Review: HTC One S, Samsung Galaxy S3, Lava XOLO X900 and more
Sam Abraham introduces new products and services to help you zero in on those that offer value for money.
Sam Abraham introduces new products and services to help you zero in on those that offer value for money.
HTC ONE S | Rs 33,000
Features
> Dual-core 1.5GHz, 1 GB RAM, Android 4.0
> 4.3 inch display, 8 MP camera, 16 GB memory
Almost everything lovable about the One X is also part of the One S and it's cheaper. The Snapdragon S4 processor more than up to the task of keeping the One S running without stutter. In fact, the S trumped the X in benchmark tests (as reviewed by engadget.com) owing to the smaller screen and lower resolution. This is the one major difference between the siblings, the X has a much better display (AMOLED plus). It's aluminium shell and matte finish looks and feels brilliant.
ALIENWARE X51 | Rs 52,499
Features
> 2nd Gen Intel Core i5/i7, 4/6/8 GB RAM
> 1 TB SATA hard drive, 2 x USB 3.0, Optical Drive
The X51 compares well with the Alienware philosophy with smooth gameplay, vibrant graphics and is a traditional alternative to the crop of Sony and Microsoft gaming hardware. Even so, it's a very stiff price for what is basically a mid-range device (starts with 2nd gen Core i5, 4 GB RAM). Also, it does not come with a monitor, a keyboard or a mouse. Don't consider it if you're not a gamer.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S3 | Rs 38,900
Features
> 1.4GHz quad-core, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB internal
> 4.8-inch display, 8 MP camera, 2,100mAh battery
The quad-core Exynos just bleeds power, with the 32nm transistor, significantly smaller than Tegra 3's (One X) 40nm process, translating to more performance with less battery drain. What is annoying is the UI, it's been tampered with enough to lose the improved feel of ICS and feels slightly cluttered. The display is wonderous though, having the contrast and blacks of AMOLED and better colour rendition that earlier.
PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-GX1 | Price NA
Features
> 16 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, ISO 160-12,800
> 14-42mm lens, 3 inch LCD, accessory port, hot shoe
The GX1 employs a 16MP sensor with processing adjustments that allow for a top ISO of 12,800, but noise level rises to almost 3.3% at this setting. It performs quite well in terms of speed and has competent video recording capabilities. The kit lens though is not the best for image quality. A level gauge, a Touch Tab icon that allows you to hide and reveal a panel of options and an orientation sensor are clever additions.
LAVA XOLO X900 | Rs 20,000
Features
> 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z2460, 1 GB RAM
> 4-inch display, 8 MP camera
Intel's first step into the smartphone arena is solid but not overwhelming. The performance is respectable, scoring high up in benchmark testing (as reviewed by Anandtech.com). The design is plain and reminds of a cheaper iPhone. Battery life and camera are adequate but not the best considering the price tag. Also, it's still running Gingerbread, the battery is not user replaceable and no microSD expansion is possible.
HTC ONE S | Rs 33,000Features
> Dual-core 1.5GHz, 1 GB RAM, Android 4.0
> 4.3 inch display, 8 MP camera, 16 GB memory
Almost everything lovable about the One X is also part of the One S and it's cheaper. The Snapdragon S4 processor more than up to the task of keeping the One S running without stutter. In fact, the S trumped the X in benchmark tests (as reviewed by engadget.com) owing to the smaller screen and lower resolution. This is the one major difference between the siblings, the X has a much better display (AMOLED plus). It's aluminium shell and matte finish looks and feels brilliant.
ALIENWARE X51 | Rs 52,499Features
> 2nd Gen Intel Core i5/i7, 4/6/8 GB RAM
> 1 TB SATA hard drive, 2 x USB 3.0, Optical Drive
The X51 compares well with the Alienware philosophy with smooth gameplay, vibrant graphics and is a traditional alternative to the crop of Sony and Microsoft gaming hardware. Even so, it's a very stiff price for what is basically a mid-range device (starts with 2nd gen Core i5, 4 GB RAM). Also, it does not come with a monitor, a keyboard or a mouse. Don't consider it if you're not a gamer.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S3 | Rs 38,900Features
> 1.4GHz quad-core, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB internal
> 4.8-inch display, 8 MP camera, 2,100mAh battery
The quad-core Exynos just bleeds power, with the 32nm transistor, significantly smaller than Tegra 3's (One X) 40nm process, translating to more performance with less battery drain. What is annoying is the UI, it's been tampered with enough to lose the improved feel of ICS and feels slightly cluttered. The display is wonderous though, having the contrast and blacks of AMOLED and better colour rendition that earlier.
PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-GX1 | Price NAFeatures
> 16 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, ISO 160-12,800
> 14-42mm lens, 3 inch LCD, accessory port, hot shoe
The GX1 employs a 16MP sensor with processing adjustments that allow for a top ISO of 12,800, but noise level rises to almost 3.3% at this setting. It performs quite well in terms of speed and has competent video recording capabilities. The kit lens though is not the best for image quality. A level gauge, a Touch Tab icon that allows you to hide and reveal a panel of options and an orientation sensor are clever additions.
LAVA XOLO X900 | Rs 20,000Features
> 1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z2460, 1 GB RAM
> 4-inch display, 8 MP camera
Intel's first step into the smartphone arena is solid but not overwhelming. The performance is respectable, scoring high up in benchmark testing (as reviewed by Anandtech.com). The design is plain and reminds of a cheaper iPhone. Battery life and camera are adequate but not the best considering the price tag. Also, it's still running Gingerbread, the battery is not user replaceable and no microSD expansion is possible.
