AndroidGuys

App Highlight: Trident for Zooper

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June 7, 2017

The App

Developed by Milan Dragovic, Trident for Zooper is a little bit different when it comes to an app highlight since it is more of a widget. It’s relatively new at only 10,000 installs – you’ll need Zooper Pro for use this widget pack, but Trident will give you some gorgeous widgets.

What it does

Trident gives a number of Google Pixel style widgets as well as Samsung Galaxy S8 widgets. There are also a number of minimal and vintage widgets to provide some excellent styles to compliment your Android smartphone. All widgets scale perfectly so work on any resolution screen and look great.

– Download and install Zooper Widget Pro 2.38 or above
– Download and install Trident
– Add a Zooper widget to your homescreen
– When Zooper widget skins list pops up, choose Trident
– Select the widget you want to add

Why we like it

Here at AndroidGuys we love customizing our devices and Zooper is one of our favorite apps. On its own, it’s pretty basic, but when combined with something like Trident, the possibilities are endless. My personal favorite is the ability to have a Galaxy S8 style weather widget that you can use with something like Nova Launcher. If you like minimalist design then be sure to check out Trident.

How to get it

Trident is available from the Google Play Store. You can download it right here.

Tronsmart Presto Portable Charger: A battery bank with Quick Charge 3.0 built-in

Accessory Reviews

Matt Adams

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June 7, 2017

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Portable chargers and battery banks are in kind of a weird place right now. Battery life on phones is getting much better, but there’s still a market for these guys because it’s not good enough yet. A dead phone is no fun so, why not protect yourself with a battery? At least, that’s what Tronsmart thinks. That’s why it recently released the Presto Portable Charger. What makes the Presto stand out is the inclusion of Quick Charge 3.0, the fastest charging standard on the market today.

Tronsmart thinks the combination of that Quick Charge 3.0 charging speed and the 10,000mAh capacity will help it stand out in the crowded marketplace of portable chargers. We’ve been testing out the charger for a few weeks now and have come away impressed with the quality of it. While it isn’t a product that you need to run out and purchase this second, we definitely think that if you’re in the market, you should give it a look.

Charging

As we said, the standout feature is that Quick Charge 3.0 charging speed. We used the Presto charger, a Choetech USB A to USB C cable, a Kurrent Voltage Meter, and an LG G6 to conduct our charging test. Over three separate tests, our speed bottomed out at 1.12A, topped out at 1.8A and normally remained in a zone 1.42A – 1.57A. We tested this while the phone was between 20 and 70 percent battery so there were no limiting factors.

Overall, we’re pleased with the charging speed. It does trigger the “fast charging” notification on both the LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus and charges the phones up quickly. We replaced our wall charger at night with the Presto charger for eight nights and always woke up with a full battery and no problems.

Our charging capacity test was less than impressive. While the Presto charger is rated at 10,000mAh capacity, we only got about two full charges on our Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus (3500mAh battery capacity) and just over that on our LG G6 (3300mAh). While you do have to factor in some loss due to heat loss and some loss due to the cable, that was more than we thought was acceptable. Tronsmart claims on its Amazon listing for this charger that it achieved a 90% conversion rate, but we saw nowhere close to that.

Construction

On the other hand, the Presto is very well built. The soft plastic outside feels sturdy with no flex at all when pressure was applied to it. I have zero doubt that the charger will hold up well if it’s thrown into a bag or tossed around and suffers some bumps. It might get a little marked or stained up as ours did in the couple of weeks we had it, but it should still function flawlessly.

The right side of the device houses a power button that lights up the battery indicator on the face of the device. There are four little LEDs that light up to tell you how much juice is left in the bank, a very simple yet effective design. The bottom of the battery bank houses three ports, a green USB port that can charge devices up to Quick Charge 3.0 speeds, a regular USB port that charges at sub-Quick Charge speeds (save this one for your friends with Apple devices) and a micro USB port that sits in between them to charge the battery bank back up.

Ugh

Here is my biggest complaint with the Tronsmart Presto charger. Micro USB. It’s 2017 guys. I get that micro USB is legacy and there are a ton of cables out there, but UBS type-C is the name of the game right now. If you replaced the micro-USB port and the USB 3.0 port with one USB type-C port, you could have kept all the functionality and lost an unneeded port. USB type-C is the future and the reason I know that is that almost every phone sold today has a USB type-C port on it. Please, get with the times.

