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OnePlus 3 vs. Alcatel Idol 4S

Jack McNenny
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Just when I thought competition couldn’t get more heated, Alcatel called and said they want your money too! Joining the pool of $400 devices that seriously impress on paper, the Idol 4S will be shipping August 3rd with a bundled VR goggle headset and JBL earbuds. If that doesn’t sound tempting enough, Alcatel’s “midrange” handset is packing some pretty impressive specs. How does it compare to the OnePlus 3 at the same price? Check it out below.

OP3vIDOL4S_Comp

While the Axon 7 slightly beat the OnePlus 3 in terms of hardware, it’s more difficult to say this time around. Starting with the screen, OnePlus loses again in this category due to the choice of not including a higher resolution screen. The Idol 4S will take full advantage of its Quad HD display by offering customers a free VR headset when they pre-order.

Build quality will come down to a matter of preference. Quotes from first impressions state that the Idol 4S feels and even looks like the Galaxy S7 from the back due to the glass plates and metal frames. The OnePlus 3 offers the look and feel closer to an HTC 10, which Scott Webster highly praised during his review of the device.

In terms of performance, the OnePlus 3 wins, as Daniel Treccagnoli and I agree that it was one of the fastest phones we’ve ever used. While the Snapdragon 652 in the Idol 4S is apparently no slouch, with many claims that it’s just as fast as last year’s Snapdragon 810, the 820 chip paired with the Adreno 530 will perform better in daily usage and heavy gaming.

The OnePlus 3 offers more internal storage for the same price of the Idol’s 32GB, but the latter offers expandable memory up to 200GB. While the 6GB RAM may sound like a killer feature in the 3, the multitasking wasn’t much better than using the Nexus 6P (3GB RAM) during my couple weeks of usage, so the Idol 4S will do just fine.

The cameras should offer pretty similar results, however the OnePlus 3 includes OIS, which helps keep photos blur-free and stabilize video, while the Idol 4S does not. It’s worth noting the Idol 4S includes a rare front-facing flash for low-light selfies.

Battery life should theoretically be better on the OnePlus 3 given the lower resolution screen, but we’ll find out when we get our hands on the Idol 4S.

In terms of audio and media consumption, the Idol 4S wins by a landslide. Not only will the sharper screen be a big factor, but the dual-front facing speakers by JBL will provide loud, crisp audio when watching videos or playing games. Plus, the speakers are also projected our the back of the device for when you have the phone laying on it’s face. This is something we’ve never seen before, and sounds quite nifty.

Speaking of never seen before, the Idol 4S includes a “Boom Button” placed exactly in the center of the side of the device, which can be used in a variety of ways depending on what you’re doing with the phone. We’ll talk about this more in the coming review, but it’s features like this that makes the OnePlus 3 seem almost boring in comparison.

Overall, these two phones offer features and hardware for two different crowds. To summarize, the OnePlus 3 offers all the performance and software features that Android enthusiasts crave, while the Idol 4S offers an unrivaled media consumption experience. Both phones are packed into very minimalistic and premium packages, and you really can’t go wrong with either one.

Have you already bought the OnePlus 3, or are you waiting to see more of the Idol 4S?

Unlocked smartphone buyer’s guide (Summer 2016)

AndroidGuys
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If you’ve followed AndroidGuys closely over the last year, you’ve likely seen our increasing coverage on unlocked smartphones. This is an intentional content shift as we see tremendous growth and focus in this space. Not only for the prepaid carriers and MVNO’s but also for the tier-one wireless providers, too.

More and more, hardware makers are starting to offer their devices in an unlocked capacity. Many of the flagship models we see at carriers are also offered direct to consumer. Going this route frees the consumer up from a contract or long-term obligation and provides peace of mind. Wouldn’t you like to hop from one carrier to another because of a better rate? And, really, who wants to bother with rebates, credits, and other hoops? Get yourself an unlocked phone and go where the best deal is in your neck of the woods.

But, before you go rushing out to pick up any old unlocked phone, you’ll want to do some homework. To that end, we’ve put together a buyer’s guide to help you get a feel for the landscape. What you’ll see below are answers to some of the more common questions as it pertains to this topic. Additionally, we’ll provide you with a number of brands to choose from as well as outlets for purchase.

What is an unlocked phone?

In short, an unlocked phone is one that is not tied to a particular service provider or rate plan. You know how the Droid series is exclusive to Verizon? This is basically the opposite of that. You get to pair your unlocked phone with any number of carriers. It’s not unlike buying a personal computer and deciding which internet provider you’d like. Simply place the SIM card into the phone and you’re just about set.

What’s the benefit of an unlocked phone?

If there’s one thing that an unlocked phone gives you, it’s flexibility. Want to cancel your service? Want to switch to another company because of a promotional rate plan? Owning an unlocked phone lets you do just that, and without breaking any agreements or getting sacked with fees.

IMG_20160719_152242If there’s a second thing that an unlocked phone gives you, it’s freedom. Heading overseas or out of the country for a bit? Take out your SIM card and put in a local carrier’s SIM for local data. Many of today’s unlocked phones even offer dual-SIM slots so you can hop between one carrier or another. This is perfect for those of us who might want two separate phone numbers, too.

Lastly, going the unlocked route opens the door up to a much wider selection of phones. Most people don’t realize that there are literally dozens of models to choose from which might work with their network provider. You are not confined to what’s offered in their retail store or on their website. Indeed, you can find plenty of devices which will work with your carrier.

