Lumsing and AndroidGuys are giving away 10 four-port intelligent wall chargers
- INTELLIGENT QUICK CHARGE TECHNOLOGY: Detects and automatically switches to the right charging mode of the connected digital device for full speed charging of up to 4.2 overall amps.
- COMPACT POWERFUL CHARGER: Via 4 ports, the half palm-sized mini Cube charger delivers 21 watts of high-power to simultaneously to charge 4 devices, at top speed.
- SAFETY & LOW HEAT PROTECTION: Multi-protection system ensures complete safety for you and your devices. The built-in heat sink prevents the charger from getting too hot while charging.
- WELL-MADE TEXTURED SURFACE: Lumsing Unique Surface Treatment provides a textured grip to minimize the risk of dropping the charger, and the little, colored specks provide a unique feel.
The rules are simple.
- Like Lumsing’s Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/LumsingFans/).
- Share this post on Facebook.
- Leave a comment below in the comments section.
- Enter the giveaway from now until Sunday December 20 11:59PM PST. Winners will be contacted on Monday December 21. Just provide a shipping address and Lumsing will mail you the product direct.
All entrants will be able to receive one product at %50 off from the Lumsing Amazon store. Lumsing has over 16k ratings on Amazon.com, with over 97% overwhelming positive. They have a wide range of products from portable power banks, to wall chargers to accessory cables. We have positively reviewed its products on AndroidGuys.com, and use the products ourselves. In no way is Lumsing or AndroidGuys using this giveaway as an attempt to collect any personal information such as your phone number or credit card information.
From the team at AndroidGuys.com and Lumsing, we want to wish you a happy holiday season!
To learn more about Lumsing products head on over to the Lumsing Amazon.com storefront – LINK
Terms and Conditions
- Winners must live in the United States.
- We are not responsible for lost shipments.
- Only one winner per household.
- We reserve all rights to make any changes to this giveaway.
- Your email address will be given to Lumsing so they can contact you to send you a free prize
Lumsing Grand A1 accessory review
The post Lumsing and AndroidGuys are giving away 10 four-port intelligent wall chargers appeared first on AndroidGuys.
[Deal] T-Mobile offering $75 off flagships from Samsung and LG
T-Mobile today announced that it will be offering discounts on off-contract purchases of the Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6, and LG V10. With the holidays just around the corner, these discounts come just in time. All you have to do is add the off-contract version of the device to your cart, and apply promo code DEAL75OFF at checkout.
Some of these are actually really sweet. For instance, the Galaxy S6 recently got a price cut, bringing the device down to just $580 off-contract, no doubt because the rumored Galaxy S7 is getting closer and closer. But by applying that $75 discount, you can pick up a brand spankin’ new flagship for just $505. Or, if you’d prefer LG’s all-new V10, you can snag it from T-Mobile for a meager $525, down from $600. And don’t forget about the promotion that gets you a free battery and microSD card as well!
On the more expensive side of things is the Galaxy Note 5, costing about $100 more than the LG V10 at $625, down from its original price point of $700.
Anyone plan on picking one of these handsets up?
source: T-Mobile
Come comment on this article: [Deal] T-Mobile offering $75 off flagships from Samsung and LG
Report: LG to drop its G Flex range to focus on a V10 successor
We are fast closing in on the flurry of announcements that accompanies January’s CES, but we haven’t heard anything about any new products from LG or the next handset in its cutting edge G Flex range. According to a report from South Korea, the company may forgo a G Flex 3 announcement as it has other flagship class smartphones to announce next year.
The report suggests that LG has no plans to unveil the G Flex 3 at CES 2016 and could skip the next handset in this line-up altogether. Although the series has previously been used to showcase LG’s industry leading flexible OLED display technology, early Snapdragon 810 overheating rumors led to a mixed reception for the G Flex 2.
Instead, LG may choose to launch a successor to its high-end V10 smartphone in the second half of 2016. This would still leave LG with two main flagship handsets next year and the company’s releases would be better spread out over the course of the year.
LG’s flagship smartphones:
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The company is still expected to announce its LG G5 flagship in the usual April window. Very early G5 rumors suggest that the smatphone will arrive with a metal case, an iris recognition sensor and a 20 megapixel rear camera with a custom image sensor designed by Sony.
Would you be disappointed not to see a LG G Flex 3, or would the company be right to focus on a successor to the V10?
iOS and Android are both great. Here are some reasons to consider switching to Android.
I know I am going to get my fair share of hate emails and comments from this post, but I beg you try to keep an open mind when reading through this article. I understand that the whole Apple iOS versus Google Android debate is a heated topic for many, and expect comments on both sides of the fence. Let’s try to keep the comments civil.
