The secondary flagship Android smartphone from Google, the Nexus 5X, has some great deals coming soon for its 32GB model. Discounts, anyone?
A little recap of how good this deal is. The Google Nexus 5X has the same software as the Nexus 6P has but with a less metal hardware. The internals are almost high end on a plastic construction. It is also the cheapest possible way to experience pure stock Android on any device today. It’s not as flashy as the 6P but the value for money even without the deal is through the roof. The bottom line is: it’s up for a price cut. Now is the best time to get a 5X.
32Gb Google Nexus 5X for just $269
eBay deals have just set the Google Nexus 5X to just $269. Notice, we’re talking about the 32GB variant here, making this deal a true steal. This is $130 off the retail price, and if you know how eBay works, you might not want to think twice about making this an impulsive buy. With updates to Android N reaching this device first, we doubt the listing will last for long.
Another Chinese company released a new Android smartphone this week. Meizu announced the Meizu m3s and just like the Xiaomi Redmi 3s, it’s got more similarities than that.
Yesterday another Chinese phone manufacturer, Meizu, announced its new m3s. For the most part, it may have been named like the Xiaomi\’s Redmi 3s. The Meizu m3s comes in with 2Gb of RAM and 16Gb of internal storage. Another configuration has a 3Gb of RAM and 32Gb of internal storage. Price point is $106 for the 2Gb and $136 for the 3Gb model. Although something weird is going on. The m3s got the same specs as the Redmi 3s. Here\’s the m3s specs. Note that the only difference is the processor and battery capacity.
13-megapixel rear camera, five-megapixel front-facing camera
The OS war between two titans in the mobile market stopped for a little while when Tendigi made a case that can run Android on a pure iPhone 6s. Was it that groundbreaking enough to stop the mobile OS ware completely?
It was finally tried and successfully proven that Android can run on an iOS device like the iPhone 6s with a little bit of hacking. Tendigi, an app developing company, already had the same proof of concept like this when it made Windows 95 run on an Apple Watch. This time, they went all out to cross the holy grail of mobile OS war – between Android and iOS.
In a Medium post, CTO Nick Lee stated that he just needed a subdevice that can encase a current generation iPhone to be able to connect to it via the lightning connector. It also helped that Android made OEM\’s skinned versions of the operating system available to virtually all, including developers. This means that it\’s a big bulk of tasks taken off of the project. Building libraries and tools to penetrate the secure Apple OS was very necessary for Nick to do. Screencasting tool being one of the most important component that shows a running Android OS to an iPhone.
While the success of this DIY project seems bound to success, there are still compromises. Nick didn\’t want to code the huge gap between the iOS and Android\’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers. To circumvent this, the subdevice or the enclosure case would have its own separate antennas. This resulted to having the case enclosure 3D printed instead of using a hacked Mophie Juice Pack.
After many modifications, the resulting enclosure is close to the size of a Mophie Juice Pack.
After months of waiting and trying OxygenOS on the now soon to be replaced flagship, OnePlus 2, is getting a software update. It’s Android Marshmallow.
Thanks to the beta testers and their reliable feedback for it brought the OxygenOS 3.0.2 to the OnePlus 2 today. This custom OS for all OnePlus devices was built on top of Android 6.0.1 and the high quality update is expected to saturate the population by a couple of days.
Since it\’s built especially for OnePlus 2, the update brought along additional enhancements alongside the typical tweaks over the base OS. These unique enhancements include:
refreshed camera app user interface
camera autofocus optimization
Dirac HD Sound codecs (this replaced MaxxAudio and Tuner)
locking apps in multitasking pile
clear all processes
assign a sim specifically for data, sms and voice
Although today was the 7th month since Google released the last Android Marshmallow images, OnePlus X is yet to receive Marshmallow packages and updates.
