Curious to know more about Samsung’s next big flagship phone? According toSamMobile’s trusted sources, the Galaxy S6 is codenamed ‘Project Zero’. Galaxy S6 will be the first 64-bit flagship from Samsung to sport Samsung’s Exynos 7420 or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 chip. It is evident that the GS6 will come with the colorful and enhanced Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box with 64-bit support.
The display is tipped to offer Quad HD goodness, although there isn’t any confirmation as to what size will the display be. The main camera will share the same image sensor of the impressive Galaxy Note 4, with 16MP or 20MP configurations and improved low-light performance. The front snapper will be at 5MP. Samsung is expected to carry on the same slim, metallic design of their new Alpha series into the GS6. SamMobile confirms that there will only be internal storage options of 32GB, 64GB and 128GB variants.
Samsung will start relying on their own LTE modems for the GS6, such as the Exynos Modem 333. Additionally, Samsung will use Broadcom’s BCM4773 chip that packs Bluetooth, WIFI and GPS along with reduced power consumption. Another tip shared is the presence of 3GB of RAM to support the 64-bit processor and OS. There are still more details to be learned, such as the thickness, weight, sensors, battery life and so on. So stay tuned!
For two years in a row, Apple has announced two new iPhones at the launch event. Last year it was the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C giving a very clear upgrade path for the power user but this year’s line up was much more interesting and exciting- and at the same time confusing for the power user. The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus are both incredible phones and deciding between them is not an easy task.
Let’s start with the size- the iPhone has always been easy to use with just one hand. With the new models, you’re now looking at two phones with much larger screen sizes. The iPhone 6 has the screen sized bumped up from 4-inches to 4.7-inches which makes it just borderline usable for someone like me with one hand. The iPhone 6 Plus on the other hand has a 5.5-inch screen, strictly making it a two-handed device.
For many who prefer the portability of the iPhone 5, one would assume that the 4.7-inch model is the preferred one but I know quite a few people that have the iPhone and an iPad and are looking to combine both devices into one so for them the iPhone 6 Plus is more appealing with the bigger screen size.
Besides the larger screen the other advantage the iPhone 6 Plus brings is the larger battery. On the iPhone 6, the battery size is 1810mAh which is slightly larger than the iPhone 5S that had a capacity of 1560mAh. What that means is that if couldn’t go through an entire day of using your old iPhone without charging it at some point, there’s a good chance that the iPhone 6 won’t change that.
The iPhone 6 Plus on the other hand has a 2915 mAh battery which is rather beefy. On paper, that’s over 60% more capacity than the iPhone 6 so theoretically speaking, if your iPhone 6 could get 10 hours, the iPhone 6 Plus should get your 16 hours. While I haven’t tested the iPhone 6 Plus, most reports on it state that the battery does last a long time- surely a day and for some, almost two days.
Besides size and battery, the last difference between the two devices, as far as hardware is concerned, is the addition of Optical Image Stabilization on the iPhone 6 Plus. OIS has been available on many phones and it helps against the shaking hands when using the camera which results in less blurry shots. Depending on the lighting condition, you could see some improvement with your photos on the iPhone 6 Plus but it’s not a deal-breaking feature because the camera on the iPhone 6 is pretty impressive.
So there you have it when it comes to hardware differences between the two new iPhones and hopefully you now have a clearer idea on which one to get. Both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus are available through du and can be ordered online with a special promotion of getting six months of free usage of one of their awesome plans.
The Galaxy S3 sold over 50 million units for Samsung worldwide which tells you that they did something right. So when it was time to introduce the successor, Samsung made a few tweaks such as the number of cores on the Galaxy S4 has doubled from four to eight. But that is just technology progressing, right? How about I tell you that the number of pixels on the screen has also more than doubled along with an increase in screen size. You’ll say that high-end phones are already moving in that direction. Would increasing the camera megapixel count from 8 to 13 impress you? No? An improved battery with a higher capacity? How about I tell you that Samsung has managed to do all that and yet decrease the size and weight of the device compared the Galaxy S3? Now that is something that might even leave the boys at Cupertino scratching their heads.
