phablets – Tech Raman

BSNL Champion smartphone DM6513 with 6.5" display launched for Rs 6,999

Lakshmi Rajan — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 07:13:25 +0000

State Owned Telecom Operator, BSNL joined hands with Champion Computers to launch a phablet with a 6.5-inch display at a price of Rs 6,999. Clearly aimed at the entry-level users who would want a larger smartphone at a modest price, BSNL Champion smartphone DM6513 will be available from various leading e-commerce websites in India. So what can we expect from this at this humble price? The press release are silent on various key features but lists a dual-core processor, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS, 3G and WCDMA network support and FM recording. The camera specs include a 5MP rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera. The battery seem to be good enough at 3,500mAh and offers talk time up to 4 hrs and standby time of 62hrs. The device also has WiFi support and the memory can be expanded up to 32GB. BSNL Champion Smartphone DM6513 specifications

BSNL Champion DM6513
Android 4.2.2 Jellybean
Dual Core
16.51cm (6.5) Capacitive Touch Screen
3G SIM WCDMA 2100
Dual Camera Front 2MP + Back 5 MP
Talk Time upto 4 hrs
Standby Time 62hrs
WiFi
Memory Expandable upto 32GB
G- Sensor
FM with Recording
3500mAh Battery

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Micromax Canvas XL A119 with 6-inch display launched for Rs 13,999

Lakshmi Rajan — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 05:00:14 +0000

Micromax Canvas XL A119 specifications

The 6-inch display comes with a 960×540 pixels resolution and runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, the handset has a 4GB internal memory and an additional microSD slot that can be expanded up to 32GB. The 3G device with dual-SIM support also includes a 8-megapixel camera on the rear and a 5-megapixel front facing camera. It features a 2,450mAh battery which the company claims would provide up to 9.5 hours of talktime on 3G.]]>

Sony Xperia Z Ultra Hands-on review

Lakshmi Rajan — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 21:23:49 +0000

Sony’s big is here and it is insanely big but not just big it packs high-end specs in a super slim profile. Welcome Sony Xperia Z Ultra, a 6.4 inch smartphone just a few millimeter shy of a proper mini tablet. Two days back the device was launched in India for Rs. 46,990 and I got my hands on the super-big smartphone at the Bangalore launch event. In this Sony Xperia Z Ultra hands-on review I sum up my first impressions. Sony wades into the super-big display territory with Xperia Z Ultra. We have earlier seen the likes of Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Huawei Ascend Mate sporting a 6.3 inch and 6.10 inch display respectively. Sony outwits both of them by touting Xperia Z Ultra as ‘the world’s slimmest and largest Full HD smartphone display’, though in this break-neck competitive mobile world, these sort of claims are sure to be drowned by a new model pretty soon. Still as of now, Sony Xperia Z Ultra beats the competition hands down with its impressive and mighty specs. The front of the device is dominated by the imposing 6.4 inch display with a screen resolution of 1080×1920 pixels stacking up 344 ppi pixel density. The display integrates Sony’s Triluminos display powered by Sony’s latest X-Reality engine. This is a big leap from the previous technology Sony used in it’s flagship device, Sony Xperia Z. The Japanese maker introduced the new technology very recently at CES with its Bravia televisions and now it finds way into its smartphone. It would be understatement to say the display is impressive. For this category, it is the brightest and vivid display I have come across and delivers rich, natural colours. The new display technology makes amends to the viewing angle proble that the Xperia Z faces. Almost to the point of flawless, the big screen is a delight and visual treat to watch movies and play games in this big screen.

Like Xperia Z, Sony Xperia Z Ultra is also made of tempered glass on front and back and a metal frame piecing them together on sides. The big device is the sleekest of all the super-big phones measuring just 6.5 mm in thickness. At 212 grams, the weight looks well distributed for its size. The big back features a 8 mega pixel camera but lacks a flash. It is capable of a full HD recording. Barring the subtle Sony and Xperia logo, the rear is clean. The rear is not removable and the device packs a 3050 mAh non-removable battery. We reserve our comments on battery performance and camera till we get a proper review device to fiddle with. It does have a stamina mode for optimum usage of battery power.

Like Xperia Z, Sony Xperia Z Ultra is also dust and water resistant with IP55 and IP58 certification, the ports and slots are protected with plastic flaps. The front features a 2 megapixel camera along sensors above the display. There are no physical buttons on the front but only soft on-screen controls for navigation. On the right side is the now familiar rounded metal button for the Power/screen lock functions that Sony uses in all the Xperia devices now. Just below this button, you find the volume rocker key. Also found on the right side of the phone above the metal button is a microSD card and micro-SIM card closed and sealed by a flap. Above the flap is the 3.5 mm headphone jack. The left side of the device holds the micro-USB port protected by a flap again. On the left side center you find the contacts for docking the device to the dock accessory. Though, you need to shell out separately to buy one. The device features dual speaker and the outlets can be found on the top and bottom edges. [gallery columns="5" link="file" ids="4710,4711,4712,4713,4714"] The hardware internals are top notch too featuring a 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM. Sony Xperia Z Ultra must be the first device with this blazing chipset, correct me if am wrong. With the brief period we handled the device, it gave a snappy performance. The phone bundles free Asphalt 7 game and the gaming experience is brilliant on the big screen and with powerhouse hardware. I doubt i would ever enjoy playing the game this much in devices with smaller screen. The device runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Another interesting feature I liked is the device’s ability to support any stylus input including pencils or metal pen with tip diameter over 1mm. I sketched using a normal pencil and it works like a charm. It also features a neat handwriting recognition. Though Indian languages are yet to find way. It also allows to make notes during calls. The keyboard can be toggled for one-hand usage and multi-tasking enhances the productivity.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra accessories

