smartphones

• 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
• 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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• Android
• Samsung
• smartphones
• China
• Galaxy On5

Mid-tier Samsung Galaxy On5 and Galaxy On7 launched quietly in China

Cam Bunton Oct 23 2015 - 3:49 am PT

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In an effort to claw back some market share at the bottom end of the market, Samsung has released a couple of new modestly-specced smartphones in China. With the rise of several Chinese brands offering great handsets at low prices, Samsung has to fight back. The Galaxy On5 and On7 are part of the the company’s attempt to put pressure on the likes of Huawei and Xiaomi.

There’s little here to whet the appetite of the spec-hungry tech fan. Both phones are equipped with similar components, the only real difference between the Galaxy On5 and On7 is the size. The On5 has a 5.0-inch screen, while the On7 has a 5.5-inch screen. Both share the same 1280 x 720 resolution TFT screens, giving pixel densities of 294ppi and 267ppi respectively. Inside, powering the phones, is an Exynos 3475 quad-core processor paired with 1.5GB RAM and 8GB of internal storage (expandable up to 128GB). There’s a 13MP camera on the back and 5MP camera on the front. Samsung’s page doesn’t give full specifications for the On5, but we’re assuming it doesn’t have the same 3,000mAh battery found inside the larger, 8.2mm thin, On7.

One interesting thing to note is the software installed on the phones. Samsung recently got in to trouble in China because of its insistence on pre-installing tons of bloatware which can’t be uninstalled. Because of this, the Samsung page for the On5 and On7 now detail exactly how much space the pre-loaded apps take up (all of which can be deleted). One of those apps, making its way to China for the first time is Samsung Milk , the Korean tech giant’s music streaming services.

No pricing information has been released yet, but given the specifications, it’d be very unlikely if the phones weren’t in the bottom end of the market.

• Android
• HTC One A9
• HTC
• smartphones
• iPhone 6

HTC chief: One A9 isn’t an iPhone clone, design will make its way across One M and Desire series

Cam Bunton Oct 22 2015 - 7:21 am PT

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The HTC One A9 has received a lot of attention over the past few weeks and months. Even before it launched, there were concerns that it would look a little too much like an iPhone 6/6s. Afterwards, the response has been almost unanimous. Even some of the most passionate Android fans and blogs seem to be of the opinion that the HTC One A9 looks like an iPhone clone, albeit one with a few ‘interesting’ differences…

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• Android
• Nexus 6P
• smartphones
• Huawei
• Xiaomi

Huawei takes #1 crown from Xiaomi in China after seeing shipments climb 81%

Cam Bunton Oct 22 2015 - 5:36 am PT

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According to data obtained by Canalys (reported by WSJ), Huawei became the largest smartphone maker in China, overtaking Xiaomi during Q3 this year. The smartphone maker’s shipments grew a huge 81% year-on-year, while Xiaomi saw its own shipments drop in the same period. It’s a significant achievement for Huawei, and marks the first time the company has been in top spot in China.

Although Canalys didn’t reveal exact sales figures for the third quarter, it did say that it will release a detailed report at the end of this month. It did note however that Xiaomi’s year-on-year drop in shipments is also a first, suggesting the two companies are moving in opposite directions.

It’s an interesting time for both companies. On the global scene, Huawei has seen its brand become far more recognizable over the past 12 months. Now, with the launch of the Nexus 6P and Huawei Watch, the manufacturer is on the cusp of becoming one of the ‘big brands’ in terms of sales and mindshare among consumers. In stark contrast, Xiaomi relies on sales in its homeland, China for its growth. With Huawei outperforming Xiaomi in China, and the Mi-makers not having a well-known brand outside Chinese borders, it could spell a slowdown in momentum for the once all-conquering Xiaomi. What’s more, Xiaomi is no longer the only company producing competitive phones at low prices. Brands like OnePlus, Oppo and Meizu are all producing similar devices.

While Xiaomi uses Chinese social media to create buzz in its home nation, Huawei has been far more active in its marketing abroad. What’s more, Huawei has its own sub-brand — Honor — which sells great value handsets in Europe offering performance and build quality that’s hard to beat at their price-points. Devices like the Honor 7, which we unboxed recently, offer a near-flagship experience for a fraction of the price.

• Android
• Nexus 6P
• smartphones
• Huawei
• pre-orders

128GB Nexus 6P now available for pre-order direct from Huawei

Cam Bunton Oct 21 2015 - 1:32 am PT

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For the first time since the Nexus range began, Google announced three storage models of its flagship Android range. The Huawei Nexus 6P would feature 32GB, 64GB and 128GB options priced at $499, $549 and $649 respectively. But, when pre-ordering the 6P, the highest storage option was a little tricky to get hold of. Availability in the US was already restricted to just Google Store and Huawei’s online store, and the latter only had 32GB and 64GB options in two colors.

While Huawei still only sells the aluminum and graphite options, you can now order either with 128GB internal storage. Customers pre-ordering the highest capacity model will need to wait until the end of November before their device arrives, but, there’s comfort in knowing that the highest storage Nexus 6P still costs less than the lowest storage iPhone 6s Plus. If getting the phone early is all that matters to you, ordering the 32GB and 64GB model gets you an early November delivery. If you really, really need it as soon as possible and don’t care about how much it costs, there are some overpriced listings on eBay already.

It is worth noting that there’s a significant difference between ordering from GetHuawei.com and from Google’s online store, in that the latter will get you a $50 Play Store coupon, while former won’t. Certainly something to consider.

