Showing posts with label Smorgasbord Blog. Show all posts

Lenovo Vibe X3: For Audiophiles

It seems like BoomSound-touting HTC smartphones would have to battle it out against the newly announced Lenovo Vibe X3 as the latter is marketed with an emphasis on its audio capabilities. Aside from its dual front-facing speakers, the Vibe X3 also features Hi-Fi 3.0 with a dedicated ESS Sabre ES9018K2M or Wolfson8281 DAC, separate speaker amplifiers, and three noise-cancelling microphones. All these are enough to make the Lenovo Vibe X3 a worthy opponent.

lenovo vibe x3
Image by Lenovo
Aside from its superb audio capabilities, the Vibe X3 is also a very capable device. It packs a 5.5-inch display of 1080p Full HD resolution. It is powered by either a 64-bit hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor with 3GB RAM or a 64-bit octa-core MediaTek processor with 2GB RAM. Regardless of the processor and the amount of RAM, it will have a SensorHub co-processing unit and will be available in 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of expandable internal storage. Imaging-wise, the Vibe X3 packs either a 21-MP or 13-MP primary camera with dual-tone, dual-LED flash and either an 8-MP or 5-MP front-facing camera, depending on the variant. A 3,600 mAh or 3,400 mAh battery will also keep the phablet's lights on.

lenovo vibe x3
Image by Lenovo
Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and LTE. It will also have a fingerprint scanner at the back. The Lenovo Vibe X3 runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box with the latest Vibe UI on top. To be released on November 25, 2015, the Vibe X3 will retail for $300 for its most affordable variant and goes up to $470 for its most premium version.

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Nash Frias

TAG Heuer Connected: Luxury Android Wear Smartwatch

Renowned Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer has officially launched its first luxury Android Wear-powered smartwatch, which it calls TAG Heuer Connected. It was developed in collaboration with Intel and Google. Sporting a circular display, the Connected resembles the company's Carrera line of traditional timepieces.
tag heuer connected
Image by TAG Heuer
The TAG Heuer Connected comes with 1.5-inch scratch-resistant display of 360 x 360 pixel resolution that is protected by sapphire crystal. Meanwhile, its body is made out of Titanium Grade 2. It is powered by a dual-core Intel processor with 1GB RAM and 4GB of internal storage. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even comes with an IP67 certification, meaning it is both dust and water resistant. A 410 mAh battery will keep its lights on, which is said to provide a minimum of 25 hours of battery life.


Through a dedicated app, the TAG Heuer Connected will be compatible with devices running Android 4.3 or later and iPhones running iOS 8.2 or later. Being a luxury brand, it is not surprising that it costs $1,500. This makes it the most expensive Android Wear device to date. The TAG Heuer Connected will also come with bracelets of different colors. Want to get one?

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Nash Frias

Xiaomi Mi Band 1S Costs Just $15

The Xiaomi Mi Band 1S is now official and costs just $15. It measures 37 mm x 13.6 mm x 9.9 mm and weighs just 5.5 grams. It has an IP67 rating, meaning it can be survived submersion in up to 1 meter of water for as long as 30 minutes. Like its predecessor, it is compatible with both iOS and Android.

xiaomi mi band 1s
Image by Xiaomi
Like the original Mi Band, the Mi Band 1S will measure the number of steps you've taken and your quality of sleep. This time around, it will also track your heart rate and count the number of calories you've burned. It vibrates every time your phone gets a notification. It will also be able to unlock your Xiaomi smartphone. It will be available for purchase starting November 11, 2015. Any takers?

xiaomi mi band 1s
Image by Xiaomi
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Movie Review: The Last Witch Hunter

The Last Witch Hunter is a 2015 American fantasy action thriller film directed by Breck Eisner. The film stars Vin Diesel as an immortal witch-hunter who must stop a plague from ravaging New York City. The film also stars Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood, Olafur Olafsson, Julie Engelbrecht, and Michael Caine. The film was released on October 23, 2015 and has since received mainly negative reviews from critics.

the last witch hunter

The story goes like this: The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world. Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including Kaulder, a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful queen witch, decimating her followers in the process. In the moments right before her death, the queen curses Kaulder with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today Kaulder is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones. However, unbeknownst to Kaulder, the queen witch is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race.