The following are the official accessories from Sony to enhance the Z Ultra experience. Though good in usage, we find the accessories pretty pricey. The magnetic charging dock gives a comfortable viewing angle for a leisurely movie experience. The phone can also be simultaneously charged while docked. The magnetic charging dock DK30 has to be bought separately and is priced at Rs. 2,990. Another available accessory is the Smart Bluetooth handset for hands-free calls. For a phone of this size, it is a necessary as mostly likely the phone w0uld be carried in a bag.The OLED display lets you browse you call log, view text messages and caller identification. With the ear plugs, it can also be used for stereo audio listening. Owning it will set you back by Rs. 7,490. The other available accessory is cover with battery. It helps to extend the battery range of the device when it is snugged inside. Again, priced at Rs. 11,990 it is a costly pick too. On a final note, Xperia Z Ultra impresses us with its brilliant display and blazing hardware specs. Obviously smartphones of this size are not for everyone. Many might find the super-size ackward to use as a phone. As a multimedia device for watching movies and playing games it is way ahead of it’s rivals in the super-big club right now. Ultimately if you are comfortable with this super-size or you want a secondary device which can be both a smartphone as well as substitute a mini tablet and don’t mind burning your pocket for better movie and gaming experience and high-end specs, Sony Xperia Z Ultra looks to be a device to choose. Ofcourse, do look forward to our in-depth review of the Xperia Z Ultra but the first impression is a great impression purely based on the display and hardware internals. ]]>

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Mega 5.8 launched in India for Rs 31,490 and Rs 25,100

Lakshmi Rajan — Tue, 28 May 2013 11:16:31 +0000

In April Samsung unveiled its brand new Mega series of Phablets for those who wants their hands full. A 5.8 inch and 6.3 inch might raise many an eyebrows but seems like there exists a niche market for such a mammoth smartphone devices that almost blurs the line between smartphones and mini tablets. Buoyed by the success of Galaxy Grand, the company launched Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Mega 5.8 in India officially for a price of Rs. 31,490 and Rs. 25,100 respectively.

Common features of Mega 6.3 and Mega 5.8

Design wise, both the device looks similar to Galaxy S4 and both lists similar features and runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with Samsunng’s own Nature UX 2.0 topping. Both are powered by a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with slight variations in clocking speed but mated with a 1.5 GB RAM. Other common features of the dual-SIM mega phone 8-megapixel rear, a 1.9-megapixel front cameras, and connectivity support through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G, GPS and more. Galaxy Mega brings many of the touted features that came with the new flagship device, Galaxy S4. Some of the features include: Air View: that lets users preview information in emails, photos in Gallery, and speed dial contacts without opening them Group Play: Enables easy content sharing for up to 8 devices on the same Wi-Fi network. S Translator: Enables instant translation, using text or voice translation on applications including email, and ChatON. To begin with, it supports 9 languages. Story Album: Allows users to storify your events based on locations or events and organize it. Samsung Link: Easily streams photos, videos, notes, or music to your television, tablet or computer Camera features: Some of the camera features that debuted in Galaxy S4 like Drama shot, Sound and Shot, Eraser shot etc is also beefed up in the Mega phones. Also other features like Pop up play, multi-windows, smart view etc finds the way in.

Galaxy Mega 6.3 specs and features

With a 6.3 inch display it’s clear Samsung aims to take on Huawei Ascend Mate which has a 6.1 inch screen. The huge display has a 720 x 1280 pixels resolution forking out a 233 ppi density. It will come in 8 and 16GB internal storage capacity variants and a further expandable memory via microSD card up to 64GB. Galaxy Mega 6.8 supports NFC, which is missing in the other Mega. Bigger phone are thirsty for more battery juice and Mega 6.3 is packed with a Li-Ion 3200 mAh battery. The device measures 8 mm in thickness and weighs 199 grams.

Galaxy Mega 5.8 specs and features

The smaller sibling in the mega series is Galaxy Mega 5.8, featuring a 5.8 inch display with 540 x 960 pixels resolution and a 199 ppi density which does not excite much considering the screen size. The dual-core processor is clocked at 1.4 GHz with a 1.5 GB RAM. Unlike the bigger Mega, Mega 5.8 comes with only a 8 GB internal memory option which ofcourse is expandable via microSD card upto 64 GB. NFC is absent in the 5.8 edition. 2600 mAh battery is also slightly smaller compared to the other mega. At 9 mm it is also tad thicker than Mega 6.8 and weighs 182 gms. So what you think of the Mega series? Is it too big for your comfort or you would say bigger is better? Do leave your comments.]]>