Why 2016 will be the year of the Chinese, unlocked budget smartphone
Samsung, LG, Sony, HTC, and Motorola are all Android names we are all very familiar with. Those tech giants have been making our phones for quite a few years, and have been charging us an arm and a leg for flagship devices, which typically last anywhere from one to three years if you’re lucky. Flagship devices from these manufacturers can cost as low as $450 and can go as high as $850 depending on where you buy them from.
LG’s flagship V10. $599 to $699
In general, most of them perform the same functions since they are all based on Google’s Android platform. And they all keep us pretty happy. Sure there are differences that justify cost differences, and for the most part, most smartphone enthusiasts will always create a market for high-end smartphones. Smartphones are no different than cars – some will prefer sports cars from the likes of Porsche and Ferrari, while other will prefer luxury from Mercedes and Audi. For the vast majority of people, they will stick to their GM, Toyota and Ford made vehicles opting to save a little bit of money in features they do not need. At the end of the day, all cars serve to provide a means of transportation.
Flagship smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Note5, the LG V10, Moto X Pure, HTC One, and the Sony Xperia Z5 premium are all fantastic devices. They all have high-end processors, super clear and colorful displays up to 4k resolution, fantastic speakers and software features that other mid-range and budget phones do not have. And for many of us enthusiasts, we will ALWAYS buy flagship devices, as we really love technology and maximize our usage from these devices. There is no argument from me that there is value in these flagships. But…
What do most of us use our phones for?
There is a good amount of people who need flagship devices to keep up with their lifestyles. But there are more people who simply use smartphones for phone calls, text messaging, scheduling, social media, photos, email, internet browsing, shopping, and basic gaming. All of the flagship devices do all of those tasks with ease.
The things we hoped smartphones would do, like replace desktop computers simply is not happening and probably won’t happen anytime soon. Whether we have a two year old Nexus 5, Galaxy Note5, or brand new LG V10 all Android devices perform the basics.
The difference in internal hardware is becoming less obvious
A couple of years ago it was very easy to pick up on the differences between phones with big V12 engines like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, versus the first four cylinder powered Moto G. The Moto G was terrible at gaming, didn’t get LTE data reception, had a very basic camera, and had a poor to average looking display.
1st generation Moto G
The Note 3, on the other hand, had a great looking OLED 1080p display, Snapdragon 800, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of memory, a 3200mAh battery, and a 13MP rear camera. The 2013 Moto G on the other hand had a 720p display, Snapdragon 400, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of memory, 2070mAh battery and a measly 5MP rear camera. The differences in hardware back in 2013 were significant and the price difference justified the performance. Keep in mind the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was four times more costly than the Moto G.
Note 3
Fast forward to 2015, and compare the Samsung Galaxy Note5 to the Letv 1s. Yeah I know you probably haven’t heard of Letv, but there’s a good chance you didn’t hear of Huawei until this year too. Only until the Nexus 6P did many people in the U.S. take Huawei seriously, even though they had been dominating in China for some time now. They’re a major part of the reason why Samsung’s profits have been on the decline recently.
Both the Letv 1s and the Note5 have octa-core processors and 32GB of internal memory. Yes the processors are made by two different manufacturers, but the difference in processors is slim in real world performance. Both devices have beautiful and durable build quality, with the Letv 1s being made in all metal, and the Galaxy Note5 being a combination of glass and metal. The Letv 1s also comes with the latest USB type-C standard found on the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and OnePlus 2. Both smartphones have a fingerprint reader and both currently run Android 5.1. The major differences are the Note 5 has a 16MP rear camera, 2k display and 4GB of RAM, whereas the Letv 1s has a 13MP camera, 1080p display and 3GB of RAM. The biggest difference between the two, is the Letv 1s comes fully unlocked at $180 whereas the Note5 comes in at $750. That’s quite a price difference.
The cost of phone insurance is extremely high
One of the biggest scams in the U.S. mobile industry is smartphone insurance. Most of us cannot afford to replace a $750 phone if we were to drop it or get it wet, so we rely on insurance to get us out of a jam. There are many companies who offer phone insurance. Why? Because they make lots of money on insurance plans. No company would exist if they lost money.
Let’s take a look at Best Buy’s Geek Squad insurance program.
$7.99 per month for insurance actually doesn’t seem too expensive, especially when it covers drops, spill and cracks. But when you factor in the deductible cost of $149.99 per incident on phones up to $800, a new display can cost $150 plus $7.99 in the first month of ownership. If you purchase the insurance and use it 11 months into owning your device, to replace a cracked display, the cost of that protection now is $88($7.99 x 11 months) plus the $149.99 deductible for a grand total of $233. Worse yet, do not use the insurance over two years, and you just paid $192($8 x 24 months) for peace of mind! That peace of mind is more expensive than a brand new and unlocked Letv 1s.
The total cost of ownership for a Samsung Galaxy Note5 over two years with insurance is close to $1000 with taxes. The total cost one Letv smartphone without insurance (no need to buy insurance if it is more expensive than the phone) is five times less expensive. You could spend that $800 in savings on an Android Wear smartwatch of your choice, headphones, wireless speakers, or better yet your child’s college education. Heck, if you want, buy one Letv 1s this year, and buy the upgraded version next year, and you’ll still have an extra $600 in your pocket if we can assume the next generation stays under $200.
Budget smartphones don’t need insurance and you can even make an argument that they don’t even need a screen protector nor cell phone case which is additional savings.
Keep in mind, almost all phones comes with a one year warranty which protects against manufacturer defects. They just don’t cover accidental damage or loss with those warranties.
Regardless of how you buy your phone, through financing or on a two-year contract, you will pay the full price for the device. Cellular providers use confusion to build in costs.
T Mobile has shaken up the cellular industry in many ways, and one of the most significant ways was by blowing up the two-year contract. AT&T and Verizon have contributed to making cell phone plans very confusing through gimmicks such as the two-year contract. The two-year contract offered expensive flagship phones for prices of $200 or less with the actual retail prices being close to $750. Many consumers were fooled into believing a two-year commitment was enough to justify the discounted price of the smartphone.