The Last Witch Hunter is of action, adventure, and fantasy genre, which runs for approximately 106 minutes. It's rated PG-13 in most countries for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images. The Last Witch Hunter would probably appeal to those who like fantasy movies as it deals mainly with magic and witchcraft. While some scenes were frightening (thanks to CGI), majority of the scenes were either dragging or confusing, especially with all the flashbacks. I don't think that Vin Diesel is also fit for the role. Overall, it was an okay movie without anything extraordinary.

RATING: 3 out of 5 STARS

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xoxo Nash

Nash Frias

Gionee S Plus Comes w/ USB Type-C Port

Smartphone maker Gionee has launched the S Plus, which is the first handset from the manufacturer to come with a USB Type-C port. The Gionee S Plus is a phablet packing a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display of 720p HD resolution. The display is also protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Ticking inside it is a MediaTek MT6753 processor with 3GB RAM and 16GB of expandable internal storage. The S Plus is equipped with a 13-MP primary camera with LED flash and a 5-MP front-facing snapper. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE, and dual-SIM connectivity.

gionee s plus
Image by Gionee
The Gionee S Plus runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box with the Amigo OS 3.1 running on top. A 3,150 mAh battery will keep its lights on, which also supports fast charging. A cool feature of the S Plus is the Face Unlock, which will open your phone in under a second by facial recognition. There is also another feature called Immersive Touch, which was not detailed. The phablet will be available in Dark Blue, Gold, and White color options and will retail for $259.

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xoxo Nash

Nash Frias

Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL: Affordable LTE Smartphone

Alcatel announced a brand new affordable Android smartphone called the OneTouch Fierce XL. It packs a 5.5-inch IPS display of 720p HD resolution. It is powered by the entry-level quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB of expandable internal storage. It has an 8-MP primary camera, which features a Polaroid camera mode, and a 2-MP front-facing shooter for video calls and selfies.
alcatel onetouch fierce xl
Image by Alcatel
The Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box. A 2,500 mAh battery will keep its lights on. It will retail for just $139 off-contract at MetroPCs and T-Mobile.

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Nash Frias

OnePlus X Comes in Onyx or Ceramic

OnePlus has finally released a smaller version of its OnePlus One and OnePlus 2 phablets. Meet the OnePlus X, which comes in two versions: Onyx and Ceramic. The OnePlus X Onyx is made out of glass joined by a metal frame while the OnePlus X Ceramic is made of ceramic, which is scratch resistant with a hardness of 8.5H on the Mohs scale. The OnePlus X measures 140 mm x 69 mm x 6.9 mm and weighs 138 grams.
oneplus x
Image by OnePlus
The OnePlus X packs a Gorilla Glass 3-protected 5-inch AMOLED display of 1080p Full HD resolution. It is powered by last year's 32-bit quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset with 3GB RAM and 16GB of expandable internal storage. Connectivity-wise, it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, dual-SIM support, and an FM Radio.
oneplus x
Image by OnePlus
In the camera department, the OnePlus X is equipped with a 13-MP ISOCELL primary camera with an f/2.2 aperture and an LED flash. Its video recording capabilities, however, maxes out at 1080p Full HD but is also able to capture HD slow-motion videos. In front, an 8-MP snapper can be found. A 2,525 mAh LiPo non-removable battery will power it through the day. It runs Android Lollipop with the OxygenOS on top. It will be released on November 5, 2015 (you must register first to get an invite) with a price of $249 for the Onyx version and $400 for the Ceramic variant. Any takers?


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xoxo Nash

Nash Frias

Samsung Galaxy View Tablet w/ 18.4-Inch Screen

The Samsung Galaxy View is now official. It is the company's largest Android-powered tablet to date. It comes with an 18.4-inch TFT LCD of 1080p Full HD resolution. That results in a very low pixel density of 123 ppi. An octa-core Exynos 7580 SoC powers the tablet along with 2GB RAM and 16GB/32GB of expandable internal storage. As for connectivity, it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE support. In terms of imaging, a front-facing 2.1-MP camera is on board.

galaxy view
Image by Samsung
The Galaxy View tablet measures 275.8 mm x 451.8 mm x 11.9 mm and weighs 2.65 kilograms. A 5,700 mAh battery will keep its lights on. It also has a dual 4W stereo speaker, perfect for watching videos. The Galaxy View will retail for $599 for the 32GB Wi-Fi-only variant.
galaxy view
Image by Samsung
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Nash Frias