I am going to do my best to explain why Android is a great alternative to iOS and try to avoid the whole Android is better than iOS debate as best as I can. I think both platforms are successful and by no means are Google or Apple struggling for cash. Monetarily you can say both are pretty darn successful. Apple is worth more money based on market value, but Google has more market share. I know that I will have a decent amount of bias towards Android, since I do use Android as my primary platform, and I also write for a website called AndroidGuys.
But it is in my nature to look at all things with an open mind: I am a scientist at a biotech in San Diego, and it is my job to investigate and offer answers with actual information to back it up. Any good scientist uses the Scientific Method to ask questions, investigate, acquire knowledge, and to use evidence to develop conclusions based on results. Once a conclusion is developed it is my job to test it and to prove it.
In my immediate family we are split 50/50 in what mobile software we use. My father uses an iPhone 6S+ and my older brother uses an iPhone 6 at my recommendation. Both of them started with the Apple iPhone, and are the type who prefer to stick with what works and to stay within one ecosystem. iPhone’s have great cameras, software, design, build, customer support and more. Just because I use Android doesn’t mean I force it on my own family.
My mother uses a Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and I use a a wide variety of Android devices like the Nexus 6P, 5X, Asus Zenfone 2 and the Doogee F5. My older sister uses an iPhone 5S, and she also uses an Android LG G2 too. So even in my own family, we are split 50/50 on what platform we use.
My devices
So let’s put the debate of what is better behind us. Let’s just take a look at Android and why it is a good alternative to iOS.
Let’s start with the most important factor: Price
iPhone 6S 4.7″ 16GB – $649
iPhone 6S+ 5.5″ 16GB – $749
Whether you buy an iPhone on a 0% financing plan, two-year contract, or in full, you’re going to pay a heck of a lot of money. Because Apple is the only company who makes the iPhone, the price stays relatively unchanged throughout the course of its one-year life cycle. Apple owns a monopoly on its products and can charge accordingly. It’s quite rare to see any technological device hold its value so well, but the iPhone does it regardless. And it even has incredible resale value. Apple controls its mobile market share by not making iOS accessible to other manufacturers.
Samsung Galaxy S6 5.1″ 32GB – $679.99
Samsung Galaxy Note 5.7″ 32GB – $699.99
Nexus 6P 5.7″ 32GB – $499.99
Nexus 5X 5.2″ 16GB – $379.99
There are dozens of Android device manufacturers. There are so many that I can’t even find an accurate count on the web. I listed the biggest Android device manufacturer in Samsung, and I also listed Google’s pure Android Nexus devices. Android phones can be expensive too. It’s difficult to do a direct comparison to iPhones, because the Samsung S6 line has been out since the Spring, while the iPhone 6S and Note 5 line have only been out since the Fall. Internal hardware varies greatly from device to device too.
The prices for the Galaxy line devices are clearly almost identical to the iPhone, with the Galaxy devices offering more base storage than the iPhone. Google’s own Nexus devices are $180-300 cheaper than the iPhone which means you can save money with pure Android devices. On top of the initial MSRP savings, Android prices drop much faster, but at the same time have terrible resale value. Overall, the upfront fees can be much cheaper when buying an Android device.
Letv 1s 5.5″ 32GB – $238
Nuu Mobile Z8 5.5″ 16GB – $249.99
Nu Mobile Z8
Who? Who the heck is Letv and Nuu Mobile? I know you have heard of Motorola, but the Letv 1s and the Nuu Mobile Z8 are example devices that come unlocked with fantastic features. They also run the same Android software that the more expensive devices like the Note 5 and S line run. You haven’t heard of Letv because they are focused on the Chinese market.Nuu Mobile is a up and coming Android device manufacturer with a small budget and can’t afford to blast advertisements around the world.
And just because these devices are cheaper, doesn’t mean they lack in hardware.
Letv 1s
Main Features:
Display: 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 FHD Screen
CPU: MTK6795 64bit Octa Core 2.2GHz
System: Android 5.0
RAM + ROM: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM
Camera: Dual Cameras, front camera 5.0MP camera, back camera 13.0MP
Nuu Mobile Z8 5.5″
Main Features:
Display: 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 FHD Screen
CPU: 1.7 GHz Octa-Core Processor, MediaTek MTK6752 64-bit
System: Android 5.0
RAM + ROM: 2GB RAM + 16GB ROM
Camera: Dual Cameras, front camera 8.0MP camera, back camera 13.0MP
Android software is easy to use, is secure, can be customized, and Google apps are loaded with features
Again, I’m not here to argue that Android is better than iOS. Both email, text, make phone calls, browse the web, play videos and music, and take pictures incredibly well. There is no arguing that both platforms do the basics with ease.
