Tag: Windows 10

Top Smartphones…2016 Edition

Posted on by ja3techreviews

Seriously, the year is already over?!?!  Really?!?!  2016 was a, well, an interesting year, to say the least. From the Note 7 debacle, to the “wtf was that” called the LG G5, the overall dip in consumer spending as a whole, and Microsoft unable to give away phones, we scoured and identified the Top devices of 2016; the best little nuggets, shall we say, and composed this list ranking them.

For all you newbies and faithful alike, I break this down into two categories, well three this year, but more on that later, described as follows: (i) top premier smartphone – smartphones over $399 (ii) top budget smartphone – smartphones at or under $399. Bear with me as these are my honest opinions based on devices reviewed throughout the year. Hopefully you agree, but if not, just sit back and enjoy.

TOP PREMIER SMARTPHONES
1) Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge – You have to tip your hat to a company that learns from its mistakes.  The Galaxy line took some hits in 2015 due to poor battery life, lack of sd card expansion, and overly aggressive RAM management.  Call all problems corrected.  And just as a caveat, I’m not a big Samsung fan, but even I was amazed by the glory that were these two devices.

2) iPhone 7 and 7 Plus – Another bland offering from Apple this year, but what it lacks in that certain “Je ne sais quoi” is surely offset by the continuation of great software optimization, introduction of dust and water resistance (IP-67 certification), outstanding camera, and improved battery.  Again, the design matriculates along the boring scale, so something still to improve on, Tim Cook.

3) Google Pixel and Pixel XL – Didn’t like it and still don’t like it (for my own personal usage) but it still stands as one of the elite devices of 2016 for it’s impeccable camera in all lighting, great software and hardware synergy, and amazing screen.  If it was, say, $360 cheaper, it could arguably be the best device of the year, in my opinion.

4) LG V20 – LG may not be winning in overall popularity among consumers, but year-on-year, they keep cranking out gems.  The V20 does not deviate from that.  The secondary screen continues, and the battery life would make anyone pleased, so another great one from the South Korean maker.

5) OnePlus 3T – Yes, OnePlus devices have finally peaked above the budget threshold.  It was always a matter of time, but the company continues churning out the best “bang-for-your-buck” phones.  A whopping 6GB of RAM, impressive all-day battery life, all inclusive cellular connectivity, dual-sim capable, and sleek design are propelling Carl Pei’s baby to the head of the class in the industry.  For someone who still likes rooting and rom-ing, OnePlus is your ticket to paradise, so pack your bags, we leave tonight.

6) Motorola-Lenovo Moto Z Phones- Modularity done right is a truly splendid thing, and this was done right (take notes G5).  Motorola-Lenovo continues its grasp of fantastic designs and innovations, and I’m excited for what they will showcase in 2017.

7) Xiaomi Mi Mix – Bezzle-less?  Yup, bezzle-less display!  Truly, I don’t know if anything else needs to be said.

8) HTC 10 – So HTC dropped the “One” moniker and the front facing speakers, but kept the smooth, aluminum unibody figure, while improving both software and hardware performance. Still, something was missing from this one, as I could never call it a true “flagship” device, nor worthy of daily driver material.  But the once left for dead company finds itself resurfacing towards relevance….continue that climb young one!

9) HP Elite x3 – Everyone who knows me, or reads my articles, knows I have a certain soft spot in my heart for Windows devices.  Enter the HP Elite x3, a device that got right what the Lumia 950 got wrong.  The hefty $649 price tag keeps this from being an easy recommend, but from performance to style, this was a hot device.

10) Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe – When the heck did Asus phones get above $300?  Well, this was a year of exceptions, and the Zenfone did not escape those nasty clutches!  I loved testing this devices, as the pillars making a great device were present, but the only pillar I could not accept, the $659.99 price tag.  Much like I stated about the Pixel phones, a steep price reduction would put this in “must buy” territory.