GSM compatible and universally compatible

When it comes to unlocked phones there are essentially two different ways to go: GSM compatible and universally compatible.

In the US there are two major carriers which use GSM technology for service – AT&T and T-Mobile. There are a number of brands which operate on those same towers and networks, including Cricket (AT&T) and MetroPCS (T-Mobile). If this is the route you plan to go, a GSM compatible phone should do the trick.

Verizon and Sprint, however, utilize CDMA technology for coverage. The same goes for the prepaid and MVNO brands which piggyback off of their respective towers. A GSM compatible phone will not work with either of those brands, regardless of whether it’s unlocked or not.

Outside of the US we find that most countries use GSM for their service. Traveling for summer break or for work? In this case, you might be okay with a GSM compatible phone as it may also work overseas.

A universally unlocked phone, on the other hand, can work on both GSM and CDMA networks. This means even more carrier selection and potential coverage.

International versions

Some of you may be familiar with the term “international version” of a phone. For those who aren’t, this is simply an unlocked variant of a model that is offered through carriers. What you’ll typically find with an international version is slightly different packaging and branding. Additionally, it could feature minimal changes in hardware such as processor, camera, memory, and storage.

Although it bears the same name, it’s not quite identical to what may be offered in your market or through a carrier. An added benefit for many users is that the phones do not come loaded with extra apps and games. Commonly referred to as bloatware, this is the stuff that tends to take up space and use resources. An international version tends to strip things down to just what the phone maker wants.

One thing to pay close attention to is whether an international model will work on your preferred network. The bands and radio frequencies are what determine whether you can pair that hot new phone with your favorite carrier. For more on networks and bands in the US, be sure to read our primer.

What else should I know?

nexus6p_matte_goldSome of the most common network bands for unlocked phones include 800, 850, and 1900 MHz. Before you purchase your unlocked phone, though, check to ensure it supports your carrier(s) of choice. Indeed, there are other bands used by different carriers. It only take a few minutes to determine if your potential handset is going to work in your region or where you might travel.

Some retailers will help spell out whether a phone is compatible with certain carriers; press releases for select phones also tend to do the same.

Google’s Nexus line

Google has, since 2010, offered its own branded take on the smartphone. Each of these “Nexus” phones is built by a hardware maker and typically sold through Google’s store. In the past you might have seen a Google Nexus S or Nexus 4 offered through a carrier but that has died down with time. Today’s crop of phones, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, are also sold via online retailers such as Amazon, B&H Photo Video, and Best Buy.

Brands to consider

It may surprise you to learn that nearly every phone maker you’ve ever heard of has unlocked versions of their portfolio. At any given time there are dozens of brands spanning hundreds of models to choose from. Whereas some of the bigger companies have slowly embraced this concept others have been operating that way since day one.

Familiar Faces

moto_x_pure_810Look up the official website for some of your tier-one smartphone companies and chances are good you’ll find ways to purchase them direct-to-consumer. Among those routinely doing that today are Motorola, HTC, and Samsung.

Other key smartphone makers who offer devices through their respective websites include LG, Huawei, and ZTE. Additionally, you’ll find various models sold through select online retailers.

Rising stars

Here in the United States, at least, we’ve seen a few brands getting more aggressive in the area of unlocked phones. Some names may be familiar to you (Lenovo and Sony) while others are just starting to step out from behind the curtain of wireless carriers and make their presence felt. Among those are Alcatel, Verykool, Freetel, and Kyocera.

blu_r1_hd

There are a few smartphone makers, both domestic and foreign, who have essentially built their brands off of unlocked smartphones. Blu Products, based in the US, has long offered a range of Android devices spanning multiple price points. Nuu Mobile and Unnecto are two other companies who are showing an increased presence.

In terms of industry impact, OnePlus has perhaps shaped this landscape more than most. Now in its third iteration, its unlocked phones typically offer some of the latest and greatest in hardware but at a price that’s considerably less than its competitors.

A more recent entrant in the unlocked arm race, Nextbit is off to a solid start with its cloud-based Robin smartphone. Time will tell as to whether a second-generation is in the works, but so far the tech sector seems keen on it.

Influx of imports

IMG_20160719_153342Now that the wireless space has opened up in the US, consumers are now finding other companies to consider. And, thanks to the low cost of some Chinese and Korean brands, we’re now seeing names like Xiaomi, Elephone, Bluboo, Doogee, LeEco, and Ulefone. You might have a little harder time tracking some of them down, but the stuff coming out of the other side of the world is quite compelling.

Where to buy

Fortunately, there are plenty of places to shop for an unlocked smartphone. As one might expect, you’ll find a wide selection at Amazon, where it sells nearly every brand mentioned above. Other noteworthy outlets include B&H Photo Video, Best Buy, and Newegg. In terms of reputable retail companies, you can even shop for unlocked phones at Target and Walmart.

There are also a few online retailers who are starting to grow their US presence and could be worth considering. It certainly does not hurt to check out Gearbest, Geekbuying, and Tomtop, particularly if you’re after a less accessible smartphone.

Ways that you interact with your smartphone (PROMOTED)

Guest Blogger
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Long gone are the days when all a mobile phone was used for was calling and texting. Of course, there are still people who have basic model phones that just do that. They are in the minority though, now that smart phones have taken over. Phones are not just a means of communicating any longer; they are an integral part of everyday life.

