Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini Top 5 Competitors

Samsung releases the mini version of its flagship devices with a flagship S device. The Samsung Galaxy S5 mini will be coming here soon and has already been teased by Samsung for the Indian market. Like the previous mini versions, this one has watered down specifications. It comes with a 4.5 inch semi HD display and runs a quad core processor with 1.5 GB of RAM. While this device offers decent set of specs, there are a lot of devices in this price band. Many of these devices come with even better features and specifications.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

This is one of the best compact versions we have seen. While most mini or compact versions come with low end specifications, the Z1 compact came with same hardware as the original Z1 except for the display, which is smaller and has got lower resolution. The device has got the same design as the Xperia Z1 and is waterproof and dustproof like the Z1. It gets a 4.3 inch display with 720 p resolution. You get an impressive pixel density of 342 ppi. The display is shatter proof and offers good display quality along with loads of Sony display technology. It runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset with a 2.2 GHz quad core processor. It has got 2 GB of RAM and has got 16 GB of internal storage. You also get a micro SD card slot. It supports 4G, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and micro USB 2.0. The device has got a very impressive 20.7 megapixel camera. The camera performs very well and yields excellent results. The front camera has 2 megapixel resolution. The device came with android 4.3 Jelly Bean and has been updated to 4.4.2 KitKat.

Motorola Moto X

We really loved the Moto X when it first came out. They took a while to launch it in Indian market and it didn’t perform very well. But that doesn’t make the device any less impressive. They have really put efforts to make the overall experience of this device good rather than hunting for high end specs. The end result is a power efficient, easy to use and feature rich device which looks stylish. The build quality of this device is excellent and it is offered with a large number of colour combinations. For a slight premium, you can also have this device with a wooden back which looks excellent. It has got a 4.7 inch 720p AMOLED display. They have made a good use of the AMOLED technology by showing popup notifications on standby screen. It runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset with a dual core processor clocked at 1.7 GHz. Apart from these two cores, there are two other cores running at low clock speeds. One of them handles the voice commands and the other one takes care of the inputs from all the sensors. This way the features like smart notifications run easily without taking a lot of power in processing. The device comes with a decent 10 megapixel camera which performs well even in low light conditions.

Apple iPhone 5C

If you are looking for devices with relatively small screens as compared to the current crop of flagship devices, the iPhone 5C is a pretty good option. It has got a 4 inch display with a resolution of 640 x 1136. This gives you a decent pixel density of 326 ppi. It shares the hardware with iPhone 5 but comes with different design and in colourful polycarbonate shells. It runs the Apple A6 chipset with dual core processor and 1 GB of RAM. It has got an 8 megapixel camera which is pretty good and can also record full HD videos. It runs iOS 7 which is a major improvement over the previous versions and will also get the iOS 8 update. There are some limitations with an apple device if you are coming from Android but apart from that, it is an excellent device.

Sony Xperia ZR

This is an older device that came out last year but we still like it for its handy size, decent hardware and IP 58 certification. The device is waterproof and dustproof like most other devices in the family. It has got a 4.55 inch semi HD display which is pretty decent though not as good as the display on Xperia Z1 or Z1 compact. It runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset with a quad core processor running at 1.5 GHz. It has got 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. You get a micro SD card slot as well. It gets an impressive 13 megapixel camera. You get the usual set of connectivity options on this device among other features. The device came out running android 4.1 Jelly Bean but has been updated to the latest android version now.

Google Nexus 5

This device has got the largest display in this list. We were going to list Google Nexus 4 here for its smaller size, attractive design and relatively lower cost here but then it has almost disappeared from the market now and the price difference isn’t really big. While the device has got a 5 inch display, it doesn’t feel very big or bulky to hold. The dimensions have been kept well in control and the near perfect weight further helps with it. It gets an impressive 5 inch IPS LCD display. It has full HD resolution so you get excellent pixel density making it a very crisp display. It runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset with 2.3 GHz quad core processor. It comes with 2 GB of RAM and is offered with 16 GB and 32 GB storage options. It gets an 8 megapixel camera which comes with optical image stabilisation as well. The device runs the latest android operating system and will continue to be the first one to get updates for a while now. This being a Nexus, you can also find a large number of custom operating systems for this device when you get bored of stock android.

About Author:

The Author have great interest in writing article on Technology and Handset reviews, currently he is working with 91mobiles.

iOS 8 vs iOS 7: Which One to Choose and Why?