Packaged in a compact box, much like Samsung’s older phones, the Samsung Galaxy S4 I received came with a 2 amp charger that will charge the device faster, a USB cable and a headset with some extra earbuds- pretty much the usual set of accessories packed with most new phones.
The Galaxy S4 follows the design philosophy found on other recent Samsung products making it instantly recognizable as a Samsung product and overall the S4 is very much like the S3 in terms of design so if you liked the S3 you’ll love the S4. Measuring 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm and weighing just 130g, the Galaxy S4 is both thinner and lighter than the Galaxy S3. Samsung has used a polycarbonate bar that runs across the edge of the device that not only gives it a more premium look and feel over the Galaxy S3 but will also help protect the corners of the device.
There are some other subtle changes as well such as the slightly recessed screen which could possibly stop the screen from cracking if the S4 slips from your hands. Samsung has also punched a hole on the back cover where the speaker is placed and given it a slight raise to allow better sound output when the unit is laying on a flat surface.
Coming to the specs, the Galaxy S4 will be available in two flavors- one that is powered by the Qualcomm quad-core SnapDragon SoC and the other with a Samsung Exynos octa-core SoC. The model I am reviewing is the eight core version which, in benchmarks, destroys everything else we’ve tested. As you can see from the picture on the right, the Geekbench score for the Galaxy S4 is over 3600. To put things in comparison, the HTC One scored a little over 2800. Besides the processor, the other difference between the two models is that the SnapDragon version supports LTE while the Exynos works under 3G so you need to decide between a faster processor and a slower data connection or the opposite of that. Everything else about the two models is identical such as 2GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in storage and a 5” Full HD 1080P Super AMOLED display. Here is how they compare to the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the HTC One. The center of attraction of the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the 5” display- it is superb and looks more vibrant than either the Sony Xperia Z or the HTC One both of which also have 1080p panels. From the lock screen to watching movies, the S4 proved to be our favorite display with the Super AMOLED technology providing deeper blacks and great viewing angles. The display is also extremely sensitive and can be used with gloves. Samsung has also added ClearPad technology from Synaptics that can detect your finger from 2 cms above the screen which allows you to hover on the screen for different actions such as previewing through a video’s timeline.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 comes with the latest version of Android Jelly Bean 4.2 pre-installed which adds options like Daydream, expandable notifications and two-finger swipe down of the notification bar. On top of that Samsung adds their Touchwiz UI which is very functional and full of options that can be tweaked to your liking but not necessarily as slick to look at the new HTC Sense 5.
Options specific to the Galaxy S4 are also plenty. Samsung has equipped the S4 with nine sensors some of which have never been introduced in mobile phones such as a temperature/humidity sensor and Geomagnetic sensor. Through applications, these sensors allow the Galaxy S4 to perform a variety of jobs such as measuring temperatures or atmospheric pressure in the S Health. These apps are further enhanced when paired with what Samsung calls Appcessories- accessories that work with its apps such as S Band or the Flip cover.
Other cool apps on the Galaxy S4 are S Translation that translates your voice from one language to another and then reads out the translated language. This can come in quite helpful when you travel, however, languages present right now are either European or ones used in Far East with nothing from the region. Another interesting feature is Smart Pause that pauses the video you’re watching on your S4 when you turn your face away from the phone and resumes when you look back. I could not get this particular feature to work even though it was demonstrated to me by a Samsung rep at the launch event. What did work astonishingly well is smart scroll that can scroll pages by tilting your head up or down.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a 13 Megapixel camera on the back along with a 2 Megapixel camera on the front- both of which can work together and take pictures/videos simultaneously. This could help you record new places you’ve visited along with a visual commentary of yourself. The camera also supports recording audio clips along with photos but I think HTC has done a better job with Zoe on their HTC One. The quality of pictures taken from the Samsung Galaxy S4 are pretty amazing when there is ample light but in darker environments, the HTC One’s camera captures more light and detail. Also the lack of an Optical Image Stabiliser on the Galaxy S4 could result in shaky videos. Here are some sample shots produced by the Samsung Galaxy S4.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 comes with a battery with a capacity of 2600mAh which is a rather hefty battery for a phone of this size. Combine that with the power saving features that Samsung has built into the Super AMOLED screen and you have a battery life that is better than every other Android device I’ve tested in the same category as the S4. Where you’re generally left struggling for battery towards the end of the day with phones like HTC One or the Sony Xperia Z, the Galaxy S4 has no issues cruising along.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 doesn’t stray too far from the S3 in terms of the design. But when you look at all the technology that Samsung has packed into the Galaxy S4 without adding any more bulk, you can’t help but marvel at their engineering capabilities. And though some features like tracking your facial movements don’t always work as expected, they are very much helping in advancing technology forward. That is exactly what the Galaxy S4 is about. It gives us a peek into what the future of mobile computing is going to look like.
