Android Authority this week – August 16, 2015
It’s been a wildly entertaining week in the world of Android. Google dropped the Alphabet bomb, prompting a flurry of speculation about the reasons behind this radical change. Samsung finally unveiled the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge Plus, to mixed reactions. Details about Huawei’s next smartphones leaked out, while we gathered more info about LG’s upcoming Nexus. Qualcomm introduced new mid-level chips and detailed the high-end Snapdragon 820. Xiaomi introduced the Redmi 2 Prime and Redmi Note 2. And the OnePlus 2 went on sale (if you have an invite!)
Inside AA HQ
And just like that, the Note 5 has arrived. Hopefully for Samsung, the market reception will be less frosty than the anticlimactic launch would suggest. Truth is, the Note series is no longer standing out in a market full of devices with large screens. Are the S Pen and the software tricks it enables enough to preserve the Note’s dominance? Over the next weeks, we’ll be putting the Note and the S6 Edge Plus through their paces to find out.
What about IFA, Samsung’s traditional stomping grounds? We’ve got a glimpse of the Gear S2 and we’re confident we’ll get to check it out in Berlin from September 1. Anything else? Is a new tablet coming? Overall, IFA may be a little interesting than usual this year – Sony, Huawei, and a few others will have product launches, but it just won’t be the same without a new Note.
If you’re going back to school soon, we’ve put together a great guide to help you gear up with the best gadgets for work and fun. Check it out here.
This week’s giveaway is the brand new Galaxy Note 5! Head over here for your chance to win Samsung’s hot new phone! Craving a OnePlus 2? We’re giving away 50 invites until August 19!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Review: Lanh brings you his look at the sleek Galaxy A8
- Guide: There are tons of cheap tablets out there: here’s how to buy a good one
- Impressions: Check out Matt’s impressions of the Galaxy Tab S2
- Opinion: The Note 5 is here, but is it still special?
- Guide: Going back to school? These are the essential gadgets you will need
Top news of the week
Huawei Mate 7s
- New Huawei handset images leak ahead of IFA announcement
- Huawei teases “unique” smartphone for IFA 2015
- Huawei Mate 7S passes through TENAA
Alphabet: G is for Google
- Google founders name Sundar Pichai as Google CEO, create new parent company called Alphabet
- Alphabet: What you need to know about Google’s new parent company
Qualcomm’s new chips
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 212, 412, and 616 are official
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 officially announced: what you need to know
Note 5 is here
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 officially announced: what you need to know
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 vs the competition
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 hands-on
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 vs Galaxy Note 4 quick look
S6 Edge Plus
- Galaxy S6 Edge+ announced: what you need to know
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ hands-on and first impressions
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ vs Galaxy S6 Edge quick look
Xiaomi’s own Note
- Indian built Xiaomi Redmi 2 Prime announced, MIUI 7 global launch on Aug 19
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 announced: top specs for under $160
OnePlus 2
- OnePlus 2 will be delayed 2-3 weeks for would-be North American buyers
- OnePlus 2 – New Features Focus
- OnePlus 2 now officially on sale in Europe/US, India sales starting at 4PM IST
- OnePlus 2 teardown: take a look inside the “2016 flagship killer”
Next Nexus
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Happy Sunday!
Huawei Nexus 6 renders leak, fingerprint scanner identical to the rumored LG Nexus 5
We’re coming up quickly around the timeframe a new Nexus device gets unveiled, and thus, leaks are becoming more and more frequent. In its latest leak, we’re seeing a very detailed render of what is is allegedly the Huawei Nexus 6, and it seems to be taking design hints from the iPhone 6.
The new report furthers our suspicions that we’ll see two Nexus devices this year, however, the only similarity between the Huawei Nexus 6 and the LG Nexus 5 (2015) will be the fingerprint sensor on the back of the device.
The report from uSwitch claims Huawei has been testing two Nexus 6’s, one that comes in 5.5-inches and another in 5.7-inches. Huawei is supposedly still deciding which one will make the final cut come launch day.
The only other real details we can gather from this is that, from the schematics, there seems to be a port large enough to support USB Type-C.
