July Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014

We’re finally done with the month of July and that means a quick look at all the reviews we’ve finished last month. This includes the LG G3, ASUS Zenfone 5 and 6, Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II, Acer Aspire Switch 10, and a Tegra Note 7 tablet. Take a look at our Gadget Reviews Roundup for the month of July.

ASUS Zenfone 5

zenfone5-02

With almost nothing to complain about, the ZenFone 5 is one of those phones that say “premium but affordable devices are possible”. Hardware and software combined, the ZenFone is very polished. However, we do have a few gripes with the overall performance, and we’re hoping an update comes to fix that, but apart from what we mentioned, this is one affordable smartphone that’s greatly put together.

Lenco BTS-110 Bluetooth Speaker

Lenco BTS-110(web)

Truth be told, the Lenco BTS-110 doesn’t bring anything new to the table that we haven’t seen on other Bluetooth speakers in the past. That is not to say though that it’s not worthy of your time and money, I mean the sound output alone, not to mention the lack of distortion even at high volume, is worth more than half of the price of admission.

We think that the subpar sound range is somewhat forgivable considering its price and the fact that it is a portable speaker, not a full-sized sound system. Still, we think that audiophiles will not give this speaker a second look, but its portable size and acceptable sound performance may just be enough to win over the casual listeners.

Lenovo A526

Lenovo A526 Main (Web)

Despite of its relatively cheap price tag (Php5,999), we still feel that some consumers, especially those who are very paricular with the specs, will have a hard time grabbing the Lenovo A526 off the shelves because there are other handsets in the market with roughly the same price tag but has a better specs than this. However, the not-so-nitpicky crowd should give this handset a second look because it offers decent battery life and good overall performance without breaking the bank.

Acer Aspire Switch 10

switch10_1

To conclude, the Acer Aspire Switch 10 is an embodiment of what a new netbook should be. It has a great build, portable design, affordable price tag, and capable of multiple modes – a feature that is mostly found on more expensive laptops. Based on the pros, users like businessmen, travelers, students, and other professionals who need to do some work on the go will definitely appreciate what the Switch 10 can offer.

LG G3

lgg3-reviewphilippines

It is equivocally apparent that the LG G3 is a huge jump from its predecessor. It’s better, faster, meaner, bolder — a fitting upgrade to LG’s strong position in the flagship arena. If not for the slightly reduced battery life, we would not have any reason or qualms about not putting it ahead of the pack. It’s a drawback that has been traded against that super-clear and gorgeous display.

Don’t get us wrong. It’s still one of our top contenders and we’re impressed with the over-all results but, as they say, it’s close to impossible to really have it all in one device. Yes, it’s that close to perfection.

Homecare Fly One Tegra Note 7

TegraNote7_full

After having the Tegra Note 7 for a couple of weeks, we could say it’s not the best 7-inch tablet in the local market today. The issues of build quality, screen resolution, and speakers are to be considered when purchasing this Tegra 4 powered tablet. The good-old Nexus 7 (2013) is still the best option but it does not have a stylus and the exclusive Tegra-enchanced games. If you need Tegra 4 and a stylus for digital sketching, then you may purchase this tablet with sleeve included at Reeco for Php12,499.

Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II

Canon G1X Mark II(web)

The Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II is a good all-around compact camera that can take pictures with impressive quality and the addition of wireless functionalities further expands its capability beyond photography. However, we still think that users deserve something more for their money, particularly better battery life and improved video recording capabilities.

ASUS Zenfone 6

ASUS_Zenfone6_3

During our entire time with the Zenfone 6, it proved to be a joy to have around. The camera’s UI isn’t blazing fast but you can do so many things with its features and effects. Its spacious 6-inch 720p display also makes it enjoyable to watch videos and play games. ZenUI’s new look is definitely refreshing and makes navigation generally a breeze. For Php11,995, you get a well-built device, beefy internals, and impressive display best for multimedia usage.

The post July Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014 appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

July Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014

We’re finally done with the month of July and that means a quick look at all the reviews we’ve finished last month. This includes the LG G3, ASUS Zenfone 5 and 6, Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II, Acer Aspire Switch 10, and a Tegra Note 7 tablet. Take a look at our Gadget Reviews Roundup for the month of July.

ASUS Zenfone 5

zenfone5-02

With almost nothing to complain about, the ZenFone 5 is one of those phones that say “premium but affordable devices are possible”. Hardware and software combined, the ZenFone is very polished. However, we do have a few gripes with the overall performance, and we’re hoping an update comes to fix that, but apart from what we mentioned, this is one affordable smartphone that’s greatly put together.

