Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom

Asus Zenfone 3 Zoom - Huge battery and superior camera

Asus has been on a launching spree this year, as it flooded the market with tons of phones under the Zenfone 3 branding, the latest of which, the Zenfone 3 Max was launched recently in India. Now there are new rumors that suggest that a new Zenfone 3 Zoom (ZE553KL), maybe just around the corner.

Specifications of Zenfone 3 Zoom

• The Zenfone 3 Zoom will likely feature a 5.5 inch Full HD (1920x1080p) 2.5D AMOLED display and is protected by Gorilla Glass 5
• Powered by a 64-bit Qualcomm octa-core Snapdragon 625 processor, clocking in at 2.0 GHz, along with the Adreno 506 GPU.
• There are chances that the phone might launch in three different variants, the first being 2GB RAM/ 16GB storage, second with 3GB RAM/32GB storage and a 4GB RAM/ 64GB variant. Apart from the inbuilt memory options, the handset will also host a memory card slot to increase the storage capacity.
• The main highlight of the ZenFone 3 Zoom is a dual-camera setup on the device. On the rear, you get a 12MP Sony IMX362 sensor with 25mm wide-angle lens and f/1.7 aperture along with a dedicated 12MP, 56mm lens for 2.3x optical zoom. They both have 1.4nm pixels. OIS and EIS are on board too, along with 4K video capture. Autofocus time is claimed to be 0.03 seconds, even with a moving subject, thanks to three different focusing modes: Dual Pixel phase detection, laser, and continuous. The front facing camera is rated at 13MP.
• Meanwhile, ZenFone 3 Zoom is a smartphone targeted at mobile photography enthusiasts. Encased in an aluminum body, the ZenFone 3 is claimed to be the lightest and thinnest phone featuring a 5,000mAh battery. It is only 7.9mm thick and weighs in at 170 grams.
• The Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). Sensors on the phone include Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gyroscope.

The Zenfone 3 Zoom still has a main camera with optical zoom like its predecessors called Zenfone Zoom from last year. However, this time around Asus went with the dual-camera solution, thus the magnification is just 2.3x compared to 3x in the original Zenfone Zoom. Like in the Apple  iPhone 7 Plus. , the new device's lenses work together to create the bokeh effect that blurs the background of your pictures while keeping the subject in focus.

Lenovo Phab 2

Lenovo Phab 2

The Phab 2 is not the same as the Phab 2 Pro; the latter is the Google Tango-enabled smartphone. In India, Lenovo has already launched the Phab 2 Plus, but there’s no word on when the Project Tango phone will be heading here.

Specifications of Lenovo Phab 2

• The Lenovo Phab 2 features a 6.4-inch IPS LCD display of HD resolution with a pixel density of 229ppi. 
•  Performance wise it boasts of a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT8735 processor, assisting it is a 3GB RAM,  32GB internal memory, expandable memory up to 128GB with microSD and Mali-T720 GPU.
• For imaging, Lenovo Phab 2 sports a 13-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and PDAF while there is a 5-megapixel selfie camera with an 85-degree wide-angle lens. Lenovo has also claimed that the Phab 2 comes with augmented reality (AR) effects in the camera app. The handset comes with 3 mics to record audio and also supports noise cancellation.
• The Lenovo Phab 2 offers a wide range of connectivity options, such as hybrid SIM slots, 4G, Wi-Fi with hotspot tethering, Bluetooth v4.0, GPS and USB connectivity. It lacks a fingerprint sensor, a pretty standard feature for a device of its price but contains several other sensors such as proximity, light, accelerometer, compass and gyroscope. The device is powered by a nonremovable 4,050 mAh li-polymer battery.
• The Phab 2 smartphone measures 175x88.5x9.6mm and weighs 225 grams. On the software front, the phablet runs on Android Marshmallow 6.0 and is preloaded with apps like McAfee Security, Netflix, and SwiftKey among others.

The Lenovo Phab 2 is a smartphone with a huge display, commonly known as a phablet. Despite its enormous screen, the device retains a respectable picture quality and comes in a fully metallic body, offering a premium look and feel. It is configured with good performance features and comes preloaded with latest Android OS which makes it even more appealing.

Best Buy Links

Flipkart

Lenovo Phab 2 (Champagne Gold, 32 GB)  (With 3 GB RAM)

Lenovo Phab 2 (Grey, 32 GB)  (With 3 GB RAM)

KODAK EKTRA - DSLR like Smartphone 

After an unsuccessful attempt with the Kodak IM5, the iconic camera company is now trying its luck to make a new mark in the smartphone market with the launch of the Kodak Ektra. Unveiled in October, the Kodak Ektra smartphone is set to be launched first in Germany on December 9.