While this is by no means the final rendition, the design is identical to the iPhone 6 in multiple ways, and that could prove to be an issue in the case that Apple decides to pursue legal action.
As we get closer to launch day, we’ll no doubt see leaks like these become more frequent. In the meantime, it’s difficult to tell what’s legit and what’s not.
Click here to view the embedded video.
What do you think of these renders? Could this be the Huawei Nexus 6 we’ve been hearing about? Let us know in the comments below!
source: uSwitch
Come comment on this article: Huawei Nexus 6 renders leak, fingerprint scanner identical to the rumored LG Nexus 5
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 versus LG G4
Samsung yesterday announced the Galaxy Note 5, not focusing so much on the hardware side of things, but refining an elegant design that forms to your hand. That said, hardware-wise, it features almost identical specifications to the Note 4, however, Samsung is no longer offering microSD card support in many of its devices, leaving many consumers left wanting.
Many are looking at simply purchasing an LG G4 or waiting for LG’s next flagship to fill that void. Just how well does the Galaxy Note 5 stack up against the LG G4, though? Is it a worthy competitor?
Hit the break to find out!
Design
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 sizes in at 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6mm and weighs a meager 151 grams. You’ll find it has the standard button layout–volume rocker on the left side of the device, power button on the right side, microUSB port on the bottom right next to the S-Pen slot. Interestingly, Samsung actually chose to put the SIM card tray on the very top of the device.
Samsung took on a unique Galaxy S6-like design with the Note 5, offering a metal unibody with an elegant glass back. It might be slippery at times, but gives the smartphone a much-needed premium vibe to properly differentiate itself from predecessors.
The LG G4’s features similar dimensions at 148.9 x 76.1 x 6.3 – 9.8mm and weighs in at 155 grams. It has a unique button layout with the volume rocker and power button placed on the back of the device right under the camera.
The LG G4 doesn’t nearly have the premium feel of the Galaxy Note 5, however, its unique in its own way, despite the plastic body.
Winner: Galaxy Note 5
Display
The Galaxy Note 5 is equipped with a rich and vibrant 5.7-inch 2560 x 1440 Super AMOLED display. It has a massive pixel density of 518ppi with an edge-to-edge panel.
The LG G4 has a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS LCD display. Equipped with a pixel density of 538ppi, right next to the Galaxy Note 5, this is one of the most gorgeous screens your going to get on a smartphone.
Winner: It’s a tie, as it comes down to the preferences for the rich and vibrant colors of the Super AMOLED panel or the more realistic colors of the LCD display.
Hardware
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 features the company’s standard Exynos 7420 Octa-core chip, sporting a quad-core 1.5GHz Cortex-A53 processor and quad-core 2.1GHz Cortex-A57 CPU. It has 4GB of RAM, a Mali-T760MP8 GPU, 32/64GB of internal storage, a 16-megapixel rear camera, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.
The LG G4 is running Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 808 chipset, with a quad-core 1.4GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a dual-core 1.8GHz Cortex-A57 processor. Equipped with 3GB of RAM, an Adreno 418 GPU, 32GB of internal storage, a 16-megapixel camera, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, this is one of the fastest performing smartphones you can get your hands on.
Winner: It’s a tie – the Galaxy Note 5 wins for sheer processing power and more RAM, but the LG G4 also wins in that it has plenty of expandable storage via microSD card support.
Battery
The Galaxy Note 5 is equipped with a 3,000mAh battery with fast charging times up to a meager 90 minutes. It also has fast wireless charging, bringing the device from dead to full in under 120 minutes.
The LG G4 has a similar 3,000mAh battery, and is equipped with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology, allowing for similar fast charging capabilities. It, however, does not have fast wireless charging, just your standard optional Qi charging capabilities.
Winner: It’s a tie, as wireless charging isn’t widely adopted to offer a practical benefit.
Software
The Galaxy Note 5 is running the latest version of Samsung’s TouchWiz UI atop of Android 5.1.1. It comes with a bevy of extra features, including some additions Samsung brought to the Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Note 5, such as live streaming to YouTube from the camera app and more.