Conclusion

LG G6 vs. Tronsmart Presto. Very thin charger!

Overall, the Tronsmart Presto Portable Charger is a really nice option. If the lack of USB type-C doesn’t bother you then you should definitely consider it as an option. Now that we have phones with batteries that routinely surpass 3,000mAh, having an efficient battery bank is important and the Presto isn’t that. You can still get two full charges out of it, but you better throw it back on the charger when you’re done.

It does have that durability going for it though. And to be honest, it looks pretty nice too. I’m not too obsessed with how my battery banks look, but if I can get one that looks better, then I will. No need for obnoxious colors or designs.

The Tronsmart Presto Portable Charger is a solid option and well worth the $20 or so it’ll run you on Amazon.

The best Android phones at Sprint (June 2017)

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AndroidGuys

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June 7, 2017

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We’re asked on a regular basis to help determine which phone is the best one available. We get it as a team here at AndroidGuys, but we also field it on an individual level, too. To help address that, we’ve put together a list of top models to choose from at various carriers.

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone from Sprint, this is where you’ll want to start. Note that while this is called the “best Android phones” you can purchase this month, it’s worth noting there are plenty of other models to choose from.

Best is not a universal term to apply to all consumers. Some of you might have a limited budget; some of you may only have very modest needs. To that end, we suggest digging around a little bit and checking with the service provider.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the best phones you can purchase this month from Sprint.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus

Now in its eighth iteration, the Samsung Galaxy S series is better than ever. It’s not only more powerful and sleek, but it’s bigger, too. Indeed, the Galaxy S8 comes with a 5.8-inch screen while the S8 Plus packs a massive 6.2-inch display. Not that you’d notice, though, as they 18.5:9 aspect ratio makes it much more comfortable in hand than predecessors.

Samsung has opted for the curved screen on both versions of the phone which signals the company may have done away with the “Edge” variants of devices. Time will tell, however, but we suspect this could be the norm for its flagship phones going forward.

Powered by Android 7.0 Nougat, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus feature Samsung’s custom UI. Making its debut in the new generation is Bixby, Samsung’s new virtual assistant. As you might expect, it allows for voice commands and marries itself nicely with other Samsung apps and features. It’s not fully available for the US market just yet (Spring 2017), but, once it rolls out, it will give Samsung users one more reason to stay inside of its ecosystem. Apple has Siri, Google has Assistant, and Samsung has Bixby.

Key hardware in the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. Camera, which are better than ever, are 12-megapixels around back with an 8-megapixel front-facing shooter. Battery capacity for the S8 is 3,000mAh while the S8 Plus gets a 3,500mAh power supply.

The S8 line is IP68 rated against water and dust and is available in a variety of colors. New for this generation of Galaxy S phones is the Samsung DeX dock which essentially lets use use your phone to power a desktop computer. As you might expect, the S8 is compatible with the new Gear VR headset, too.

LG G6

Whereas last year saw LG diverge from its flagship experience with its modular approach to the G5, this year sees them returning to form. Quite literally, really, as the G6 goes back to what made the LG line what it is. For 2017, LG has put together one of the best phones on the market, internally, and externally.

The LG G6 offers up a 5.7-inch Quad HD LCD display with a unique 18:9 aspect ratio; this lends itself to a thin, yet spacious screen that’s a pleasure to behold. Under the hood we find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor bolstered by 4GB RAM and plenty of storage space. In fact, the microSD card slot allows for up to 2TB of media, apps, and files.

In terms of cameras, the G6 has a dual 13-megapixel setup around back and a 5-megapixel shooter around front. Other specifications include an IP68 rating against water and dust, a capacious 3,300mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 and wireless charging capability.

Shop LG G6 at Sprint

Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge

Although they are a year old now, these are certainly worth considering in 2017. The price has dropped on them over time, but the specs are still more than enough to get the job done for most users. The hardware and software industry moves quicker than the needs of the average consumer. There’s nothing wrong with saving a few bucks on these flagships.

Now powered by Android 7.0 Nougat, the Galaxy S7 family draws strength from Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processors with 4GB of memory. The standard bearer has a 5.1-inch display at 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution while the Edge model is slightly larger at 5.5-inches.

