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We recommend: The best camera phones in the market today

Our tech writer lists the five best camera phones you can buy in India, and what makes them so great.
by Manik Kakra

Cameras on phones have come a long way. From using them once in a while upon finding something interesting, to using them pretty much every hour to click a thing, ourselves (selfies, yeah), or anything we find amusing or worth sharing. The technology used on cameras on our phones has evolved by leaps and bounds – camera phones today have better and bigger sensors, improved performance under low-light conditions, they are faster, come with accessories, and more.

Here’s my list of the best camera phones available in the market today:

Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Samsung’s Note series has done a great job of proving that many people do want bigger screens on their phones, and has been consistent about improving cameras used on these devices. The Note 3 has a 13 MP (AF) camera that can shoot 1080p videos at 60 FPS. Its camera can take some seriously detailed images, and videos look very nice (and heavy sized). You’re pretty much sure with a Note 3 that its camera performance is going to be good most of the times, and plenty of editing options are in place in case you require any.

Sony Xperia Z1: Sony’s past efforts with cameras on its flagship handsets haven’t been very impressive, but with the Xperia Z1, especcialy after its latest update, the company has a really good camera performer. Its 20.7 MP camera can take some detailed and sharp images, and the camera app provides loads of shooting and editing options for later. The camera is quite smooth, takes less noisy images after the last update, and provides good video recording quality, too.

Nokia Lumia 1020: Bet you saw this one coming as soon as you read the headline. The Nokia Lumia 1020, with its huge 41 MP sensor, is pretty much the king of camera phones today. Whatever you want from a camera phone – daylight shots, low-light shows, change focus of an image after clicking it, settings not found on any other company’s phone camera (focus, ISO, etc. Xenon + LED flash, RAW [DNG support]), this Lumia is a one-fit-for-all photography enthusiasts.

LG G2: The G2 has probably the fastest camera of all these. Its camera takes an image the fastest, but without compromising on quality. The 13 MP shooter on its back can take some rich, sharp images, and can also shoot high quality full HD videos with decent audio in place. And thanks to its OIS feature, you need not worry much about getting blurry images due to your hands shaking while taking a photo.

Nokia PureView 808: This is, in my opinion, the best camera performer of the lot. It’s hard to find this Symbian phone today, but it definitely deserves to be named here. The 41 MP, with loads of settings in its camera app, fantastic image quality, great video quality, is really Nokia’s answer if anybody asks about their imaging technology in place. Last officially available for under Rs. 20,000, you could buy one as the last legacy Symbian device that’s equipped with a stunning camera.

Other than these, there are a few that need to be mentioned: Samsung’s Galaxy S IV’s camera is pretty much the same as the Note 3’s. HTC’s One, with its 4 MP ‘Ultrapixel’ can also not be ignored because of its impressive low-light performance and making the OIS feature more common in smartphone cameras today. Also, Apple’s iPhone 5s can take some seriously good photos, videos, is fast in snapping photos and has some decent editing options.

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LG launches G Flex, its first curved smartphone

The new smartphone will retail at Rs 69,999 in India, and also comes with a ‘self healing’coating at the back.
by Manik Kakra

After launching the phone in several international markets, LG today launched the G Flex in India. Its USP, as the name suggests, is its 6-inch 720p OLED screen that is curved at the centre, thus making a curvature when you hold it in your hand. The device also bends a bit if you apply pressure using your hand against the curved design.

Under the hood, similar to the popular LG G2, it has the Snapdragon 800 SoC (with Adreno 330 GPU), along with 2 GB of RAM. The G Flex follows the same ‘Power/Lock and Volume buttons on the back’ approach, and has the same 13 MP rear camera; and a 2 MP front-facing camera.

Another unique thing about LG’s G Flex is that its back carries what LG calls as ‘self-healing’ coating, which means any scratches and marks on its surface are ‘healed’ automatically. Running Android 4.3 with the Optimus UI on top, this LG phone boasts of a 3,500 battery.

While it is yet to be seen what all real life advantages this curved screen brings you, the launch price seems steep. Priced at Rs 69,999, the G Flex comes with a flip case and will be available for sale within a week.

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Moto G launches in India, starting at Rs 12,499

Motorola is back in India, with a new smartphone – Moto G, a dual SIM phone available in two models.
by Manik Kakra

Motorola has returned to India, and has launched its Moto G smartphone in the country. This Android 4.3 device comes with a 4.5-inch 720p screen, with Gorilla Glass on top. It is powered by Qualcomm’s 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 chipset (with Adreno 305 GPU), along with 1 GB of RAM.

Moto GMotorola has launched the phone in dual-SIM avatar (GSM + GSM), and says it will roll out an Android 4.4 upgrade for the phone within two weeks. Also, the company has set up, thanks to some tie ups, about a hundred service centres in the country.

Under the hood, there is a 2,070 mAh battery cell. Other features include 3G connectivity, A-GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and FM Radio.  On the back, there is a 5 MP camera (with an LED flash) that can shoot 720p videos at 30 FPS; while the front side has got a 1.3 MP camera.

The phone has been priced at Rs 12,499 for the 8 GB model, and Rs 13,999 for the 16 GB model, but will only be available online starting tomorrow. Flipkart has a few deals for early buyers, which include Rs 500 off on books, to 70 per cent off on various coloured back shells for the Moto G.