Lenco BTS-110 Bluetooth Speaker

Lenco BTS-110(web)

Truth be told, the Lenco BTS-110 doesn’t bring anything new to the table that we haven’t seen on other Bluetooth speakers in the past. That is not to say though that it’s not worthy of your time and money, I mean the sound output alone, not to mention the lack of distortion even at high volume, is worth more than half of the price of admission.

We think that the subpar sound range is somewhat forgivable considering its price and the fact that it is a portable speaker, not a full-sized sound system. Still, we think that audiophiles will not give this speaker a second look, but its portable size and acceptable sound performance may just be enough to win over the casual listeners.

Lenovo A526

Lenovo A526 Main (Web)

Despite of its relatively cheap price tag (Php5,999), we still feel that some consumers, especially those who are very paricular with the specs, will have a hard time grabbing the Lenovo A526 off the shelves because there are other handsets in the market with roughly the same price tag but has a better specs than this. However, the not-so-nitpicky crowd should give this handset a second look because it offers decent battery life and good overall performance without breaking the bank.

Acer Aspire Switch 10

switch10_1

To conclude, the Acer Aspire Switch 10 is an embodiment of what a new netbook should be. It has a great build, portable design, affordable price tag, and capable of multiple modes – a feature that is mostly found on more expensive laptops. Based on the pros, users like businessmen, travelers, students, and other professionals who need to do some work on the go will definitely appreciate what the Switch 10 can offer.

LG G3

lgg3-reviewphilippines

It is equivocally apparent that the LG G3 is a huge jump from its predecessor. It’s better, faster, meaner, bolder — a fitting upgrade to LG’s strong position in the flagship arena. If not for the slightly reduced battery life, we would not have any reason or qualms about not putting it ahead of the pack. It’s a drawback that has been traded against that super-clear and gorgeous display.

Don’t get us wrong. It’s still one of our top contenders and we’re impressed with the over-all results but, as they say, it’s close to impossible to really have it all in one device. Yes, it’s that close to perfection.

Homecare Fly One Tegra Note 7

TegraNote7_full

After having the Tegra Note 7 for a couple of weeks, we could say it’s not the best 7-inch tablet in the local market today. The issues of build quality, screen resolution, and speakers are to be considered when purchasing this Tegra 4 powered tablet. The good-old Nexus 7 (2013) is still the best option but it does not have a stylus and the exclusive Tegra-enchanced games. If you need Tegra 4 and a stylus for digital sketching, then you may purchase this tablet with sleeve included at Reeco for Php12,499.

Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II

Canon G1X Mark II(web)

The Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II is a good all-around compact camera that can take pictures with impressive quality and the addition of wireless functionalities further expands its capability beyond photography. However, we still think that users deserve something more for their money, particularly better battery life and improved video recording capabilities.

ASUS Zenfone 6

ASUS_Zenfone6_3

During our entire time with the Zenfone 6, it proved to be a joy to have around. The camera’s UI isn’t blazing fast but you can do so many things with its features and effects. Its spacious 6-inch 720p display also makes it enjoyable to watch videos and play games. ZenUI’s new look is definitely refreshing and makes navigation generally a breeze. For Php11,995, you get a well-built device, beefy internals, and impressive display best for multimedia usage.

The post July Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014 appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

July Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014

We’re finally done with the month of July and that means a quick look at all the reviews we’ve finished last month. This includes the LG G3, ASUS Zenfone 5 and 6, Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II, Acer Aspire Switch 10, and a Tegra Note 7 tablet. Take a look at our Gadget Reviews Roundup for the month of July.

ASUS Zenfone 5

zenfone5-02

With almost nothing to complain about, the ZenFone 5 is one of those phones that say “premium but affordable devices are possible”. Hardware and software combined, the ZenFone is very polished. However, we do have a few gripes with the overall performance, and we’re hoping an update comes to fix that, but apart from what we mentioned, this is one affordable smartphone that’s greatly put together.

Lenco BTS-110 Bluetooth Speaker

Lenco BTS-110(web)

Truth be told, the Lenco BTS-110 doesn’t bring anything new to the table that we haven’t seen on other Bluetooth speakers in the past. That is not to say though that it’s not worthy of your time and money, I mean the sound output alone, not to mention the lack of distortion even at high volume, is worth more than half of the price of admission.

We think that the subpar sound range is somewhat forgivable considering its price and the fact that it is a portable speaker, not a full-sized sound system. Still, we think that audiophiles will not give this speaker a second look, but its portable size and acceptable sound performance may just be enough to win over the casual listeners.