As smart homes become more of a reality we will begin to use smartphones even more, to operate features in our home, such as air conditioning, heating and alarm systems. Even though this is only just starting to happen, we are already interacting with our smartphones in a lot more ways than just making a call or sending a text.

We are going to take a look at how you might interact with your smartphone on a daily basis. You will be able to see that smartphones provide us with so much more than just a means of communicating with other people.

Listening to music

We have been able to listen to music on the move for a long time using devices such as portable stereos. Smartphones have taken the listening experience to a whole new level. All you have to do is swipe and tap to download music from iTunes and set play lists. Then you are all set for some musical entertainment while you are travelling on public transport or out for a walk.

Watching videos

Most smartphones are taken up mostly by a screen. This makes them ideal devices for viewing videos while you are out and about. More and more people are cutting the cord when it comes to watching video content, meaning they are not watching content on traditional cable TV. They are turning more towards digital content for their video fix, using streaming services such as Netflix. Of course, you can watch Netflix as you travel just by logging into Netflix on your mobile device. You do not have to be sat at your computer to watch your favourite video content.

Reading online

People have always read books, newspapers and magazines while on the move. These days reading material is turning digital. Innovative solutions such as flipbooks help to make online publications a more interesting and enticing read. You can read more about how flipbook publishers use software to convert pdf files into the glossier, and more appealing, flipbooks.

The experience of reading a flipbook is very similar to that of reading a hard copy magazine, except that it has been enhanced for the digital age. You just need to swipe to turn pages and you can view video and listen to audio as part of the reading experience.

You can see how much things have changed since we originally used mobile phones to simply call and text other people. Now we use our smartphones to access various forms of media just as much as we use them to get in touch with people.

Argus Health & Calorie counter: Anyone want to join me in a quest to get healthier? (review)

Derrick Miyao
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As we get older, our responsibilities grow and our bodies slow down. It’s a fact of life that by our mid twenties we stop growing, and with every year we age our hormones and metabolism slow down. Add in job responsibilities, families, pets, and general life, it can be real easy to stop taking care of ourselves.

You never realize how good of shape you’re in until you’re out of shape. I’m no different than anyone else. I just turned 36 this last Sunday, and I really need to get my butt back into shape. Kids aren’t in my life plan, but a full time career as a medicinal chemist is as well as writing for AndroidGuys. It’s too easy for me to not make time to take care of myself. After a long day, a cold beer or two definitely melts my stress away, but puts me in a state of laziness. It’s gone on too long.

I decided to take action. One step at a time.

I’ve been a big guy my entire life. This body that I have been blessed with allowed me to excel in sports all the way through high school. In college I leaned out and got in real good shape. But then life got in the way, and now I honestly could afford to drop about 20 pounds. Maybe 30.

About a week and a half ago I joined in on a friendly walking competition with some friends from the local dog park I bring my dog park to everyday. We downloaded an app called Argus, and since that day I have been working out and feel like I am taking control of my health.

Argus for Android

The reason why I chose to download Argus was due to the compatibility between Android and iOS. My friends from the dog park found an app that we could all use to track our steps and not only compete with each other, but offer support as well. Most of them use iPhones too.

Generally most of us all carry our smartphones with us wherever we go, and the app takes advantage of the built-in hardware that’s included in our smartphones to track our steps. While we could have picked up fitness trackers like Fitbits or Android Wear smartwatches, we opted for the Argus app, since it is free to download and use, at the Google Play Store and Apple App store. The Argus app is compatible with many fitness trackers, so if you have one it might be a good alternative to use instead of your smartphone.

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In order to get our group motivated we made a bet to up the stakes. The bet was, whoever ended the seven day period with the least amount of steps would take the group out to happy hour on their dime. While that wasn’t motivation for me, simply competing again amped me up to where I wanted to win. Argus was simply a step tracker for me at that point, but a tool to show that I could win.

The homescreen interface is very simple and nice to look at. The app tracks my steps very well. Sure you can cheat and shake your phone, but there is no real point in that and if you’re going to waste your time shaking a phone just to beat your friends, you should probably find something more productive to do. After day two and 50k steps later, I started to look through Argus to see what other features it offered.

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It shows what day you’re on, how many steps you’ve taken, how much coffee you’ve drank, a place to track your heart rate using the camera lens in your smartphone, weight tracking, as well as food and water intake. Naturally I went with what was easiest first and that was tracking my water intake.

From the days of when I used to work out to look good, I know that just a 2% reduction of fluid in your body can result in a 10-20% decrease in athletic performance. Not to mention that water is required to make your body function efficiently. If you don’t have good water intake habits, your physical and mental health can suffer tremendously. Admittedly over the past few years I got real tired of going to the water fountain to fill up my water bottle at work. I usually went a whole day of just drinking coffee to keep me awake which is a natural diuretic. This contributed to my fatigue at the end of the work day.

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After tracking my water intake, I brought a bottle into work and started drinking at least two to three full bottles during the work day. By the time I got home, I felt good and hydrated for my workout, rather than feeling empty on coffee. I still haven’t started tracking my food intake yet as that is a whole different level of commitment I am not ready to take on yet. But when I am ready, I can track caloric intake through Argus.