Priced at AED 2599, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the fastest phone we’ve tested with one of the best screens and an exceptional battery life packaged in a casing that is lighter than any of the phones it competes with.
The Logitech® Bluetooth® Multi-Device Keyboard K480 is designed for use with up to three devices, regardless of computing platform. Now, you can work on a report on your computer, and with the flick of the Easy-Switch dial, respond to a message on your smartphone or type a tweet on your tablet – all from the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480.
Cost: $49.99
G-DRIVE ev SSD
With a need for speed - take the power of the G-DRIVE ev SSDwith you. With extreme solid-state performance connected with USB 3.0, you’ll get transfer rates up to 400MB/s. The drive comes with 512GB of storage capacity and is compatible with Mac OS 10.6, Windows 7, 8 and Vista. It comes with a three-year warranty. Use it alone or with the G-DOCK ev with Thunderboltand experience up to 480MB/s for the ultimate flexibility and expandability that today’s creative professionals demand.
Cost: $499.95
Logitech Type-S
The Logitech Type-S is a thin and light protective keyboard case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and protects both sides of your Galaxy Tab S from accidental bumps, scratches and spills. Its built-in Bluetooth® keyboard and well-spaced keys provide a fast and comfortable typing experience. The dual-view stand caters to different activities from typing to reading to chatting online, and includes an auto-wake auto-sleep feature so that the tablet wakes when you open the case. The Logitech Type-S is also now available in bright red.
Cost: $99.99
Livescribe Echo Smartpen
The Livescribe Echo Smartpen allows you to record audio while you’re taking notes, and then play them back later. You can save and share interactive notes to your computer, iPad or iPhone via a micro-USB connector that also allows you to recharge your pen. The memory storage holds 400 or 800 hours of recorded audio, depending on the model, and includes an OLED display that makes it easy to navigate smartpen apps.
Cost: Starting at $169.95
SyrenPro
The SyrenPro is a wireless weather-resistant outdoor Bluetooth speaker with TrueWireless Stereo pairing, which lets you create your own stereo system wirelessly using two speakers. The speakers can be plugged into an electrical outlet or run by rechargeable battery for up to four hours, so you can enjoy your music anywhere. The speakers provide 360-degree sound, are weather/UV resistant, and work with most Bluetooth devices.
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Tablets are taking the world by storm. Just a few years ago they were an unknown for many people, but nowadays you've got more choice than you can shake a mildly agitated badger at.
And with choice comes decisions - difficult decisions. Do you eschew Apple's high prices, join the Android brigade and find the best iPad alternative? Or jump on board Cupertino's lovetrain, and use one of the most popular tablets on the planet?
Remember - the iPad 2 is nearly available to buy, as is the new iPad Mini 3(or iPad Mini with Retina 2, if you're getting really picky) so perhaps hold off that new tablet purchase for the next few weeks to check out what's on offer - or if the new Apple slates will force the cost of Android options down.
And for the budget conscious: the Tesco
We've made it easy for you and pulled together the top 10 tablets of the moment available in the UK.
It's a difficult process divining which place each of these excellent tablets should occupy in our list, so we take into account multiple elements including performance, battery life, screen quality and more.
Price plays a minor part, as does age: a tablet that's been replaced by a sequel will tumble down the rankings as you can get all the great features on a better slate.
If none of the top 10 tablets here take your fancy then head on over to ourtablet reviews pages, where you'll find in-depth reviews for many more models.