The iPhone just works. I know it does. But that doesn’t mean Android devices don’t work. Many of us, me included, got started with iOS. I bought the first iPhone on the day it was released and waited in line for every subsequent release until the iPhone 5. I made the switch to Android when I took the time to evaluate the software with an open mind. Android is as safe as iOS and iOS is as safe as Android. Both Apple and Google make security the top priority for their software. Don’t buy into all of the misinformation out there about one being safer than the other.
The other sad truth is no software is bug free. Both Android and iOS have their fair share of bugs which is the reason why they release updates.
Google Search
Just “Google” it. Google’s search tools are so powerful that many of us have swapped the word “search” for the company name Google. The dominance of Google search is so overwhelming that the name Google has become a verb. We don’t say just Apple it, Yahoo it, or Microsoft it. Many of us say just “Google” it because Google has become synonymous with searching and researching unknowns. It like calling tissue “Kleenex”, lip balm “Chapstick”, or cotton swap “Q-Tips”.
Google owns the market share when it comes to searching, and Google Search is native to Android devices making it a super powerful tool. Yes you can download Google Search software onto iOS devices, but there are benefits to being native. You can “Google” directly from any screen on an Android device, while it constantly keeps you up to date on weather, stock prices, news, parking location and more through Google Now.
Google Photos
Arguably the best feature about Google Photos is that you have unlimited storage for FREE. Once backed up, you can access your photos from anywhere you have an internet connection and a web browser. You no longer need to worry about saving your most precious memories on back-up hard drives with Google Photos.
Here are some other great features taken directly from the app landing page:
VISUAL SEARCH
Your photos are now searchable by the places and things that appear in them. Looking for that fish taco you ate in Hawaii? Just search “food in Hawaii” to find it – no tagging required.
FREE UP SPACE ON YOUR DEVICE
Never worry about running out of space on your phone again. In Settings, just tap “Free up device storage” – photos that are safely backed up will be removed from your device’s storage, but will still be available in Google Photos.
BRING PHOTOS TO LIFE
Enjoy automatically created montage movies, interactive stories, collages, animations, panoramas, and more from your photos. Or you can easily create them yourself – just tap +.
SHARED ALBUMS
Get everyone’s photos and videos in one place, across iOS, Android, and the web. Privately sharing all the photos you took – and getting the ones you didn’t – has never been easier.
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive
Google has its own answer for word processing, spreadsheet editing, presentation building, file storage and collaboration all for the price of nothing. Most of us learned how to use these tools using Microsoft Office, but Google created its own powerful tools and they are native to Android as well. Just like with Google Photos, all Google Docs are accessible from tablets to smartphones to desktops. And Google Docs is also compatible with Microsoft file types, while offering almost all of the same powerful features.
An alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides offers a great and free way to make presentations.
Google Docs is an online word processor that lets you create and format text documents and collaborate with other people in real time.
Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet application that allows you to store and organize different types of information, much like Microsoft Excel.
Project Fi
Project Fi is Google’s answer to cellular service. It isn’t Google’s own network – they have partnered with providers to offer its own affordable plan. Only select Nexus devices(Nexus 6, 6P and 5X) can access Project Fi, but it is a strong reason to give consideration to Android. Project Fi is still very new so this reason is highly debatable. But here are some reasons to consider it:
Project Fi is a combination of Sprint and T-Mobile
Project Fi coverage map
What’s included in the Fi Basics?
What happens if you go over your data budget?
You can bring your own number to Fi
Like any other provider, you can simply transfer your number when you sign up.
Android Wear
Wearables are taking hold in the marke,t and Android is at the forefront. Yes, Apple has its own watch too, which is great in its own right, but there is much more selection with Android. Tag Heuer, Fossil, Asus, LG, Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei are some of the major manufacturers of Android Wear devices, and the list continues to grow. With Android Wear you can monitor your activity levels, open apps, search and text using just your voice, get notifications, see the time and more.
Android Wear watches feature always-on displays, so you’ll always see important info like time, calls, and alerts. Respond to messages right from your watch, even when your phone isn’t with you.
Works with your Android phone or iPhone
Android Wear requires a phone running Android 4.3+ or iOS 8.2+. Supported features may vary between platforms. Visit g.co/wearcheck on your Android phone or iPhone to see if it’s compatible.
Android Wear is native to Android and is a great reason to consider Google’s software as an option.
You should consider Android if you don’t use it already
No I don’t work for Google, even though sometimes I wish I did. Google employees get get free food and drinks just for showing up to work! I have been to the Google campus, and they even let guests eat and drink for free. I hope Google let’s me hangout at its campus again some day in the future. It truly is an experience I will never forget.
Instead, I work for a biotech and research neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia, and the like. We get free coffee and tea, but I am not complaining. Nothing is more gratifying to me than working to solve unmet medical needs.
