE
(I got a little bit of inference while recording this video I am currently working on figuring out the source.)
If you have any questions on this device or have anything you would like me to test on this device please leave them in the comments or send me tweet directly.
Samsung has announced that next month it will hold its Premiere 2013 event.
The event is scheduled for June 20 in London where Samsung will unveil its new Galaxy and ATIV devices. There have been a lot of leaks and rumors lately but what can we expect from this event? Looking at the teaser image posted by Samsung maybe an S Pen device, Windows 8/Windows RT tablet/notebook and much rumored 16-megapixel Galaxy S4 Zoom?
The Premiere 2013 event will be streamed live on Samsung's YouTube channel at 7pm UK time.
There were some rumors that HTC is soon going to release a phablet version of its latest Android flagship, the One, and now we have some leaks of the upcoming device.
Today well-known leaker @evleaks has tweeted that upcoming HTC phablet goes by codename T6.
Earlier this month the T6 surfaced in a Linux stings and according to the handset will come in few versions for different carriers:
T6_UL: cassiopeia Communication system: GSM / WCDMA / LTE
T6_U: columba Communication system: GSM / WCDMA
T6_ULA: delphinus Communication system: GSM / WCDMA / LTE
T6_WL: crater Communication method: GSM/WCDMA/CDMA2000/LTE
T6_WHL: eridanus Communication method: GSM/WCDMA/CDMA2000/LTE
There are no other details, the only "confirmed" information is that the screen of the HTC One T6 will be above 5-inches but below 6-inches.
It seems the rumors about a Samsung S4 mini just gained a whole heck of a lot of credibility with the device itself being ever so briefly displayed by Samsung themselves on the companies own app store page. (screenshot above) At the time of this post these two device were taken down off the Samsung web page.
We reported earlier on some leaked pictures of this and device and it's rumored specs:
The rumored specs on this device are as follows:
4.3-inch screen
960x540 display
8 MP back camera
2 MP front camera
two versions: single simcard and dual simmed
1.500 mAh battery
1 GHz dual-core on dual sim
quad-core processor on the single sim
Android 4.2.2.
With TouchWiz Nature UX
Colors Black Mist and White Frost
While the Samsung Mini S3 didn't sell very well it must be a market out there for these types of devices or Samsung would not be making the Mini S4. Samsung just doesn't make mistakes twice.
Press shots of the upcoming Huawei Ascend P6 leaked the net. The Huawei Ascend P6 is rumored to feature a 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, it will be powered by a quad core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 8-megapixel back camera, will run Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with Emotion UI on top and according to the leaked photos it will come in black, white and pink color options. Huawei is holding a press event on June 18 in London where it's expected to unveil the Ascend P6
Huawei is holding a press event on June 18 in London where it's expected to unveil the Ascend P6.
Yesterday we saw the first photos of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, and today the handset was shown on video. Check the quick hands-on video after the break.
The Galaxy S4 Active share more or less the same specs as it's non rugged sibling bit it's equipped with a dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus processor and an 8-megapixel camera on the back.
Last month, we heard rumors about the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0, and now the first photo and specs of the upcoming 8-inch tablet hit the web.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 shares the same design as the latest 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3 tablet but with narrower bezel, will feature a 8.0-inch WXGA (1280×800) TFT display, 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage expandable up to 64GB via microSD card, 5-megapixel back camera, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, 4450 mAh battery will measure 209.3x122.2x6.95, will run Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and is expected to be officially announced next month.
What do you say about the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0?
A couple of days ago we saw the first photos of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, and today more photos surfaced the net.
The Galaxy S4 mini is rumored to feature a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display with resolution of 960x540, 1.6 GHz dual-Core Exynos 5210 processor, 3G version will be equipped with 1GB of RAM, while the LTE version will come with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal memory, 8-megapixel main camera and 2100 mAh battery.
It will come in black and white color options and it’s expected to be officially announced on May 30.
At a special event in Monaco, ZTE has announced the ZTE Grand X2 In.
The ZTE Grand X2 In features a dual-core Intel Atom Z2580 clocked at 2GHz, 4.5-inch 720p IPS display, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage expandable up to 32GB via microSD card, 8-megapixel camera capable of up to 24 frames per second and no shutter lag, 1-megapixel front facing camera, 2000 mAh battery and run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
The ZTE Grand X2 In will be available in Europe from Q3 2013, but the price has not been announced.
Today at its I/O developer conference in San Francisco, Google has announced its music-streaming service called Google Music All Access. Check the hand-on videos after the break.
From Google's I/O keynote
Hands-on video
Google Play Music All Access subscription in US will cost $9.99 per month with a 30-day free trial period, but if you sign up before June 30th it will cost you $7.99.
With the release of the Nokia Lumia 928 here in the states you may wonder what Nokia has left up their sleeves for their big announcement on the 14th. Well everyone expects the Nokia Lumia 925 to be there, however the big showstopper may be a low to mid range device.