Street price: $700; MSRP: $750; deal price: $400 with codes
This deal involves stacking two codes and results in a huge $300 savings. First, you’ll go to the Moto X Pure page and select the 64GB storage option. Once you add it to your cart, use the code CLASSOF2016. Then, you’ll add the Moto 360 Sport to your cart and use the code JUNEMOTO360. The final total should be $400. While the Moto 360 Sport wasn’t one of our top picks in our smartwatch guide, it’s certainly worth it in this combo deal.
The Moto X Pure Edition is our customizable phablet pick in our best Android phones guide. Ryan Whitwam said, “Motorola’s latest flagship phone offers a great Android 6.0 software experience with customization options that other phones simply can’t match. You can choose from different colors and materials for the back, pick a metallic accent color, and even customize the startup message. It’s more comfortable to hold than other phablets despite its big, 5.7-inch LCD, plus it has a slot for a microSD card. If you take a lot of selfies, we have still more good news: This phone has a front-facing flash paired with a wide-angle 5-megapixel camera.”
TomTom Spark Music GPS Watch
Street price: $190; MSRP: $200; deal price: $150
The best price we’ve seen on this watch, which we’ve never seen drop below $180 until this deal. This price is available on all sizes and colors.
The TomTom Spark Music is our music playback pick for the best GPS running watch. Jim McDannald said, “If you love listening to music on the run and want to leave your smartphone or mp3 player at home, theTomTom Spark Music could be worth the trade-off in accuracy, fit, and features. Along with gathering GPS data about your run, the Spark Music transmits your music wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones for playback.”
Apple Watch Stainless Steel
Street price: $450; MSRP: $550; deal price: $350
While we’ve avoided posting deals on the stainless steel model of the Apple Watch in the past due to the price, we felt this drop was low enough to post. It’s down to $350 for the first time, and while you’d still save a substantial amount buying the Sport, if you prefer the look and feel of the stainless steel, this is a significant savings over the street price.
The Apple Watch Sport is our favorite smartwatch for iPhone users. Dan Frakes and Kevin Purdy said, “the Sport’s fit and finish are impressive, and the watch is lightweight and comfortable. It can use any of Apple’s many watch bands, and it has the exact same features and components—including the same OLED display at the same resolutions—as the more expensive Apple Watch (stainless steel) and Apple Watch Edition (gold).”
Wren V5BT Bluetooth Speaker
Street price: $200; MSRP: $400; deal price: $160 with code DG16
Make sure to use the code DG16 to get this price. This is the best price we’ve seen on this particular speaker, though it’s only available on the bamboo finish.
The Wren V5BT is our alternate pick for a home Bluetooth speaker in our best gifts for audiophiles guide. We wrote this about the Airplay model, though it also applies to the Bluetooth one, “If your giftee prefers AirPlay over Bluetooth, the Wren V5AP is the AirPlay speaker that strikes the best balance between affordability and compactness, plus it sounds great for its $250 price. It gets our recommendation because it sounds as good as any AirPlay speaker we’ve heard under $400 and even better than some products in the $600 range.”
Deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to The Wirecutter.com.
The new Sony Xperia E5 was a great update to the E4 from the screen resolution to processing power, from the memory to the camera performance.
The E5 have a definite sleeker design aesthetics with wider bezels and plastic body. Regardless of this exterior, the Xperia E5, have a power button that failed to copy the premium look of the Xperia X family. The 5-inch 720p display can make the 2700 mAh battery last up to 2 days out of regular use. The internals with 1.5Gb of RAM and 16Gb of storage is a good welcoming addition with the microSD card expansion. Together with a quad core MTK6735 SoC and dual SIM connectivity, the E5 is really a compelling option for an entry level smartphone.
The 13 MP primary camera and a 5 MP front-facing camera are truly amazing among the specs mentioned. The flash illumination and the rear auto-focus, HDR and clear image zoom are unique at this price range. Underneath all the hardware is an Android 6.0 Marshmallow butters up the user experience with smooth performance.
The Xperia E5 costs $222 in select locations such as Latin America, Middle East and Africa.