It’s my job to look at problems objectively, to ask questions, to research and to develop conclusions based on evidence.
In no way am I arguing that Android is superior to iOS, or vice versa, but I am offering reasons why you should consider Android if you are not using it now. There are fantastic devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 or the Nexus 6P that offer the latest and greatest hardware, or there are fantastic alternatives like the Letv 1s or Nuu Mobile Z8 which offer great hardware for budget conscience users.
The software is also incredible and better yet, the applications Google provides are completely free to use.
If you would like to learn more, head on over to Google.com. No you don’t have to switch to Android – there are plenty of great features on iOS too.
My favorite Android commercial.
The post iOS and Android are both great. Here are some reasons to consider switching to Android. appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Holiday Buying Guide 2015: The best Android phones
We live in a mobility-focused world, and manufacturers from all over the world have risen up to meet this demand. You have Samsung with its new line of premium Galaxy devices, Google revolutionizing the off-contract market with the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, Motorola’s own off-contract efforts, and even up and comers like Alcatel OneTouch. There are so many different smartphones out there, all for different types of people. With that in mind, it can be difficult to find the perfect handset, especially with how expensive many of these devices are.
Here at Talk Android, we’ve put together a detailed shopping guide on the best smartphones in the market for the holidays. There’s something for everybody on this list, whether it be powerful performance packages that Samsung offers, something more luxury in the Sony Xperia handsets, or even the media production capabilities in many of LG’s new devices.
We’ve taken the liberty of digging through the mire in order to bring you the best Android smartphones for this holiday shopping season. One thing we can guarantee: there’s something for you on this list.
Stocking Stuffers ($99 – $199)
Moto G (2015)
Motorola can make some impressive devices, even with decidedly mid-range specifications. The company created the Moto G with low price points and high performance in mind. It goes without saying, the Moto G delivers.
Motorola equipped the Moto G with a 5-inch 1280 x 720 display, a quad-core Snapdragon 410, 8GB ROM/1GB RAM or 16GB ROM/2GB RAM configurations, a 13-megapixel rear camera, and a 2470mAh battery. The smartphone comes with Android 5.1 straight out of the box with planned upgrades to Android 6.0 down the road.
The specifications may be low, but the off-contract handset is just as slick as many high-end devices. Not only that, but it’s guaranteed to save some money on those outrageous carrier bills by helping you ditch contracts. That’s the big benefit with the Moto G (2015): ditching carrier contracts while not breaking the bank on an off-contract smartphone. As mentioned earlier, even at its low price point, it has great mid-range specifications. In some cases, if you were to put the Moto G and a Galaxy Note 5 side-by-side and navigate the software, you wouldn’t notice much of a difference in speed or smoothness. It’s most definitely a win for the person that wants to get rid of contracts while still having a great smartphone.
The Moto G also has a lot of different accessories available for it, particularly an arsenal of back plates in different colors. Motorola also offers tons of different cases, shells, battery packs, microSD cards, and earphones for the Moto G. And if you’re still on the fence, be sure to check out review of the device. Starting at $179, a mid-range handset truly doesn’t get any better than this.
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 (4.7)
Alcatel OneTouch first launched the Idol 3, arguably one of the most impressive off-contract smartphones on the market. But with the demand for smaller devices, Alcatel OneTouch launched a smaller version of the handset, the Idol 3 4.7. It’s notably different in performance, but still delivers.
The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 (4.7) features a 4.7-inch 1280 x 720 display, a quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 8/16GB ROM configurations, a 13-megapixel rear camera, and a 2,000mAh battery. As far as software goes, it’s running Android 5.0. Alcatel OneTouch hasn’t made their plans known to upgrade the device to Android 6.0 yet, which may be something to consider when thinking over your purchase.
The highlight of the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 (4.7) certainly isn’t specifications, but providing a truly elegant device in a size that most people prefer. 5.5-inch or 6-inch devices are quickly becoming the norm, but aren’t for everyone. With that in mind, the Idol 3 with the 4.7-inch display is quite literally the perfect fit for those who want something smaller. On the downside, there aren’t a whole lot of accessories beyond your standard third-party cases for this device. However, much like the Moto G (2015) a great plus is that you get a formidable off-contract smartphone on the cheap.
Alcatel OneTouch did an impressive job with the Idol 3 4.7, bringing both performance and elegance in a relatively cheap package. For $179, this handset will break you free of carrier contracts while giving you something to impress your friends with.
[Alcatel OneTouch] [Amazon] [Newegg]
Under the Christmas Tree ($199 – $399)
ZTE Axon Pro
ZTE isn’t very well known in the United States, but the Chinese manufacturer is trying to change that by offering high-end devices at a competitive price point. That said, some might be surprised to see this device under the Christmas tree this year, but won’t live to regret it.
