Shipping estimates for the OnePlus One were updated today, reflecting higher consumer interest in the 64GB Sandstone Black version than the 16GB Silk White build. OnePlus One had previously planned on releasing a large batch of the 16GB model first, but is now reversing its decision and focusing on the 64GB build.
Higher interest in the 64GB model seems pretty obvious; the phone is already significantly cheaper than its competitors, and does not have expandable memory. For a perspective buyer who has decided on the OnePlus One ($250-$300) after comparing with the high-priced LG G Flex ($700) or Samsung Galaxy S5 ($600), choosing to pay $50 more to get four times the storage on an already well priced phone is hardly even a consideration.
OnePlus says that the Sandstone Black model will be available in “late May,” with the Silk White version to be offered at a later date. It may be that the 100 Silk White One smartphones to be given to winners of the controversial Smash Challenge will be the only Ones in the market for some time. It is also worth noting that the color and texture of the OnePlus One is up to the user, as OnePlus will release replaceable back covers in a variety of colors and materials.
Why didn’t OnePlus see this coming? Do you think OnePlus has a smart marketing team? How do you predict the OnePlus One will sell? Join the conversation below.
Rumors have been circulating about the highly anticipated Meizu MX4, successor to the popular MX3 smartphone. What we do know is that the phone is to be released in the second half of this year, and now thanks to a leak by a MX4 fan, we are able to see what the phone will look like.
The fan uploaded the striking concept photos yesterday in a MX4 forum. The photos confirm what many MX4 fans were expecting; a larger screen, ultra-narrow bezel, and the impressive Flyme UI developed by Meizu. Home screen photos show pleasing and unique pastel color schemes, and have left many fans wanting to see what the Flyme UI offers past the home screen.
Are you already a fan of the Miezu MX line? What makes the MX3 a great smartphone? Do you like the look of the Flyme UI? Let us know below!
Tech giant Samsung has a huge following and high expectations for new premium products like the Galaxy S5, while brand new Chinese manufacturer OnePlus is just entering the high-end Android market with its competitive flagship One smartphone. The smartphones are close in many respects; here are some of the pros and cons of each device.
Rumors have been circulating for some time on the design of the Samsung Galaxy S5, with many believing that the S5 would feature a re-design and make use of new materials like metal and composities in its construction. Samsung itself had even said that the S5 would be “different” than the S4, recognizing disappointment over the similarities between the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3.
The rumors have left many disappointed with the design of the Galaxy S5. It is clearly very similar to existing Galaxy S models, well-built and strong, but still features an uninspiring back panel of textured plastic. Samsung’s lack of true innovation in the handling and feel of their Galaxy series has put them behind their competitors.
Where Samsung has clearly innovated is in durability, offering certified IP67 water and dust resistance. This allows the phone to safely spend 30 minutes under half a meter of water if the ports are closed and panels securely fixed. There are indications that the phone can survive much longer than the guaranteed time.
OnePlus has released a unique looking smartphone which only slightly resembles the HTC One X. The One smartphone is made from magnesium and high-grade polycarbonate materials. It features a removable back panel which can be replaced with stylish replacements made of denim, bamboo, Kevlar and wood. It looks and feels clean and is without the typical chrome trim found on Samsung smartphones.
Samsung offers a superior display with Super AMOLED full HD 1080p providng 432ppi resolution on a 5.1-inch screen. The OnePlus One has a larger 5.5-inch screen, full HD 1080p resolution at 401ppi. Both screens are bright and colorful, the Galaxy S5 is just slightly more vibrant.
The OnePlus One can be bought in 16GB and 64GB versions, neither with a microSD slot. Samsung’s Galaxy S5 offers 16GB and 32GB versions, both with expandable microSD slots.
Connectivity capabilities are strong on both smartphones, each offering 4G LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, DLNA, NFC, GPS and microUSB. Samsung offers an infrared blaster as well as a MHL TV-Out.
Audio capabilities are stronger in the OnePlus One, which has stereo speakers mounted on the bottom of the device. Samsung’s rear facing single speaker provides average quality sound.
