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July Gadget Reviews Roundup 2016

August 2, 2016August 2, 2016 Louie Diangson

July has been an exciting batch of reviews for us. Not only we have smartphones like the upcoming ASUS Zenfone 3 and Sony Xperia X Performance, but we also have smartwatches like the Moto 360 2nd-gen, PS4 game like Mighty No. 9, and high-end graphics cards like the ASUS ROG Strix 1080 and Zotac NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080. Without further ado, here’s our Gadget Reviews Roundup for July 2016.

FULL REVIEW

Sony Xperia XA

The Xperia XA is Sony’s most affordable offering from the new Xperia X family. It’s got the premium looks and feels and capable specs to along with it. There are limitations though like the lack of dual-SIM, inconsistent AF performance, and a small battery.

Starmobile Play Click

The Starmobile Play Click is your run-of-the-mill low budget smartphone. It’s got no bells and whistles but it’s an upgrade for those who are coming from the feature phone segment. If only a better TFT display was used, it could have a been perfect for those who are tight on budget.

O+ Venti

O+ has been releasing plus-sized smartphones as part of their offerings — we’ve seen the Grande take off a few years back, and now they are back to release the second-generation Venti. Packed with a good camera, decent battery life, and big screen size enough for multimedia consumption, it does not disappoint for a casual user.

Sony Xperia X Performance

All things considered, it seems that the Sony Xperia X Performance is a hit and miss. While it’s is indeed at the top of the product line of Sony for 2016, we felt they somewhat skimped on the hardware considering the asking price. Frankly, we were actually hoping for at least 4GB of RAM and the 4K resolution just like the Z5 Premium.

Samsung Galaxy On7

The Galaxy On7 looks like a good entry-level smartphone for casual users who are looking for a nice build and design, large display, LTE connectivity with dual-SIM, and above average battery life. It’s a hard sell though considering its asking price of Php8,990, given its limited RAM and internal storage.

Cherry Mobile Flash

Cherry Mobile’s strategy with the Flash is clear – offer a smartphone with high-end specs like 5.5-inch Full HD display, 16MP camera, Android Marshmallow, and LTE connectivity, then price it like an entry-level device. That’s a good strategy as it doesn’t have a lot of competitor in this price range.

Samsung Galaxy C5

At the end of the day, the phone is still a Samsung running Android and that’s not bad, it’s actually a great thing. Why? Android is still preferred by most users and you get an iPhone-like build (and inspiration) for a fraction of the price. The Samsung Galaxy C5 is being sold by Widget City for Php17,990 for the 32GB variant and Php19,990 for 64GB (see listing here).

Moto 360 (2nd-Gen) Smartwatch

Smartwatches nowadays are starting to become more and more appealing. Not only they pack wireless features and fitness monitoring, they also exude that premium look by sporting the classic design and feel of regular watches. The Moto 360 (2nd-gen) was able to incorporate all of that, making it more appealing to tech savvy users as well as those who have a strong affinity to elegant timepieces.

ASUS ROG Strix 1080 Graphics Card

Though we did not get perfect results for all the games we tested, a bit of tweaking of the video settings, perhaps changing the graphic settings a little below the maximum, the GTX 1080 has proven it can provide enough juice for a well-maintained, average PC to give you a near high-end gaming experience.

Alcatel IDOL 4S

The Alcatel IDOL 4S is definitely a step up from the successor in terms of design and performance. It now has a touch of premium build thanks to its glass and metal combination, vivid and detailed 2K display, speedy Marshmallow UI and decent battery life.

ASUS Zenfone 3

The Zenfone 3 (ZE552KL), packing a larger screen, bigger battery and RAM, and double the internal storage, is the beefier of the two. However, it also commands a higher price tag. If that is an issue, this is where the Zenfone 3 (ZE520KL) comes in. Although toned down, most notably in the RAM, storage, and battery departments, it is more affordable, making it accessible to budget-constrained consumers without sacrificing a lot.

Samsung Gear Fit2

The Gear Fit2 indeed provides its users a handful of information on a daily basis. From showing your heart rate during the most intense part of your exercise, logging your jogging route, how many flights of stairs you climbed, and even down to logging how many cups of water and coffee you’ve consumed for the day/week.

OPPO F1 Plus

In a world of 8MP front shooters, there’s one that stands out with a 16MP sensor on the front and it’s called the OPPO F1 Plus. Coupled with a great metal build, a good operating system, a nice AMOLED display, an insanely fast fingerprint scanner, and well-performing cameras on both sides, the selfie-centric smartphone from the Chinese tech giant is poised to stand out among those who love to take photos.