It's been a year since Apple introduced iOS7 to the world by calling it as a “stunning new user interface”. Since that the world started thinking it as one of the biggest updates in the realm of mobile operating systems. Indeed, its simple, beautiful design, feel instantly familiar, which creates a useful and enjoyable experience to its users. While iOS7 bought a huge change in the asetheticity of iOS, it was more or less a rehashed version of the previous installments, with just a few added features. On the other hand, iOS8 emerges as an important and massive overhaul in the way Apple released its previous OS versions.

Apples's next release iOS8 has come up with many new features and upgradations that users will certainly appreciate. To give a better idea of both of the operating systems, we are presenting you a comparison review of iOS7 and iOS8 to help Apple fans to decide which one they would like to have or whether they should upgrade their device to the new OS version.

1) iOS8 vs iOS7: Visual Design

When Apple launched iOS7, people were more concerned about the way Apple has created its UI and visuals which was “flatter”, brighter, more colorful and strickingly different from iOS6. But, if we talk about iOS8, frankly speaking, it has borrowed its visual interface from iOS7, except from a few subtle variations. The UI of iOS8 is flat just like iOS7, and Apple fans who are more concernd about the looks might find it disappointing. On the other hand, those who are planning to upgrade from iOS6 to 7 might find it exciting as they will have an entirely new interface.

2) iOS8 vs iOS7: Continuity

So, as of now you got to know that Apple hasn't changed the visuals of iOS8 and its still the “flat” design just like iOS7. So, if visuals are the same then what are changes that Apple has brought to its users? Obviously, its the core features that remain the focal point while designing iOS8. Continuity is one the most noticeable functions that the latest release will support. Now, you must be thinking what this continuity means? It's actually a set of features that help you to stay seamlessly connected with your other Apple devices.

The example of this is the new Handoff feature, which enables the user to continue with their textual or phone conversations side by side of your other Apple devices. Means, now you can go on with your conversations even if your switch between your devices. Handoff will show you a link, once you've connected both of the devices, so that you can carry forward your conversation. So, if you are talking on the phone and suddenly realise the need of your Mac, what you all need is just simply carry forward the conversation.

3) iOS8 vs iOS7: Keyboard

Another striking feature with which every iPhone App Developer must be awara that Apple has introduced to its OS software. In the past, many users complaint about the limited keyboard options as the previous versions only supported the default type keyboard. However, in iOS8, Apple has finally give an opportunity to install a third-party software such as Swiftkey or Swype on their devices. In iOS7 it featured a native Quicktype keyboard and it lacks some advanced features if we compare it with the latest version. Plus, it also does not provide developers with a facility to access API like iOS8

4) iOS8 vs iOS7: Health Review

One of the biggest and most hyped features of iOS8 is its wealth of health and fitness apps. iOS8 is purely dedicated to fitness fanatics to help them better keep a firm track of their personal and fitness data. The Health umbrella app offers a wide range of possibilities to to monitor, track, record, and analyse the fitness schedules accross a variety of levels. Although, Health app was too available in iOS7, the new additions made in iOS8 making it more popular and garnering an impressive fan base worldwide.

5) iOS8 vs iOS7: Camera

iOS8 comes up with a host of innovative camera and album features which makes it truly stand out as compare to the previous versions. The camera not only gives sharp and clear appeal, but include several rich features such as time-lapse video, independent exposure, focus controls and many more.

6) iOS8 vs iOS7: Notifications

Apple takes the notifications to a new level in iOS8, by making it all the more interactive and user-oriented than iOS7. The updates enable the users to directly interact with the apps through the notification screen. You can do voice messages, answer to your Facebook messages or Whatsapp and a lot more.

Conclusion:

So, there we have it, a list of few but significant features of both of the operating systems. The differences between both of them are actually not “differences” but are just few more improvements here and there to make it more impressive for the user. Now, you question yourself which one you would like to have. The answer depends on how you look and percieve of the features.

Author Bio:

Rick Brown is a tech savvy content writer associated with a renowned iOS Application Development Company – Mobiers Ltd. You can avail iPhone Application Developers as well in case you are looking forward for the same.