It also comes with an arsenal of S-Pen productivity features, such as easy note taking, multi-window options, and more.
The LG G4 is running LG’s UX 4.0 interface atop of Android 5.1.1. Much like TouchWiz, UX comes with a lot of handy features, such as QuickMemo+, a built-in File Manager, a bevy of camera options, and much more.
Winner: The Galaxy Note 5, thanks to its S-Pen capabilities.
Availability and Price
The Galaxy Note 5 will be available on August 21, however, the device is up for pre-order for around $249 on a new two-year contract. You can also find it for around $15 – $35/mo on a payment plan. Pricing varies quite a bit, as it’s different depending on the carrier or retailer you buy it from.
The LG G4 is available to purchase will usually cost you $199 on a new two-year contract or $699 outright. However, there are payment plans available ranging from $15 – $35/mo.
Winner: The LG G4 is the clear winner as far as lower price points go.
Wrap Up
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is a gorgeous device packing top of the line hardware. Unfortunately, there’s a small crowd upset over the lack of microSD card support, making the LG G4 the perfect option for that focus group.
If you’re just an everyday user, the Galaxy Note 5 will no doubt fit your needs perfectly. But if you want a little more customization and some more freedom as far as storage goes, the LG G4 might be the device up your alley.
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 versus LG G4
LG’s new G Pad 2 8.0 has a full-sized USB port in-tow
Perhaps lost in the grand fanfare of LG’s Korean neighbor, a new tablet offering has been released. The LG G Pad II 8.0 looks quite similar to the mid-range device that came before it, however some new additions will ideally allow for increased productivity and use.
The tablet packs an 8-inch 1280X800 IPS LCD display, 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 SoC, 1.5GB of RAM, 32GB of eMMC on-board storage, a 5-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel front camera. It supports microSD, includes a 4,200mAh battery, and runs Android 5.0. Unlike most other devices, it also includes a full-sized USB 2.0 port.
As the above picture explains, the full sized USB port can be used with everything from transferring files to the PC to plugging-in a keyboard to even using a PS4 controller. This is a markedly different approach than other OEMs who have experimented with USB OTG support for some time now, but typically have always required the customer to purchase an optional accessory to facilitate it.
Also being touted with the G Pad 2 8.0 is pre-installed applications for productivity in the form of Microsoft Office. MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint are all included, though it will remain to be seen as to if they can be removed entirely or else only disabled as with some of Samsung’s recent devices. 
LG is also touting the inclusion of a new, even thinner-tipped stylus at just 3.5mm allowing for more accurate input:
The product is only being released in South Korea for the time being, but given the larger-scale release of last year’s offerings it would not be surprising to see LG’s latest reach additional territories, possibly with LTE support included.
New in our buyer’s guide: the Chromebook Flip and some gaming gear
Yes, we know: A bunch of phones just came out. Don’t worry, we’ll be reviewing those shortly. In the meantime, we have a handful of items we’d like to induct into our buyer’s guide. Included among them: not one, but two laptops, including the impressive Chromebook Flip and MSI’s GT80 Titan gaming notebook, which packs a mechanical keyboard. Rounding out the list are Teenage Engineering’s pocket-sized synthesizers and a pair of gaming peripherals, including the newer Xbox One Kinect sensor and the PlayStation Camera. Also, though there’s nothing wrong with the old wireless Xbox 360 controller, we’ve updated our guide to recommend you hold out for the wireless Xbone version. In any case, that’s all for now — check back next month to see what we add next.
Filed under:
Laptops, Wearables, Sony, Microsoft, ASUS, LG
Source:
Engadget Buyer’s Guide
Tags: asus, buyers guide, buyersguide, engadget buyers guide, engadgetbuyersguide, lg, microsoft, sony
LG Launches it’s 8-inch G Pad II tablet under the radar in Korea
In stark comparison to yesterday’s Unpacked event that saw Samsung unveil the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ handsets, LG has silently launched its G Pad II tablet in Korea. The 8-inch G Pad II tablet is a mid-range offering, and we have the specifications after the break.