AT&T and Verizon were not giving the phones away at $500+ discounts out of the kindness of their hearts – they were simply hiding the fees of the phones in other ways. Rather than charge a customer directly for the full price of a smartphone, Verizon and AT&T would, and still do charge higher fees for a “connection.”
For example, let’s buy a Samsung Galaxy Note5 through AT&T.
There are three options to choose from the first of which is buying outright for $739.99 plus tax. Buying outright qualifies the customer to a $25 discount of their smartphone plan. Total cost of the smartphone is $739.99 plus taxes.
The second option is paying $24.67 for 30 months on the Next plan with a $25 monthly discount on your bill, or paying $249.99 down without the $25 discount for 24 months. $24.67 over 30 months works out to be $740.01, but the $25 discount that applies to your bill is given as a “connection fee” discount which normally costs $40 per month. You don’t have to take my word for it, you can read the fine print at at&t.com.
Lastly you can buy the Note5 on a two-year contract for $249.99, plus tax on the full retail value, plus a $45 upgrade fee, and you lose the $25 discount over those 24 months. The cost excluding taxes, since taxes are applicable to all three methods is $845. So you actually pay more when you sign a two-year contract since you lose the $25 per month discount on service.
The take home message, is no matter how you buy a new smartphone, whether being on a two-year contract, or financing the device through the Next program, you will pay the full price of the phone. Again you don’t have to take my word for it, just read the fine print in your contract. If you have an attorney who represents you, I suggest you have him/her read the fine print and explain it to you, because it truly is confusing.
T-Mobile exposed the nature of hidden fees, but that just opened the door for unlocked smartphones.
The problem with unlocked budget smartphones is there are very few trustworthy reviews
The big manufacturers of smartphones like LG and Samsung have been sending reviewers test units for many years now. New and upcoming Chinese smartphone manufacturers don’t have the same budgets that the big players do, and every dollar counts. It’s why OnePlus created the dreaded invite system, so that they don’t over produce smartphones and have to sell them at a loss later.
Profit margins are slim when you make devices under $200. Chinese smartphone manufacturers have to adhere to strict budgets and have not sent U.S. tech reviewers many phones to review. They also do not have a presence in U.S. stores like Best Buy, Frys, or even AT&T, Verizon and T Mobile stores. And many tech reviewers are so spoiled by getting free review units that they won’t spend their own money on unlocked review units. Plus it is a lot more fun to review a full fledged flagship than a sub $200 smartphone.
Many people who buy smartphones come to websites like ours to get unbiased reviews. Without trustworthy reviews, it’s hard to trust a company you have never heard of and I don’t blame you.
Why 2016 will be the year of the unlocked smartphone
Most importantly hardware differentiation between budget and flagship devices are becoming more and more difficult to realize as a user. There is a good chance many of you have not used the latest budget smartphones from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, Letv, Huawei(excluding the Nexus 6P), Doogee(who?), Bluboo, Meizu, Elephone and Ulefone. There’s more than that too. You may have read about them and have been intrigued by Chinese budget devices, but without having the ability to see one for yourself in person, you probably have not pulled the trigger on actually buying one.
Recently I have had the pleasure of using a couple of these unlocked devices under $200 and they have run Android 5.0 or 5.1, work with LTE on AT&T, and most importantly they can keep up with my needs. I consider myself a power user(subjective of course). By power user, I mean I text frequently, make phone calls, browse the internet, watch movies, play games, email, take pictures and more.
I have been pleasantly surprised to learn that budget phones from China are incredibly well built, use high-end materials, have great displays, have high megapixel cameras, and are very snappy when it comes to performance.
All metal Letv 1s sub $200 unlocked.
As you readers become more educated in the hidden fees of cell phone ownership, and Chinese manufacturers start to enter the U.S. market, many of you will start experimenting with these devices and spreading the word like wildfire that these phones are highly capable of being daily drivers. I have made a commitment to buy at least four to six devices under $300 from Chinese manufacturers with my own money so I can provide high quality reviews. And to prove my reviews true, I will be giving away each phone after I review it to one lucky reader who can validate or invalidate what I said in my review.
My first two reviews will be of the ASUS Zenfone 2(I know, it is more well known, but I wanted to start with an established brand) and will follow up with the Doogee F5.
Doogee F5
If I’m lucky, many Chinese manufacturers will see the value in my reviews and will maybe provide me with review units at cost or free which means more free devices for you too.
But take my word for it that 2016 will be the year of the unlocked, Chinese budget smartphone. Come back in 2017 and let me know if I’m wrong. Huawei already proved they can build one of the best Android devices by offering us the Nexus 6P, now the doors are wide open for Xiaomi, Letv, Doogee, Meizu and the others to flood the U.S. market with affordable devices that can withstand daily usage. Watch out Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola – you have a giant target on your back.
The post Why 2016 will be the year of the Chinese, unlocked budget smartphone appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Best tech gifts under $250 (2015 holiday guide)
Finding a good gift for that special someone with a tech inclination is no easy feat. And it’s not only a matter of preference; there’s plenty of lackluster gadgets out there you really don’t want to buy. Then there are the obviously good gifts that happen to cost a fortune. Where are the options that won’t necessarily break the bank and are worth your cash?
We already gave you a list of our favorite gifts under $50 and $100. Now it’s time to step up the game and curate a list of products under $250 for those who have a higher budget or want to treat a special someone to a nicer gift. This post includes smartphones, wearables, tablet, media streamers, Chromebooks, headphones, cameras, speakers and more. Pretty exciting stuff, right? Let’s get right to the goods!
Smartphones
Moto G
Motorola may no longer be the only one making affordable handsets that are actually good, but they sure started a trend and the Moto G series continues to offer some of the best value around. The latest version (3rd generation/2015) Moto G is currently only $219 off-contract and unlocked. That would be for the higher-end version, by the way.
And it’s no weakling. This phone can handle most casual tasks thanks to its modest, yet very capable specs. This little phone sports a 5-inch 720p display, a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, a 13 MP rear-facing camera, a 5 MP front shooter and a 2470 mAh battery. You could also opt for the cheaper $176.85 version, which has half the RAM and internal storage.
Buy the Moto G (2015) for $219.99!