Picking the right smartphone can be tough. With Apple, Samsung, LG, HTC and plenty of other manufacturers releasing handsets at a steady clip, it can be difficult to keep up with each and every launch. We use our smartphones for work, play and everything in between, so it’s important to settle on the right blend of hardware, operating system and price tag that makes sense for you.
After all, you’re likely going to be spending anywhere from 18 months to two years of your life with your new handset, unless your budget allows you to upgrade on whim. Deciding between so many candidates can be a bit of a struggle, but we’re here to help with our guide to the best smartphones around.
Article prices are based on the RRP, but more up-to-date listings can be found in the buyers guide widget below.
Apple iPhone 6s
Score: 91/100
Apple’s follow-up to the iPhone 6 isn’t as much of an incremental update as some were expecting. The 6s is more powerful and carries a pressure-sensitive display, not to mention significant improvements in the camera department. As well as simply being another easy-to-use iOS device, new features include the “3D Touch” panel, which lets you “peek” inside apps, surfacing information and actions without opening the app fully. The upgraded 12-megapixel camera has a few tricks of its own, too, like the new 4K video mode and animated “Live Photos.” New Rose Gold option aside, though, the iPhone 6s is practically identical in looks to its predecessor. It’s not cheap either, so iPhone 6 owners might find it hard to justify an upgrade.
In a sentence: Apple’s iPhone 6s is a great phone and safe bet, especially for anyone moving from an older 5 or 5s.
Price: £539 and up
Samsung Galaxy S7
Score: 90/100
Samsung’s Galaxy S7 takes everything that made the S6 great and improves upon it. The outcome is a flagship with a gorgeous Quad HD display, outstanding performance and subtle design tweaks that make the marriage of metal and glass that bit more appealing. Those already leaning in Samsung’s direction will be thankful for the return of expandable storage, with cards of up to 200GB capacity finding a microSD slot to call home. An IP68 water- and dust-resistant rating only sweetens the proposition. Only minor progress has been made in the imaging department, but the S7 has a capable and versatile camera nonetheless. A steep price is one of the only downsides of the device, but you’re paying for premium.
In a sentence: Easily one of the best Android smartphones available.
Motorola’s made a name for itself putting out great devices at reasonable prices, and the Moto X Style is a perfect example of that philosophy. A fondness for larger displays is a must. If that’s the case you’ll get a pleasing 5.7-inch Quad HD display to poke at, and Moto Maker means you can customise an already expedient design with whatever colour and texture combination you see fit. Purists in particular will enjoy the vanilla Android build with a light drizzle of Motorola chocolate sauce on top. The Moto X Style has a great camera, too, even if it isn’t quite as good as those on some rival devices. Similarly, the handset offers flagship performance, but it’s not the most powerful device around. There are compromises, but none that should tempt you to overlook the Moto X Style considering its relatively low price.
In a sentence: An expert lesson in striking the balance between user experience and price.
Price: £369 and up
Apple iPhone SE
Score: 89/100 Many people felt left behind by Apple’s turn to bigger-screened iPhones, and the SE is an attempt to regain their favour. The 4-inch form factor feels both familiar and fresh in its design — like an iPhone 5s with softer curves — and the SE benefits from the inclusion of the same internals found in the iPhone 6s, meaning it’s lightning fast. The two also share the same, excellent camera, though the iPhone SE lacks “3D Touch” functionality and possesses an older, slower Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Still, it offers fantastic battery life and happens to be the cheapest iPhone Apple’s ever sold. Oh, and lest we forget: Rose Gold.
In a sentence: A no-brainer for champions of the 4-inch form factor wanting to upgrade from an older iPhone.
Price: £359 and up
HTC 10
Score: 88/100
The HTC 10 marks the end of a few uneventful years at the company, defined by a series of unremarkable flagships. But what a return to form. The HTC 10’s sleek, all-metal design packages a 5.2-inch Quad HD display and internals that are almost unmatched in their performance. While its competent 12-UltraPixel camera isn’t the best on the market and battery life is distinctly average, HTC has cleaned up its Android skin and included a few attractive extras like hi-res audio support and AirPlay compatibility. HTC has again created a flagship handset that can hang with the best of ’em, but that means you’re looking at premium pricing to match.