Rumor has it that Nokia will finally bring their prototype Nokia Juggernaut Alpha to market as the Nokia Lumia 625. This device will be the biggest Lumia yet with a 4.7-inch display. Other specs on this device are unknown however I expect a dual core device with 512MB of RAM, Sd card slot, 8GB of internal memory, and a 5-megapixel shooter on the back. Again these are all guesses based on where the 600 series generally drop spec wise in Nokia's line up.
There was also speculation that Nokia will announce the Nokia EOS 41mp Pure View device here. I have a feeling that this announcement will be held for Nokia World later in the year. We will find out in a few short days if I am right. Stay tuned!
Last month the specs of the Sony Xperia ZR leaked the net and today the new waterproof smartphone from Sony was officially unveiled. Check the specs and promo video after the break.
The Xperia ZR features a 4.6-inch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2, 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card, 13-megapixel back camera with Exmor RS, HDR for photos and videos, dedicated camera button, measures 131x67.4x10.4 mm, weighs 140 grams and run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It's dust-proof and water-resistant (IP55 and IP58 rating) and can be kept submerged in 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
There's no word on availability or pricing, the Xperia ZR is listed as "coming soon" on Sony's official website.
Today, Nokia has announced its new member to Asha family, the Nokia Asha 501. Check the specs and videos after the break.
The Asha 501 is made of two pieces, removable monobody and a hardened glass display so you can easily swap the back covers. It's also the first Asha phone that comes with a unique new UI called Fastlane. Fastlane tracks all your activity and with just a swipe you have access to your most recent activities: emails, call history, messages, browser, apps, etc.
It features a 3-inch QVGA display, 128 MB Flash, 4 GB of internal memory (expandable up to 32GB), 3.2-megapixel camera, WiFi, Micro USB connector, 3.5mm AV jack, 2mm Charger connector and battery that provides 17 hours of talk time and 48 days in standby.
It comes preloaded with Facebook, Twitter, instant messaging and Weather Channel apps, two premium games from Gameloft, Big Little City and Real Football 2013 and you can download 40 free EA games from the Nokia Store. The Nokia Asha 501 will come in two versions, Single SIM and Dual SIM, it will cost $99 before taxes and subsidies and will be available in more than 90 countries worldwide from Q2.
With more and more people getting Windows Phone devices I get more and more questions about setup, settings, apps, etc. I love to help out when anyone gets a new Windows Phone device by answering any questions they may have however, it would be easier for you the reader, if I simply wrote these thing down. Here are a few basic things for you to help set up your new device. This will be simple basic tips and some apps I feel are necessary on any Windows Phone device.
First off let's make sure everything that is important to you is connected to your new device so you can take advantage of all Windows Phone social features. From the start screen swipe to your left to get to your app list and go to settings. Then scroll down to email+accounts> add an account. Then simply choose anything you have an account with and add it. This will automatically import your contacts, calendar, it will hook your contacts social networking interactions to their people tile for easy access.
Next you will want to personalize your device by pinning useful tiles, resizing them, and moving them around your start screen to suit your personal needs. While you are at it you may want to change your tile color to what you like. Check out the instructional video below on how to do that.
A few good things to pin to start screen would be Settings, People tile, Game tile, and Store tile. These are things that you will want to access a lot and will not want to be bothered to swipe over to your app list for. Also pin anyone you contact frequently as this will become your new speed dial.
I could explain what the People Hub does for you however, you prefer a video and I prefer not to type another hundred words about it so let's just watch this video shall we?
Want to know where to start in the app store? Here is a short list of apps no Windows Phone should be without.
Facebook (no explanation needed)
Kindle App: Amazon's ebook reader
AccuWeather
Flashlight XT: Quick, simple, easy light at anytime
Pandora: for streaming music
Stop Music: This app will stop your music with one touch from your start screen
Battery: It not only tells you how much charge you have left in your phone but it also allows quick access to your WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and Airplane mode. Download it and pin it!
RapDialer: This simply allows you to search for contacts using your dial pad.
Games, games, games: Check out Wordament, BBB App-ocalypse, Ragdoll Run, Snake 97, Spin Out, Temple Run, Words with Friends, Line Birds, 4 Pics 1 Word and of course Plants vs Zombies/Angry Birds
If you have a Nokia Lumia Device be sure to download all the photo apps in the "Nokia Collection" part of the app store
Photosynth: This is an awesome photo app that will let you take more than panoramic shots (only iPhone users stop there) it will allow you to take full 360 degree shots of wherever you are.
Want a quick shortcut for your camera? Simply hold down on your camera shutter button for two seconds and bam your camera will fire up... even from a locked state. Other cool things that most Windows Phone users do not know about when they first get their Windows Phone is all the cool search features.
Plus you can simply long press your home button and speak commands to your device. While I don't really like speaking to my device I know a lot of people who do. If you are one of them check out the video below for more details:
One last thing before I let you go... the back arrow. This does a little bit more than simple go back one page it is also your multitask button. See what I mean below.
Now I can't cover everything here but if you have more any more questions you may want to check out the help page from Microsoft with all the videos above and much more. If you still need answers feel free to send me a tweet and I will be happy to help you with any issue you may be having.