LeTV Le 1s: All-Metal, All For $173

LeTV is back with a new smartphone for the Indian and Chinese markets. Meet the LeTV Le 1s, which features an all-metal body with upper midrange specs for only $173. It is so affordable that the company is selling the handset at a loss. The cost of manufacturing the Le 1s is said to be $206.
letv le 1s
Image by LeTV
The LeTV Le 1s is a phablet, packing a 5.5-inch display of 1080p Full HD resolution. It measures 151.1 mm x 74.2 mm x 7.5 mm and weighs 169 grams. It is powered by Mediatek's flagship octa-core processor - Helio X10 - with 3GB RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. It comes with a 13-MP primary camera, using an ISOCELL sensor, with phase detection auto-focus, an f/2.0 aperture, and a single LED flash. Its front camera maxes out at 5-MP but with an 85-degree wide angle lens and an f/2.0 aperture.
letv le 1s
Image by LeTV
Among its connectivity features are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE, dual-SIM support, and a USB Type-C port. It also has a fingerprint scanner, which doubles as a camera shutter key. A 3,000 mAh battery will keep its lights on, which supports quick charging too. The LeTV Le 1s runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop with the company's EUI on top. It will start selling on Nov 3, 2015. Any takers?

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xoxo Nash

Nash Frias

Huawei Honor 5X w/ Fingerprint Scanner Costs $157

Premium looking smartphones at affordable prices are all the rage these days. Huawei has jumped into the bandwagon with its metal-made Honor 5X phablet. It comes with a 5.5-inch display of 1080p Full HD resolution. It measures 151.3 mm x 76.3 mm x 7.9 mm and weighs 158 grams. Humming inside it is a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset with 2GB/3GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage.
honor 5x
Image by Huawei
Imaging-wise, it has a 13-MP primary camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a dual-LED flash. A 5-MP camera can be found in front. It is also one of the few affordable smartphones to come with a fingerprint scanner. A 3,000 mAh battery will keep its lights on. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box with EMUI on top. It will initially be available in China only but may soon reach other markets. Pricing starts at $157 for the 2GB RAM model.

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xoxo Nash

Nash Frias

Oppo Neo 7 Offers Entry-Level Specs

Oppo has unveiled the Neo 7, which is a premium looking entry-level device. It comes with a 5-inch display of a paltry qHD resolution. It is powered by the 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor with 1GB RAM and 16GB of expandable internal storage. It has an 8-MP primary camera with LED flash and a 5-MP front-facing unit. Interestingly, the smartphone's display can be used as a flash for selfies.

oppo neo 7
Image by Oppo
Connectivity-wise, the Oppo Neo 7 comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE, and dual-SIM support and runs Android Lollipop out of the box, skinned with Oppo's Color OS 2.1. A 2,420 mAh battery will keep its lights on. It measures 142.7 mm x 71.7 mm x 7.55 mm and weighs 141 grams. It will come in two color options: black with silver frame and white with gold frame. It is expected to cost below $200 and will be available in markets like US, India, etc.

oppo neo 7
Image by Oppo
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xoxo Nash

Nash Frias

BlackBerry PRIV: BB's First Android Smartphone

The BlackBerry PRIV is now official. It is the BlackBerry's first Android-powered smartphone and it comes with several powerful features. The PRIV packs a 5.4-inch dual-curved OLED screen of Quad HD resolution, protected by Gorilla Glass 4. It has a screen pixel density of 540 ppi. It measures just 9.4 mm, even with the company's signature slide out physical QWERTY keyboard taken into consideration. However, it is quite heavy at 192 grams.

blackberry priv
Image by BlackBerry
Powering the BlackBerry PRIV is the 64-bit hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset with Adreno 418 GPU, 3GB RAM, and 32GB of expandable internal storage. In terms of software, the PRIV runs Android Lollipop out of the box with some nifty BlackBerry software customizations. These include the BlackBerry HUB (unified inbox), BlackBerry Calendar, and DTEK by BlackBerry for Android. The latter lets you know when your privacy could be at risk for you to take action on it.

blackberry priv
Image by BlackBerry
Imaging-wise, the PRIV is equipped with an 18-MP Schneider Kreuznach primary camera with OIS, phase detection auto-focus, and dual-tone, dual-LED flash. On front is a 2-MP selfie snapper. Among its connectivity features are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and LTE. It is powered by a colossal 3,410 mAh battery, which should provide up to 22.5 hours of mixed usage. The battery also supports rapid charging.
blackberry priv
Image by BlackBerry
The BlackBerry PRIV retails for $699, which is quite steep, and is not available for pre-order