The ZTE Axon Pro (review here) sports a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 display, an octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor, 4GB of RAM, 32/64GB ROM configurations, a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 3,000mAh battery, and it’s running Android 5.1 with ZTE’s own skin over top.
ZTE’s Axon Pro is an off-contract smartphone, which might be surprising from the specifications. High-end smartphones are far and few between as far as off-contract devices go. What’s even more surprising is that the Axon Pro is a high-end/flagship smartphone at a cheap price. The specifications are close to that of the Galaxy Note 5, but there’s still a good $400 – $600 difference in price. That makes the Axon Pro a hard one to pass up for the person looking for a flagship device, but still wanting to break free of those sometimes nasty contracts.
ZTE has undoubtedly become one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to producing off-contract and high-end smartphones at a low price points. Not only that, but the company offers an array of decent accessories for the device. Whether you need cases, shells, flip covers, clear cases, Bluetooth speakers or earphones, ZTE has it all available for the Axon Pro through its online store.
Still not sure about the Axon Pro? Check out our review for more details. Starting at $400, what you get from ZTE in the Axon Pro is pure, unadulterated quality.
Moto X Pure Edition
The Moto X Pure Edition is the best of Motorola all in one pretty package. Not only do you get relatively powerful specifications, but you also get to tailor this handset to your likes and dislikes inside the Moto Maker. That last feature is what truly makes the Moto X Pure Edition special–the Moto Maker. Just about anyone can make a great performing smartphone with high-end specifications, but not many give you the ability to customize the device in almost every way possible.
Whether you want a traditional plastic back plate, bamboo, wood, a textured back, the Moto Maker has it all. You can go crazy and make your Moto X Pure Edition pink, neon green or even settle for some more standard colors. Whatever you choose to do, the Moto X Pure Edition is truly tailored to your likes. The customization does have a small downside: the smartphones takes a little longer to get to you. But if you can wait an extra couple of days, the Moto X Pure Edition is well worth having.
Motorola’s Moto X Pure Edition sports a 5.2-inch 2560 x 1440 display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 16/32/64GB internal storage configurations, 3GB of RAM, a 21-megapixel rear camera, and a 3,000mAh battery. It’s also running Android 5.1 with plans to upgrade to Android 6.0.
Just like with the Moto G (2015), Motorola offers tons of different accessories for the Moto X Pure Edition, whether it be cases, shells, earphones, and more. Motorola has everything you need available to you, and that kind of service truly makes the Moto X Pure Edition worth having.
For just $399, you not only get a great performance package and the ability to break away from carrier contracts, but you get a device tailored to you.
Nexus 5X
The Nexus 5X is not only the latest and greatest from Google, but also the successor of the famed Nexus 5. Like many devices on this list, the Nexus 5X will break you free from those nasty carrier contracts, and maybe even offer you something better with Project Fi, that is, if coverage is available in your area.
This handset features a 5.2-inch 1920 x 1080 display, a Snapragon 808 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16/32GB ROM configurations, a 12.3-megapixel rear camera, a 2,700mAh battery, and it’s running Android 6.0, the latest version of the mobile operating system.
The Nexus 5X is a hard one to pass up for the tech enthusiast in your life. Being a Nexus device, it’s one of the first devices on the market to get the latest versions of Google’s mobile operating system, which is every tech-savvy individual’s dream. Unfortunately, Google doesn’t offer a lot of accessories for the device, but you do have the option of getting the Nexus 5X Folio from the Google Store as well as a handful of other cases for the handset.
At $299, between the performance and continued support, it’s a difficult device to pass up. But if you have more money to spend, it might be worth passing this one by and looking at the Nexus 6P, which we’ve detailed below.
[Google Store] [Amazon] [Best Buy] [B&H Photo]
For someone special ($399 – $899)
Galaxy Note 5
The Galaxy Note 5 is the latest and greatest from Samsung. It’s not a huge upgrade from last year’s Note 4, but the Galaxy Note 5 takes everything from its predecessor and makes things even better. It has a slightly larger display, more beautiful body, and all-around better improvements. Almost anyone would love to see this behemoth under the tree Christmas morning.
Samsung, being the smartphone giant that it is, has tons of accessories for this device as well, and I mean that in the literal sense. You can get almost anything you need for this device from Samsung, and even things you may not need. There’s S-View flip covers, protective covers, battery charging packs, wireless charging pads, wireless headphones, car accessories, and much, much more.
The handset has a 5.7-inch 2560 x 1440 Super AMOLED display, an octa-core Exynos 7420 processor, 4GB of RAM, 32/64GB ROM configurations, a 16-megapixel rear camera, and a non-removable 3,000mAh battery. It also is running on Android 5.1 (planned upgrade for Android 6.0) with Samsung’s own TouchWiz UI atop.