Zotac Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Amp! Extreme

There’s no doubt — the GTX 1080 itself delivers an astonishing gaming experience suitable for anyone especially for those who really wants their frame-rates cranking up to a hundred. The Zotac GTX 1080 Amp! Extreme is more than what the Founders GTX 1080 offers. Do we recommend this card? Yes.

QUICK REVIEW

Mighty No. 9

We think that saying Mighty No. 9 is the spiritual successor to the Mega Man franchise is too much. By having that on the subconscious of die-hard fans of the game, it simply sets the standards too high and gamers, then, expect a lot. Add to that Keiji Inafune being involved just raised the expectations further which the company, in general, failed to deliver.

VIDEO REVIEW

Huawei P9 Plus

ASUS ZenBook UX305LA

ASUS VivoBook Flip TP301UJ

Samsung 55KS7000 SUHD 4K LED TV

The post July Gadget Reviews Roundup 2016 appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

April Gadget Reviews Roundup 2016

May 2, 2016May 2, 2016 Louie Diangson

It’s a new month again, and that means we have a new batch of review units which includes the LG G5, Huawei P9, Elephone P9000, and Lenovo K4 Note. Check out our Gadget Reviews Roundup for April 2016.

FULL

Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Series Gaming Notebook

The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is a decent gaming device that doesn’t ask much. For Php59,990, you’ll get a very capable CPU and GPU for gaming, plenty of RAM for multitasking, as well as enough hard drive space for your multimedia files. It also has good speakers, backlit keyboard, and a large Full HD display.

Lenovo K4 Note

The Lenovo K4 Note is a decent upgrade to its predecessor. While there’s nothing spectacular about it, there’s nothing worst about it either. Perhaps the front facing speaker setup is its major selling point. For Php 10,699 SRP, it’s not hard to suggest it to those looking for a new smartphone.

Test Drive: Mazda3 2.0R Skyactiv Hatchback

From its sleek exterior that looks like it’s always ready to pounce, to its classy interior with premium grade leather and carbon fiber inserts, altogether make it a visually-stunning vehicle. Add to that its agile performance and at the same time fuel-efficient engine, and you’ve got a solid combination of features working to your advantage.

Huawei GR5

The Huawei GR5 is a decent phablet for the company’s mid-range category. It has a premium look and feel, good display, dual-SIM with dedicated microSD card slot, Fingerprint scanner, capable rear camera, and good battery life.

Huawei P9

The Huawei P9 is the kind of smartphone with a simple design and light body, yet attractive and easy to handle. The capabilities it offers its user in terms of imaging is undoubtedly impressive thanks to the dual rear cameras that produce images that are crisp, detailed, and natural. Plus, its monochrome mode positively adds a bit of drama to any shot.

Dell XPS 13

The Dell XPS 13 is the kind of device with a sleek design, thin and light body, gorgeous Infinity Display with Quad HD resolution and very thin bezels, and great performance that most are looking for in an ultrabook.

Lenovo Vibe X3

After being able to use the Vibe X3 for a week, we can say it’s able to give the Lenovo the pride to have a flagship worthy handset. Although, the SRP of the 32GB variant the Philippines has is quite steep at Php 22,099 but then, you’re getting an inspiring handset with top specifications.

Elephone P9000

After using the Elephone P9000 for about a week, we can say it’s a decent smartphone overall. Its design gives it a sophisticated impression, the power it has is a feat for its price, and it has good optics which what most users want. For Php11,499, the handset gives you more compared to other manufacturers in the market.

ASUS VivoBook Flip TP301

The VivoBook Flip TP301UJ, with its bending display, offers a lot of choices where you can use it. It could be something that you use alone to work on (laptop mode), but also could be a collaborative device that you and someone else could access — either when sitting down (tent mode) or while walking (tablet mode).

ASUS VivoWatch

The ASUS VivoWatch is different from the ZenWatch in a way that the former is for maintaining an active and healthy personal lifestyle, while the latter is more of a smartwatch for the fashion-oriented as it begs to be flaunted and displayed.

Cherry Mobile Alpha Prime 5

It’s simple, it’s affordable, and it simply stands out over other devices offered along the Php3,999 price it’s asking for. The device has Windows 10 which may be ridden with a few bugs but generally is a joy to use for everyday activities — the camera is decent, the display is good, and sound quality is great.

Elephone S1

The Elephone S1 is the kind of smartphone that looks good outside but disappointing inside. Not to mention the software bugs that will make any buyer regret his/her purchase. Sure it doesn’t ask much at Php3,999, but it’s going to be a hard sell considering that our local brands have offerings that have better specs at the same price.