ASUS ZenFone 2
We told you the Moto G was no longer alone in the battle for the best affordable handset, and one of its closest competitors is definitely the ASUS ZenFone 2. Be sure this is no bad contender. It’s actually a favorite among Android fans, thanks to its accessible price, good size, awesome build quality, vivid screen and more. To be honest, this is the affordable handset I recommend the most, these days.
The only things we complained about during our review were battery life, average camera quality and a weak speaker. But come on, the phone is only $199, and it makes up for those caveats in plenty other areas.
Buy the ASUS ZenFone 2 for $199!
See also: Best cheap Android phones (October 2015)
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3
The Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is more expensive than the smartphones listed above, but it’s for good reasons. This phone is worth every penny you will spend on it! Especially for those of you who like larger handsets, as this big guy’s screen measures in at 5.5 inches. It’s also more powerful thanks to its Snapdragon 615 processor.
Other specs include 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, a 13 MP rear camera, an 8 MP front camera and a nice 2910 mAh battery. By the way, I happen to love this phone’s attractive, slim and strong design. It will take care of all casual tasks and even some gaming. Furthermore, those front-facing speakers make it sound much better than many other devices (even more expensive ones).
Buy the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 for $249.99!
See also: Best Android phones (November 2015)
Smartwatches and fitness trackers
LG Watch Urbane
Once we hit the $250 price point much better wearables start showing up on the list. Of course we will list Android Wear devices here, and the LG Watch Urbane is one of our favorites. This thing is beautiful, has a great battery life, good performance and a classic look that will match even the most elegant suits. It’s one of the best Android wear devices around, and that price point really shows it.
Customers will have to pay $242.79 right now, but it’s worth it for the user who wants a high tech smartwatch without sacrificing on looks. Whoever said high-tech watches had to be ugly?
Buy the LG Watch Urbane for $242.79!
ASUS ZenWatch 2
LG’s smartwatch may be better looking to some, but the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is definitely not ugly. And considering it’s about $100 less, we know many of you will much rather go with ASUS for your wearable needs.
The ASUS ZenWatch 2 has a great battery life, a fast magnetic charger, different sizes and good performance. Our only complaint is that its bezels are pretty large, just like its predecessor’s. Otherwise, it’s one hell of an Android Wear product!
Buy the ASUS ZenWatch 2 for $149.99!
Pebble Time
I am a loyal Pebble user, and it’s mainly for one reason – battery life. Thanks to its e-paper display, these wearables are able to last nearly a week on a single charge! That’s simply unheard of in the Android Wear world, at least so far. I also happen to like that the UI is simpler and does less things. This is mostly a notification device, and though it can do a few other things, it doesn’t go overboard with fancy animations and gimmicks. What it does, it does very well. And it just so happens to do everything I need it to.
The newer Pebble Time happens to come with a color display, too, which is definitely a plus. The team has also included voice input, new software, more app storage and performance improvements.
Pebble Time Steel
And if you want to get fancy, you can also go for a Pebble Time Steel. This is pretty much a Pebble Time made with quality materials. It’s also worth more, though.
Buy the Pebble Time Steel for $249.99!
Fitbit Surge
Fitbit‘s activity trackers are very popular, but only those who really care about their performance will go for the Fitbit Surge. This wearable can track your steps, monitor your sleep and display call & text notifications. It has even been upgraded with a heart-rate monitor and GPS. Not to mention that 5-day battery life, which will also keep you active without being tethered to an outlet all the time.
Buy the Fitbit Surge for $240.99!
Fitbit Charge HR
We know the Fitbit Surge can be a bit of an overkill, but some of you still want a good activity tracker from the same manufacturer. The Fitbit Charge HR costs only $139.97, only sacrificing the heart-rate monitor and GPS. It also has a smaller screen, but does manage to take care of all the other features. Yes, even call & text notifications. Oh, and it does last a little longer (7-day battery life).
Buy the Fitbit Charge HR for $139.97!
Withings Activite Pop
What I love about the Withings Activite Pop is that it has this classic look that will match any style. Its appearance is just like that of a regular watch, and it even has the classic clock hands we all know so well. But don’t mistake this for your typical dumb watch; it can count your steps, measure distance, keep record of your runs and even monitor burned calories. Your inactive time will also be recorded, as the Activite Pop monitors your sleep.
Worried about battery life? Don’t even! This thing will last about 8 months between battery replacements!
Buy the Withings Activite Pop for $149.95!
See also: Best Android Wear watches
Tablets
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A may not be the cheapest tablet around, but it is below the $250 threshold we have set ourselves here. It has a low resolution display and performance could be improved, but it makes up for those downsides by offering great audio quality and a battery life that won’t disappoint.
Specs include an 8-inch 1024×768 display, a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, a 5 MP main camera, a 2 MP front shooter and a 4200 mAh battery.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8-inch for $229.99!
Amazon Fire HD 10
Frequent users of Amazon’s services should really look into getting a Fire HD 10. This device harnesses all that’s good about Amazon’s ecosystems and puts all that content right at your fingertips. And even though it is only $229.99, it shouldn’t leave many of you disappointed. Some sacrifices were definitely made, though.
Specs include a 10-inch 1280x800p display, a quad-core MediaTek processor, 1 GB of RAM and 16/32 GB of internal storage.
Buy the Amazon Fire HD 10 for $229.99!
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4
When it comes to compact, affordable tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is actually still among my favorites. This pad is super thin, light and has really small bezels. Factor in the good specs, solid battery life and high-res display and you truly have a winner.
The tablet comes with an 8.4-inch 2560x1600p display, a Samsung Exynos 5 Octa processor, 3 GB of RAM, 16/32 GB of internal storage, an 8 MP camera, a 2.1 MP front shooter and a sizable 4900 mAh battery. Not bad at all, especially starting at $204.22 from Amazon. Honestly, I would say this is the best deal out of the 3 tablets listed here.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 for as low as $204.22!
See also: Best Android tablets (November 2015)
Media streamers
NVIDIA Shield Android TV + Remote
Whoever said Android TV devices weren’t good for gaming? The average set-top boxes do casual gaming pretty well, but if you want to get serious you go for something like the NVIDIA Shield Android TV. This beast may not look intimidating, but it packs an NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, 3 GB of RAM, 16/250 GB of internal storage and more. It is 4K-ready and will take care of all your playing needs. And we really mean all… it can even do console games via NVIDIA GeForce NOW and NVIDIA GameStream. It is the ultimate gaming Android TV.