By day five, averaging over 20k steps per day, my friends started to wonder if I was cheating. How could this out of shape guy get so many steps? So I started to track my heart rate during my running/elliptical sessions to show I really was working out. When you have friends that you follow, you get to see the information they input as well. One of my friends is a medical doctor, and validated that I was working out and earning my steps with the increased heart rate that went along with my workouts.

By day seven, the walking challenge bet was no longer about happy hour or winning. It was about how good I felt and finally taking control of my health. Sure my feet ached and my knees hurt, but my skin felt clean, my muscles were awakened, and my mental health improved more than anything else. I also sleep better now too.

I think tracking progress with a scale is annoying and can easily demotivate someone who wants results too quickly. I measure my progress now by how my clothes fit. My pants are a little looser, and that made me feel real good about myself. Sure I have a long way to go, but with Argus, I am getting there one step at a time.

Argus for Android isn’t as good as its iOS version. It lacks the challenge feature which it says is coming soon in the app. I don’t know how much I believe that considering how long it has been out, but there’s always hope. Competition is good for some like me and lacking that feature is annoying when I know that iOS has it.

There’s still the ability to see how many steps my friends have taken as the app shows me who has walked the most throughout the day. Or I can also click on each individual friend to see how much they have walked. When I see a bit of laziness, I give them a call and we walk our dogs together. The beauty of Argus is the social support or competition if you want it. Argus is not perfect, and there are lots of other apps and fitness trackers that work similarly, but the interface, social interaction and ease of use have me coming back for more every single day.

Do you want to get healthier?

According to data from Nielsen, the number one New Year’s resolution is fitness. There is a very high chance that you made a commitment to get in shape. If it’s to look better, feel better, get in shape to spend time playing with your kids, or simply to get healthy for more energy, now is the time to download Argus.

Join in my commitment to get in shape. Add me on Argus. My username is Derrick Miyao and my associated email address is pandab55@gmail.com. We can challenge each other, or we can offer support when we need it most. I’d love to connect with you. There is no prize in signing up except you will feel better and improve your health. The more people who sign up, and the more who connect with each other, the higher the chances all of us will stick to it.

Argus is free to use with a premium add on of $30 per year which I have not signed up for. The app isn’t perfect, but it is really good. On Android it sometimes lags when it tracks steps, but eventually it will refresh and catch up.

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Most importantly though, it is free and your first step to getting in shape. I highly recommend you check Argus out if you want to get healthier. Just about anyone can get healthier.

Download Argus at the Google Play Store and add me, Derrick Miyao. I look forward to it.

 

Camera Shootout: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs OnePlus 3

Josh Noriega
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It’s pretty impressive that we can compare the OnePlus 3 to high-end flagships, like the one many users would call the current king of Android phones – the Galaxy S7 Edge. Despite the “Never Settle” slogan, OnePlus’ initial flagships showed distinct compromise compared to the best of Android. However, its third refinement almost obliterates that gap.

…but then, those are just words. Is the proof really in the pudding? Today we’re seeing if it is, at least, in regard to camera quality. As a reminder, Samsung pulled all the stops with the Galaxy S7’s 12MP, f/1.7, 1.4 µm sensor. These top specs coupled with its lightning quick Dual Pixel auto-focus makes it very difficult for anyone else to keep up. Can the OnePlus 3’s 16MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm camera can hold a candle to Samsung’s goliath sensor? Let’s find out how they compare.

Outdoor

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

It’s no doubt that both cameras take quality shots that aren’t very far apart. Honestly, at its price-point, I wasn’t expecting the OnePlus 3 to come this close. You generally need a fine eye to catch the subtleties.

One interesting observation is that despite the OnePlus 3’s edge on megapixel count (16MP vs 12MP), many times the S7’s shot was sharper. In some cases the S7 also had a significantly brighter image. This was most apparent on the second-to-last lavender farm pics (set #6). But this could be differences in HDR methods. I actually feel like the S7’s HDR in the case of set #6 is a bit too aggressive (almost artificial). The OnePlus 3’s coloring was more true to life (notice that the sky in the OP3 image is more blue). The fourth set (deck of a ferry overlooking a shore) has a similar result.

Although, this isn’t always the case. I feel like the S7 handled the shot of the outdoor restaurant better (set #2). The objects look clearer and the sky is better defined. I also prefer S7’s shot of my collie, Ian. My final assessment is that the S7 generally edges the OP3, except in cases of full-on sunlight, when the HDR has to work double-time. Samsung’s HDR tech sacrifices accuracy for clarity, which I don’t agree with.

Indoor

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Galaxy S7 Edge

OnePlus 3

Taking it indoors, we continue to see the trend that the S7’s shots are noticeably brighter. As a reminder, the S7’s sensor has a larger lens opening and larger pixels, so it’s not surprising. In contrast, the OP3’s sensor has more yesteryear specs – f/2.0 aperture and 1.12 µm pixel size. So on paper, the S7 should wipe the floor with the OP3 indoors, but this isn’t necessarily the case.

For instance, while I think the OP3’s image in the second set (coffee mug) is dull, the S7’s image in the next set (fruit) is less contrasted. So it’s just a toss-up on what’s better and may just be preference. That said, I’d give it to the S7 for being consistently sharp (it’s noticeable in the fourth set). Sensors struggle less when they can bring in more light. And in an extreme low-light situation (last set), the advantage is clear.