Batteries are replaceable only on the Galaxy S5, which is curious considering OnePlus One’s removable back panel. The permanent battery in the One is a powerful 3,100mAh compared to Samsung Galaxy S5’s 2,800mAh. Samsung offers a useful Ultra Power Saving setting which can stretch even a low charge to last a few days.
Memory supremacy goes to the OnePlus One, with 3GB RAM compared to the Galaxy S5’s 2GB. Both smartphones run Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 MSM8974AC quad-core processors running 2.5 GHz. These are both powerful smartphones, and OnePlus has made a strong move to debut their flagship smartphone with 3GB RAM.
Android 4.4 KitKat is used as a base OS by both smartphones. Samsung couples it with their signature TouchWiz UI layer, which is significantly simpler to use than previous Samsung UIs.
The OnePlus One uses the CyanogenMod 11S configuration which stays true to Android’s style in many ways.
OnePlus One has built a competitive phone, with a competitive 13MP, dual-LED flash with video capture up to 4k. Photos and videos from OnePlus indicate the capture setup on the One is high-end and functional. The Samsung Galaxy S5 has a 16MP camera with LED flash, and also boasts a Selective Focus mode which allows users to edit the focal point of photos after they are shot.
These phones are both on the leading-edge of Android devices, and users can expect to pay high-end prices for high-end technology. That is correct in the case of the Samsung Galaxy S5 which retails for $600. The OnePlus One however, is available at $300 with 16GB and $350 with 32GB. The most significant difference between the two smartphones is clearly price.
Oppo has just announced the mid-low end Yoyo R2001 in Malaysia. The MediaTek powered Android smartphone will help Oppo in developing markets in South East Asia and in the lower end Chinese market.
Featuring a 4.7-inch IPS touchscreen display, 1GB RAM and a 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6582M Quad-core chipset, the device is not short on capability. It comes with 4GB storage and expandable MicroSD card slot, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with Signature Oppo Color OS and a 1,900mAh battery.
The cameras can take functional photos with a 5MP rear and 2MP front camera with LED flash. Oppo has given the Yoyo R20013 3G, Bluetooth and WLAN capabilities. Other features include gesture operation, access to the O-cloud and enhanced app security. It comes in black and white.
Competition in the high-end smartphone arena is coming from an unlikely new challenger – UK retailer Tesco. Named the “mobe,” Tesco hopes that this affordable high-end Android device, featuring linked features only Tesco can provide, will take a big bike out of the UK smartphone market.
The Android mobe follows Tesco’s popular Hudl tablet, which sold 550,000 units of the bargain device. An updated version, the Hudl 2, will be released in September, and the new phone will be released before 2015 according to a statement today by CEO Philip Clarke.
In contrast to the low-end Hudl, the mobe is poised to take on the younger, high-end smartphone market, by offering 4G capability at a low price. Tesco apps for buying clothing and groceries, video streaming through Blinkbox and Tesco online banking separate the mobe from other devices as these are services only Tesco can provide. Another intriguing feature is the ability to scan and pay using the versatile new Android phone.
Tesco is looking at “multi-channel retailing” as a strategy to compete against bargain supermarkets that have bumped Tesco’s market share to a decade low. Tesco also hopes to leverage and bolster the consumer data already farmed with its Clubcard.
Whether you intend to buy the mobe or not, it’s competitive pricing and unique features will give the UK smartphone market a much needed shake-up.
Last year Huawei’s Ascend P6 has been met with enthusiasm around the globe for its sleek design. Not surprisingly, the Huawei Ascend P7 is gaining plenty of attention prior to its release. There have been numerous rumors and leaks released in the past few months. Photos of the smartphone device’s back panel were released in February, fueling rumors that the P7 would appear at the Mobile World Congress. It didn’t, but thanks to new leaks in April, there is a new set of photos below which answer questions about the smartphone’s design.
The leaked photos above were shared earlier today on Chinese social network Weibo. The shots showcase the new Ascend P7 from a variety of angles. The photos show that the P7 is a very thin handset, somewhat managing to take design cues from both the new Sony Xperia models and the iPhone 5S.