Buy the NVIDIA Shield Android TV for $249.98!
Amazon Fire TV Gaming Edition
Don’t need too much gaming power and would rather take advantage of Amazon’s platform? The Fire TV is a great little device that will connect you to all the apps and content the popular retailer has to offer. Not to mention, that controller will help you dominate your favorite mobile games (over 800 available titles). You can also use voice commands to navigate and access your favorite content.
Buy the Amazon Fire TV Gaming Edition for $139.99!
Roku 4
We are huge fans of Android here, but we also understand you don’t need to have this complex OS in every single device you own. Some users prefer Roku’s UI and ecosystem, and the Roku 4 is definitely a viable option. This set-top box gives access to over 2500 channels with plenty of content. It also includes features like voice search, and the remote can also work as a Wii-like controller. Or simply plug in your headphones to turn it into your audio device.
Buy the Roku 4 for $129!
See also: Best media players and streamers (September 2015)
Chromebooks
ASUS Chromebook Flip 10.1
Guess what? You can buy a perfectly good computer for under $250 nowadays! The ASUS Chromebook Flip takes advantage of Chrome OS to bring a simple and fast experience without breaking the bank. Packed inside you can find a 10.1-inch 1280x800p screen, a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor, 4 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. You can also opt for a version with 2 GB of RAM for $30 less.
But all those specs are standard for Chromebooks nowadays. ASUS manages to differentiate itself in another way – the screen flips over a la Lenovo, giving you flexibility and portability all around.
Buy the ASUS Chromebook Flip 10.1 for $249!
ASUS Chromebook C201
Maybe you don’t need your laptop to bend over backwards for you. In which case the ASUS Chromebook C201 may be a better option, as well as cheaper. Like the Chromebook Flip, this PC comes in two flavors, one with 2 GB at $154.99 and another with 4 GB at $184. Other specs include a Rockchip 3288 processor, 16 GB of internal storage and an 11.6-inch 1366x768p display.
Buy the ASUS Chromebook C201 for $184!
Acer Chromebook 15
One thing that keeps the average user from switching to Chrome OS is the fact that Chromebooks tend to have tiny screen. It’s just not convenient for those who actually want to get some work done, which is the audience Acer had in mind when creating the Chromebook 15.
This bad boy comes with a large 15.6-inch HD screen, 2/4 GB of RAM, 16/32 GB of internal storage and your choice between a Celeron, Core i3 or Core i5 processor. The price for a decked out one can go all the way up to $469.99, though. Not exactly within our limit.
Buy the Acer Chromebook 15 for as low as $229.99!
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a favorite pick among audiophiles. They cost only $168 and offer better quality than many headphones that double this price. These are very comfortable, solidly made, portable and offer sound quality we can’t really complain about. Our friends over at Sound Guys did a more complete review, just in case you are interested in catching all the details.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones for $168!
Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK
Those who want something a little nicer can pay up and get the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK headset, which can be had for $192.31 right now. These are also amazingly comfortable and offer 45 mm True Motion drivers for better audio reproduction.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7BK headphones for $192.31!
Sennheiser Momentum headphones
Sennheiser is known for its good quality headphones. Considering their large follower base, we would say you can’t go wrong with the Sennheiser Momentum headset at $189.99. These closed back, over-the-ear headphones are made with premium leather pads and metal. They are also fancy, as you can see in the image above. And if you are always on-the-go, its gorgeous case will definitely turn some heads.
Buy the Sennheiser Momentum headphones for $189.99!
Jaybird X2 Sport Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
While the other headphones listed above try to please audiophiles, Jaybird targets the general consumer with the X2 in-ear headphones. These are super user-friendly, wireless, small and great performers. The X2 headset also happens to be super comfortable, thanks to the foam tips that keep the earbuds in place. They also come with a nifty case. Our only complaint is that we wish it had better battery life, but we must keep in mind these headphones are tiny. Considering this, almost 8 hours of playback is really not bad at all.
Buy the Jaybird X2 headphones for $179.95
Plantronics Backbeat Sense SE headphones
While there are definitely better Plantronics headsets out there, these offer quite a bit for the price. Because these are on-ear headphones, this makes them much lighter and more portable. Not to mention the fact that they are gorgeous!
And these do come with some neat capabilities. For starters, they will pause your music if you remove them from your ears. Another cool feature is its active noise cancellation. Sound is well-balanced and battery life averages at about 18 whopping hours!
Buy the Plantronics Backbeat Sense SE headphones for $199.99!
Read also: Best headphones of 2015 (via SoundGuys)
Action cameras
Sony HDRAS100V/W video camera
I swear I can’t think of a worse name for a consumer camera, but that doesn’t take away from its quality. This little guy happens to be quite an awesome action camera for adventure seekers. It is splash-proof and compact, making it the perfect companion for your active lifestyle. Its optical image stabilization will keep your clips clear and smooth, all while the stereo microphones capture quality sound you will love when viewing your clips in other devices.
There’s very little to dislike about this camera (aside from the name), which can be controlled trough your smartphone or a Sony-made wrist-worn remote.
Buy the Sony HDRAS100V/W for $169.95!
Garmin Virb Elite Action Camera
You know what I hate about action cameras? They usually don’t have screens; and if they do, you have to buy it separately. That’s not the case with the Garmin Virb Elite. It has a 1.4-inch Chroma display, which means it also doesn’t take a ton of energy to operate. This convenient action camera is rugged (IPX7 rating) and can shoot at up to 1080p resolution. It’s 2000 mAh battery provides up to 3 hours of shooting. Other features include WiFi, GPS, digital stabilization and more.
Buy the Garmin Virb Elite for $195.43!
GoPro Hero+
This entry level GoPro+ includes WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, which makes it a breeze to control through your app, as well as editing and sharing your clips. And though it’s cheaper than other GoPro cameras, it doesn’t skimp out on much. This camera can still shoot at 1080p60. It’s also built directly into a rugged housing that makes it resistant to dirt, sand and water. It’s all the beauty of a GoPro in a more affordable iteration.