Final Thoughts

I’m blown away that the camera of a $400 phone can stand toe-to-toe with the finest from Samsung. I was not expecting it to be that close, and in several cases, I prefer the OP3’s result. Kudos to OnePlus. However, if you frequently take shots in low light, the Galaxy S7 has the clear advantage there. The fact of the matter is that the gap in performance between these two phones is no where near as wide as the gap in price, and I love that.

Do you agree with our camera analysis? Which phone do you think does it better overall? If you haven’t, also check out our OnePlus 3 written and video reviews.

Bluboo Maya review: Unlocked, nearly stock and under $100

AndroidGuys
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We live in a wonderful era of smartphones. Rarely do we have to spend much more than a few hundred dollars to find something that satisfies the needs of the masses. Sure, there’s always going to be selection in that $500-$800 space, but we don’t necessarily have to shop from that rack. And, thanks to the slowly dying long-term contract, we’re now more free than ever to consider options.

Whereas one year ago we would have been cautious about spending less than $200 for an unlocked smartphone, that’s not really the case in mid-2016. Indeed, there are plenty of options to choose from in that range, with some diving into double digits. The Blu R1 HD, for instance is only $99 through Amazon, and costs half of that if you are an Amazon Prime customer.

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Suffice it to say, a phone that costs $100 or less isn’t for everyone. The specs are often 2-3 generations behind what you’ll get from the current crop. But, just like we find in computers, not everyone wants to buy a high dollar replacement or upgrade.

Unlike PCs, sometimes we drop our phone and need an inexpensive model to tie us over until we’re ready for a new flagship. Heck, a lot of people only want to spend the least amount of money possible in order to get on Facebook or play Pokemon Go. That’s where the $75-$100 phones come into play. This is where you find a phone like the Bluboo Maya.

About

Powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the Bluboo Maya is a perfect example of what we might term a band-aid phone. It other words, it’s enough to help fill a void left behind when you lose your current model or dunk it in the pool. It’s also enough to help someone get their feet wet in the world of smartphones.

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The Bluboo Maya is an unlocked phone, which means you’ll be able to use with with a variety of GSM carriers in the United States. Not only that, but there’s a spot for two SIM cards. But, you’ll want to look closely as it’s not a 4G LTE smartphone; data speeds could be less than desirable. If you don’t care about streaming video or doing much multimedia, you might just fine with the 3G connection.

Bluboo is a Chinese phone maker whose offerings come in with a lower price tag than that of our typical US competitors. Similar to Blu, Nuu Mobile, and LeEco, you’ll find pretty reasonable bang for the buck. Moreover, you won’t be tied to a carrier or have to jump through any strange hoops. But, that doesn’t mean there are not compromises.

Specs

  • Android 6.0 Marshmallow
  • 5.5-inch 720p display
  • 13-megapixel rear camera
  • 8-megapixel front-facing camera
  • 16GB storage
  • Quad-core 1.3GHz processor
  • 2GB RAM
  • 3000mAh removable battery
  • GSM: 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz
  • WCDMA: 850MHz, 2100MHz

Design

Upon taking the Bluboo Maya out of the box we recognized almost immediately that this wasn’t going to compete with our current daily driver. Not that there was anything wrong with it, but the general feel and design of it gave us a sense of “budget”.

The screen was quick to pick up fingerprints and oils, something we battled with every day. The rear features a plastic, removable battery cover which reminded us of early generation Samsung Galaxy S models. Really, the phone reminded us an awful lot of the Blu Vivo XL, a phone we reviewed earlier this year.

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Nothing in the design was extraordinary, but we didn’t expect that with this price tag. The volume rocker and power buttons are found on the right side of the display while the headphone jack is up top and justified to the left. Down below is the microUSB charging port, flanked by a pair of speaker grilles.

Where to Buy:

Display

With a pixel resolution of 1280×720, the Maya gives users an HD experience. No, it’s not the 1080p stuff you’ll find in those which run just a little more, but it’s decent. At 5.5-inches, though, we would have liked to see a higher image quality.

Keeping price in mind, however, it’s enough to get the job done. Text renders fine and pictures aren’t bad. We tend to say this a lot, but you don’t really notice shortcomings until you’ve spent time with something else to compare it with.

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After years of handling flagships and high-end phones, we’ve come to appreciate finer details. But, handing this off to someone who only uses a smartphone to make calls and read emails, they “don’t see anything wrong it at all”. When we randomly asked friends and family for a quick reaction, the replies were largely positive and found no issues with quality.

When looking at the phone from various angles we found the picture to be washed out somewhat. It was almost as if there was a very thin, nearly transparent sheer material placed over the display. Text was perfectly legible and everything was balanced, but the picture simply appeared faded as compared to straight on.

Camera

We found that the 13-megapixel camera took perfectly usable photos, especially for sharing on social media. The shutter speed was much slower than we would have liked, but the end results were decent enough. Switching to HDR really slows the picture taking process down, but, if you don’t need to worry about the time, feel free to enjoy it.

Bluboo Maya Camera Samples

There are a number of camera modes installed in the app, each of which speaks to a different user. Like to take a bunch of selfies? You’ll probably enjoy the “peace sign” option which takes photos when you throw up deuces. Aside from your standard pics, the phone lets you snap panoramic shots as well as manual editing and tweaking for more pro images.