The glossy back panel features an intriguing design below the transparent glass. The power button on the P7 is similar to the OmniBalance design language used by Sony, and the software mimics the iOS with flat icons.
The hype on this smartphone is growing steadily, meaning we will hopefully be able to know every glorious detail in the near future. Until then, take a close look at the leaked shots and tell us if you think it could be your next smartphone.
Tech manufacturer Oppo has released the successor to their successful Oppo R1, the Oppo R1S. It features 4G LTE connectivity, 1.6Ghz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset, 16GB storage with microSD expansion and a 5-inch 720p HD diplay.
The device has a 13MP rear camera with the Exmo sensor from Sony and a 5MP front camera. It has a 2140mAh battery capacity and 1GB RAM. Like most other Oppo Android devices, it uses Oppo’s own Color OS with modified UI over the Android OS.
The Oppo R1S is now available in Blue and White on the Oppo Store. The device costs around 2,500 Yuan ($400).
The one of Chinese smartphone manufacturer, Xiaomi, is now outpaced Apple Inc. on market share during the first quarter of this year, and now Xiaomi is also ready to beat Samsung.
Xiaomi Mi3s new product conference is confirmed on May 15th, we look forward to the upgraded version comes Xiaomi Mi3.
Some new information is leaked about the Xiaomi Mi3s screen, Xiaomi 3S actually be using 5.5-inch screen with a 1080P display resolution.
Google Maps has released significant updates for Android and iOS. The major update is now version 3.0 on iOS and 8.0 on Android.
This newest generation of Maps has made major improvements in turn by-tun and offline navigation. The update will also help users navigate an evening out in a new city, with hotel, restaurant and bar hours/ratings/prices. Another useful feature is the interface with the Uber app, which allows users to weigh their options to walk, take transit, or summon Uber with just one click.
Google has streamlined their live navigation system, now using your speed to estimate arrival time and offering easy access to alternate routes. Improved lane guidance in certain countries will help users make their exits and turns on new roads.
Offline maps were added to Maps 7.0 but have not been seen on iOS. Users on Apple and Android can now make custom lists of crucial offline maps for areas with uncertain data connection. Cities can be saved easily in the application and assigned custom names for quick access.
More information can be found on Google Play and the App Store.
Pros
– Awesome image resolution. Though it’s not 1080P, you can’t really tell with bare eyes. The display is comparable to that of iPhone5 and One m7.
– Design. The overall HTC design is clean, simple, and slim. Even better than the renowned HTC One series.
– Superb processing power from its quadra core processor streamlines the Android 4.4 experience. Games like Temple Run runs smoothly.
-The sense interface. I feel like it’s a lot better than MIUI and SAMSUNG’s interface. Simple and easy to use.
-Love the News Clip Art. Sort out relevant news for me.
-The Calendar can be backed up. This function is a must for me
-sense5.5 is pretty stable with Android 4.4. No lagging or auto rebooting.
-The slideshow function in Camera app is pretty sleek.
-Surprising smoothness for 1.5 g RAM.
Cons
-The power button and volume buttons are not stable.
-The baked painting on the back cover is too oily.
-No gyroscope, though it’s rarely used anyways.
-The size is a little bit too big. I have to use both of my hands to hold it.
Summary
Though not a flagship phone, HTC 816 is worth its price. Higher-end hardware does not guarantee better experience. At 2000 RMB ($ 321), HTC 816 beats every other phone around its price tag.
Kyocera is now ready to launch their rugged smartphone, the phone is called as Kyocera Hydro Vibe, the phone will be has IP57 certification it’s mean the phone will has water- and dust-resistant body.
LG has make some wave this month, after we’ve covered the fews newas about leaked image of LG G3 smartphone, and now we got another leaked LG G3 image again.
Pros:
-Convenience. You don’t have to pick up your phone from your pocket to see who is calling. Especially gratifying when busy with work and clients.
-Battery Life. It’s pretty good. I only have to charge it every 3 days or so, and it takes at most 3 hours for it to fully recharge. If you use it only as a watch, I’d guess you can survive over a week without charging.