• Android
• BlackBerry PRIV
• smartphones
• BlackBerry
• BES 12

This is how BlackBerry managed to secure Android with the PRIV

Cam Bunton Oct 20 2015 - 1:17 pm PT

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BlackBerry has long been (and likely will be for a while) one of the most secure communication platforms on earth. There’s a reason top government bodies, financial institutes and corporations still hand BlackBerry phones out to employees. Virtually everything about the phones is secure; from hardware and device management, to software and communications. With BES12 (BlackBerry Enterprise Services), the company also worked hard to bring similar protection to Android. This development was the groundwork which lead the company to launch its very first Android smartphone, the PRIV…

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• Android
• Moto X
• smartphones
• Verizon
• teaser

Verizon teases the DROID Turbo 2, will likely laud its drop-proof nature

Cam Bunton Oct 20 2015 - 12:25 pm PT

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Even before Motorola officially announced the Moto X Play and Moto X Style/Pure, the rumors surrounding the Lenovo-owned company’s new devices also included new DROIDs for Verizon. Since the launch, the evidence has been pointing towards a rebranding of the X Play as the new DROID Turbo, which perhaps explains the decision not to launch the X Play in the US.

While we’ve already seen a fairly official looking render leak, it doesn’t come more official than Verizon tweeting a teaser from its official handle. Today, the company posted a video clearly showing the design of the phone, as well as insinuating that it’ll be okay to drop on the floor, it can handle it. The tweet reads “introducing the perfect phone for imperfect people” before following up with “The new Droid is dropping soon”. Get the hint?

[tweet https://twitter.com/verizon/status/656505056116781056 align=’center’]

While the company is clearly focussing on the durability of the phone, it’ll be interesting to see how specs and performance are compromised, or if they’re not. While we don’t know a huge deal about the new DROID(s), it’s not likely to be a carbon copy of the X Play. The Moto X Play’s biggest turn-on is the huge 3,630mAh battery which can power through two days of moderate use on a full charge. In the past, the DROID Turbo and DROID Maxx series’ phones have had great batteries too, so we’re not expecting that to be any different this time around.

Verizon and Motorola will announce the new DROID phones at an event on October 27th, and we’ll be there in person to bring you coverage.

• Android
• OnePlus
• smartphones
• Leaks
• photos

OnePlus X photo leak shows white model for the first time

Cam Bunton Oct 19 2015 - 2:55 am PT

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We’ve seen plenty of rumors and leaks for the upcoming OnePlus X. The controversial Chinese Android OEM is expected to announce the new phone at an event in London next week. It seems this phone will be a direct replacement for the OnePlus One, offering some of the same specs as the original ‘flagship killer’, but in an updated form factor. A new photo leaked over on Chinese social media site, Weibo (found by GizmoChina), shows both black and white versions of the device side-by-side.

Up until now, only the black version of the phone had been shown in any leaks. With a white one likely to be on the way, it heavily supports the theory that this will, indeed, replace the OnePlus One at the bottom of the company’s product line. The image also suggests the back of the device will be all-glass, similar to the iPhone 4/4S, with a metal frame all around the device, with antenna bands.

Other specs we’re expecting include a Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB RAM and 16GB storage, as leaked previously by Chinese retailer, Oppomart. The OnePlus X will purportedly also feature a 5-inch 1080p display, measure 6.9mm thick and cost just $249 when it launches at the end of this month. Like many new non-Nexus phones, it’s likely the phone will be released with Android Lollipop (with the OxygenOS on top), rather than a Marsmallow-based operating system.

• Android
• Nexus 5
• LG
• smartphones
• Google Store

LG Nexus 5X is now available to buy

Cam Bunton Oct 19 2015 - 2:34 am PT

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Having unveiled its latest pure Android devices a few weeks ago, Google has finally made one of them available to buy today. This morning, the LG-made Nexus 5X went on sale in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, India, Korea and Japan and is available to buy direct from Google’s online store, as well as other retailers, depending on your location. The phone comes in black, white or ice blue and in 16GB or 32GB storage options for $379 and $429 respectively in the US.

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• Android
• smartphones
• Leaks
• Alcatel
• evleaks

Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL leaks ahead of T-Mobile launch

Cam Bunton Oct 17 2015 - 9:49 am PT

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Alcatel OneTouch has come from nowhere of this past twelve months and has become a brand-name synonymous with cheap products with decent specs. The OneTouch Idol 3 was something of a hit once it launched earlier this year, and is still a popular phone among consumers looking for an entry-level smartphone with great performance.

Now, it looks like the company is set to launch a new phone. The OneTouch Fierce XL is coming to T-Mobile, and is purportedly going to be available in both Android and Windows Phone flavors…

The information comes via well-known leaker, Evan Blass who tweeted the image of the two phones above earlier today.

[tweet https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/655311609947009024 align=’center’]

It’s safe to say that pricing and specifications will be on the low side. A previous tweet from Evan suggested the device will feature a Snapdragon 210 processor, 5.5-inch 720p display, 16GB storage, 2GB RAM and a 2,500mAh battery. Based on that information alone, the one stand-out feature should be battery life. With a 720p resolution display, getting the phone to last 1-2 days with a battery of that capacity shouldn’t be too difficult.

These specs match up pretty well with what Alcatel and T-Mobile have partnered on in the past. The carrier often stocks budget-friendly phones and tablets made by Alcatel OneTouch, and they’re almost always really affordable. In fact, last year, the company was virtually giving away tablets to anyone who signed up for one.

With the holiday season fast approaching, we can imagine the carrier pushing this as a stocking stuffer, and perhaps first smartphone for kids.