Cam Bunton

• Android
• Samsung
• smartphones
• Qualcomm
• snapdragon 820

Qualcomm: Rumors of Snapdragon 820 overheating are not true

Cam Bunton Oct 29 2015 - 4:00 am PT

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A couple of days back, rumors emerged claiming that Samsung was working hard to deal with heating problems found while testing the Snapdragon 820 processor in its upcoming Galaxy S7. Although it’s similar to the rumors surrounding the SD810 last year, it was still surprising. Qualcomm stated earlier in the year that its next processor has enhanced performance and efficiency. A stance which the manufacturer was keen to repeat on Weibo having seen those Samsung rumors:

Some recent media reports about Xiaolong 820 rumors performance is not real news.Xiaolong 820 processor all IP modules are to achieve improvement and enhancement, and the use of second-generation 14-nanometer manufacturing process. Xiaolong 820 reached all our design specifications. More importantly, the Xiaolong 820 OEM manufacturers to meet the requirements of its terminal cooling and performance specifications

Qualcomm is no stranger to controversy surrounding the performance of its mobile processors. Last year, the Snapdragon 810 was dropped from the Galaxy S6 before launch, allegedly due to overheating problems. (Qualcomm denied those reports too.) Even devices that shipped with the chip had to under-clock them to deal with the problem, forcing Qualcomm to ship a revised edition. This was a major factor in Qualcomm’s disastrous year. A lack of confidence in new Snapdragon processors, and the rise of competitive lower-priced chips forced the company to make drastic cuts.

The Snapdragon 820, like its predecessor, is facing controversy even before it’s launched, and that’s not good news for Qualcomm. Even if the rumors aren’t true, it won’t do much to inspire confidence in the brand and could lead to a rise in orders from companies like MediaTek and Intel.

• Android
• Motorola
• smartphones
• camera
• DROID Turbo 2

Moto DROID Turbo 2 has surprisingly good camera according to DxOMark

Cam Bunton Oct 28 2015 - 9:24 am PT

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Yesterday, during the announcement, Motorola claimed its new DROID Turbo 2 has a fantastic camera. While we’re skeptical to take the manufacturer’s own word for it, DxOMark seemingly agrees. Having put the Turbo 2’s snapper through its paces, DxO awarded it with 84 points, putting it in joint third position with the Nexus 6P. In short: Motorola finally made a good camera.

Breaking it down, the Turbo 2’s still photos were similar to those on the LG G4, Xperia Z3+ and Galaxy Note 4, but its videos were surpassed only by the Xperia Z5. DxO notes that its images in good light are fantastic. Its autofocusing is exemplary, as is its exposure, contrast and color control. In lower light conditions, its performance drops a little (as you’d expect) and, while white balance is generally good, it does apparently have the tendency to make whites look a little pink at times.

It’s a similar story with video too. It’s great all-round when shooting in good light. It tracks objects and focuses well. But in lower light, it struggles with autofocus and noise a little. On the plus side, it’s good at adapting when light levels and scenes suddenly change.

All in all, it seems we may finally have Motorola phones on the market which don’t force you to compromise on the camera to gain the rest of its selling points. It may not be the best camera on the market, but it’s nothing like as bad as previous generations.

• Android
• Nexus 5
• smartphones
• Nexus
• display

Some early Nexus 5X adopters complaining of ‘yellow’ screens

Cam Bunton Oct 26 2015 - 10:26 am PT

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The latest Nexus phones haven’t been out long, and yet it seems they’ve already caused the tiniest bit of controversy. A handful of early Nexus 5X adopters have been commenting for a few days on a growing Reddit thread, and it seems some units are arriving with a slightly warmer display. A number of commenters uploaded pictures comparing the white tones (which seem yellow) against other smartphones. The one that caught our eye, however, was user graffixnyc who uploaded pictures of a Nexus 5X side-by-side with another Nexus 5X.

What’s interesting here is that you’d expect the color gamut to be exactly the same on both phones, since it’s the same device. However, the Carbon (black) model’s screen was noticeably different to the Quartz (white) one.

It’s unclear as of right now exactly what the issue might be. One seemingly obvious explanation is that it has something to do with the curing process. We’ve seen it with other phone screens in the past, where the glue isn’t dried well enough under the glass, and so gives of a yellow-ish hue. Another explanation, perhaps, is that the different models have screens made by different manufacturers, or are produced slightly differently. There’s also a chance that this is a genuine fault, and if so, Google will need to deal with it.