QUICK

Promate 240 Indoor Power Station

The Promate 240 indoor power station is a handy tool to have around. It’s compact and light enough to be brought to places where no power sockets are around, it has useful features that come in handy like when the battery of your car dies or when you need to charge it using just the energy from the sun.

Harman Kardon Esquire 2

For those looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker to carry around and elegant enough to pass as a decor, then the Esquire 2 from Harman Kardon is a good choice. Its conferencing feature is also plus for business use, and while there’s a power bank capability, the battery capacity is quite low.

LG G5

In an age where every other smartphone looks and performs almost the same, it’s very hard to distinguish one flagship from the next. LG’s approach with the G5 is quite interesting and a first of many. The modular design offers a slew of possibilities and while the current available modules are the LG Cam Plus and the HiFi Plus, LG is opening this to 3rd-party developers and manufacturer to expand the functionality and features of the G5.

Neo Vivid V21W

For Php 11,995, there’s not much to expect from the Neo Vivid V21W. It’s more of a netbook that we used to have before but with a little more power. It would do for basic browsing, typing, and video playback, but that’s about it. We’re in the day of tablets with good keyboard accessories that poses a threat to this kind of small notebooks, so if you’re into the classic laptop style, there’s no harm in having one.

The post April Gadget Reviews Roundup 2016 appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

November Gadget Reviews Roundup 2015

December 1, 2015December 1, 2015 Louie Diangson Leave a comment

And just like that, we’re done with another month. And since it’s already December, let’s welcome this month with a recap of all the gadgets we’ve reviewed. This includes the Sony Xperia Z5, Huawei Mate S, Lenovo Vibe P1, and Alcatel Flash 2. Check out our Gadget Reviews Roundup for November 2015.

Full Review

iON Adventure Action Camera

The iON Adventure, although with somewhat outdated specs, still proved to be a handy device for short and casual shooting with its impressive video quality but might not be the best option for its price. We liked that it could also double as a dashcam but I personally would rather have a good action camera and just get a cheap dashcam if I wanted to have both.

HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3635

The HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3635 retails for Php 4,499 with a black and a tri-color cartridge included. Like most HP Ink Advantage printers, the printer is costlier than the competition but the original cartridges cost are cheaper. In the long run, it will be a great investment.

ZUK Z1

Combining a minimal yet mixed look and a software well-integrated to perform, the ZUK Z1 is poised to stand up against the competition as a bang-for-the-buck device. At Php15,299, you get to have a smartphone capable of offering great performance with good battery life and added features in tow.

Huawei Mate S

The Huawei Mate S has got everything you will need in a flagship smartphone — beautiful design and build quality, impressive performance, great camera, good battery life with a few extra sprinkles of goodness. Definitely better than the Mate 7 and just an inch ahead of the P8.

Lenovo Vibe P1

It’s difficult not to like the Vibe P1. It has a premium build with an attractive design, generous quality display, good CPU and RAM that can manage light to heavy tasks, good camera, fingerprint scanner, a slew of connectivity features, and a large 5,000mAh battery. It’s basically a tank! And you get all that for Php14,999 which is not bad.

LG G4 Beat

While most mid-range devices having 2GB of RAM, the LG G4 Beat only has 1.5GB. It could be just us nitpicking but for Php 12,990, we expected better. Nevertheless, LG was able to deliver in terms of design. The smartphone definite has good looks with average performance.

Sony Xperia Z5

The last time we considered an Xperia handset as the best smartphone of the year was back in the very first Xperia Z. This time around, the Xperia Z5 has all the makings of a strong flagship handset plus a few bells and whistles. It’s elegant, gorgeous and packs a mean punch.

Sony Xperia Z5 Compact

The Sony Xperia Z5 Compact is one of the most powerful pocket-friendly phones in the market today, and that could mean a price tag that would be as high as its AnTuTu benchmark score. It’s still an expensive phone despite being cheaper than the Z3 compact when it first launched last year. At Php29,990, the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact is a great buy for those looking for a smaller alternative to the Xperia Z5.

Infinix Hot Note

To conclude, the Infinix Hot Note is not the type of smartphone that will dazzle you with its design or features. What it is offering to the consumers is a smartphone that can last you up to two days and can handle the most important tasks even gaming without breaking the bank.

Alcatel Flash 2

For just Php 6,190, you’ll get an Android smartphone offering LTE, quality HD screen, and superb build. The camera might not perform well in all scenarios but it is acceptable given the price of the device. If you’re a first time smartphone buyer or looking for a new mid-range device for your awaited upgrade, the Alcatel Flash 2 is definitely a good buy.