Mid-Range Prices For High End Devices Swamped The Indian Market

India is the third largest smartphone selling country after China and USA, because of the latest smartphones launched in the market for the users which are gaining great user ship. All these flooded the Indian market with budget smartphones. From 2012 many mobile brands came with high end devices at mid ranges like Micromax, Karbonn and Nokia Lumia and created a huge market for mid-range smartphones, and this grabbed a lot of attention of the users who prefer all high end features but can’t afford them and this made a chance for them to choose among a wide range and explore. There are many companies like Apple, Samsung, and HTC which have been in the lue taking up most of the attention of the users as theay used to provide with best smartphones, but slowly small ventures took up pace and came with many high end phones with mid-range like Sony, Asus, motorola, with almost all features users are now attracted to these devices and not just Indian companies this has expanded globally and the global phone makers have come up with many new devices such as Xiaomi with Mi 3, One Plus with One Plus One model and they have amazing features which are in competition with high range phones. Smartphone sales in the country tripled to over 44 million in 2013. In the first quarter of 2014, 17.59 million smartphones were shipped into India, compared with 6.14 million in the same period last year, according to research firm IDC.

These mid-range smartphones with high end features shouldn’t be misled as normal features as they compete well with high range smartphones companies like Apple and Samsung and give users a full proof look and usage of high features. These mid-range smartphones have quality features such as 13-16mp camera, with 1GB-3GB RAM and internal memory starting from 16GB which can be in many devices and are expandable up to 32GB, HD display, they run on quad-core processor and are quite good for making videos and almost all of them are powered by Android 4.4 OS and in few they can be updated to newer versions and have good power backups with almost 3000mAh battery to 4000mAh battery.

Certainly with all these features it is giving tough competition to the market rulers Apple and Samsung and they seem to be less attractive among users now. And now with less growth for Samsung it have started with mid-range devices like the Samsung Galaxy Core 2 which is offered at a price of 11,450 INR. With such newer innovations and new technologies coming up in the market this has created a huge engagement of global developers in India as well giving India a good chance to be the first on the list of top sellers for smartphones. These High-End launches at Mid-Range prices led to a deluge in the Indian market and it is giving users an up most opportunity to choose from different variants and can easily get the best deals.
Image Credit: jesadaphorn

Author Bio:

Lakshya is a tech lover and smart phone enthusiast working as a marketing analyst at Zopper. He loves to be updated with latest mobile & gadget technologies. He likes connecting with people and is an active volunteer in various social initiatives. Drop a line on his twitter handle @kumawatlakshya

How To Fix a Mobile Phone That You Have Dropped Down The Toilet

Ever dropped your phone down the toilet or even know someone who has? We have all nearly been in that position, using the phone as we all do in the bathroom and it just slips out the hand whilst sending that important text message or email that couldn’t wait. If you dropped your phone would you know what to do? or better still what not to do in order to get your prized possession back up and working again?

We walk you through a guide of what to do in infographic format to enable you to give you phone that kiss of life, unless however you just wish to put your phone to the graveyard of mobiles in the sky? A perfect illustrated guide is far easier to read than 500 works of text, so help a friend out or better still know what to do should you drop your phone down the loo.

Scott Morris is a keen blogger on various topics, Do-it-yourself, technology, tools and automotive, you can catch me over at my bathrooms related site and creator of this infographic Plumbworld. A petrol head with a love for music. All words and ramblings by Scott Morris

Kids And Texting - 3 Dangers They May Face

Many of my friends communicate with their children via text message. It’s easy for the kids to send a quick message from school or when they are at a friend’s house to update so their parents know what they are up to. In my generation, you didn’t need a cell phone when you were in middle school or high school, but now with families having busy schedules, it almost has become a necessity. Keeping in contact with your kids is the biggest benefit of text messaging. You can see an example of how text messaging was a lifeline to this parent whose child was on lockdown during the Arapaho shooting. Without his child having a cell phone, he would have been in the dark if his child was okay.

Despite some obvious benefits, there are some drawbacks to allowing your kids access to text messaging as well. Here are just 4 dangers that they may face when they have a cell phone and send texts.

Cyber Bullying

It seems like everyday that you turn on the news there is a new story about kids getting bullied or committing suicide because they were bullied. The attacks can come from people they know or even people that they meet on the internet. It’s becoming an epidemic.