There’s a couple aspects that make the Galaxy Note 5 the handset to buy this holiday season. Not only does it have high-end specs and a beautiful media package, but it also comes with some extra nifty features, thanks to the S-Pen. Using features like Air Command and Air View with the S-Pen makes this device that much easier to use. And with its massive 5.7-inch display, media doesn’t get any better on a smartphone. If you feel like splurging this holiday season, the Galaxy Note 5 is the device to do it with. Still not sure? Be sure to check out our detailed review–it’s truly the best of Samsung!
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 price varies from retailer to retailer, but you can generally get it for $699 outright, $199 on a new two-year contract, or as low as $20/mo on a device payment plan through a carrier.
[Samsung] [Amazon] [Verizon] [AT&T] [T-Mobile] [Sprint] [Newegg]
Galaxy S6 Edge+
With how much of a hit the Galaxy S6 Edge was, it only made sense for Samsung to introduce a successor: the Galaxy S6 Edge+, a cross between its predecessor and the Galaxy Note 4. It’s one of the most premium devices on the market, and is the perfect companion for those that aren’t sure about the S-Pen on the Galaxy Note 5. Not having the S-Pen, you don’t get any of the extra features that come with it, which is a huge benefit for those that don’t actively use styluses; it also frees up some storage space.
This is exactly the same device as the Galaxy Note 5, just without the S-Pen, although there is the inclusion of the “edge” display, which adds some additional functionality that can prove to be useful. Much like the Galaxy Note 5, there’re tons of accessories for this device, whether that be protective shells, S-View flip covers, wireless chargers, and so on. Specifically for the Galaxy S6 Edge+ is also the optional physical keyboard accessory. It makes typing easy and efficient, but the downside is that it takes up way too much screen real estate.
The Galaxy S6 Edge+ is sporting a 5.7-inch 2560 x 1440 Super AMOLED display, an octa-core Exynos 7420 CPU, 4GB of RAM, 32/64GB ROM configurations, a 16-megapixel rear camera, and a non-removable 3,000mAh battery. Similar to the Note 5, it’s running Android 5.1 with a planned upgrade to Android 6.0. With the Galaxy S6 Edge+ (and Galaxy Note 5) Samsung also added a neat feature, allowing users to stream video directly to YouTube. With that in mind, the S6 Edge+ might just be the perfect choice for content creators as well.
The Galaxy S6 Edge+ sits around the same price as the Note 5 at $799 outright, $399 on a new two-year contract, or around $25/mo on a device payment plan. Not sure about making the leap for the device? Talk Android’s very own Justin Herrick put together an all-around solid review on the Galaxy S6 Edge+.
[Samsung] [Amazon] [Verizon] [AT&T] [T-Mobile] [Sprint] [Newegg]
Nexus 6P
Google partnered with up and coming Chinese manufacturer Huawei to make the Nexus 6P. Despite some wild controversy, the handset is one of the best Android experiences we’ve seen from the search giant yet. Not only will it save you a chunk of change by breaking you free of carrier contracts, but it’s also the perfect companion for consuming media, taking pictures, playing games, and even work.
The handset is equipped with a 5.7-inch 2560 x 1440 display, an octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32/64/128GB ROM configurations, a 12.3-megapixel rear camera, and a non removable 3450mAh battery.
Much like the Nexus 5X, there aren’t many accessories for the Nexus 6P, but Google does have their own Folio cases and regular cases available for the device in the Google Store. Not only that, but Google is also advertising a handful of other third-party cases in the Google Store that work well with the handset.
The Nexus 6P is truly the best from Google, and it’ll be officially supported for quite some time. Google is promised monthly security updates for many of its Nexus devices in addition to providing all of the latest versions of Android in a timely manner. If you’re looking for a handset with a beautiful and large display, all while sticking with stock Android, the Nexus 6P might just be right up your alley.
Starting at $399, this is one of the most premium devices you’ll ever get from Google.
[Huawei] [Google Store] [Amazon]
If you’ve got any questions, concerns, have a suggestion for this Holiday Buyer’s Guide, or saw a deal on any of these awesome devices, be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Come comment on this article: Holiday Buying Guide 2015: The best Android phones
Results mixed for Android, iOS growth in October report
Kantar Worldpanel released their report on smartphone market share through the end of October 2015 showing the battle between iOS and Android is both stable and in flux at the same time. Android continued to maintain a lead position with Samsung showing signs of a comeback, although Apple showed strong growth in some unexpected areas.