Neo Shift N81

The Neo Shift N81 is the kind of dual-booting tablet that also wants to be a 2-in-1 convertible tablet. In concept, it is very likable, it has a decent screen real-estate, 3G connectivity, capable hardware spec, portable build, pre-loaded with Windows 10, and already has a keyboard dock included. And it doesn’t cost much at Php8,999.

Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3

The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is that kind of smartphone that not only looks good but also performs well. It is a solid multimedia device thanks to its 5.5-inch Full HD display and loud dual-front facing speakers. The Snapdragon 615 octa-core CPU and 2GB RAM can keep up with different types of users – light to heavy. Not to mention, it’s bundled with a smart watch.

Quick Review

Huawei G8

If you’re looking for a smartphone built with premium quality at Php17,990, a price range that’s less than that of the flagships, the Huawei G8 can surely deliver with an all-metal unibody, a good performance, and a great camera. The elegance it exudes from the build and aesthetics alone does justify the price tag, and can surely compete along with other new contenders in the mid-range wars.

The post November Gadget Reviews Roundup 2015 appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

October Gadget Reviews Roundup 2015

November 2, 2015November 2, 2015 Louie Diangson Leave a comment

Just a month to go and it’s December. So if you’re looking for gadgets to buy for yourself or as a present for someone else then check out our Gadget Reviews Roundup for October. This includes the Apple iPhone 6s, ASUS Zenfone 2 Deluxe, Lenovo PHAB Plus, Cherry Mobile MAIA Smart Tab, Sony Xperia C5 Ultra, and Vicovation Vico-Marcus Dash Cam.

Apple iPhone 6S

Apple’s new iPhone 6S might look the same as last year’s model but there are lots more on the inside that might convince fans to grab the latest one like 3D Touch and better front and rear camera. Apple did not stop there and introduced a totally new Rose Gold color as well.

ASUS Zenfone 2 Deluxe

The Zenfone 2 Deluxe is a testament that the company can still push the envelope and deliver better performance than the ZE551ML which is already a solid performer. With a more attractive look thanks to its unique back cover and storage space that will give you freedom from worrying whether you have memory left, the Deluxe is a great handset to have around and will no doubt handle the tasks you throw its way.

Lenovo PHAB Plus

With the PHAB Plus, Lenovo tries to solve a problem for a consumer who wants to experience the best of both worlds in a single device. The PHAB Plus looks and works just like a regular smartphone yet has a display large enough to be accepted as a tablet, and it’s good in playing both roles, too.

iON Air Pro 3 Action Cam

The iON Air Pro 3 is a decent action camera to have around — it shoots videos with vibrant and crisp images, has a tough housing, and (in our opinion) looks more “action ready” than the GoPro’s square form factor.

Cherry Mobile MAIA Smart Tab

The MAIA Smart Tab is a really enjoyable and modest companion that doesn’t ask much. For Php4,999 you now have a device that runs Windows for the times you need to get some work done, and Android for when you need to take a break and play.

Sony Xperia C5 Ultra

With its big display, great selfie camera and wide connectivity suite, the Xperia C5 Ultra is one of the decent phablets in the market today. Although, its price tag of Php 17,990 is not that attractive. If Sony could just lower its prices, especially when they now use MediaTek processors, maybe they can sell more smartphones.

Starmobile Knight Elite

The Starmobile Knight Elite exudes some of the best qualities of a phone that users are looking for – good display and performance, dual-SIM with LTE connectivity, and a nice build and design. For Php9,990, the Knight Elite won’t break the bank for users who are looking the features mentioned.

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua

The Xperia M4 Aqua is a good choice for those who are looking for a smartphone that packs a punch but not heavy in the pockets. It has a good display, performance and camera, nice build and design, IP-certified body, and a decent battery life.

Vicovation Vico-Marcus 4 UHDR Dash Cam

Vicovations’s Vico-Marcus 4 is one dashboard camera that gives good concentration towards picture quality but doesn’t fall short on what it’s made for. Its 160-degree wide-angle lens combined with the 21:9 ratio gives off details that reveal more than what other cameras could show.

ASUS ZenPad S 8.0 Z580CA

The ZenPad S 8.0 is, without a doubt, the best and more beautiful yet affordable Android tablet Asus has ever made even beating the ones they made for the Google Nexus program in terms of design and performance.

Western Digital My Cloud Mirror (Gen 2)

The Western Digital My Cloud Mirror (Gen 2) proves to be a very useful and effective device for those who need to manage tons of files. For casual users, it liberates you from depending on an external hard drive and takes the load off smartphones and tablets with limited internal storage. Heavy users like photographers, graphic artists, and video producers can take advantage of features like automatic file backup, password protection, and multiple storage modes.

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