Buy the GoPro Hero+ for $199.99!
Bluetooth speakers
Amazon Echo
Have you seen this thing before? Let me tell you it’s totally awesome. It pretty much works as a wireless speaker, digital assistant, book reader, weather reporter and more. The Echo even works with some smart home platforms, such as Belkin WeMo, Phillips Hue, SmartThings, Insteon and Wink.
All you have to do is talk to it and request your needs! The best part is it doesn’t really need another device. It actually works by connecting to the cloud, so everything is done through Amazon’s servers.
Buy the Amazon Echo for $179.99!
UE Boom 2
UE can’t be missing on any list of best wireless speakers. Their products are solid, and the Boom 2 is no exception. Its loud 360-degree sound will fill any room. It’s also super portable and fits in any bag (and some pockets). And don’t even worry about it not being able to keep your pace. UE’s speaker is waterproof, shockproof, and has an IPX7 rating. Factor in 15 hours of battery life and you have a winner.
Buy the UE Boom 2 for $199.99!
Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II
Bose is synonymous with quality – there’s no doubt about that. You can not go wrong with the SoundLink Mini II. It may not look the coolest, but does provide a deep bass and full-range listening experience. Bluetooth connectivity will keep a connection with your smartphone, and you can even use it as a speakerphone for calls. Its battery also lasts up to 10 hours, which is definitely not bad.
Buy the SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II for $199!
JBL Charge 2+
Here’s another Bluetooth speaker you can get wet (as long as you don’t submerge it). The JBL Charge 2+ gets its name from the large 6,000 mAh battery packed inside, which allows it to stay alive for 12 hours of continuous playback. Powerful sound, resistant body and many hours of playback – what else can you ask for?
Buy JBL Charge 2+ for $141.11!
Fluance Fi50
Have you heard of Fluance? Probably not, but they happen to make some amazing products. This speaker provides pristine sound, undistorted bass and natural highs at any volume. It is made with dual full-range 5-inch woven woofers, ultra high-end tweeters and a 40 watt amplifier. The thing is some serious stuff, guys.
Buy the Fluance Fi50 for $199.99!
Read also: Best Bluetooth speakers of 2015 (via SoundGuys)
Smart home
Nest thermostat
Times are changing. No longer do you have to get up and change your temperature like a caveman, interacting directly with the device. Nest can be controlled through your smartphone. It can also schedule itself to optimize both comfort and energy efficiency. And since Nest knows when you are away, it can stop working when you leave the house.
Buy the Nest thermostat for $249!
Nest Cam
Nest is working hard to control all areas of your home. They have a thermostat, a smoke detector and now even a camera. The Nest Cam allows customers to see their home from anywhere at Full HD 1080p resolution. But you don’t have to be looking at all times. The camera will send you alerts if it senses movements while you are not there, and its night vision will ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Gift cards
Google Play Store
Of course, no solid shopping guide is complete without the beloved gift cards. And since here at Android Authority we are all about Google’s mobile OS, we would like to remind you there’s plenty of options under $100 to be had from the Google Play Store.
Learn about Google Play Store giftcards!
Amazon
You can also get Amazon Gift cards in plenty of increments, ranging from $10 to the thousands. These can be used for all your tech and content, so go grab them!
Wrapping up
Did you find any good gifts for that special loved one? We are almost sure this list has at least one awesome thing your beloved tech geek will love. If not, those gift cards are always perfect! What do you guys think? Are there any cool ideas you can think of for gifts under $250? We are sure you can come up with some other great gadgets, these just happen to be our favorite.
10 Android phones you should consider for Verizon (December 2015)
It’s the holiday shopping season and discounts and promos are in full swing. If you’re like a lot of consumers, now is the time to consider a smartphone upgrade. Buying a new device can be a fun endeavor, especially if you’ve got previous experience. For some, however, the thought of selecting a new handset may trigger some trepidation.
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 through the clutter.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for Verizon this December. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for Verizon if you’re currently shopping around.
Droid Turbo 2
As the first phone to feature a shatterproof display, much can be said about the new Droid Turbo 2. Not only does this one give you peace of mind in knowing that it can fall out of your pocket or desk without shattering, the phone also features some pretty impressive hardware.
Powered by Android 5.1 Lollipop, the Turbo 2 features a 5.4-inch display at 2560×1440 resolution and a 21-megapixel camera. Quick charging ensures that the phone never runs low on juice; moreover, the 3760mAh battery gets you two days of use. In other words it’s built to be used and somewhat abused.
In a first for the Droid series, buyers can head to the Moto Maker tool to design their own unique version of the phone. There are more than 1,000 combinations of colors and materials to choose from.
Motorola Droid Turbo 2 at Verizon
Customized Droid Turbo 2 at Verizon
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 favourite 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.
Motorola Droid Maxx 2
Another relative newbie, this Motorola packs a 5.5-inch 1080p HD display, 21-megapixel rear camera, and 16GB internal storage. Toss in the 3630mAh battery with Turbo Charging and you’ve got a device that should never run low on power. Other specifications include Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, microSD expansion card slot for more storage, and a water-repellent coating.
Motorola Droid Maxx 2 at Verizon
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 Verizon
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 at Amazon
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.
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 Verizon
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.
Google Nexus 6
Running an untouched version of Android Lollipop, the Nexus 6 is among the first to receive an update to the 6.0 Marshmallow build. The 6-inch screen might be a little bigger than you’re familiar with but the reviews and feedback have been solid. Internal storage is tapped at 32GB with no microSD expansion card slot but it should be enough for those who live in the cloud.
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.
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation)
As an ancestor to the Droid Turbo 2 and Droid Maxx 2, the Moto X (2nd Generation) doesn’t have a ton of Verizon customization. In other words, it’s closer to a stock Android experience than most other phones with only a few added touches. We love what Motorola adds to the user interface: twist to open camera, chop to activate flashlight, and voice actions. Pick yours up in Black, White Bamboo, or Football Leather.