In Europe, results were a mixed bag as Android surged in Italy, France and Spain. However, interest in Great Britain and Germany cooled off, leading to a gain of 1.6 percent for the top five European markets, the EU5. At the same time, iOS declined in the EU5 for the first time since the August 2014 period. Android also saw some surprising growth in the U.S. where it surged by 9.5 percent year over year to 62.8 percent of the market. Traditionally, the U.S. market has been a nice stronghold for Apple’s iOS.
One area where Apple is enjoying some significant success is in the Chinese market. Android still controls a whopping 74.2 percent of the market, but that is down around 8 percent compared to a year earlier.
For manufacturers, Samsung posted its first period of year-over-year growth in 2015 for sales of their smartphones. The U.S., U.K. and French markets were especially strong improvements for Samsung. LG and Huawei also continued to grow their shares. In Europe, Apple unexpectedly lost some ground in Britain and Germany. Kantar Worldpanel notes that in Britain, Apple’s losses were at the hands of LG and Samsung.
Analysts looking ahead to the results of the holiday shopping season will be keeping an eye on how many smartphone owners decide to replace their devices with newer ones and whether they stick with their current platforms and manufacturers.
source: Kantar Worldpanel
via: PocketNow
Come comment on this article: Results mixed for Android, iOS growth in October report
Asus and LG have a laugh at Apple’s Smart Battery Case
If you have been keeping up with your broader smartphone tech, you may have noticed that Apple released a rather unflattering looking Smart Battery Case for its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S the other day. Asus and LG have taken to Twitter to poke a little fun at Apple’s latest innovation and grab a little attention for their latest products.
Starting with Asus, the company has leapt right into a comparison between its own Asus ZenFone Max, which packs in a whopping 5000mAh battery, and the combined battery life of Apple’s iPhone and Smart Battery Case. On its own, the ZenFone Max boats longer video playback and internet use than the combined iPhone products, and a substantially longer amount of talk time – 37 hours verses 25 hours.
You don’t need that extra pack when you have the maximum power in one. #ZenFone #Max pic.twitter.com/McjMJbzij5
— ASUS (@ASUS) December 9, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsLG prefers to poke fun at the design of the Smart Battery Case, which definitely isn’t the most attractive product that Apple have ever created, with the line “No bumps. Just goosebumps” to describe its V10 flagship, accompanied by #TheHump. The combined battery capacity of the iPhone 6 and battery case is said to be around 3492mAh, which is a little larger than the LG V10’s 3,000mAh cell. However, you have to wonder how many customers will be willing to compromise on the iPhone’s often praised design for that extra juice.
A moment of silence for those experiencing a bumpy ride. Life’s Good. #TheHump #LGV10 pic.twitter.com/OX9i4Bo4UE — LG Jordan (@LGJordan) December 9, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Priced at $99, the Smart Battery Case certainly isn’t the cheapest battery boosting accessory either. Do you have any thoughts on Apple’s case?
Bumpy ride for Apple at expense of LG, ASUS tweets
Apple usually receives accolades for the design of their devices, from computers to phones to tablets. However, the new Apple Smart Battery Case is raising some eyebrows as it seems to stray from the typical clean lines produced by the company. The accessory also provided LG and ASUS some fodder to take some potshots at Apple in some tweets.
The Apple case does not bring much new to the market that third-party vendors are not already providing. It packs in an external battery that can be used to extend the life of the device between charges. In doing so, Apple introduces a distinctive bump to house the battery itself within the case.
LG takes a shot at Apple by calling out the bump and offering a moment of silence for anyone who has to deal with it. They contrast the bump and the case with the LG V10 that is sleek and only offers “goosebumps” thanks to its design.
A moment of silence for those experiencing a bumpy ride. Life's Good. #TheHump #LGV10 pic.twitter.com/OX9i4Bo4UE
— LG Jordan (@LGJordan) December 9, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Meanwhile, ASUS focuses more on the lack of innovation the battery pack brings. They go so far as to point out the battery pack does not even provide users with the battery life available from the built-in battery of the ASUS Zenfone Max.
You don’t need that extra pack when you have the maximum power in one. #ZenFone #Max pic.twitter.com/McjMJbzij5
— ASUS (@ASUS) December 9, 2015
http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
source: LG (Twitter), ASUS (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: Bumpy ride for Apple at expense of LG, ASUS tweets
10 Android phones you should consider for T-Mobile (December 2015)
Are you in the market for a new smartphone? Is Sprint the service provider you’re considering? You’re in luck! We’re here to help you pick out that next handset. If you’re an existing smartphone owner, picking out an upgrade won’t be too much of a challenge. But, for others, particularly first-time buyers, the idea of buying an Android might make them nervous.