The smartphone has been manufactured by a UK company called Bullitt Group by licensing Kodak's IP. The big highlight of EKTRA is its unique design and the huge camera lens at the back with DSLR-like features. The smartphone's large rear sensor protrudes out of the smartphone significantly, but a slight curve design at the bottom looks to balance things out at surface level. Furthermore, the lens has a metal ring for protection

Specifications of Kodak EKTRA

• Kodak Ektra features a 5-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) display with 441ppi pixel density.
• It is powered by a 2.3GHz Helio X20 deca-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM. The smartphone offers 32GB of inbuilt storage with the option to expand further via a microSD card slot.
• As for the camera, the Kodak Ektra sports a 21-megapixel fast-focus rear sensor with OIS, f/2.0 aperture, PDAF, and dual-LED Flash. There's an additional 13-megapixel front camera with f/2.2 aperture and PDAF for selfies and video chats. DSLR modes include Smart Auto, Portrait, Manual, Sports, Bokeh, Night-time, HDR, Panorama, Macro, Landscape, and 4K Video Capture. There's also an Advanced Manual mode that allows users to adjust exposure, ISO, focal length (Manual/Auto), white balance, shutter speed, and aperture (fixed f2.0 main camera).
• In software part, the device runs on Android Marshmallow. Furthermore, it packs a 3000mAh battery, supports USB Type-C charging, and measures 147.8x73.35x9.69mm.

The Kodak Ektra comes with a preloaded app called Print that lets you order physical copies of the pictures as well. It has a widget that recommends many photo-editing apps like Prisma and Adobe Lightroom, but the one installed by default is Snapseed. The Kodak Ektra is definitely a niche smartphone, but for photography nuts, it just might prove to be one of the best cameras on a smartphone that we've seen yet.

The camera-focused smartphone is priced at EUR 499 (roughly ₹36,000) and will be made available on Amazon, Media Markt, Ringfoto, Saturn, kodakphones.cBm, and notebooksbilliger.de for purchase, according to Android Authority. Starting January 16, the Kodak Ektra smartphone will be sold through carrier Deutsche Telekom as well. The handset will launch in other countries too. Notably, the Kodak Ektra price in India is not yet known, nor whether it would launch in India at all.

Xiaomi Redmi 3S and 3S Prime

Xiaomi Redmi 3S and 3S Prime - The best budget handsets

Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime

Xiaomi Redmi 3S

Xiaomi has taken a different approach for the Indian market this year as it launched three smartphones catering to three different price segments, form factor as well as consumer needs. The most popular of the lot has been the Redmi Note 3 and at the time of writing this, it is arguably the best smartphone to buy under Rs 15,000.

The company launched its fourth handset a few days back called the Redmi 3S. It’s targeted at consumers who want the best performance but have a tight budget of under Rs 10,000. The smartphone comes in two variants and we took the high-end model, the Redmi 3S Prime, for a spin. Here’s what we thought of it.

Specifications of Redmi 3S and Redmi 3S prime

• The Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime flaunts a 5-inch IPS LCD HD (720 x 1,280 pixels) display and has a pixel density of 294ppi.
• Under the hood, there are two quad-core processors (1.4 GHz Cortex A53 + 1.1 GHz Cortex A53) coupled with  Adreno 505 graphics engine.
• 2GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard storage for Redmi 3S with hybrid sim slot.
• 3GB of RAM, 32GB of onboard for Redmi 3S Prime with hybrid sim slot.
• The camera department comprises a 13MP f/2.0 aperture camera with PDAF and a LED flash and at the front, there is a 5MP unit with a f/2.0 aperture.
• The device is fuelled by a 4,100mAh li-polymer battery (with fast charging support) which can last 2 days with moderate use without charging
• Both variants possess is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, USB OTG, FM, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). 
• Sensors on the phone include Compass Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gyroscope.
• It measures 139.30 x 69.60 x 8.50 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 144.00 grams.

The Xiaomi Redmi 3S Prime and  Redmi 3S have an excellent main camera which produces crisp and beautiful photos even for moving objects. Coming to performance, the well built configured set can face all types of multitaskingHigh-end games such as Asphalt 8, Modern Combat, Plants vs Zombies etc run at ease. The fingerprint sensor is quick to respond and the battery backup is nevertheless very good. Only if hybrid SIM is not a big criterion, then this completely suits you.

Best Buy Links

Flipkart

Redmi 3S (Gold, 16GB )

Redmi 3S (Dark Grey, 16GB )

Redmi 3S (Silver, 16GB )

Redmi 3S Prime (Gold, 32GB )

Redmi 3S Prime (Dark Grey, 32GB )

Redmi 3S Prime (Silver, 32GB )

Vivo V5

Vivo V5 - For selfie freaks

Vivo has introduced its latest V-series smartphone. The V5 is the successor to the V3 Max and makes its way with decent specifications. One of the important aspects of the smartphone is that it is aimed towards all selfie enthusiasts.  

The device looks similar to the V3 Max with a smaller display. Also, there is a fingerprint sensor which is integrated with the home button placed below the display. The rounded edges make the device easy to fit in the palm. The V5 is available in multiple colors. 

