Smartphones

Meizu Announces New PRO 5
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Meizu Announces New PRO 5

 
Today Meizu launches its new high-end flagship, the PRO 5. It was expected for Meizu to market this device as the MX5 Pro but it seems Meizu has chosen to separate the lineup to give better exposure to the higher-end “PRO” series. We’ve had a short look at the MX5 announcement earlier this summer, so while keeping that in mind, let’s go over the improvements that the PRO 5 brings with itself.
 
At the heart of the phone we see Samsung’s Exynos 7420 SoC. Meizu is one of the rare vendors besides Samsung Electronics to actually employ S.LSI’s silicon so this puts the Chinese manufacturer in an interesting position this year as this allows them to have a competitive advantage over other manufacturers who chose other SoC suppliers. As we’ve seen earlier in the year, we deemed the Exynos 7420 as one of the highlights of this year so the PRO 5 is well served by the big.LITTLE chipset consisting of 4x Cortex A57 at 2.1GHz and 4x Cortex A53’s at 1.5GHz. Graphics is provided by a Mali T760MP8 at 770MHz – also a top performer among SoCs this year.
 
Meizu PRO 5 Specifications
SoC Samsung Exynos 7420

4x Cortex A57 @ 2.1GHz +
4x Cortex A53 @ 1.5GHz   

Mali T760MP8 @ 770MHz  
RAM 3 / 4GB LPDDR4-3200
NAND / Storage 32 / 64GB UFS 2.0
+ microSD
Display 5.7″ 1920×1080 SuperAMOLED
2.5D Gorilla Glass 3
Network 2G / 3G / 4G LTE
FDD-LTE / TD-LTE / TD-SCDMA / WCDMA / GSM
(Chinese Bands)
Dimensions 156.7 x 78 x 7.5 mm
168 grams
Camera 21.16MP Sony IMX230 sensor F/2.0 Main camera
w/ Laser + PDAF auto-focus
w/ Dedicated Samsung ISP

5MP F/2.0 Front camera
Battery 3050mAh
OS Android 5.1
with Meizu FlymeOS 5.0
Connectivity 802.11 b/g/n/ac + BT 4.1 + BLE, GPS/GNSS
USB Type C
SIM Size nanoSIM + nanoSIM
or 
nanoSIM + microSD

Meizu continues the newly introduced usage of AMOLED screens. Similar to the MX4, the PRO5 uses a 1080p Samsung panel, but this time it increases the size to 5.7″, increasing the footprint of the device to 156.7 x 78mm. The screen now features 2.5D edges and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Meizu was able to shave off 0.1mm of the thickness to get to a total of 7.5mm on the new flagship, but it seems the battery slightly lost some capacity in the process as it goes from 3150mAh in the MX5 to 3050mAh in the PRO5.

Storage-wise the device comes with either 32 or 64GB of memory backed by the new generation UFS 2.0 interface. Main memory also varies between 3GB or 4GB depending on the variant. What is new for Meizu is that for the first time the company is employing a microSD card slot that is part of the dual-SIM tray, meaning one can choose to use either two nanoSIMs, or have a combination of a microSD with a nanoSIM. The dual-SIM functionality provides dual-standby.

Meizu doesn’t specify the specific bands or what kind of baseband processor is used on the PRO5. Last year we saw the MX4 Pro make unique use of a Marvell Armada baseband so we’ll have to wait until the device is launched to find out what made it into this year’s unit. It should be mentioned though that for now it seems Meizu limits itself to the Chinese market as the band support for western networks looks to be sparse.

On the camera-side, we now see usage of a new Sony IMX230 sensor. This is the same sensor found on the recently announced Moto X Style and Moto X Play. The sensor is encased in a 6-lens F/2.0 camera module. Interestingly, Meizu advertises usage of a dedicated Samsung ISP that is supposed to improve image quality. The camera is able to record 4K video in HEVC format, which should help reduce file sizes.

Among the usual top-end connectivity features, the phone comes with a new USB Type C connector which should enable it to be future-proof as the industry transitions over to the new standard. 

The Meizu PRO5 comes in gold, grey, silver and silver & black colour options in either 3GB/32GB or 4GB/64GB variants priced at respectively￥2799 (US$438, 393€) or ￥3099 (US$485, 435€).

Source: Meizu

Xiaomi Announces the Mi 4c with Snapdragon 808
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Xiaomi Announces the Mi 4c with Snapdragon 808

It’s hard to get away from the term ‘flagship killer’ these days in the smartphone space. Alongside the top-model lines from Apple, Samsung, LG and others is a band of half-price, similarly specified handsets with a few minor adjustments skirting on thin margins to offer similar experiences. The OnePlus range has been part of this movement, along with others such as the ASUS Zenfone 2. Next steps up Xiaomi, with the Mi 4c featuring a 6-core Snapdragon 808, a 5-inch 1080p IPS display, USB Type-C and dual-SIM for only 1299-1499 RMB ($200-$235).