BEST BUDGET SMARTPHONES
1) ZTE Axon 7 – I was over the moon in love with this device and still am (review still coming in a 6-months after format).  Great battery with quick charge capabilities, phenomenal audio experience, great screen quality, fantastic call quality, and outlandish RAM capacity makes this my past, current and future daily driver for awhile.  At the consumer-friendly $379.00 off-contract, you are getting a flagship-like experience for budget-like bucks.

2) ZTE ZMAX Pro – Get the crown out because ZTE cemented itself as most improved manufacturer of the year banging out two elite phones at pauper prices.  The ZTE ZMAX Pro, much like the Axon 7, shares a pleasurably unique user experience with little-to-no sacrifices. Being T-Mobile and MetroPCS exclusives knock down its rating from a potential top placing, but we can hope for the unlocked version, making this a must by for 2017.

3) Alcatel OneTouch Idol 4s – If a girl, or guy for you ladies, can cook, clean, hold you close, buy you presents, and care for you on those down days; they are a keeper.  The same can be said about the Idol 4s, as the attractive build, nice user interface, decent battery, came packaged with a Incipio case, screen protector, JBL Headphones, and VR headset for the low price of $399.00.  Idol 4s, will you marry me? For all you Windows junkies, she has a cute sister too (Idol 4s Windows).

4) Huawei Honor 5x – Building off their Nexus 6p inspired success in the Western Hemisphere, Huawei launched the Honor 5x budget device at CES earlier this year, and what a launch it was. Nice processing power, dual-sim capable, impressive call clarity, and a fingerprint sensor on a sub-$200 device made this an early recommend.  Even today, at retailer discounted prices, I still feel this is one of the better phones of the year.

5) Xiaomi Mi Note 2 – Xiaomi seemingly will be one of the best manufacturers we may never hear about in the US.  Churning out another wonderful device in the Mi Note line was a foregone conclusion for one of the top sellers in China, and during my testing, I was suprised by the zippy iPhone-esque clone.  Again, its radios are tuned for Asia and Eastern Europe, but for a Wi-Fi only device, you could do no wrong getting this.

6) Nextbit Robin – The startup company hoped on making waves in 2016, but instead, sales indicate merely a belly-flopping thud.  Currently going for as low as $179.99, a device sporting a now, only 2-generation old capable processor, front facing speakers, fingerprint sensor, and acclimating cloud storage, this falls in the great budget finds of the year.

7) Huawei Honor 8 – The Honor 8 was the Kat Dennings of phones.  It had the most amazing curves, glorious backside and magnificent display jammed into a nice little frame. But the user experience was more like Cait Jenner, as it was marred by poor (and that is being polite) battery life and and a quirky EMotion user interface.  That being said, if you value style, and a stunning one at that, over substance, the Honor 8 is for you.  And currently going for $299.99 with extras, it’s priced for us all.

8) Motorola-Lenovo Moto G4 and G4 Play – These probably would have fallen in the upper-tier of phones…six years ago, but for 2016, the sub-1080p display and lower-end processors were overcome by the immaculate battery life and zippier than expected performance.  Factor in a price tag under $200, and you just found the recipe for a happy entry-level device or a great backup device.

9) LeEco Le Pro 3 – I wanted to use a Pepe Le Pew pun but I shall refrain.  This newcomer in the US market has been turning heads with its first, yet quality offering.  The launcher and its layout prove problematic for Android experts, but slapping on a new launcher, you have something fabulous all for under $279.99

10) LG K7 – Debuting in January, my initial thoughts were this was merely replacement or interim phone material, but after my testing period, the Snapdragon 210-enabled device performed well above its specs.  Accompanied by LG’s stylistic and durable design for under $100.00….I smell a winner!