Let us know your thoughts on the top 10 (and whether you think we've got the order wrong) in the comment box below.
10. iPad mini
Apple's former CEO Steve Jobs famously slammed small tablets a few years back, leading many to believe the Cupertino-based firm would never dabble in the budget end of the market, but this model proved that wrong.
In terms of consistency in the tablet market Apple cannot be matched, as it still lays claim to the the top spot in our top 10, although the iPad mini is no longer the jewel in an already glistening crown - it's already been usurped by the upgraded Google Nexus 7 and its successor.
However, the new iPad mini 3 is nearly here. Don't buy this one now - it will probably go off sale really soon. If you must have it, the price will drop quickly at other retailers if you wait.
Quick verdict
When it landed we dubbed the iPad mini "the best iPad Apple has ever created", and while the iPad Air now claims that title now, this pint sized slate is still an OK choice on a budget - but don't buy it right now.
Read more in our iPad mini review
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9. Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7
Leaner, meaner and more powerful than its predecessor, Amazon has stepped its game up with the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 as it looks to keep pace with the new Nexus 7.
On paper Amazon's latest 7-inch tablet is more than up to the job with a 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, full HD display, up to 64GB of storage and prices starting at £200.
In reality however it's not the complete offering the Nexus 7 is, with Amazon's heavily modified Fire OS 3.0 stripping out a lot of the functionality of Android and putting the retailer's services front and centre.
Quick verdict
For the customisation you give up, you gain simplicity and ease of use on the Kindle Fire HDX 7. We'd like to call this the sort of tablet you give to someone who is less than tech savvy, but those devices don't usually have such good hardware.
If you're a Prime subscriber, or heavily invested in Amazon's ecosystem, the Kindle Fire HDX 7 is a smart purchase. For those who want a little more functionality reach for a Nexus 7, or if you have deeper pockets check out the iPad mini 2.
Read more in our Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 review
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8. LG G Pad 8.3
Well, when you make an Android tablet with a design language like this one, perhaps it's time to quietly worry at Samsung. In place of plastic, it's got a lovely aluminium shell, and connectivity with other Android phones makes it a viable option for a wider range of users.
Some might question whether the Snapdragon 600 chip is too low-power for a tablet that costs around £200, but it allows for a sleeker design according to the Korean brand.
Quick verdict
We really liked the G Pad 8.3, and it was only lower down in our list thanks to a slightly higher battery drain than we were expecting - plus the overlay can take some getting used to.
But its one of the closest competitors to the iPad Mini out there in terms of design, and it's a tablet we're not ashamed to pull out of a stylishly slim bag.
Read more in our LG G Pad 8.3 review
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7. Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2
Never one to leave a tablet niche unexplored, Samsung pushed screen sizes up to new heights with the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2.
Thankfully that's not all it has going for it, as the Note Pro 12.2's 3GB of RAM and quad-core processor give it superior performance, while the S Pen becomes truly useful in combination with the slates large, bright screen.
It's an obvious choice for digital artists or anyone else who wants a device they can be productive on, but the bigger screen makes it great just for web browsing and watching videos too.
On the flip side the increased size makes it a little unwieldy and the build quality is a touch creaky thanks to the larger chassis, but is offset by the sheer expanse of screen to play with.
Quick verdict
Its big screen and S Pen support make the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 an extremely useful productivity tool - if you're a fan of the Note range, there's very little better on the market and Samsung seems to be successfully convincing the world that the stylu... sorry, S Pen is still relevant to today's gadget fans.
Read more in our Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 review
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6. Tesco Hudl 2
The first Hudl was good - but this is a much better option.
The Intel Atom processor, the quad core speeds, the Full HD screen and the general interface is really something to behold.
The price tag is the best thing though: the Hudl 2 will cost no more than £129, and if you're a Tesco Clubcard holder it can be much, much cheaper.
OK, it's a bit slow to wake and the battery is suspect, but for the price you're getting something we'd be happy to recommend you buy for a loved one this Christmas.
Quick verdict
A great tablet even at a higher price. It brings more premium features like Dolby enhancement at a stunning price tag - if you're not after the best tablet, but the best value, this is one to certainly check out. You may like to Read More>>>