  Xiaomi
Mi 4		 Xiaomi
Mi 4i		 Xiaomi
Mi 4c
SoC MSM8974AC
Snapdragon 801
4x Krait 400
at 2.45 GHz		 MSM8939
Snapdragon 615
4 x A53 at 1.7 GHz
4 x A53 at 1.0 GHz		 MSM8992
Snapdragon 808
2 x A57 at 1.82 GHz
4 x A53 at 1.44 GHz
RAM/
NAND		 3 GB LPDDR3
16/64GB NAND		 2 GB LPDDR3
16/32 GB NAND		 2 GB + 16GB
3 GB + 32GB
Display 5″ 1080p IPS 5″ 1080p IPS 5″ 1080p IPS
Network Category 4 LTE
150/50 Mbps		 Category 4 LTE
150/50 Mbps		 Category 4 LTE
50/50 Mbps
Dimensions 139.2 x 67.5 x 8.9mm,
149 grams		 138.1 x 69.6 x 7.8mm,
130 grams		 138.1 x 69.6 x 7.8mm,
132 grams
Camera 13MP rear camera,
1.12 µm pixels,
1/3.06″ CMOS size
Sony IMX 214 F/1.8.
8MP F/1.8 FFC 1/4″		   13MP rear camera,
Sony IMX 238 or
Samsung SSK3M2
(depends on SKU)
Battery 3080 mAh
(11.704 Whr)		 3120 mAh 3080 mAh
OS MIUI v5
Android v4.4.3		 MIUI v6
Android v5.0.2		 MIUI v7
Android v5.1.1
Connectivity 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
BT 4.0		 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
BT 4.0		 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
BT 4.0
SIM Size MicroSIM Dual MicroSIM Dual MicroSIM

(This table is incomplete and may be missing information)

The Mi 4c follows on from the Mi 4 and Mi 4i and sits atop of that small stack, sharing a lot of features with the Mi 4i. At this point, the Mi 4c seems to be China-only, though with something like this that might change. Clearly we’re dealing with at least a plastic chassis compared to the glass or aluminium composites normally seen on the $600-$800 flagship models, but the specifications on paper check out as in interesting element for the ecosystem, especially at that $200-$235 price point and a push towards USB Type-C.

In an interesting twist, Xiaomi actually announced this smartphone via Twitter, rather than an official press release. As a result a lot of the value-adds from Xiaomi are only described through images, such as Edge Tap, a function that allows a double tap to return from the camera to the previous application, and a variable refresh rate in the display allowing for 10% more efficiency depending on the content being viewed. VRR becomes useful as there is no need to drive a display at 60 Hz when it is idle, saving power, or if it is able to reduce down to the frame rate of the video being viewed. There’s no information here as to the rates at which this display will go, whether it is a continuous spectrum (20-60Hz?) or discrete periods (24/48/60Hz?).

Another feature is infrared support, allowing the smartphone to be used as a remote control, and the use of phase detection autofocus on the 13MP rear camera using a Sony IMX238 or Samsung SSK3M2 ISOCELL sensor (depending on exact SKU). The camera is backed up by a two-tone flash, a 5MP front camera, and Xiaomi’s ‘Beautify’ feature to enhance skin tones. Quick Charge 2.0 is also in play.

For the price and specifications, the Mi 4c is hard to ignore. Although in the short-term it might be difficult to source outside of China, depending on Xiaomi’s plans for the device.

Source: Xiaomi

Xiaomi Announces the Mi 4c with Snapdragon 808
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Xiaomi Announces the Mi 4c with Snapdragon 808

It’s hard to get away from the term ‘flagship killer’ these days in the smartphone space. Alongside the top-model lines from Apple, Samsung, LG and others is a band of half-price, similarly specified handsets with a few minor adjustments skirting on thin margins to offer similar experiences. The OnePlus range has been part of this movement, along with others such as the ASUS Zenfone 2. Next steps up Xiaomi, with the Mi 4c featuring a 6-core Snapdragon 808, a 5-inch 1080p IPS display, USB Type-C and dual-SIM for only 1299-1499 RMB ($200-$235).