My father used to tell me, find the humor in a bad situation.  So folks, I bring you the new category for this year…

MOST ENTERTAINING SMARTPHONES…FOR THE WRONG REASONS

1)  Samsung Galaxy Fireball f/k/a Galaxy Note 7 – Was it going to start a fire or not?  Was it going to singe the hairs on your crotch or legs?  “Probably” was the answer for both these questions, and because of that, it was the most entertaining device of the year.  You may go for your nightly slumber only to wakeup and run screaming for the exits. But you must admit, any phone requiring you keep a fire extinguisher and some burn compound handy makes for good times.

2)  LG G5 – WTF?!?!  I know what LG was attempting, finally making the long awaited modular devices a reality, but this turned into a hot mess from jump.  If the G5 was a person, she would be that one girl who shows up at a party with a combed over weave, purple top with lime green skirt, and some knock off Jordan’s….like I said, a HOT MESS!

Well everyone, that concludes the top smartphones of 2o16.  Tell me what you think in the comments section, whether you agree or disagree.  Thanks and stay tuned for more!

Confessions of an OS Adulterer

Posted on by ja3techreviews

For anyone who gazes upon this, I write this as a humbled man here to confess my sins.  Over the past two years, I have been cheating on my significant other, and I come before you to tell my story.  It all began when I was in my twenties, and much like any other tech noob, I was a wet-behind-the-ears little punk jumping from flip phone to flip phone.  Never a clue, nor understanding of where I was going, or what the future held.  But then I meet “her”, Android, and my life was forever changed.

It was a cold winter’s night in 2010, when I came upon her, and like any gorgeous woman, she stole my heart from the onset.  We met at Club Cliq, located at the corner of Motorola and Qwerty.  Now, I had frequented this joint for sometime; hell, I remember when it used to be called Club Razr, but the owners decided to upgrade, and the name change came along.  However, this was far from the old days, as this was the night my life would be different going forward.  I strolled in like a boss, with my game in full effect, checking out the honeys.  Everyone who was anyone was there that night!  Droid X was pulling mad girls, as he was the “big boy” of that day, and the crowd was hyped as DJ Atrix was layin’ down some serious tracks.  And that’s when it happened.  I could see her standing in the corner, those luscious Apps and silky performance, just beckoning me.  I walked up to her and gave her my best lines, and she was digging it.  Anyone could see she was totally into me, and right off the bat she let me know I wasn’t just any guy.  After a few minutes of talking, she looked me in my eyes and said, “Please call me Cupcake, all my friends do.”  Right then I knew love was on the horizon.  We ditched that joint, as she was about to take me on a ride across a world previously unknown to me.

Shortly after leaving Club Cliq, Android took me to this fancy place called The Samsung Spot.  Hours passed as we sat and drank, but after awhile she looked to me and said, “This place is a little cartoonish and the drinks are way too saturated, wanna go someplace else?”  And like any guy falling head-over-heels, I gazed at her with admiration and said, “Wherever is fine with me, as long as I’m with you!”  We enjoyed each others company until the sun finally came up.  It was then she turned to me and whispered, “I like you. Any chance we can do this again?”  My heart fluttered and I could barely hold myself back when I blurted, “I don’t want this to end…wanna go back to my place?”  She stared at me for a moment, finally bringing herself to say, “I would love to.”

From then on we were inseparable, with people saying we were attached at the hip (thanks to my belt clip).  The days went by too fast but our love kept growing.  We matriculated from the beloved Cupcake days to the period I like to refer to as the Kit-Kat years.  It seems like yesterday, when I marveled at her wearing this beautiful Nexus 5 outfit from the fabulous designer, L.G.  It was so gorgeous, and made me fall in love with her all over again.  Truly, we had the beginnings of a beautiful life together.  She knew she was my one and only.

But as time went on, Android began to make me feel like I was secondary, and that’s when our love began to fade.  She was going through a lot, I could tell, as we endured her whole “Material Design” phase.  It was hard for me, because the Kit-Kat girl I was madly in love with was losing her identity.  No longer the dark, mysterious girl I pined for, she was becoming more mainstream, more light-themed, like she wanted to be the girl everyone else wanted.  Things were changing for the worse, I wasn’t sure if they would ever go back to the way they were.