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Perhaps a testament to its target demographic or homeland user base, there’s a lot of vanity stuff at play in the Maya. Once you’ve taken a photo you can go back in and edit all sorts of things, including makeup (eyes, lips, cheeks, etc), breast enhancement, jawline trimming, and teeth whitening.

There are considerably better cameras available on the market but when you are spending less than $100 you can’t be mad at this one. You might not necessarily use all of the weird software stuff; however, a replacement app is all it takes to feel “normal” again.

Software

The Maya runs a really stripped down version of Android, but it’s not quite “stock”. Outside of the Google Play Store, though, there’s nothing else here that’s Google. You’ll have to resort to installing Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Chrome, Drive, and anything else you might have become accustomed to using.

On the other hand, if you’re brand new to smartphones, there are apps to get you rolling. Present out of the box are app such as FM Radio, Music, Messaging, Email, Camera, Calendar, Calculator, SIM Toolkit, and more. We’re big proponents of Google apps and recommend those as soon as possible.

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The icons and general interface reminds us of the older iPhone UI in that they are colorful gradients. First time smartphone adopters might be cool with it, but those of you replacing an existing model could grow restless. We’ve said it before and we’ll continue to do it, but there’s nothing like installing your own custom launcher. As much as we try to put up with the default stuff here, we were only too happy to install Nova. A quick import of a preset layout and we’re back in business.

Performance

As a daily driver, the Bluboo Maya gets the job done. That is, if your day-to-day requirements are minimal and don’t revolve around heavy multi-tasking. The quad-core 1.3GHz CPU and 2GB RAM aren’t designed with today’s top games in mind. But, your aunt and uncle who just want to get on Facebook, take a few calls, and reply to messages… they’ll be happy.

Installing a few work applications and utilities and relying on the phone for general business duties, the Maya performed as expected. Hopping in and out of apps was sometimes a little slower than we’d like, but closing down some of the more demanding apps brought the snap back.

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You’ll want to get yourself into an octa-core processor with 2GB or 3GB of RAM if you plan to push your phone or hold onto it for the long term. As an interim device or something to get your feet wet, the Bluboo Maya is perfectly acceptable.

Battery life is pretty good thanks to the removable 3000mAh unit and Android 6.0 enhancements. Were this an internal battery we might not have been so keen on it. There’s no Quick Charge option so we’re at a wall longer than normal. But, on the plus side, at least we can purchase additional batteries to have on standby.

Sound is par for the course and falls right in line with the other features. Nothing here is going to overwhelm you, but it’s not bad. We’ve never been big on playing music on phones for extended periods of time and that’s definitely the case here.

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There’s not a lot of range in the speakers, but they are clear and crisp. YouTube videos, Facebook clips, and other general media work nicely on the Maya as do podcasts and audiobooks. Want to listen to a full album or playlist? You’ll want to plug in headphones or pair to a Bluetooth speaker.

Conclusion

As easy as it is to point out shortcomings or quibbles about the Bluboo Maya, we have to keep the sub-$100 price tag in mind. But, even with that factored in, you’re still in an increasingly competitive space. As the US market finally acclimates to unlocked phones we find there are new brands and models worth considering.

We like the Maya, but we don’t exactly love it. Call us elitist or snobbish, but we prefer phones with more premium materials. Fingerprint readers aren’t really a “must-have” feature, but we’ve come to appreciate them for security purposes. Would we have liked to see one here? You bet. But, we’re cool with not having one, too. It might have actually been odd to see that newer tech among the otherwise aging hardware.

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If there’s one thing we didn’t enjoy, it’s the 3G connectivity. We do too much with our phones to be content with the slower data speeds. But, what about you? That’s a question you’ll have to answer yourself. Spend a lot of time connected to WiFi? This topic is likely a non-starter. Replacing a device that you’ve come to use for YouTube and Netflix? Head in another direction.

For roughly $90 it’s hard for us not to recommend you consider the Bluboo Maya. Keep the data aspect in mind, though. A younger, more savvy and demanding user could grow anxious or irritated. On the flip side, there’s no reason for some you to plunk down hundreds of dollars to replace your two-year-old phone. The rub, though, is whether that person knows enough about getting the apps and experience they like.

The preset Maya experience takes some getting used to and the seasoned vet knows where to go. Your casual, older demographic might need some hand-holding in getting things just right. If you’re planning to get an elder family member something to go with an MVNO, this one is a good option.

Where to Buy:

Cricket Wireless nabs Alcatel Idol 4 and VR goggles bundle for $200

AndroidGuys
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Cricket Wireless on Tuesday confirmed intentions to soon offer the recently launched Alcatel Idol 4. Arriving on August 4, the phone comes with VR goggles and carries a $200 price tag.

The Idol 4 features a 5.3-inch full HD display as well as a 13-megapixel rear camera and front-facing 8-megapixel shooter combo. Running Android 6.0 Marshmallow, it draws strength from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor with 3GB RAM. Storage is listed at 16GB but a microSD card slot allows for another 512GB of space.

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As mentioned above, the Idol 4 is paired with a set of virtual reality goggles. The VR headset can be used to play various games and view interactive content.

Cricket Wireless is a prepaid service provider that utilizes the AT&T network. Rate plans range from as low as $40 up to $70 per month with no contracts or credit checks. Customers can save $5 each month by setting up auto-renewing payments.