  Xiaomi
Mi 4		 Xiaomi
Mi 4i		 Xiaomi
Mi 4c
SoC MSM8974AC
Snapdragon 801
4x Krait 400
at 2.45 GHz		 MSM8939
Snapdragon 615
4 x A53 at 1.7 GHz
4 x A53 at 1.0 GHz		 MSM8992
Snapdragon 808
2 x A57 at 1.82 GHz
4 x A53 at 1.44 GHz
RAM/
NAND		 3 GB LPDDR3
16/64GB NAND		 2 GB LPDDR3
16/32 GB NAND		 2 GB + 16GB
3 GB + 32GB
Display 5″ 1080p IPS 5″ 1080p IPS 5″ 1080p IPS
Network Category 4 LTE
150/50 Mbps		 Category 4 LTE
150/50 Mbps		 Category 4 LTE
50/50 Mbps
Dimensions 139.2 x 67.5 x 8.9mm,
149 grams		 138.1 x 69.6 x 7.8mm,
130 grams		 138.1 x 69.6 x 7.8mm,
132 grams
Camera 13MP rear camera,
1.12 µm pixels,
1/3.06″ CMOS size
Sony IMX 214 F/1.8.
8MP F/1.8 FFC 1/4″		   13MP rear camera,
Sony IMX 238 or
Samsung SSK3M2
(depends on SKU)
Battery 3080 mAh
(11.704 Whr)		 3120 mAh 3080 mAh
OS MIUI v5
Android v4.4.3		 MIUI v6
Android v5.0.2		 MIUI v7
Android v5.1.1
Connectivity 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
BT 4.0		 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
BT 4.0		 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
BT 4.0
SIM Size MicroSIM Dual MicroSIM Dual MicroSIM

(This table is incomplete and may be missing information)

The Mi 4c follows on from the Mi 4 and Mi 4i and sits atop of that small stack, sharing a lot of features with the Mi 4i. At this point, the Mi 4c seems to be China-only, though with something like this that might change. Clearly we’re dealing with at least a plastic chassis compared to the glass or aluminium composites normally seen on the $600-$800 flagship models, but the specifications on paper check out as in interesting element for the ecosystem, especially at that $200-$235 price point and a push towards USB Type-C.

In an interesting twist, Xiaomi actually announced this smartphone via Twitter, rather than an official press release. As a result a lot of the value-adds from Xiaomi are only described through images, such as Edge Tap, a function that allows a double tap to return from the camera to the previous application, and a variable refresh rate in the display allowing for 10% more efficiency depending on the content being viewed. VRR becomes useful as there is no need to drive a display at 60 Hz when it is idle, saving power, or if it is able to reduce down to the frame rate of the video being viewed. There’s no information here as to the rates at which this display will go, whether it is a continuous spectrum (20-60Hz?) or discrete periods (24/48/60Hz?).

Another feature is infrared support, allowing the smartphone to be used as a remote control, and the use of phase detection autofocus on the 13MP rear camera using a Sony IMX238 or Samsung SSK3M2 ISOCELL sensor (depending on exact SKU). The camera is backed up by a two-tone flash, a 5MP front camera, and Xiaomi’s ‘Beautify’ feature to enhance skin tones. Quick Charge 2.0 is also in play.

For the price and specifications, the Mi 4c is hard to ignore. Although in the short-term it might be difficult to source outside of China, depending on Xiaomi’s plans for the device.

Source: Xiaomi

Google Launches Android Pay On Google Play
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Google Launches Android Pay On Google Play

Today Google officially began the roll out of Android Pay by releasing the Android Pay application on the Google Play Store. Android Pay was announced earlier this year at Google I/O and is Google’s new NFC based payment service for Android smartphones. It’s effectively a successor to Google Wallet, although Google Wallet still exists as a service for sending P2P payments. The rollout of the new application actually began last week as an update for Google Wallet users, but today the application should be available to all users for direct download.

Android Pay will work on any smartphone running Android 4.4 KitKat or newer so long as the phone has NFC hardware. At launch the service will only be available in the United States, and will support a variety of credit and debit cards from various US banks and credit unions. There will also be support for gift cards and loyalty cards from retailers.

Google’s Android Pay website details a number of stores that support Android Pay, but since the service uses NFC it will work at any store that has tap to pay support. It will also work in Android applications that have partnered with Google to support Android Pay payments, and you can view a list of those applications along with a list of supported banks and credit unions on the Android Pay site.

Source Google Play via Engadget

Google Launches Android Pay On Google Play
  • Comments are Closed

Google Launches Android Pay On Google Play

Today Google officially began the roll out of Android Pay by releasing the Android Pay application on the Google Play Store. Android Pay was announced earlier this year at Google I/O and is Google’s new NFC based payment service for Android smartphones. It’s effectively a successor to Google Wallet, although Google Wallet still exists as a service for sending P2P payments. The rollout of the new application actually began last week as an update for Google Wallet users, but today the application should be available to all users for direct download.

Android Pay will work on any smartphone running Android 4.4 KitKat or newer so long as the phone has NFC hardware. At launch the service will only be available in the United States, and will support a variety of credit and debit cards from various US banks and credit unions. There will also be support for gift cards and loyalty cards from retailers.

Google’s Android Pay website details a number of stores that support Android Pay, but since the service uses NFC it will work at any store that has tap to pay support. It will also work in Android applications that have partnered with Google to support Android Pay payments, and you can view a list of those applications along with a list of supported banks and credit unions on the Android Pay site.

Source Google Play via Engadget