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at Verizon
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at Amazon
The post 10 Android phones you should consider for Verizon (December 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
10 Android phones you should consider for AT&T (December 2015)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – to buy a smartphone. With Black Friday behind us and the holiday shopping season off and running, it’s the time of year where many consider a new handset. If you’re a seasoned smartphone owner, picking out an upgrade is a simple process. But, for some folks, the idea of purchasing a new handset generates a touch of anxiety.
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 through the clutter.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Android smartphones you should consider for AT&T this December. Here, in no particular order, are ten Android handsets that you should consider for AT&T if you’re currently contemplating a new device.
LG G Flex 2
Introduced early in the year, this phone was among the first to boast a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. It’s powerful enough to contend with most Androids and features a 13-megapixel rear camera with laser focus and optical image stabilization. What it also offers, is a self-healing protective coating, which means your keys and general wear won’t ruin the finish. Also, the phone is curved in multiple ways and allows for one of the most comfortable experiences around.
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 favourite 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.
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 Amazon
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 AT&T
BlackBerry Priv
The newest of the bunch, this is also the first BlackBerry handset to run Android out of the box. Not only is this one big and powerful, but it’s also extra secure, too. Standout features include an 19-megapixel rear camera and 3410mAh battery. Oh, and did we mention the Priv also has a physical keyboard? Indeed, tucked under the gorgeous 5.4-inch curved display is a 4-row QWERTY keyboard. Blast through emails and messages without breaking a sweat. It’s 2015 and once again it’s cool to own a BlackBerry.
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.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active
Take the 2015 flagship smartphone and add in water and dust resistance with shock resistance and you end up with the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active. Still present are the 5.1-inch display, 16-megapixel camera, and octa-core processor; however, the device greatly benefits with the addition of a 3500mAh battery. In short, this is a tremendous phone that’s built to last all day and can take just about anything you will throw its way.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Active at AT&T
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.
HTC One A9
As the only HTC model on this list, we’re big fans of the new design cues and direction. It’s not necessarily a powerful smartphone, but it’s more than enough for first time buyers with plenty left over. It’s the first non-Nexus handset to run Android 6.0 Marshmallow and enjoys features such as Doze, Android Pay, and Android on Tap. For the first time in a few years we are excited about HTC again and can’t recommend this phone enough for its target demographic. The 5-inch screen feels terrific in hand and the fingerprint scanner is highly responsive. Check out our review of the HTC One A9.
HTC One A9 (unlocked) at Amazon
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation)
The Moto X (2nd Generation) doesn’t have a ton of AT&T customization which means it’s closer to a stock Android experience than most other phones. What is added by Motorola, however, is worth it and only adds to the phone’s value. It’s a little over a year old now, sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your attention. If you’re looking for a great Android handset that won’t break the bank, you’ll be wise to consider this one.
Motorola Moto X (2nd Generation) at AT&T
The post 10 Android phones you should consider for AT&T (December 2015) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
LG dresses up a mid-range smartphone in an all-metal suit
LG has announced that it’ll begin selling the LG Zero, its first smartphone to come with an all metal body, to customers in Taiwan from this week. Shortly afterward, the Korean conglomerate will begin hawking the mid-range device to users in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Unless, of course, you live in Germany, Korea, Russia or Singapore, where the phone will be known as the LG Class for reasons. Aside from the body, there’s not much that distinguishes this phone from many of the others that’ll occupy that chunk of the shelf in your local retailer.
Source: LG
The all-metal LG Zero is on its way to Europe, Asia, and Latin America
LG today announced a global rollout of the LG Zero, a premium-looking device with an all-metal body. This handset from LG will soon be available to consumers in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
The LG Zero isn’t new by any means, having been first introduced to Korean consumers way back in September. With LG having announced a global rollout of this device, initial sales must have been at least somewhat impressive.
It goes without saying, the LG Zero is a beautiful device, especially with its all-metal body. Specifications aren’t as impressive, but aren’t necessarily bad either.
Here’s what it’s got under the hood:
- 5-inch 720p IPS display
- 1.2GHz quad-core CPU
- 1.5GB RAM
- 16GB ROM
- microSD support
- 13-megapixel rear camera, 8MP front-camera
- 2,050mAh battery
- 4G LTE
- Android 5.1
LG wasn’t focused on making another high-end device. After all, that’s what the LG V10 is for. The company this time around is purely focused on the camera, noting that its picture quality is as good as the LG G4. This might not be a bad thing for those that don’t want to break the bank on a flagship, but still want good picture quality in their smartphones.
There aren’t any details on availability and pricing yet, but consumers will be able to pick up the device in Gold and Silver variants.
source: LG Newsroom
Come comment on this article: The all-metal LG Zero is on its way to Europe, Asia, and Latin America
LG V10 promotion: free 64GB microSD, spare battery, and charging cradle
Whereas Samsung took to a second screen last year, this year it’s all about LG. Released just this autumn, the LG V10 is a flagship phablet that not only makes use of some seriously sturdy metal but a sliver of second screen as well. The device can also withstand its fare share of drops without dealing debilitating drama. For those considering the product, LG has an offer that will really whet your whistle.
From now until December 20th, U.S. customers who purchase the V10 are eligible to receive a (1) free 64GB SanDisk microSD card, as well as a (2) spare battery for the phone and (3) a charging cradle to store it in. According to LG, the approximate retail value of these three items is $129.97. For reference the phone itself already has 64GB of on-board storage, thus this brings the total to 128GB!
LG V10
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In order to receive the freebies, customers need to purchase a new LG V10 handset from either a carrier store, authorized retailer, authorized national retailer, or authorized online dealer.
Following that, LG asks customers to do the following:
Method #1: Online Submission: Visit www.lgv10promoradio.com or www.lgv10decemberpromo.com and enter the information requested including: your name, address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, email address, carrier where the purchase was made, and upload a legible copy of your receipt of purchase, and picture of V10 box with IMEI number. Online Submissions must be received by Thursday, December 31, 2015.
As not everyone is comfortable with sending personal information online, LG has also provided an alternative for those customers who would rather submit the documentation the old fashion way:
Method #2: Mail-in Submission: To make a submission by mail, go to www.lgv10promoradio.com or www.lgv10decemberpromo.comand download the PDF of the redemption form and print, complete all requested information, include proof of purchase items requested on form and send the requested information to: LG V10 64GB microSD and Battery Bundle Promotion, c/o CNS, P.O. Box 1769, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632.