There are a couple of commenters who spoke to Google reps who agreed to send replacements. Others were told that the 5X does have a ‘more yellow’ screen than previous Nexus phones, and that it’s not a fault, it’s just a slightly different color temperature.

Whatever the problem or solution may be, we’ve heard from someone with knowledge of the matter that Google is actively looking in to it. Let’s hope ‘looking in to it’ leads to a solution being found and Google making a statement of some kind in the near future.

• Android
• LG V10
• LG
• smartphones
• AT&T

LG V10 going up for sale at AT&T and T-Mobile this week

Cam Bunton Oct 26 2015 - 7:06 am PT

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Just a couple of weeks ago, LG announced the phone which will surely make any LG G4 owner ever-so-slightly envious. The V10 is, in many ways, what the G4 could, and should have been. Just in case you were holding on to find out where and when you can purchase LG’s latest flagship phablet, you’ll be glad to know that both AT&T and T-Mobile have announced plans to launch the phone this week.

AT&T confirmed on Twitter that it will begin selling the V10 from tomorrow, October 27:

[tweet https://twitter.com/ATT/status/658636376536125440 align=’center’]

According to the press release, you’ll be able to snag an ATT-flavored V10 for $249 on a 2-year contract from ATT.com. If a 24-month commitment isn’t what you’re after, you can also purchase the device on one of AT&T’s Next financing plans, starting at $23.34 per month.

T-Mobile, on the other hand, has announced that right from the off, it will be offering the V10 with a $100 discount. Starting on October 28 (Wednesday), T-Mobile will be opening online sales for the device at a full retail price of $599. On interest-free financing, that works out at $0 down and 24 monthly payments of $25. It’s the same deal on the company’s phone leasing program, JUMP! on Demand. Those interested can pre-register to be told when it’s available to buy, or just remember to hit the LG V10 page on T-Mobile’s site this Wednesday.

• Android
• Samsung
• Samsung Galaxy
• tablet
• galaxy view

Gigantic 18.4-inch Samsung Galaxy View tablet preemptively leaked, pre-order for $600

Cam Bunton Oct 26 2015 - 6:23 am PT

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After being leaked and rumored about for months, the huge Samsung Galaxy View tablet is finally available to pre-order. Adorama is taking pre-orders now, but hasn’t stated when customers should expect to receive their orders, but does state that any pre-orders placed will be shipped to customers on a first-come first-serve basis, and credit cards won’t be charged until the unit ships.

For $599, you’ll get an Android-based tablet boasting an enormous 18.4-inch full HD 1080p display. The Galaxy View runs Android Lollipop and is powered by the Exynos 7580 octa-core 1.6GHz processor. There’s 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage, which can be expanded up to an extra 128GB via MicroSD card. Other specs include a 5,700mAh battery, stereo speakers, Bluetooth 4.1 and a 2.1MP front facing camera.

Judging the device based on the promotional images being used to sell the Galaxy View, it’s clear Samsung sees this more as a secondary, portable smart TV screen you can move around your house:

Although specifications don’t exactly scream ‘flagship’, given that its primary use will be to watch Netflix, or any other video streaming service, it should easily be powerful enough to handle it. What’s more, 1080p resolution at a few feet away will still look pretty sharp.

Samsung isn’t the only company to see the need for big tablets this year. Ignoring the comparatively tiny iPad Pro, Alcatel OneTouch teased a 17-inch tablet dubbed the Xess, which it’s expected to reveal in more detail at CES next year.

• Android
• OnePlus
• OnePlus 2
• smartphones
• Leaks

OnePlus X pricing seemingly leaks as OnePlus 2 invite expiration is extended

Cam Bunton Oct 26 2015 - 2:54 am PT

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OnePlus’ next handset has been the subject of many a post in recent days and weeks. Dubbed the OnePlus X, one of the only things we’ve been unclear on is the price. We’ve known all along that it won’t be a OnePlus 2 replacement, but rather, a more budget-friendly phone. A poster leaked by MyDrivers suggests the price will be 1699 Chinese Yuan, roughly $267 USD at time of writing…

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