HiGoing headphones review roundup and giveaway

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Headphones can be an expensive purchase depending on what you’re looking for. I don’t know about you, but $100 to $200 headphones is out of my budget. Even if it was in my budget, I’m not sure I would go out and buy a pair without doing some extensive research, I mean it’s a big price when perhaps there are cheaper alternatives.

https://www.androidguys.com/buyers-guide-headphones/

Many smaller companies offer headphones that not only look amazing but also have quality sound at a much more reasonable price. Often times they get overshadowed by big companies that have bigger budgets to showcase its products.

Fortunately, we live in the world of Amazon, which means smaller companies with smaller budgets have the opportunity to be seen. Operating with only an Amazon storefront means better visibility with less overhead; this allows those companies to compete with bigger brands. It also affords potential consumers easier comparative shopping with lots of reviews at their fingertips.

Today, I have two headphones to review from one of those companies: HiGoing. This brand has a couple of those quality headphones which are priced more in line with my tastes.

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HiGoing Wireless Stereo Workout Headsets

HiGoing’s workout headphones are in-ear buds designed with intense workouts in mind. They have a two-foot-long tangle free cord that is not only strong and durable but also fits nicely into the included hardshell case. To ensure the right fit for your ears, you are provided with the traditional small, medium, and large ear tips.

The body of the of these headphones is built from a nice soft rubber with a matte finish. On the sides, it has beautiful brushed aluminium with HiGoing’s logo on it and a silver power button. I have to say it, though, the logo could use a little work.

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On top of the right ear, there are two buttons that control volume and skip tracks which are quick to respond and easy to press. On the inside of the right ear’s body is the tiny microphone hole. The microphone quality is okay, but I wouldn’t rely on it as a daily talking device.

Finishing out the body are ear hooks that easily and comfortably fit around your ear. This is ideal for rigorous workout routines as you don’t want them falling out.

Inserting these in my ears for the first time, I thought it wasn’t going to be loud enough because it wasn’t deep in my ear. I’ve had this issue before with similar styles where you have to get it in the right position to get better volume. As it turns out, volume wasn’t an issue at all; they had plenty.

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They have excellent battery life and take only a couple of hours to top off with a microUSB cord (included). At decent volume levels, around 70%, you can last 7-9 hours easily. The Bluetooth connects by just turning on the headphones and has a reach of around 30 feet.

Let’s face it, a good workout means one thing: sweat. Some of us sweat more than others, but none of us want that ruining our headphones. HiGoing’s headphones have an IPX4 rating, which means you can’t go swimming with them, buy it’s certainly protected from sweat.

Sound is where it really counts so let’s discuss how it stacks up. These headphones are a bit on the bass-y side. It doesn’t necessarily reach the level of distortion, though, so it’s no deal breaker. It’s more prevalent in some songs than others, so results will vary. The highs and mids are more on the transparent side. Overall, and considering $22 price tag, these are great workout headphones to buy.

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You can buy HiGoing Wireless Stereo Workout Headsets in one of three different colors: Red/Gold, Black/Gray or Red/Gray.

Buy HiGoing’s workout headphones

New Bee

Yunyida’s New Bee headphones are sold exclusively on HiGoing’s Amazon page. These on-ear headphones are a nice bang-for-the-buck pair when it comes to Bluetooth headphones. They have a nice build that is smooth to the touch and features a matte finished soft rubber shell. The ear cups have a soft padding that is great for long term wear so you can avoid that soreness on the outer ear that some headphones leave you with.

These headphones have a foldable and adjustable headband for easy storage and easy fit. For extra comfort, they have padding at the top. The ear cups are connected to a swiveling piece at the bottom of the headband. This piece is made out of plastic that has a slight sheen to it without looking cheap. Since the ear cups swivel, it creates a better fit no matter who is wearing them.

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On the side of the right ear cup, you’ll find four buttons that control power/phone call, two volume buttons that double as skip tracks, and play/pause. All the controls are easy to press, which is more than I can say for others I have used.

On the bottom of the right ear cup, you will find a USB port, 3.5mm jack, and a small hole for the microphone. I’m not gonna say the phone call quality was excellent, but it’s sufficient being that you probably won’t be using it primarily for this purpose.

New Bee’s Bluetooth connects quickly by turning on the headphones, and the light at the bottom of the headphones will flash blue and red. Listening range is typical of any other Bluetooth device, around 30 feet, and it works flawlessly for me.

Let’s discuss battery life. The company boasts that this 800mAh battery can do 45 hours of playback time, 60 hours of phone calls, and 180 days of standby time. I can’t attest to the phone calls time as I’m not sure I even talk on the phone 60 hours in a year, and it would have been wrong to hold on to these for 180 days before getting around to the review.

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In the time I have had these, I’ve only charged once, and I didn’t fully charge them. I have listened to about 10 hours of music off and on and had roughly 30 minutes of talk time, and I’m still on the same charge. It may not go the full 45 hours, but feel confident in saying it will last plenty long enough for average users.

Since these headphones are foldable, they are compact and easy to take along with you. Thankfully, they come with a roomy clamshell hard case for protection in your bag. Inside this case are the instruction manual, microUSB cable, and a 3.5mm cord. While you certainly don’t always need a case it is nice to have one to protect investments.

Overall, New Bee has a sound that is full, with tight bass and transient mids and highs. It makes for incredible listening sessions, and for $35, these headphones are a steal.