As you can see, the G Pad II comes with a stylus, and yes, it is stored internally. Another interesting feature is the inclusion of a full-size USB port, which could prove handy when plugging in external hard drives and memory sticks.
Let’s have a look at what else the G Pad II brings to the table.
Specifications:
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
- 8-Inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution (WXGA)
- Snapdragon 400 quad-core @ 1.2GHz
- 1.5GB RAM
- 32GB Internal storage
- MicroSD card support (up to 128GB)
- 5MP Rear-facing camera
- 2MP Front-facing camera
- WiFi connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0 LE
- 4,200mAh battery
- Dimensions: 210.8 x 124.2 x 8.95mm
- Weight: 347 grams
- Available in titanium black and white.
LG hasn’t released any details regarding pricing, nor whether it plans on releasing the G Pad II outside of its home market, Korea. It might not be a powerhouse of a tablet, but provided it’s priced appropriately, it could prove quite popular with its built-in stylus. What do you think of the 8-inch G Pad II?
Source: LG
Come comment on this article: LG Launches it’s 8-inch G Pad II tablet under the radar in Korea
The LG Nexus will probably look something like this
The other day, @OnLeaks lived up to his name and dished out several details about the upcoming Nexus handsets from LG and Huawei. Today, @OnLeaks has help to bring us a selection of renders, showing us what the next LG Nexus smartphone should look like.
The renders are based on factory schematic information provided to third party accessory-makers, so the dimensions are quite likely to be accurate, although the final look could well vary a bit, especially when it comes to build materials.
On the back, we can see the fingerprint scanner that has been rumored numerous times in the past. LG’s signature rear volume controls seem to have given way in order to include the scanner, which sits just underneath the protruding camera module.
The camera comes with an LED flash and also what appears to be a laser auto focus module. We can also spot the reversible USB Type-C socket at the bottom of the smartphone.
Other rumors have pointed to a couple of front facing speakers, which we can also make out on the front of the render. The size of the smartphone also apparently backs up claims that the LG Nexus will feature 5.2-inch display. The schematic states that the phone will measure 146.9 x 72.8 x 8mm, with the protruding camera extending the depth to 9.8mm.
Interestingly, there’s no sign of LG’s signature curved display with this handset, so the company won’t be bringing all of its proprietary technology to its next Nexus smartphone.
We will have to see if a similar render for the rumored Huawei Nexus shows up as well. Check out the video below for a full view of the render.
New renders show LG’s Nexus 5 (2015 edition) sporting a 5.2-inch display, rear fingerprint scanner and USB Type-C
After yesterday’s official unveiling of the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ handsets at the Unpacked event, you would be forgiven for not wanting to read about another Samsung product for a while. Luckily, we have some news (and renders) about LG’s upcoming Nexus 5 (2015 edition) handset that should give some welcome respite.
The serial leaker, @OnLeaks and (sponsor?) @uSwitchTech, have published some renders that are purported of LG’s next Nexus device. The renders are apparently based on the detailed schematics that are provided to accessory-makers to ensure that third-party accessories fit the handset when it’s released.
According to the renders, the LG Nexus 5 (2015 edition) will sport a fingerprint scanner on the rear (to make use of Android M’s native support for fingerprint scanners), a protruding camera bump as well as a 5.2-inch display, as previously leaked.
There appears to be dual front-facing speakers, as well as a USB Type-C charging port. The Nexus 5 (2015 edition) will allegedly have dimensions of 146.9 x 72.9 x 8mm, although it is 9.8mm at its thickest point around the camera bump. It’s uncertain whether the handset will feature a full metal construction, or just a metal frame and a polycarbonate rear panel. As for when the LG Nexus 5 (2015 edition) will be announced, we are probably looking at the traditional October/November period, when Android M is also set to be launched. Check out the rest of the renders in the gallery below.
Come comment on this article: New renders show LG’s Nexus 5 (2015 edition) sporting a 5.2-inch display, rear fingerprint scanner and USB Type-C
Did Samsung alienate its most loyal fanbase by calling them shallow?