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Nash Frias

Samsung Galaxy On5 & On7: Budget Smartphones

In China, Samsung has unveiled two new budget smartphones: the Galaxy On5 and the Galaxy On7, probably in an attempt to be more competitive against dirt-cheap Chinese smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy On7 is the bigger and the more powerful of the two. It comes with a 5.5-inch TFT display of 720p HD resolution. It is powered by a quad-core processor with 1.5GB RAM and 8GB of expandable internal storage. It has a 13-MP primary camera with LED flash and 5-MP front-facing snapper. A 3,000 mAh battery will keep its lights on. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, dual-SIM support, GLONASS, Beidou, and LTE. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box with the TouchWiz UI on top. It is expected to be priced sub-$200.

galaxy on7
Image by Samsung
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy On5 packs a 5-inch TFT display of 720p HD resolution. Ticking inside it is a quad-core Exynos 3475 SoC with 1.5GB RAM and 8GB of expandable internal storage. It employs an 8-MP primary camera with LED flash and a 5-MP front-facing shooter. It has the same connectivity options as the Galaxy On7 and will also run Android 5.1 Lollipop with the latest TouchWiz UI on top. It has a beefy 2,600 mAh battery and is expected to retail for about $150.

galaxy on5
Image by Samsung
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Nash Frias

Garmin Adds Three New Forerunner Smartwatches

Garmin has updated its collection of smart wearables with the addition of the Forerunner line of smartwatches. Geared towards runners, the Forerunner smartwatch comes in three models: Forerunner 630, Forerunner 235, and Forerunner 230. The Garmin Forerunner 630 is successor to the Forerunner 620. It now has more sensors for data collection and analysis, such as stride length and vertical ration, expanding on the existing cadence, and oscillation metrics. It can also calculate recovery times, lactate thresholds, and estimate VO2. There's also notification visualization through a connected smartphone running the Garmin app. Its price starts at $399.99 and goes up to $449.99 if bundled with a heart rate monitor.
garmin forerunner
Image by Garmin
Next up are the Garmin Forerunner 235 and Forerunner 230. The former comes with a built-in heart rate monitor while the latter lacks it. Both, however, have most of the notification features of the Forerunner 630 and can also estimate VO2. The Forerunner 235 costs $329.99 while the Forerunner 230 will set you back $249.99.


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Nash Frias

Fossil Unveils Q Line of Smartwatches

Watchmaker Fossil, in partnership with Intel, has entered the smartwatch market with the Fossil Q series. It is a collection of four smartwatches and smartbands: Fossil Q Founder, Fossil Q Grant, Fossil Q Reveler, and Fossil Q Dreamer. The Fossil Q Founder is the most expensive of the bunch, with a starting price of $275. It is an Android Wear smartwatch with a circular design. Next is the Fossil Q Grant, which looks like a regular watch but with Bluetooth capabilities. It stays connected to your smartphone and vibrates when there is a notification. It will cost about $175.

fossil q
Image by Fossil
The last two, Fossil Q Reveler and Fossil Q Dreamer, are smartbands, which focus on fitness. Both are activity trackers and vibrate when there is a notification. They just differ in design and strap options. Both will retail for $125 each.

fossil q
Image by Fossil
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Nash Frias

Affordable Meizu Blue Charm Metal w/ Fingerprint Scanner

The Meizu Blue Charm Metal is now official. It is an affordable all-metal (aluminum) smartphone with a fingerprint scanner. It packs a 5.5-inch LTPS LCD of 1080p Full HD resolution. It is powered by the octa-core MediaTek Helio X10 chipset with 2GB RAM and 16GB/32GB of expandable internal storage. Imaging-wise, there is a 13-MP primary camera with an f/2.2 aperture and dual-tone, dual-LED flash. A 5-MP front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture is also on board.
meizu blue charm metal
Image by Meizu
The Blue Charm Metal's connectivity suite includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and LTE support. It runs Flyme 5.0, which is a heavily skinned version of Android Lollipop. A 3,140 mAh battery will keep its lights on. It will come in a variety of colors: white, gray, blue, gold, and pink. Initially available only in China, it will retail for about $173 for the entry level model. Want one?
meizu blue charm metal
Image by Meizu
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Nash Frias