Other features in the New Bee included NFC for quick and easy pairing and an app for tracking steps while wearing. You can buy New Bee headphones in one of three different colors: Red, Brown, or Black.

Buy New Bee headphones from Amazon

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Giveaway

We’re giving you a chance to win a pair of headphones from Higoing and AndroidGuys. In fact, we’re helping to give out two pairs, one of each model. We’ll give away brown version of the on-ear and a black set of the in-ear units.

To enter simply leave a comment between now and 11:59PM PST Friday, July 22. Make sure that you do use a working email address for your account/comment so we can reach you there. It doesn’t get much easier! Unfortunately, we do have to limit the entries to those of you living in the United States.

You can learn more about HiGoing on Facebook and Twitter.

Word Teaser is a new take on the classic word search game (review)

AndroidGuys
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Intro

You may have played a mobile word search game or two, and they may have had their share of unique color schemes, game modes, and such. But I would like to take you through a truly new style of word search game: Word Teaser. From the developer GAMEDU, who also offers up to 20 other mobile games in all varieties, Word Teaser take the traditional word search, and adds several levels of variety that makes it a pretty fun game that offers a surprising amount of replay value.

Setup

Getting started is easy; just download from  or the Play Store (or iTunes if you have an iOS device). Once done, you can sign in to Google Play Games if you so choose (though you don’t have to).

Screenshot_2016-07-18-22-18-34Once in the game, you go through a tutorial to guide you through the game’s rules:

  • You have to find a word of a given length (the “target word”) within the puzzle presented.
  • You build words by swiping across adjacent letters. The words you build may or may not be the target word, but they will help you discover the target word through a process of elimination.
    • Words can be built using adjacent letters; adjacent being above, below, left, right or diagonal to the previous letter.
    • The flow of the words can be forwards, backwards, up, down, a combination from first letter to last.
  • There are three letter colors that are meant to be used as hints:
    • Green letters exist in the target word in their exact position.
    • Yellow letters exist in the target word, but are in the wrong position in the puzzle.
    • Red letters do not exist in the target word.
  • You are given a time limit for each puzzle to find the target word; usually around 60-90 seconds.  If you fail in finding your word in time, the game is over.Screenshot_2016-07-18-22-27-14

Gameplay

Playing the game took a bit getting used to in the beginning, particularly using the color-coded hint system explained above. But with just a few minutes of repetition I had a good handle on it and found myself replaying for a good long while.

The game overall is for adults down to school-aged children. You start out looking for just three-letter words, and it takes a while to graduate to even 5-letter words. But please don’t take that to mean the game is easy: even once in the four-letter puzzles, I found myself scrambling to complete them before my time ran out.

Screenshot_2016-07-18-22-24-02Controls are smooth, perhaps a bit too much. Particularly on my phone, I found my finger going one letter too many and my word being rejected because of the added letter; causing several re-tries.

Graphics are a nice set of muted earth-tones, making the screen easy to look at for extended periods (this is an underused feature in games: more developers should spend less time trying to make their games stand out with bright color and more with good gameplay).

Music was rather bland; it sounds a bit elementary. But again it’s unobtrusive so it’s in no way a deal-breaker (and you can Screenshot_2016-07-18-22-21-58turn both the music and sound effects on & off, so there’s that).

There are several modes you can choose right from the beginning, without having to unlock them first:

  • Solo (the ‘standard’ game version): You build up through the levels of increasing difficulty.
  • Category: You can choose to find words from a specific topic (sports, flowers, cities, colors, etc).
  • Multiplayer: You take on a friend! Each player has 3 puzzles; the winner is decided by who completes their 3 puzzles in the least amount of time.

Conclusion

I was genuinely surprised by the quality and replay value of Word Teaser. Puzzle games generally lost their appeal for me a while ago; so when I was asked to review this game, I didn’t expect a whole lot of fun from the exercise. Imagine my surprise when I found myself still playing this game almost an hour after downloading and opening it!
That really is the core of this review itself: give this game a try…..chances are you will find yourself still there playing it a whole lot later than you anticipated.
And it’s a game your school-age children would enjoy, as well, so it’s a win-win for family devices, to boot.

Download Word Teaser for Android here.

Download Word Teaser for iOS here.

ZTE ZMAX PRO is a $99 phone for MetroPCS with 6-inch display and 3400mAh battery

AndroidGuys
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ZTE today revealed its latest smartphone, the wallet-friendly ZMAX PRO, for MetroPCS. Powered by Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the phone is reported to be the “highest spec’d smartphone for less than $100”. And, when you look at the hardware bullet points, you’ll have a tough time arguing the point.

The ZTE ZMAX PRO packs a 6-inch 1080p HD display, 13-megapixel rear camera, and 32GB internal storage. To keep things moving along you find a 1.5GHz octa-core processor with 2GB RAM and a microSD expansion card slot for additional storage (up to 128GB).

Similar to its Axon 7 flagship phone, the ZMAX PRO employs a rear fingerprint reader; the plastic build, however, helps to keep costs in line. Other specifications include a 3,400mAh battery with USB-C and Quick Charge capability. This means not only plenty of time away from wall chargers, and only short bursts needed to juice back up.

ZMAX PRO Front

The ZTE ZMAX PRO starts shipping August 1 and carries a $99 (after in-store rebate) price tag through MetroPCS. MetroPCS is a prepaid carrier which operates on the T-Mobile network.

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