-Catchy. It feels good when you visit your relatives and everyone’s wanting to see your watch.
-Apps. There’re a variety of apps and they all run smoothly on this device. Can be used as a mini tablet.
Cons
-You have to use your phone if you don’t have Bluetooth earphones. I’d suggest Sony to add a mic and a front camera in the next model so that you can video chat more easily.
-Heaviness. 122.5 g is rather heavy for me.
-Thickness. I feel like it can be thinner.
Gold is growing in popularity as a color choice for smartphones. Apple’s iPhone 5s in gold has sold well, and HTC now sells a gold version of their One M8. For some, gold coloring is not enough, and thanks to companies like Goldgenie, you can now give your high-end electronics the true Midas’ touch.
To plate an HTC One M8 in 24-carat gold, Goldgenie charges $3225. The rose gold variation costs $3400, and platinum cost $3565. These prices are phone inclusive, if you already have a device and want it plated it will cost close to $1,700.
Other smartphones are also eligible to be plated by Goldgenie.
Leanvo has just announced two new Chromebook devices. They are the N20 and N20p, and unlike the upscale Thinkpad X131e, they are designed for the mainstream market.
The N20 will be available in July starting at $279 and the N20p will be released in August starting at $349.
Specs for the two models are largely the same, the only difference being the N20p features a touchscreen convertible design allowing users to use the Chromebook as a normal laptop or in stand-mode. The Chromebooks feature 4th –gen Intel Celeron processors, 16GB storage, 2GB RAM, and 11.6 inch 1366x768p displays. The Chromebooks feature Bluetooth 4.0, 2 USB ports, MicroSD and SD card readers and an HDMI-out. RAM is upgradeable to 4GB.
Leanvo has highlighted the eight hour battery life, integrated graphics and Intel Celeron processor as allowing users to quickly boot the Chromebooks and get down to work, or play, watching videos, video chatting in high definition, surfing the web and listening to music, without the need to plug in.
Transformer devices have been off the tech-radar for some time now, but may make a re-entry into the market with the new and improved ASUS PadFone device.
The PadFone began as a response to the laptop dock feature of the Motorola Atrix. ASUS countered with a device which was laptop, tablet, and smartphone in one package.
Laptop functionality has not been available on the PadFone for some time, but according to a leaked FCC document, ASUS is gearing up to reenter the all-in-one-device arena. The document features the “ASUS Mobile Dock Keyboard,” connected via Bluetooth.
Battery life may be an issue for constant travelers, since the new dock does not feature an extended battery. Others may appreciate the compact and sleek look of the new device. The dock features a 450 mAh battery pack for charging the Bluetooth radio and trackpad. There also doesn’t appear to be an SD slot on the dock, just a USB port to expand memory.
The new laptop dock is missing features from the original, namely the ability to charge a phone from the dock’s battery, but is an encouraging reentry from ASUS into the transformer device market.
China produces most of the phones around the globe. However, Apple and SAMSUNG occupies almost half of the market share, and there is very little room left for the local phone makers. While China has more than 1 billion clients in its mobile market, allowing potential growth for the local electronic industry, phones sold over the price tag of 3000 RMB ($481) can rarely compete with Apple or SAMSUNG.
Yi-duan Tech. is releasing OONE in the hopes of reaching the high-end smartphone market as a third choice besides Apple and SAMSUNG. The product went through one year of development and 4 trial runs in the hands of about 300 social elites, and it’s now ready to hit the market.
OONE One-O1 features ultra slim and lightweight design. Yi-duan says the phone’s 5.67 mm, weighs 99 grams, comes in blue, white, and black, and uses CNC router and double-sided Kang Ning third generation Gorilla glass. The new model is scheduled for sale early-May, but only 60,000 phones are produced in the first batch. The company is expecting the best and planning ahead for the worst—if the first batch failed to hit the market, the company is planning on giving them as gifts to high-end clients to promote the brand among social elites and prepare for the sales of the next model.
They are seems to be designed for the cell phone reviewers to make a review with an Iphone 6 before everyone else! It is said that iPhone 6 will have 4.7″ retina display and designed just like the latest iPod touch.
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