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Oppo arrives In India; launches the N1 at Rs 39,999

Chinese phone manufacturer Oppo, after making waves globally with its great hardware, is now an official phone seller in India.
by Manik Kakra

Oppo, the popular Chinese phone manufacturer, is now officially a phone seller in India. The company previously launched its phone in China and a few other countries, while shipping orders (made through its website) worldwide. Known for being the first handset manufacturer to officially support the popular custom ROM CyanogenMod, it has made some waves when it comes to hardware.

N1Oppo has launched its N1 smartphone in the Indian market. This Anrdroid 4.2 phone with Oppo’s own ColorOS sports a 5.9-inch full HD screen, which is coated with Gorilla Glass 3 on top. The N1 is powered by Qualcomm’s 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 SoC (Adreno 320 GPU), along with 2 GB of RAM. One of the USPs of this device is its 13 MP camera (with LED flash) which has a swivelling base, allowing the sensor to rotate 206 degrees, meaning it can also be used as the front-facing camera. For the camera purpose, including HD videos at 30 FPS), there’s also a dedicated Fujitsu chip under the hood.

Connectivity-wise, there is Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB (supports USB on-the-go), WiFi, GPS, and NFC. Another unique feature of this smartphone is its O Click accessory. You can use this gizmo to keep a check on your phone’s location. Apart from allowing you to control the phone’s camera remotely if it is not within 17 feet distance from O Click, the device will make an alarm sound. The N1 also has a O panel on its rear that can be used with your finger for scrolling on the device’s screen.

Available in 16 GB and 32 GB storage options, Oppo’s N1 comes in white, and has been priced at Rs 39,999 for the 16 GB model.

We have seen quite a few new Chinese entrants into the Indian phone market, and it will be interesting to see how Oppo is received initially in the Indian market.

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Review: Eddy, children’s education tablet

The Android-based tablet allows parents to monitor their children’s usage and will later tie up with schools in major cities.
by Manik Kakra

Startup Metis Learning recently launched Eddy, an Android 4.2.2 tablet that is aimed at children aged two to 10 years. The device has a 7-inch 1280 x 600 screen, and has a 1.6 GHz dual-core Rockchip processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 32 GB via a microSD card.

The OS on the Eddy has been programmed to give Kid’s Mode, Parents’ Mode, which also has the usual Android launcher and other related stuff. You can put a password so that the child cannot access the Parents’ Mode. Using the Parents’ Mode, you can keep a close check on what and how long the installed apps have been used, or restrict the usage of a particular app to a time limit, preview reports of previously used apps, etc. The Kids’ Mode has a custom UI with large blocks for course content, learning games, and references.

Connectivity-wise, there is Bluetooth, WiFi, 3.5mm headset jack, 3G via an external dongle, mini HDMI port, and microUSB port. The tablet comes pre-loaded with about 150 apps and games, which can, along with Settings, can only be managed through the Parents’ Mode (using the Android OS).

Sporting a 2 MP camera, and powered by 3,200 mAh battery, the tablet comes bundled with bright green and pink coloured protective cases, which seem handy for protection against drops and sharp objects. Available for Rs 9,999 on the company’s website and Amazon India, it will later be available from various other online portals as well as retailers. Metis Learning has already tied up with several schools like DPS, Sansktriti for offering Eddy to students and are planning to do so with many schools in major cities.

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Sony launches Vaio Flip

Available in three screen sizes and with prices starting from Rs 94,990, this new device might just take your fancy.
by Manik Kakra

Sony today launched its hybrid Vaio Flip in India. Offered in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch screen sizes, this hybrid is being touted as a combination of the traditional notebook and tablet form factors. The USP of the Vaio Flip is its swivel screen, which has an additional hinge at the centre to rotate the screen at 180 degrees. So, you can use the device as a complete tablet, swivel the screen back to use as a notebook, or rotate the screen the other way to use it as a screen like a digital photo frame for your need.

Hardware: This Windows 8 device (upgradable to Windows 8.1) comes in various processor options. Its 15-inch model (F15N17) comes loaded with Intel’s fourth generation 1.8 GHz i7 processor, 2 GB nVidia graphics card, and 8 GB of RAM. Then there is one 15-inch and one 14-inch model that come with 1.6 GHz i5 processor and 4 GB of RAM, along with 1 GB nVidia graphics card and Intel 4400 graphics card, respectively.

13Fall_VAIO_Fit_13A_Flip_SAll these models have 1 TB of hybrid storage (SSD + HDD) disks, while the 13-inch (F13N) model, which the company is marketing more as a tablet than laptop, comes with 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD and is powered by 1.6 GHz i3 processor. All the models have got 1920 x 1080 HD screens, and have the Windows 8 Home button at the screen’s bottom. The 13-inch model also comes with a dedicated USB 3.0 port that can be used for charging your smartphones and tablets even when your Vaio Flip has been shut down.

Other features: Connectivity-wise, there is Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI port, USB 3.0 ports. It has an 8 MP rear camera; and a 2 MP front-facing camera.

Price points: Sony is giving its MDR-XB-920 headphones free for every buyer till the end of March 2014, and you can also get an extended warranty for a discounted price for a limited time period.  The F13N1A has been priced at Rs 99,990, and comes in silver and black colours; F14N16 at Rs 94,990, and F15N12 at Rs 1,04,990, and F15N17 for Rs 1,19,990, and come in only silver colour.

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