For the record my primary device is fully paid for with my own hard earned money and it is a Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, and my back up device is a Samsung Galaxy Note 4. I love the Note line so much so that I bought my mother a Note 4 to replace her iPhone 5. I have never received a Samsung product for free for review, so please don’t think I am here to kiss up to Samsung just to get a free device. I’m just like you, a normal person with a normal job(AG is my hobby), and I love the Galaxy Note line. And with my most recent posts about Samsung, I doubt I will ever be sent a device to review, but that’s okay because I prefer to be honest than be bought with a free device.
J.K. Shin, (President of Samsung) claimed they “listen to us, the consumer.” Then he went on to talk about the Note line and how they offered us a unique product first, and how its success has created its own category in the smartphone market. He continued on to say how customers love the edge or curve on their Galaxy S6, and how batteries charge faster and last longer. In summary J.K. Shin, claimed they have been listening to “us” and have delivered what we have been asking for.
I really don’t know which of you actual Note fans, not Note reviewers, have been asking to do away with the ability to change the battery, removal of the SD card slot, IR blaster, O2 sensor, UV sensor, and heart rate monitor, but I would love for you to speak up in the comments section. Because Samsung claims they have been listening to you. But it certainly was not me who was asking for that, in exchange to fit my skinny jeans while looking great with a dual sided glass phone.
The VP who followed Shin to introduce the Note 5, carried on with Shin’s sentiment saying the large phones are too big for people with “skinny jeans”. My reaction to this was “WHAT!?!”, and then my next thought was “WHAT!?!” He went on to say how the metal is stronger on the Note 5, and how the device is now smaller and easier to use with the same sized screen with a curved back. Personally I don’t think there is anything wrong with making the device more manageable in hand, but not at the expense of all of those other features we love.
In my opinion, I believe Samsung has catered to the naysayers while alienating the most loyal and dedicated fanbase. Then they claimed to listen to us by taking away our most beloved features in exchange for better materials and design. In essence they call us Note users shallow, because we care more about how the phone looks vs. the features it should come with, which simply BLOWS MY MIND.
The Galaxy Note line is the most expensive consumer smartphone, so they are taking a huge risk by dropping the fans that powered the Note into its own category, while going for people who care more about build materials than function.
Samsung, if you can improve sales by alienating us, congrats to you. But if your sale’s numbers hurt, build the phone we want (check this post for what us Note fans are saying) and we will come back. But you only get one year to fix the mistake, otherwise I’m taking my Note 4 and Note Edge business elsewhere. LG, if you’re reading this, you have a chance to steal us Note fans with the G4 Pro as that seems to be a consensus device amongst the commenters. Just make sure the screen is top notch as us Note fans don’t like LCD displays much.
Watch the Unpacked event for yourself. Warning though, there are about 35 minutes of music and animations at the start of the video.
Watch the Galaxy Unpacked 2015 Stream
The post Did Samsung alienate its most loyal fanbase by calling them shallow? appeared first on AndroidGuys.
LG is bringing Hi-Fi music to its flagship customers
The tech industry is gradually recognizing the benefit of high fidelity audio. It looks like LG is the next player to put an effort into helping us get the worth out of our pricey set of cans.
Today, LG has announced the launch of its own Hi-Fi music service, specifically for LG smartphone owners. The new service will be incorporated in the LG SmartWorld app.
However, LG stated that only its flagship customers will be able to get use this service, which includes the “G4, G3, G2, and G Flex 2″ (I wonder why the original G Flex isn’t on this list?).
“Our Hi-Fi music service reflects our ongoing commitment to providing additional customer benefits to loyal LG customers. MP3 music is perfectly fine for most people but those with Hi-Fi capable LG smartphones can experience a much richer environment.“
The high quality playback will be at 24bit/192kHz. It doesn’t look like this is a streaming service, as LG states that “qualifying customers” will get two free tracks a month and 50% off the purchase of songs after that.
The rollout of the Hi-Fi service will begin this month via the SmartWorld app. It will debut in “nearly 70 countries including the United States, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Italy, Russia, and the United Kingdom.”
Are any LG fans enticed by this move to a better audio experience?
Source: LG
The post LG is bringing Hi-Fi music to its flagship customers appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 