Sexting

As kids get older and head into their teens, they start to get curious about their bodies and start wondering about their sexuality. Some teens have started to practice sexting, which involves sending naked pictures or suggestive text to people they know or would like to know. Many scandals have arisen from those text messages getting forwarded. Teens need to work hard to protect their reputations in a digital age and refraining from sexting is one way to do so. Since their relationships are young and volatile, a person who they trust now may be an enemy next week. What’s to stop that person from sharing those private texts that were sent?

Phishing Scams

Another way kids can become victims is through phishing scams. Even with the FCC cracking down, they still exist and kids are easy pray. They usually come in the form of a text message that tricks someone into replying. Once they reply, they are signed up for a premium service and their bill gets charged. They may never know they are being scammed.

Predators

Online predators are everywhere. They lurk on social media, forums and chat rooms. Make sure that your kids aren’t making themselves susceptible to these predators. Tell them to be wary of anyone who they don’t know contacting them online.

What’s the solution? Teach your kids to not give their number out to just anyone. Also, they should never be sharing their phone number on social media sites like Facebook. Unfortunately many have their number on Facebook right on their profile and may not even realize it. Some of those phone numbers show up in their “friends” contacts in their phones. I was surprised when I linked my social media accounts to my phone how many private phone numbers showed up. If their phone number is in their profile someone that they don’t know could be text messaging them.
Image Credit: David Castillo

Author Bio:

Jill Myers is a mom and drivers education instructor. When not helping others learn to drive, she is contributing her knowledge to the blog at Phone Sheriff, parental control software that helps parents keep track of what they are doing online.

Apps To Make Free Phone Calls

Before the invention of smartphones and hi-tech mobile OS users mainly used their phones for calling and messaging. Since that time the call costs have been inflating. With improvement of technologies, the users are blessed with plenty of apps that they can use day today for varied purposes. One of the main purpose being free calls. With National and International call rates heavily shooting up the following Android Apps will let you to make free phone calls at a much less price (data connection charges/Wi-Fi charges alone).

The following are top free phone call apps for your Android/iPhone/Windows devices:

1. Fring:

Fring has a lot of great features that will make you go for it, ranging from free calls to normal chat to advanced video calling. Fring app now lets you also to append various other communication based services viz. AOL, GTalk. Also there is an option for connecting with your phone’s contact book thus letting you to talk with anyone with just one app.

However you can do the free call only when the other party has Fring app on their phone, which is obvious. This won’t be a big problem since the Fring app available not only for Android, but also on other operating systems like iOS, Windows, Symbian and also via a mobile browser.

Their latest feature is being capable of video calling between four people at the same time over any Wi-Fi or data connection. Albeit it’s fun to try this out, it looks a bit choppy too.

Additionally, you can call to regular phones also by buying some credits or points (similar to Skype) so you can now talk to landlines.

2. Line:

Line is the latest and very innovative app that lets users to make free voice calls for 24 hours a day. You can update your friends about anything and everything from your Android phone by using text, calls, photos, video calls, stickers and location info also. You can call all your friends from anywhere in the world and make calls internationally for free. Line is available in the Google Play Store for free download. Other noteworthy features are stickers, emoticons.

3. ooVoo:

ooVoo is a basically a video chat app that was developed by ooVoo corporation. You can view friends who use ooVoo and select their profiles for making video call, voice call or to send instant text or even video messages. You can make conference calls with up to 12 people at the same time. This app has options to save videos and photos that were sent by your friends. Speed dial option is present which will help you to keep up with five best friends while on the go.

4. Viber:

Viber is the most straight forward and hassle free app. All you have got to do is install this app and then it will search all the users in your contact box who use Viber and connect you to them. You don’t need nicknames or e-mail verification. You phone number serves as a unique user ID.

Put this app in your home screen and then use this as a calling function instead of your carrier based call and you are not only allowed to make free calls to the other Viber users but you can also send SMS to them. This is an efficient app to make normal SMS and calls and also email right from the app. The one thing that makes Viber outstanding is its call quality. The audio is very clear without any lags. It is so clear that you will think that you ate using your regular carrier phone line. This is a must have free call app on your Android.

The other free call apps include Skype, Tango, Tru App, Qik, Nimbuzz, Google Voice, ICQ, etc...

Image Credit: Tim Robberts.

Author Bio:

I’m Zoya Bennet, part of Contus mobility team and author of this article. I’m a passionate blogger interested in writing articles on professional android application development. I constantly offer technology-based solutions for the platforms iOS, Android and Windows.