The Galaxy S7 employs a 3,000mAh battery while the bigger model squeezes in a 3,600mAh power supply. Both feature support for fast wireless charging. Offered in multiple colors, the phones are also IP68 rated for protection against water and dust.

LG V20

The LG V20 might be nearing its anniversary, but it’s still everything you need to blast through a work day with plenty left over for down time. The hardware is right in line with the needs of most and the price is equally attractive.

Running the latest version of Android (7.0 Nougat), the V20 is a multimedia fan’s dream experience. The main display is 5.7-inches of high-resolution gorgeousness but the secondary display at the top is every bit as useful. Although it’s smaller and only occupies a small section, it’s right where you’ll look for notifications and shortcuts. Music sounds tremendous thanks to the 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC.

Other key hardware includes 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. Need more space? Throw in a microSD card up to 2TB and you’ll have all the room you can hope for, plus some.

As for cameras, the LG V20 comes with a 16-megapixel rear unit and a 5-megapixel front-facing shooter for selfies. Rounding things out, the V20 packs a 3,200mAh battery which is more than enough to get you through a busy day.

Shop Samsung LG V20 at Sprint

OnePlus’ CEO just posted a gorgeous OnePlus 5 night shot

News

Alexandra Arici

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June 7, 2017

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By now it’s common knowledge that the OnePlus 5 will come featuring a main camera developed in partnership with DxO.

So far OnePlus phones haven’t exactly offered the best cameras, but things are bound to change with the OnePlus 5. The company’s CEO, Pete Lau recently shared a night shot that has been taken with the yet-to-be-released product – and the result is quite stunning.

As you can see the image is crystal clear and the details of the building and sky are easily visible. Lau added a few words alongside the shot saying “What a purely clear sky! See you at 10:00 am tomorrow. Good night.” We wonder what’s happening tomorrow at 10 am.

The OnePlus 5 has been the subject of numerous leaks in the past few months. We know the phone will arrive with a 5.5-inch display with fullHD resolution (1920 x 1080) and a Snapdragon 835 processor. We’ve recently learned that a variant with 8GB of RAM will go on sale in India on June 22, but we don’t know whether the international market will see it as well or not.

The new flagship should also be the first OnePlus phone to carry a dual-camera setup. We’re very excited to see what the snapper can do and by the looks of it, it’s going to produce some awesome results.

Don’t forget to tune in on June 20 and see the OnePlus 5 get unveiled live.

Samsung Galaxy Note8 could arrive before the iPhone 8

News

Alexandra Arici

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June 7, 2017

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With the Galaxy S8 launch behind us, the next big thing to look forward is the Galaxy Note 8. The phone has already popped into the rumor mill a few times and with good reason, as its launch date might not be far from us after all.

According to a report coming out of the Korean Herald, Samsung might be looking to unveil the Galaxy Note8 during an Unpacked scheduled for late August, just before Apple introduces its highly anticipated iPhone 8 model in September.

Traditionally Samsung unveils a new Galaxy Note product during the IFA tradeshow in Berlin. This year the event should take place between 1 and 6 September, but if the current report is correct, we might get to see the Note 8 arrive a bit ahead of the regular schedule. Previous rumors claimed the Galaxy Note8 will be launched post-IFA, some time in Q4.

In related news, an alleged Galaxy Note8 render surfaced online courtesy of little-known leakster @PotyocoTech. That’s why we advise you to take the following information with a grain of salt.

The render reveals a phone visually similar to the Galaxy S8 although with a higher screen-to-body ratio. The dual-camera setup on the back is also visible and the absence of the fingerprint scanner on the back hints that it will be embedded into the display.

Render aside, the leakster provides us with some additional info about the phone. We’re told the device will arrive with stereo speakers tuned by AKG, as well as a texturized Bixby button to prevent users to mistake it for the volume down key. According to the information, the new Bixby will have some sort of built-in vibrator, so users will be able to locate it using the Find My Mobile app on their Galaxy devices.

Since none of this information has been officially confirmed by Samsung, it might be subject to change.

Amazon Prime now available with a discount for low-income customers

News

Alexandra Arici

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June 7, 2017

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Amazon Prime is a subscription-based program that gives customers access to streaming video, music, e-books, free shipping and product discounts. However, Amazon charges a hefty $99/per year or $10.99/month – which is a relatively expensive fee.