In a sentence: On the podium as one of the top Android smartphones on the market.
Price: £570
Google Nexus 6P
Score: 87/100
The Nexus 6P is another device for those who prefer a larger-than-average screen. The 5.7-inch, Wide Quad HD display isn’t all the handset has to offer, though, with an abundance of processing power and impressive battery life. Being a Google device, the Nexus 6P also receives Android updates as soon as they become available, so you’ll always be on the latest version. Combine all these features with a solid camera, and you get a large-screen smartphone at a pretty competitive price. However, it’s worth bearing in mind the Nexus 6P lacks a microSD slot to expand storage, and its all-metal design is like the smartphone equivalent of Marmite.
In a sentence: A great option for people who like a larger screen that also benefits from the most up-to-date Android software.
Price: £449 and up.
Moto G
Score: 87/100
When Motorola launched the first Moto G a few years ago, it immediately stood out as offering unparalleled value for money. Now in its third generation, the Moto G is still one of the best all-round smartphones for anyone on a budget, or those that would rather not pay for bells and whistles they’ll get little use out of. While it doesn’t excel in any one area and ignores flagship-grade components to keep costs down, there are no particularly uninviting compromises either. The Moto G’s outward appearance can also be heavily personalised using Moto Maker, at which point avid mobile gamers and users of more demanding apps might want to pay a little extra for more RAM and internal storage.
In a sentence: A decent, affordable Android smartphone that makes minimal sacrifices to hit its low price point.
Price: £149 and up.
OnePlus 2
Score: 86/100
OnePlus is in the business of making serious smartphones and selling them for a fraction of the price of competitors. Case in point: the OnePlus 2. It has all the guts and performance of a market-leading flagship, with style and build quality being far from an afterthought. Those features alone make the price tag easy to justify, and that’s without mentioning the versatile 13-megapixel camera. OnePlus has held back in a couple of areas, understandably, such as opting for a 5.5-inch 1080p display instead of a Quad HD panel. Other compromises include a lack of expandable storage and NFC, which are likely to be either deal-breakers or features you can easily live without.
In a sentence: A inexpensive, near-flagship device that prioritises performance and price.
Price: £249
LG G5
Score: 81/100
LG has released some excellent flagship smartphones in the past, but this year the company has skipped an incremental upgrade in favour of something much more adventurous. Top-tier performance and fun, flexible dual-camera array aside, the bottom bezel of the device is completely removable, making space for a couple of modular accessories LG calls “Friends.” These include a hi-res audio attachment and a camera grip that also extends battery life, which is pretty average otherwise. At this point, however, you have look beyond the few accessories currently available and hope others will explore the potential of the modular design even further.
In a sentence: A powerful Android smartphone that dares to be different
Price: £449
Sony Xperia Z5
Score: 80/100
The Xperia Z5 is either another of Sony’s beautiful, polished products, or a slightly lazy attempt to tweak its tired “Omnibalance” design. Regardless of which side of the fence you find yourself on, you can’t dispute the build quality and high waterproof rating. The Xperia Z5 offers the kind of performance you’d expect from a genuine flagship, but pairs that with a 5.2-inch 1080p display. Gorgeous it might be, but it does fall short of competitors’ higher-resolution screens. What your money is primarily going towards is the 23-megapixel rear camera, which happens to be one of the best on the market. The Xperia Z5 isn’t cheap, but it won’t disappoint serious smartphone photographers.
In a sentence: Another lovingly built Sony smartphone with one of the best cameras around.