Lenovo A526

Lenovo A526 Main (Web)

Despite of its relatively cheap price tag (Php5,999), we still feel that some consumers, especially those who are very paricular with the specs, will have a hard time grabbing the Lenovo A526 off the shelves because there are other handsets in the market with roughly the same price tag but has a better specs than this. However, the not-so-nitpicky crowd should give this handset a second look because it offers decent battery life and good overall performance without breaking the bank.

Acer Aspire Switch 10

switch10_1

To conclude, the Acer Aspire Switch 10 is an embodiment of what a new netbook should be. It has a great build, portable design, affordable price tag, and capable of multiple modes – a feature that is mostly found on more expensive laptops. Based on the pros, users like businessmen, travelers, students, and other professionals who need to do some work on the go will definitely appreciate what the Switch 10 can offer.

LG G3

lgg3-reviewphilippines

It is equivocally apparent that the LG G3 is a huge jump from its predecessor. It’s better, faster, meaner, bolder — a fitting upgrade to LG’s strong position in the flagship arena. If not for the slightly reduced battery life, we would not have any reason or qualms about not putting it ahead of the pack. It’s a drawback that has been traded against that super-clear and gorgeous display.

Don’t get us wrong. It’s still one of our top contenders and we’re impressed with the over-all results but, as they say, it’s close to impossible to really have it all in one device. Yes, it’s that close to perfection.

Homecare Fly One Tegra Note 7

TegraNote7_full

After having the Tegra Note 7 for a couple of weeks, we could say it’s not the best 7-inch tablet in the local market today. The issues of build quality, screen resolution, and speakers are to be considered when purchasing this Tegra 4 powered tablet. The good-old Nexus 7 (2013) is still the best option but it does not have a stylus and the exclusive Tegra-enchanced games. If you need Tegra 4 and a stylus for digital sketching, then you may purchase this tablet with sleeve included at Reeco for Php12,499.

Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II

Canon G1X Mark II(web)

The Canon PowerShot G1X Mark II is a good all-around compact camera that can take pictures with impressive quality and the addition of wireless functionalities further expands its capability beyond photography. However, we still think that users deserve something more for their money, particularly better battery life and improved video recording capabilities.

ASUS Zenfone 6

ASUS_Zenfone6_3

During our entire time with the Zenfone 6, it proved to be a joy to have around. The camera’s UI isn’t blazing fast but you can do so many things with its features and effects. Its spacious 6-inch 720p display also makes it enjoyable to watch videos and play games. ZenUI’s new look is definitely refreshing and makes navigation generally a breeze. For Php11,995, you get a well-built device, beefy internals, and impressive display best for multimedia usage.

The post July Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014 appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

June Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014

It’s a new month again folks and we’re finally done with the first half of the year. It’s also time to have a quick look at all the gadgets we’ve fully reviewed last month which includes the Oppo Find 7a, Xiaomi Mi 3, Sony Xperia Z2, and the Cherry Mobile Ultra. Check out our 2014 Gadget Reviews Roundup for the month of June.

OPPO Find 7a

find7a-display

A good balance of nice, simple design and good hardware at an affordable price point makes the Oppo Find 7a an ideal flagship smartphone. It matches the configuration of many flagship handsets of other global brands at only 60-70% of their suggested retail price.

Cherry Mobile Ultra

Cherry Mobile Ultra

Despite of a few minor shortcomings, we think that the Cherry Mobile Ultra is one of the best bang-for-the-buck smartphones in the market. It’s got great looks to match its respectable specs sheet and its got LTE connectivity in tow which is certainly a huge plus for consumers who have LTE coverage in their area. Furthermore, its seemingly modest battery pack surpassed even our wildest estimate, thanks to its super-efficient Snapdragon 400 processor.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8 Main(web)

It’s the complete package. There’s not a lot of things that we can complain about the tablet; its got a marvelous display, its engine performs well even under heavy pressure, the camera is great and, to top it all, the battery life is very impressive. Needless to say, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is a keeper.

ASUS FonePad 7 (FE170CG)

ASUS FONEPAD 7 2014 (7)

For a price of just Php5,995, you get a really solid design with decent internals and a software experience that is almost unmatched. Not only does it have loud front-firing speakers and great battery life, it’s also a phone with dual-SIM functionality!

O+ Air

oair-display

The combination of a simple yet elegant design, a very slim profile and powerful hardware makes the O+ Air a desirable flagship handset. There are some shortcomings like 1GB of RAM instead of the expected 2GB or the small internal storage but those are compensated in other departments — like additional Sandisk microSD card or Sennheisser earphones.