Now in a bid to attract more subscribers, the retail giant announced a new Prime discount program aimed at US customers with low-incomes.

Basically, Amazon is targeting users who are receiving financial assistance from the government. Interested parties will need an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in order to confirm their eligibility for the Prime discount program. The company notes other ways to qualify for the discount will be added shortly.

How much has Amazon shaved off the Prime fee you might be wondering at this point, right? Well with the valid EBT card you’ll be able to join the program for $5.99/month or $72 per year.

It’s not a mind-blowing discount, especially if you’re looking pay for a full year, but at least you’ll be able to spend the remaining $17 on something else, right? You’ll also be able to continue getting the discount up to 4 years.

It appears the discounted Prime gives users full access to services like Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Photos. However, if you want to take advantage of Amazon’s grocery delivery and pickup service – Amazon Fresh, you’ll need to pay an additional $14.99 fee per month.

Earlier this year, the shopping giant said it will start accepting food stamps for online grocery orders this summer, in an attempt to become more relevant to lower-income customers.

Official Android O release for Pixel devices tipped to arrive in early August

News

Alexandra Arici

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June 7, 2017

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Google usually officially releases a new version of Android sometime in late summer/early autumn. For example, the final version of Android N was made available for the masses on August 22, while Android M rolled out a bit later, on October 5.

Well for those who are eagerly awaiting Android O, we have some exciting news. According to a tweet by Android Police’s David Ruddock who talked to a reliable source, the official Android O update for Pixel phones will land a bit earlier this year – in the first or second week of August to be more precise – in a form of an OTA (over-the-air) update.

https://twitter.com/RDR0b11/status/872150867784478720

While Google’s Pixel phones are first in line to receive the new build, all supported Nexus devices will see the update arrive around the same time.

However, it should be noted that major releases like this one are often subject to date changes. So we can’t be 100% of when Google will actually roll out the Android O update for Pixel and then Nexus devices.

On top of Android O, in the upcoming months Google is also expected to unveil its next-gen Pixel phones. According to a report dating back to April, Google has been looking to invest $880 million into LG Display Co. in order to secure a steady supply of curved OLEDs.

And if the two companies agree to work together, this year we might get to see the Pixel 2 arrive with a curved display, similar to the one on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy S8+. Fans have been requesting a more innovative design for this year’s Pixels, so we expect the new models to shed as much bezel as possible.

Coral Blue Samsung Galaxy S8/Galaxy S8+ are headed for the US

News

Alexandra Arici

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June 7, 2017

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Currently, US customers who want to purchase a Galaxy S8 have three color options to choose from including Midnight Black, Orchid Gray or Artic Silver.

But if you’re a fan of more atypical coloring schemes, the good news is that a new Galaxy S8/Galaxy S8+ version will land in the US. As revealed by reliable industry source @evleaks, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ in Coral Blue should be making an appearance on the US market soon enough. However, no exact timeline for the release was offered.

When Samsung introduced the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ back in March, it said the phones will also be available in Maple Gold and Coral Blue. However, these versions weren’t offered in the US. But since the Coral Blue model is headed for the States, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the Maple Gold one would become available at some point too.

The Galaxy S8 is not the first Samsung phone to get Coral Blue treatment. The Galaxy Note7 carried this color before it got discontinued and then the Galaxy S7 edge.

Samsung is using the multiple color variants strategy in a bid to draw attention to the Galaxy S8 once more. And a recent report claimed the Korean tech giant is prepping more Galaxy S8 color versions including Lake Blue, Smoked Purple Gray, Quicksand Gold and Rose Gold – in a move to counter the iPhone 8’s arrival this September.

The best Android phones at T-Mobile (June 2017)

Featured

AndroidGuys

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June 6, 2017

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We’re asked on a regular basis to help determine which phone is the best one available. We get it as a team here at AndroidGuys, but we also field it on an individual level, too. To help address that, we’ve put together a list of top models to choose from at various carriers.

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone from T-Mobile, this is where you’ll want to start. Note that while this is called the “best Android phones” you can purchase this month, it’s worth noting there are plenty of other models to choose from.

Best is not a universal term to apply to all consumers. Some of you might have a limited budget; some of you may only have very modest needs. To that end, we suggest digging around a little bit and checking with the service provider.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the best phones you can purchase this month from T-Mobile.