A few months went by and things were reaching their breaking point, and that’s when I bumped into her at the local electronics store, and by her I mean temptation.  Normally, a plastic-like girl such as her would not appeal to me, but remember, I was a lonely man.  She came up to me and said, “Hey, my name is Windows, but you can call me Denim.”  I started to tell her my named, but she stopped me and replied, “I know who you are!”  We casually talked for a few moments, but I found myself becoming more and more intoxicated by her lure.  Oh, and she was smart, she was like a computer as she had so much pertinent information ready at a glance.  She was so seductive and already had me in her web.  I left that day without her, but I couldn’t get her out of my mind.  She had sown the seeds of seduction and I was ready to partake in its forbidden fruit.

Three months later, I came back to that store, hoping I would see her again.  Sure enough, she was there, waiting for me.  She gazed at me and uttered, “I knew you’d come back.”  Like a nervous schoolboy, I tried to form words, but nothing came out.  Finally, I was able to say, “Windows, you know I’m in a committed relationship with Android, but I can’t stop thinking about you.”  She replied, “I know…so this is our little secret!”  It was that day I was to succumb to desire, as we began our secret affair.  I felt bad juggling two women like this, but Windows expressed she would eventually make me forget about Android.  The days turned to months, as our tawdry affair continued.  This vivacious vixen was so devious she would make me call her Cortana.  And sometimes, when we were alone, I would ask her, “So, Cortana…Who’s your daddy?” to which she would coyly reply, “Technically, Bill Gates is my father…”, but I knew the truth!  Eventually, as is the case, Android walked in as Windows and I were texting, in the very house we made.  It was a dramatic day, but the charade needed to be brought to light.

Android was understandably hurt and I tried to console her by stating it meant nothing.  But the damage was done!  Weeks went on and we barely spoke, until she said we needed counseling, but things could never go back to the old days.  Dr. Brownlee of the MKBHD Clinic attempted to repair our union by trying to rekindle what first bonded us, but she was different, I was different, we were different.  He kept reminding us things will get better, and that we’ll be able to multi-task in the “new version” of our lives, he so appropriately dubbed the “N” years; for “new” beginnings.  I knew he was right, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Windows; I was hooked!  I couldn’t wait for the day I could wrap my hands around her.  It’s wrong, I know, but desire knows no limit.

Funny and pun-laced story aside, as a reviewer, I am blessed to evaluate some great devices across the Android, iOS, and Windows platforms.  In 2014, I was presented the opportunity to review the Nokia Lumia 635, and it was far better than I expected, given its budget price tag!  Was it the most premium feeling phone?  NO!  Was it the fastest phone I ever used?  NO.  Did it have the best Apps Store?  Heck NO!  But up to that point I had never used a Windows device, and let me tell you, I was thoroughly impressed.  It was the simple things like a very user friendly keyboard, integration with components on my windows-based desktop, and the overall fluidity of the OS, that captivated me.  After talking to a fellow reviewer, he advised me these, and other features, are just as enticing on higher-end offerings.  Then, last year, I reviewed the Microsoft Lumia 640, 640 XL, and 950 XL.  Although, there were significant bugs with Windows 10, I saw lots of promise for the platform, and I loved using Windows 8.1.  Many reviewers assert Windows is dead, but I think the last few years have shown a re-dedication to make Windows a significant force in the mobile world.  Don’t get me wrong, I love how interactive and user-friendly Android is, but I could see myself ditching my Nexus devices and OnePlus Two for a high-end Lumia devices one day.  If you haven’t tried one, just buy one of the cheaper Windows phones, like the 640 or the new 650 and see what you think.  You might be surprised and begin a sinful affair with Windows.  But don’t worry, I won’t tell your current OS.