Mail-in Submissions must be mailed and postmarked by Thursday, December 31, 2015 and received by Thursday, January 7, 2016. Photocopied, illegible, or mechanically reproduced submissions are not eligible. All submissions become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned or acknowledged. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, damaged, misdirected or postage-due mailed submissions.
Please see the official promotion’s terms and conditions here if you would like to read the finer details. Of particular importance, the rules specify that those who purchase the V10 used or refurbished, or via a warranty or insurance related claim (i.e. an exchange or swap for a defective or malfunctioning model) are not eligible for the promotion.
Finally, as a heads up, we strongly suggest that anyone who is planning to purchase the V10 as a present for a friend or family member make it a point to do so as soon as possible, for offer is only valid for devices purchased between Nov. 30, 2015 through Dec. 20, 2015.
Cyber Monday: FreedomPop loses mind, sells LG G2 for $80.99, G3 for $224.99 today only
The folks at FreedomPop have gone completely bonkers and are selling US residents some very nice pre-owned LG devices for ludicrous prices. But you have to act today if you want to get your hands on one!
The LG G2 is currently going for $80.99, and it’s no slouch of a device. With a retail value of $499.99, you’re getting about 84% off on a device that rocked the market when it premiered in 2013. Upon release, the LG G2’s 5.2 inch screen was competitive with the Galaxy S4. With an elegant, minimalist design and enough hardware under the hood to stay current with today’s apps, this smartphone really is hard to beat. 2GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor are still pretty nice specs, and compared to what else you can buy for this price range… there’s just no comparison.
See also: FreedomPop to launch its first phone in 2016, thanks to funding from Intel
The deal on the LG G3 isn’t quite as extravagant, but it’s still going off the rails on the crazy train. The model FreedomPop is selling is the Gold edition, which usually retails for $599.99. If you act today, you can get it for $224.99, a massive slice off the regular price tag. In the summer of 2014, we called the LG G3 the best phone LG had ever made. It sports a gorgeous 5.5-inch display, an impressive battery life, and hardware specs updated from the G2 model.
CHECK OUT OUR REVIEWS IF YOU NEED MORE DETAILS
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Since these devices come with FreedomPop, an upstart service provider that leans on wifi usage and rides on Sprint’s 4G network when none is available, you get 100% free talk, text, and data for a year when you purchase one of these phones. They’re also shipping it to you for free, and you can cancel any time. No contracts with these guys.
To jump on this sale, click this button to hop over to the offer’s promotional site!
LG announces global availability of the all-metal LG Zero
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While most manufacturers seem to have packed up shop ahead of the Holiday season, LG is still going strong with another announcement, today announcing the global availability of its all-metal LG Zero. which was announced in South Korea in September. The Zero’s primary selling point is the fact that while it possesses mid-range specs, it includes the camera and user experience of LG’s flagship range, the LG G series – and of course, for fans of metal smartphones, the Zero includes an aluminium body as well. While that might not sound like a big deal, some of LG’s camera features are very handy and its camera performance has proven to be very decent, if not brilliant, so providing these features at a fair price might just be what the doctor ordered.
Here are the full specifications as detailed by LG:
- Display: 5.0-inch HD In-cell Touch (1280 x 720, 294ppi)
- Chipset: 1.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
- Camera: Rear 13MP / Front 8MP
- Memory: 1.5GB LPDDR3 RAM / 16GB eMMC ROM / MicroSD
- Battery: 2,050mAh
- Operating System: Android 5.1 Lollipop
- Size: 142 x 71.8 x 7.4mm
- Weight: 147g
- Network: LTE / HSPA+ / GSM
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b, g, n / Bluetooth 4.1 / USB 2.0
- Colors: Silver / Gold
While the specs aren’t anything unexpected, it’s surprising that LG is releasing the Zero with Android Lollipop while comparable devices like the HTC One A9 were released with Android Marshmallow weeks ago.
LG says that the availability of the Zero will start in Taiwan this week with roll-out in Asia, Europe and Latin America to follow after that. What do you think about the all-metal LG Zero? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: LG Newsroom
The post LG announces global availability of the all-metal LG Zero appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
LG Urbane 2nd Edition Watch: One of the best Android Wear watches you may never get to own (Review)
The LG Urbane 2nd Edition Watch was an Android Wear watch that sold on the market for less than one week and was pulled off the shelves due to a manufacturing issue with the watch. LG representatives have been rather ambiguous as to what the exact problem is, but nonetheless, I am one of the fortunate/unfortunate few to get my hands on one. And I can tell you AT&T has come calling for me to return this 2nd Edition Urbane Watch, and has even given me a $100 credit against my bill to ease my suffering. Regardless, I still have been using the first Android Wear LTE connected device for the past few weeks, and I really don’t want to give it up.
Design
The LG Urbane 2nd Edition Watch is a big watch, but not so big that it feels uncomfortable – at least for a person with average sized wrists. I had a few of my female friends try the 1.38″ wide and 14.2mm thick watch and it looked rather ridiculous. There is a clear inability or lack of effort in designing these watches to be smaller for women’s wrists, but packing in all of the technology into such a small space must be rather difficult(an assumption based on many manufacturers are not making smaller Android Wear devices and women make up a significant portion of the wearable market). Sure Moto has a women’s version of the 360 2, but it is still big at 42mm.
Despite is rather large size, it isn’t much bigger than the Huawei Watch or the Moto 360. More importantly it actually fits much better and is actually comfortable with the rubberized watch band provided with the watch. The watch band is not replaceable, so if LG never releases this watch again, I will be out of luck if the current watch band breaks. The band actually houses the antennae which receives and sends LTE signals, so a typical replacement band simply will not work. I happened to buy the black version and it feels no different than wearing a CASIO G-Shock watch. It looks uncomfortable but once it is on, it is very comfortable to wear.
LG Urbane 2nd Edition in the back and the Huawei Watch in black in the front.
The case is made from stainless steel and it really does look like a watch. With a best in class, 348ppi, the P-OLED display looks better than even the Huawei Watch’s display which also has similar display technology, just lesser pixel density.