Congratulations on your new Window Phone device and enjoy!
The Nokia Asha 310 is the first phone in the Asha family that offers both dual-SIM and Wi-Fi connectivity. Check the video review after the break.
The Nokia Asha 310 features a 3-inch WQVGA (400x240) display, 20MB of internal memory expandable via microSD card, 2-megapixel main camera, WiFi, GPRS/EDGE, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP support, Micro USB 2.0 connector, 3.5 mm AV connector, USB and retails for around $100.
According to a tip received by My Nokia Blog we will not have to wait long before we will see bigger screened Nokia devices. They have received word that Nokia will be making a new device codenamed Nokia Max that will have a 4.7-inch screen but shockingly will not be a premium 900 series device. Nope it will be in the low end 600 series... 625 to be exact.
Rumored Specs for the Lumia 625 are as follows:
4.7 inch SuperSensitive Display
800x480 LCD
Unibody construction
LTE
1.2Ghz dual core
512MB RAM
2000mAh battery
While the specs are not that impressive you have to remember that this is not meant to be a flagship device. This is simply Nokia following their plan of "bring high end experiences" to low end devices. There is no word yet on an expected price point for this device.
Today Samsung has announced another Galaxy smartphone, the Galaxy Core.
The Galaxy Core features a 4.3-inch WVGA (800x480) screen, 1.2 GHz dual core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal memory expandable via microSD card, 5-megapixel back camera, VGA front-facer, 1.800 mAh battery, run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz Nature and Smart Stay, Smart Alert, Motion UI and S-Voice.
Depending on the market the Samsung Galaxy Core will come in two versions, a Single SIM that will be released in June and a Dual SIM later this month. No price has been announced.
It seems the people at Rovio keep finding ways to keep the Angry Birds franchise fresh for it's fans. It's latest offering is Angry Birds Friends. This is a social version of Angry Birds which is completely integrated with your Facebook social game of Angry Birds. There will tournaments, contests and new levels every week.
Other features include:
Challenge your Facebook friends for bronze, silver, and gold trophies!
Brag, send gifts, and invite your Facebook friends to play!
Four classic power-ups, plus one exclusive to Angry Birds Friends on mobile!
Daily rewards!
Free bird-coins just for completing the tutorial!
Syncs automatically with your game on Facebook!
While I am personally not an Angry Birds fan I see where this would be exciting to those who love the franchise after all there is nothing better than sharing what you love with your friends.
When the OPPO Find 5 was introduced back in December it looked like a decent smartphone that can compete with Samsung, HTC and other manufacturer's flagship devices. But now after the Galaxy S4 and the HTC One are released is it worth it? Check the unboxing and video review after the break.
Unboxing
Review
The OPPO Find 5 is available for $499 for the 16GB and for $569 for the 32GB version.
A new online survey for customer satisfaction has Nokia in the number one spot with a 21% higher than average score beating the likes of Apple, Samsung, HTC, Blackberry and Motorola.
It's not been too bad a year for Nokia, some Symbian fans might disagree with me but looking back over the last 12 months you begin to see an upturn in good fortunes for the ailing Finnish mobile device maker.
It all started with Nokia Lumia devices selling out very fast in a number of countries, then there was the release of Windows 8 devices which slowly but surely began to munch into the market dominated by iOS and Android and now according to a recently published online survey, Nokia is once again leading the way in customer satisfaction.
Our friends over at WPCentral have taken the time out to break down the figures:
Below are the manufacturers with the highest level of satisfaction amongst customers per carrier:
AT&T - Nokia followed by Samsung
Sprint – HTC (no Nokia handsets) followed by Apple
T-Mobile – HTC followed by Nokia
Verizon – Nokia followed by Apple
What's really interesting though, is that users who use Nokia smartphones report customer satisfaction 21% above average across all carriers and brands, excluding Sprint where you can't get a Nokia phone (sorry Sprint customers).
So, what do you make of this latest customer satisfaction survey? Do Nokia deserve their rightful place back at number one or is it too early to say?
Google has updated its Google Search app for iOS and added one great feature that was previously an Android (Jelly Bean) exclusive, its personal assistant Google Now. Check the hands-on video and comparison against the Android version after the break.
If you want to try it on your iOS device get Google Search app from the App Store for free.
Nokia has always been investing heavily in mobile imaging and it seems that not even the lean times Nokia has been going through will not stop them. There is a report from Bloomberg Business Week that they are now going to invest in a company from California called Pelican Imaging. Pelican Imaging's claim to fame is "array cameras". Which is just a fancy term for a camera that makes one picture out of many different lens not just one.
It is explained by Pelican themselves as:
Pelican Imaging has developed a revolutionary new array camera for mobile devices, providing depth at every pixel. Focus on any subject, change focus (even on multiple subjects) after you take the photo, capture linear measurements, scale and segment your images, change backgrounds, and apply filters, all from any device.
While it may take a little while to integrate this technology into Nokia Windows Phone devices it seems like a useful camera technology that people will actually want to use. I am hoping this camera advancement catches on and doesn't become another flop like the 3D cameras on smartphones of the past