Xiaomi Mi 3

mi3_1

At Php10,599, it’s definitely a steal especially for those who are in a tight budget. You now have the opportunity to own a smartphone with an amazing build, a gorgeous 5-inch Full HD display with Gorilla Glass 3, a powerful Snapdragon 800 CPU, a large 3,050mAh battery, and Android 4.4.2 KitKat, without breaking the bank.

Huawei Ascend G6

IMG_9668

At Php8,990, the Huawei Ascend G6 has decent specs, unique user interface, and premium look and feel. For those who feel that a lack of LTE connectivity is not a deal breaker, and are looking for a competitively priced and good looking smartphone, with a strong front camera, and good value for money, the G6 may be the phone for you.

Sony Xperia Z2

xperia-z2-review

It is no doubt that Sony has closely perfected the Xperia Z2, both in the design and hardware aspects. It is definitely gorgeous, plays well with other connected devices especially that of Sony, with a camera to be really proud of and the hardware performance to boot.

Cherry Mobile Omega Icon

Cherry Mobile Omega Icon (Web)

The Cherry Mobile Omega Icon serves as a proof that budget smartphones can be both beautiful and, at the same time, powerful. We were impressed by how well the Snapdragon 200 performed in light-to-moderate tasks and the fact that the processor doesn’t take too much toll on the smartphone’s measly battery.

The post June Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014 appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

June Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014

It’s a new month again folks and we’re finally done with the first half of the year. It’s also time to have a quick look at all the gadgets we’ve fully reviewed last month which includes the Oppo Find 7a, Xiaomi Mi 3, Sony Xperia Z2, and the Cherry Mobile Ultra. Check out our 2014 Gadget Reviews Roundup for the month of June.

OPPO Find 7a

find7a-display

A good balance of nice, simple design and good hardware at an affordable price point makes the Oppo Find 7a an ideal flagship smartphone. It matches the configuration of many flagship handsets of other global brands at only 60-70% of their suggested retail price.

Cherry Mobile Ultra

Cherry Mobile Ultra

Despite of a few minor shortcomings, we think that the Cherry Mobile Ultra is one of the best bang-for-the-buck smartphones in the market. It’s got great looks to match its respectable specs sheet and its got LTE connectivity in tow which is certainly a huge plus for consumers who have LTE coverage in their area. Furthermore, its seemingly modest battery pack surpassed even our wildest estimate, thanks to its super-efficient Snapdragon 400 processor.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8 Main(web)

It’s the complete package. There’s not a lot of things that we can complain about the tablet; its got a marvelous display, its engine performs well even under heavy pressure, the camera is great and, to top it all, the battery life is very impressive. Needless to say, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is a keeper.

ASUS FonePad 7 (FE170CG)

ASUS FONEPAD 7 2014 (7)

For a price of just Php5,995, you get a really solid design with decent internals and a software experience that is almost unmatched. Not only does it have loud front-firing speakers and great battery life, it’s also a phone with dual-SIM functionality!

O+ Air

oair-display

The combination of a simple yet elegant design, a very slim profile and powerful hardware makes the O+ Air a desirable flagship handset. There are some shortcomings like 1GB of RAM instead of the expected 2GB or the small internal storage but those are compensated in other departments — like additional Sandisk microSD card or Sennheisser earphones.

Xiaomi Mi 3

mi3_1

At Php10,599, it’s definitely a steal especially for those who are in a tight budget. You now have the opportunity to own a smartphone with an amazing build, a gorgeous 5-inch Full HD display with Gorilla Glass 3, a powerful Snapdragon 800 CPU, a large 3,050mAh battery, and Android 4.4.2 KitKat, without breaking the bank.

Huawei Ascend G6

IMG_9668

At Php8,990, the Huawei Ascend G6 has decent specs, unique user interface, and premium look and feel. For those who feel that a lack of LTE connectivity is not a deal breaker, and are looking for a competitively priced and good looking smartphone, with a strong front camera, and good value for money, the G6 may be the phone for you.

Sony Xperia Z2

xperia-z2-review

It is no doubt that Sony has closely perfected the Xperia Z2, both in the design and hardware aspects. It is definitely gorgeous, plays well with other connected devices especially that of Sony, with a camera to be really proud of and the hardware performance to boot.

Cherry Mobile Omega Icon

Cherry Mobile Omega Icon (Web)

The Cherry Mobile Omega Icon serves as a proof that budget smartphones can be both beautiful and, at the same time, powerful. We were impressed by how well the Snapdragon 200 performed in light-to-moderate tasks and the fact that the processor doesn’t take too much toll on the smartphone’s measly battery.

The post June Gadget Reviews Roundup 2014 appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.