The most unique feature this Android Wear watch arrived on the shelves with, is the ability to connect to cellular networks to send text messages and make phone calls. There have been other wearables that have been able to make calls or access the internet independently of a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone, but no other Android Wear watch has yet to release an LTE version.
Speaker slot.
It also comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, 4GB of memory and 768MB of RAM. This is more than enough power to keep the 2nd generation Urbane running smoothly and offers enough space for me to store a couple hundred songs from Google Play Music. A couple hundred songs is more than enough music to make it through any of my exercise activities.
Overall this is one of the best designed Android Wear watches to date.
Daily Usage
Apparently, “under extreme conditions” the LG Urbane 2nd Edition display has issues. I don’t necessarily know what that means, as “extreme” can mean a wide variety of things to different people. I happen to think 40 degree weather is extremely cold(I live in San Diego), and someone from Wisconsin will call me a wuss as -80 is extremely cold to them.
I don’t plan on using my Urbane in “extreme” conditions as I have a relatively not “extreme” lifestyle. I go to work in a chemistry lab which is environmentally controlled, I walk and hike outdoors with my dog, and I exercise in a gym. My display has not shown one issue with its display quality(knock on wood), and there have been several instances where people have noticed my watch and made compliments. A couple of people asked me if I got a new watch, on different days, because I switched the watch face and they thought it was a brand new analog watch. The pixel density is high enough to actually make it look like a real watch face. My original Moto 360 and Asus Zenwatch 2 were more obvious to onlookers as a smartwatch, but I got many compliments on how good the LG Urbane 2nd Edition Watch looked.
From the day I purchased this watch to today, I have been enamored at how much I enjoy using Android Wear. There still isn’t a ton of functionality with Android Wear, but it’s a watch. People really need to put the notion of a smartphone replacement behind them. You aren’t going to be watching movies or playing full fledged games from a smartwatch. But you can listen to wireless music, make phone calls, check the weather, get your heart rate, send texts, get notifications, track activity levels, heart rate, and check the time.
It’s been a few years since I wore a watch on a regular basis – the smartphone replaced my need to wear a watch. But since I have been wearing a smartwatch on a daily basis again, it really has become apparent to me that checking the time on my wrist really is a lot more convenient than pulling out my large Nexus 6P. It really can be rude to pull out your phone just to check the time when you’re around company, as many people assume you’re checking more than the time, and in many cases you are. Checking the time around company isn’t necessarily any less rude, but it is much easier to check the time on your wrist than your giant smartphone.
Another nice feature I have grown to enjoy is accessing “OK Google” from the Urbane. I have been sending texts while I drive, setting timers and alarms, checking my calendar and getting navigation all from my wrist. Like checking the time, accessing these voice controlled commands is much easier from my wrist than from my pocket.
Over the past few months I have also been trying really hard to get back into improving my health. I have been using the pedometer feature on my smartphone, but there are many times when I leave it behind or set it down on the counter. And that means I am not keeping accurate track of my daily activities. With the Urbane, or any other Android Wear watch for that matter, it counts my steps. It knows if I am running or walking and it logs it within the Google Fit app. And when I see a lack of activity, I make sure to get moving again.
The LG Urbane 2nd Edition Watch comes with a large 570mAh battery. The battery is almost twice as large as the 300mAh battery found in the Huawei Watch, and it performs the best of the watches I have been using – the Asus Zenwatch 2, Samsung Gear S2, Huawei Watch, and first generation Moto 360. With such a large battery I don’t even think twice about checking the power reserves until the following afternoon or evening after pulling it off the charger. I even have the display set to “always on” where it shows a watch face with the time all of the time. The battery life is actually one of my favorite features about the Urbane and LG knew smart watches have to last longer. 24-hours just isn’t good enough and the Urbane 2nd Edition easily makes it through two full days of usage.
Having the ability to make phone calls without my smartphone is a huge blessing. I am very busy, and sometimes when I am on a hike or working out, I really don’t want to bring my phone with me. The Nexus 6P, as much as I love it, is big and I don’t like bringing it with me when I am active. I had my mother call me on my watch on a night she needed to tell me something urgent, and I was so happy I didn’t miss the call( I was out walking my dog without my phone). It came through loud and clear. I also made a call into work when I was on a hike while being four miles away from my truck and my smartphone. It’s a feature I hope Android Wear builds into more smartwatches in 2016 and beyond.
Summary
For $299(AT&T), I bought the first and last(so far) Android Wear watch with LTE. Due to a manufacturing defect, AT&T and LG have given me a $100 dollar credit on my next bill so it really turns out this watch cost me $200. I have seen the LG Urbane 2nd generation smartwatch listed on ebay from $500-1000 and I can understand why people should want this watch. There’s probably not more than 1k of them in the wild, and they really are limited. I won’t sell mine, and I probably won’t return it to AT&T and hope that it works for at least a year. And as of right now, there is no plan that anyone is aware of for LG to re-release the Urbane 2nd Edition Watch.
With the ability to use Android Wear, make phone calls, send texts, stream music, check the time and more, this LG Urbane 2nd Edition is a watch I wish everyone could experience. I truly hope LG manages to fix the problem with the Urbane 2nd Edition because it really is one of the better smartwatches. It is fast, has incredible battery life, and had a great starting price at $299.
If you are/were interested in purchasing the LG Urbane 2nd Edition Watch, send LG a note and let them know you would love to see it re-released.
From left to right: 1. Asus Zenwatch 2 2. Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 3. LG Urbane 2nd Edition 4. Huawei Watch 5. Moto 360
Specs
| OS | Android Wear |
|---|---|
| Case | Stainless Steel 316L, Brushed Metal Finish 45.5 mm Diameter; 14.2 mm Thickness |
| Chipset | 1.2 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 400 |
| Display | 1.38″ Full Circle P-OLED (480×480, 348 ppi) |
| Memory | 768 MB / 4 GB eMMC |
| Battery | 570 mAh |
| Connectivity | LTE / 3G, Bluetooth® Version 4.1; Wi-Fi® Connectivity and Offline Music Play |
| Sensor | 9-Axis (Gyro/Accelerometer/Compass) / Barometer / PPG (Heart Rate Sensor) |
| Protection | IP67 Certified; Waterproof for up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
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