Which is the newest phone? What is the best phone? Which is the one that’s going to give me exactly what I need? We’re here to help you dig mine through the muck and pull out a few gems.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for Sprint this December. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for Sprint if you’re currently contemplating a new device.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
The fifth generation of Samsung’s plus-sized smartphone experience boasts a gorgeous metal and glass design. The S Pen digital stylus is smarter than ever and works without even powering on the display. Up from previous models, storage options are now 32GB and 64GB. The battery, which comes in at a commendable 3000mAh capacity, allows for fast charging, wireless charging, and even fast wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
An almost identical sibling to the aforementioned Galaxy Note 5, this one trades out the stylus for the dual curved display. If you don’t need to jot down notes or mark up documents, consider grabbing the more sexy counterpart.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S6
Announced in the spring, it’s hard to beat the annual Samsung flagship smartphone. The 5.1-inch Quad HD screen is a stunner and feels oh-so-right in our hands and the premium design includes glass and metal. It’s the first Galaxy S model we’ve wanted to coddle and protect in a long time. It doesn’t hurt that it runs Android 5.0 Lollipop (with an expected 6.0 update), comes with at least 32GB storage, and has 3GB RAM to boost performance.
LG G4
LG continues to impress with a steady stream of flagship models that demand attention. We long ago fell in love with the rear button layout and this year’s version has one of the best camera experiences we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. The specs are top-notch and the screen is a real looker.
LG V10
The newest phone of the bunch, this LG features two displays. Indeed, there is the 5.7-inch quad HD screen which looks gorgeous on its own. However, up at the top you will find a small secondary display which offers quick access to favorite contacts, apps, media player buttons , or an at-a-glance view of your schedule.
But, as if that were not enough, you will also find 64 gigabytes of internal storage with a microSD card that allows for another 200GB of space. The removable 3,000mAh battery is more than enough to get you a day or two of life. The rear offers up a 16-megapixel camera while the front houses a pair of 5-megapixel shooters. One works for close-ups while the other has a wide angle lens for group shots.
HTC One M9
The lone HTC model here is also one of the oldest flagship models to make this list. Don’t let that concern you, though, it’s still a kick-ass phone with a great build. The 5-inch screen looks great and fits well in the hand while the 20-megapixel camera snaps excellent photos. The microSD card keeps media lovers content with room for up to 200GB of external storage. And, perhaps the best part, the included Uh Oh Protection will replace your water damaged or cracked screen for free inside of 12 months.
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime
Somewhat of a trimmed-down take of the Galaxy S line, this one gives new smartphone users more than enough to learn the ropes. What’s more, it comes at a fraction of the cost of the flagship brand. Specs include a 5-inch HD display, 8-megapixel rear camera, and a front-facing 5-megapixel camera. Powered by Android 5.1 Lollipop, you also get to enjoy expandable memory via microSD slot.
Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime at T-Mobile
ZTE Obsidian
Priced to move, you’ll have a hard time beating the value in the ZTE Obsidian. Those looking to get into the smartphone game should find the 4.5-inch phone meets their needs. The Android 5.1 Lollipop provides the Material Design aesthetic that’s become all the rage; the 8GB storage with microSD expansion (up to 32GB) ought to be enough to store your music, pictures, and other media.
Kyocera Hydro Wave
Does your lifestyle find you spending time around water? Plumbers, lifeguards, and parents of toddlers will enjoy the waterproof Kyocera handset. Not only that, but the Military Standard 810G rating ensures this one can take a beating. Go ahead, drop it, if you can. The non-slip finish won’t make it easy on you.
Kyocera Hydro Wave at T-Mobile
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime
When all you need is the essentials, consider picking up the Samsung Galaxy Core Prime. It’s a pocketable 4.5-inch experience with a 5-megapixel rear camera and front-facing 2-megapixel shooter. The quad-core processor and 1GB RAM won’t set any benchmark records, but what do you expect for about one hundred dollars? Give this one to the kids for their first taste of Android.
Samsung Galaxy Core Prime at T-Mobile
The post 10 Android phones you should consider for T-Mobile (December 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
[Deal] Nexus 5X gets discounted $50 on the Google Store and Amazon
Only one month after its launch, the Google Nexus 5X has already begun showing deals. Through the end of the year, one can purchase the Nexus 5X at a discounted price on either the Google Store or Amazon.
The Nexus 5X was already an affordable device, but has now become even more affordable. Both the Google Store and Amazon are running the same $50 promotion, which will apply for both the 16GB and 32GB versions. The 16GB model now costs only $330, down from $380, and the 32GB version now costs $380 rather than the original $430 price tag. In addition, Best Buy is running a similar promotion on the handset. All prices are for the unlocked version, which are not linked to any carrier or contract agreement. Not a bad deal if you ask me. Our review of the Nexus 5X is coming soon, but for now, you can check out the specs overview here.
[Google Store] [Amazon]
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Nexus 5X gets discounted $50 on the Google Store and Amazon
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