New HTC One A9 Touts Android 6.0 Marshmallow

The One A9 is the latest premium-looking smartphone from HTC but is actually a midrange device. It has an all-metal build, measuring 145.75 mm x 70.8 mm x 7.26 mm and weighing 142 grams. It comes with a 5-inch AMOLED display of 1080p Full HD resolution, protected by 2.5D Gorilla Glass 4. It has a screen pixel density of 440 ppi. At first look, the HTC One A9 does resemble the iPhone 6/6s. Interestingly, it is marketed by HTC as the perfect alternative to the iPhone.

htc one a9
Image by HTC
Ticking inside the HTC One A9 is a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset with 2GB/3GB RAM and 16GB/32GB of expandable internal storage. On the software side, it is one of the first few smartphones to run Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box with the latest Sense UI on top. Along with signature HTC features like BoomSound, Zoe, and the like, the One A9 will also have Android Marshmallow-specific features like granular app permissions, native fingerprint support, Google Now on Tap, and Doze Mode. HTC has also promised that unlocked One A9 phones will receive Android updates within 15 days of official Nexus device updates.
htc one a9
Image by HTC
In terms of imaging, the HTC One A9 comes with a 13-MP primary camera with OIS, manual mode, RAW capture, and an LED flash. An UltraPixel (4-MP) unit can be found in front of the device, which is perfect for low-light selfies and video calls. Its video recording capabilities, however, max out at 1080p Full HD quality. Connectivity-wise, the One A9 comes with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, GLONASS, and LTE-A support. It's 2,150 mAh non-removable battery also supports fast charging. Unlike previous HTC midrange and flagship devices, the One A9 does not sport dual front-firing stereo speakers but still comes with BoomSound tech and Dolby Audio surround tech.


The HTC One A9 will come in a variety of colors and will sell at different price points (depending on the storage). For a limited time only, the entry-level model will retail for $399.99. Customers who purchase their One A9 from HTC's website will also get 1-year protection under its UH OH program. A 6-month Google Play Music subscription is also in tow. There are also a bunch of official accessories available for the HTC One A9. Any buyers?

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xoxo Nash

Nash Frias

LG G Vista 2 w/ Stylus From AT&T

AT&T has unveiled the successor to last year's LG G Vista, which is aptly named LG G Vista 2. It comes with a large 5.7-inch display of 1080p Full HD resolution. It is powered by an octa-core processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB of expandable internal storage. Camera-wise, it has a 13-MP primary camera with a Color Spectrum sensor, laser auto-focus, and a manual mode. It also has a 5-MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.


The G Vista 2 comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and LTE. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box with the latest LG UX on top. It has these LG signature features like Knock On, Knock Code, QSlide, and Quick Memo. And it comes with a stylus too, useful for some quick sketches and writing Chinese/Japanese characters. AT&T hasn't unveiled its price yet but it is said to be affordable.

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Nash Frias

Midranger Oppo R7s Comes w/ 4GB RAM

The Oppo R7s is the updated version of the Oppo R7. It comes with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with 2.5D glass of 1080p Full HD resolution. Humming inside it is a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 SoC with Adreno 405 GPU, a whopping 4GB RAM, and 32GB of expandable internal storage. The R7s also has a 13-MP primary camera with phase detection auto-focus and LED flash. An 8-MP front-camera is on-board. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and LTE support.
oppo r7s
Image by GSMArena
Oppo's new midrange smartphone runs Android 5.1 Lollipop with ColorOS 2.1 on top. A 3,070 mAh battery will keep its lights on, Its battery also supports VOOC rapid charging. There's no information yet on pricing but it will be launched in markets like UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Australia, Indonesia, along with some Middle Eastern and African countries.

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xoxo Nash

Nash Frias

Tizen-Powered Samsung Z3 Now Official

Tizen-powered Samsung Z3 is now official and is bound to the Indian market. Design-wise, it is undoubtedly a Samsung device, complete with a physical home button and two capacitive keys. The Z3 packs a 5-inch Super AMOLED display of 720p HD resolution. It is powered by a quad-core Spreadtrum chip with 1GB RAM and 8GB of expandable internal storage. It has an 8-MP primary camera with LED flash and a wide-angle 5-MP front-facing shooter. A 2,600 mAh battery will keep its lights on.
samsung z3
Image by Samsung
The Samsung Z3 runs Tizen OS 2.3 with Ultra Data Saving Mode. Its user interface is similar to Samsung Galaxy devices with the TouchWiz UI. Its connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G, and dual-SIM support. It will come in three color variants: gold, black and silver. It will cost just $130 and is bound first to India.

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Til then...

xoxo Nash

Nash Frias

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