Price: £469
Wileyfox Swift
Score: 79/100
Fledgling British brand Wileyfox has made an extremely good first impression with the Swift. Like the Moto G, the Swift is all about crafting a low-cost smartphone that still provides an excellent user experience. With a relatively charming, all-plastic design, a bright 5-inch, 720p display and easily customisable Cyanogen software, there’s plenty to like. You also get a decent amount of processing power for an affordable device, though the 13-megapixel camera leaves quite a lot to be desired. However, aside from its underwhelming camera, the Swift deserves serious consideration if you’re after a good smartphone that doesn’t weigh heavily on your wallet.
In a sentence: An affordable Android smartphone that represents excellent value for money.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 6 is destined to become more powerful than the flagship smartphone, Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Like the Note 5 being bulkier in specs than the older S6. The common denominator – more RAM.
The South Korean smartphone giant, Samsung, announced at a Mobile Solutions Forum in China about its 6Gb DRAM chip. Although some phone models like the LeEco Le Max 2 already have bigger memory, Samsung’s architecture surrounds the 10nm form factor of the DRAM chip. This means it’s more efficient than most of its competitors.
Despite of this news and announcement, the magic 6Gb of DRAM will not necessarily come to the Galaxy Note 6. However, there’s a good chance that it will. Just take the Galaxy Note 5 being more powerful than it’s smartphone counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy S6. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have 4Gb of RAM, this announcement is timely for the Note 6’s announcement on mid-August.
If this proves to be true, as what the rumors says, then the next Note would have a 5.8-inch QHD screen, a 2.6GHz quad-core Snapdragon 823 processor and a massive 4200mAh battery. This means if you find the Galaxy S7 still lacks the power that you need out of it, then the phablet cousin could be the one for you.
It’s an Android TV device that have Bluetooth remote and voice activation, acts like a Chromecast for the living room and plays 4K video. Welcome, the Xiaomi 4K Mi Box.
Soon to be retailed in the US, the Xiaomi 4K Mi Box is a new competitor to the growing market of TV set top boxes. Unveiled at Google I/O, this device is surely exciting.
The 4K Mi Box will obviously be running the latest Android N with features picture-in-picture support, APIs for live video recording, and playback of High Dynamic Range content. To add up to the great potential of the 4K Mi Box, partners like CNN, Comedy Central, Disney, and ESPN is set to give support to these new devices.
Inputs for the 4K Mi Box are one HDMI out port, a USB port, and an AV port. The game pad for your Android games will be sold separately but prices of these devices are still yet to be released.
Google I/O 2016 came with the announcement of Daydream. This is Google’s first Virtual Reality platform and ecosystem dedicated to bringing more momentum to develop optimized apps for it’s upcoming VR headsets and controllers.
Two years ago, Google launched it’s experimental Google Cardboard for VR on existing user smartphones. For those of you who have not caught up with this hype, Google Cardboard was the first attempt to bring Virtual Reality to many people. The package was so easy to make, a couple of optical glass, some duct tape and an Android smartphone, it sure was a good ground to start this awesome revolution. As a result, many indie developers made apps for this thriving market – and then came the announcement of Daydream.
What is Daydream?
Daydream was a platform for Virtual Reality that is highly integrated with Android N. By the current stage of development, Daydream may not yet be competing with HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift software which are all PC-based software and hardware.
What are the features of Daydream?
Daydream is yet to be tested but let’s start with what we know are the early resemblance of what Daydream apps can do. YouTube started using 360 videos for desktop and mobile devices, Street View let’s you go to maps and places in a full 360 view. The Google Play Store, Play Movies, and Google Photos have been a testing ground for Virtual Reality. The New York Times, HBO, Netflix, Ubisoft, and Electronic Arts are also on board to develop apps for Daydream.
If you like the features of the current apps that use VR on your devices, then think of Daydream as an official backbone to integrate Virtual Reality games and apps right into your smartphone.
Any Daydream headsets?
Yes, there are. In fact, Google’s announcement on the keynote revealed its reference design for a VR headset and controller. This design looks like an HTC Vive but a simplified version. It is said to be wireless, easy to take on and off, and comfortable to wear. Manufacturer partners already have given rights to this reference design for official manufacturing later this year.