Specifications of Vivo V5

• The Vivo V5 flaunts a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels that results in a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch. The capacitive touchscreen, which is protected by v3 of Corning Gorilla Glass, responds well to multi-touch as well.
• At the heart, the smartphone features a couple of quad-core Cortex A53 processors, clocking speeds of 1.5GHz and 1GHz respectively. A chipset of MediaTek MT6750 and 4GB RAM ensures that you do not face any glitch while multi-tasking and high-end gaming. Further, a GPU of Mali-T860 MP2 takes care of the graphical interface with ease.
• Vivo V5 is complemented by the 32GB internal storage, which can be further expanded up to 128GB with the help of a microSD.
• The Vivo V5 houses a good pair of cameras, including a 13MP primary camera. The quality of the 4,128 x 3,096 pixels resolution images is further enhanced with the help of phase detection autofocus, ISO control, LED flash, high dynamic range mode, etc. The front camera too proves to be as good as the primary camera with a 20MP lens and LED flash, which turns out to be a blessing in disguise for all the selfie addicts and for the people who thrive on video calling.
• The Vivo V5 is a dual SIM (GSM and GSM) smartphone that accepts Micro-SIM and Nano-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, USB OTG, FM, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). 
• Sensors on the phone include Compass Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer and Ambient light sensor.
• The Vivo V5 runs Android 6.0.1 and is powered by a 3000mAh non-removable battery. It measures 153.80 x 75.50 x 7.55 (height x width x thickness) and weighs 154.00 grams.

Vivo is that one smartphone brand which has slowly, but surely, gained recognition, thanks to the number of flagship phones that has found a prominent place in the market. Same goes with the Vivo V5 as well. Though not a flagship device, this smartphone loaded with power-packed features, including an impressive configuration and great quality front cameras. So, if you are looking for a powerful smartphone with great cameras, this is probably the one you should be thinking about.

Best Buy Links

Flipkart

VIVO V5 (Crown gold, 32 GB)

Amazon

VIVO V5 (CROWN GOLD, 32GB) 

Sony NW-A35 Hi-Res Walkman - Available in India

Expanding its Walkman line-up, Sony India launched NW-A35 with high-resolution audio and long battery life in India. The high-resolution audio player comes as a follow-up to the NW-A25 that was launched at Rs. 13,990 in February, signaling Sony's continued stand on bringing out premium, high-resolution audio devices. Unlike the NW-A25 that was offered in a variety of color options, the NW-A35 is only available in Black.

Sony’s NW-A35 Walkman has support for wireless playback as well. It comes with S-Master HX digital amplifier. The Walkman is equipped with five POSCAP capacitors that strengthen the power supply for the S-Master HX digital amplifier in order to cut distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies.

It also has two clock oscillators to provide optimal modulation for the sampling frequencies of each content and thus improve sound clarity when listening to music, claims Sony. Sony’s new Walkman comes with a Digital Noise cancelling function, which constantly analyses environmental ambient sound and selects the most effective noise-canceling mode. Sony says this means a user doesn’t have to increase the volume when listening to music.

The NW-A35 Walkman weighs 98g and is Bluetooth and NFC-enabled so that one can connect wireless to their speakers or headphones. It also comes with 3.1-inch touch-screen and intuitive user interface with side keys for control. The Sony Walkman comes in a Black colour option.

The Walkman has a 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack audio output, and for sound enhancements it includes DSEE HX, Dynamic Normalizer, ClearAudio+, Clear Phase, DC Phase Linearizer, VPT, and 6Band equalizer.

The Sony NW-A35 Walkman promises to offer up to 45 hours of MP3 playback or 30 hours of high-res playback on a single charge. It takes approximately 4 hours of charging time over a USB port. The Walkman measures at 54.8x97.3x10.7mm in dimensions and weighs approximately 98 grams.

Supported Formats on the new Sony Walkman include: MP3, WMA, FLAC, Linear PCM, AAC, HE-AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, DSD 2.8224MHz. Dimensions of the device are: 54.8 x 97.3 x 10.7mm.

Specifications of Sony Walkman NW-A35

• Model Name - Walkman NW-A35
• Colours - Black
• Hi-Res Audio -Yes
• Memory Size - 16GB (NW-A35)
• External Memory - microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
• Digital Amplifier - S-Master HX
• Audio Output - 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack
• Output Power - (JEITA 16Ω/mW) 35mW＋35mW
• Display Size, Resolution - 3.1-inch, WVGA (800 x 480 Pixels)
• Bluetooth v4.2 (SBC, LDAC), NFC™, NFC
• FM Radio - 87.5 to 108.0 MHz
• Sound Enhancements - DSEE HX™, Dynamic Normalizer, ClearAudio+,
• Clear Phase, DC Phase Linearizer, VPT, 6Band equalizer, Noise Cancelling, Digital Noise Cancelling
• Language Study - Yes (DPC Speed Control)
• Battery Life - 30 hours with Hi-Res or 45 hours with MP3
• USB Charging Time is Approx. 4 hours
• Supported Formats - MP3, WMA, FLAC, Linear PCM, AAC, HE-AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, DSD 2.8224MHz
• Dimensions (W x H x D) - Approx. 54.8 x 97.3 x 10.7mm and Weighs Approx. 98g.

Best Buy Link

Amazon

Sony NW-A35 Hi-Res Walkman