Category Archives: Reviews

Kodak Ektra Smartphone Review – The Camera Phone from Kodak

The Kodak Ektra smartphone is a camera or is it a phone, no its simply an android phone, designed to look like a camera. It looks different and actually is pretty easy to hold due to its shape and textures.

Key Specs

– Processor – MediaTek MT6797 Helio X20 Deca-core, 2x Cortex-A72 @ 2.3GHz, 4x Cortex-A53 @ 2.0GHz,4x Cortex-A53 @ 1.4GHz
– OS Android™ 6.0
– DIMENSION 147.8 x 73.35 x 9.69mm (14.02mmat camera lens)
– DISPLAY 5” FullHD 1920×1080
– CONNECTIVITY BT4.1, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz and 5GHz), GPS/Glonass
– MEMORY 32GB ROM, 3GB RAM
– I/O 3.5mm audio, USB 3.0 Type C, microSD™ (Up to 128 GB)
– Single SIM (Nano(4FF))
– SENSORS Ambient Light, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, E-Compass, Proximity sensor
– AUDIO Speaker, Receiver, Dual MIC
– KEY Camera key, Power key, Volume up/down
– BATTERY 3000mAh, with 5V 2A charging, and Pump Express ready
– APPS Kodak Camera, Gallery, Super 8, Selects curation portal, printing apps; Google’s Snapseed™ editor;
MobiSystems’OfficeSuite and File Commander; AVG AntiVirus

Camera Samples

Main Review

In my main review, I take a closer look at the phone, the software, camera software and photo editing.

Conclusion

The Kodak Ektra came out over a year ago costing over £400. At the figure it was not worth the cost. At less than half that price now, it is a nostalgic piece of kit and fun to use. It has also benefitted from many firmware updates, however, the camera is not a patch on current flagship phones.

Useful Links

Kodak Ektra latest pricing on Amazon UK

LG V30 – Audio Review – Speaker, Bluetooth, Type C, Wired – Over 12 Different Headphones Compared

Welcome to my LG V30 Audio Review. This review covers the loudspeaker, bluetooth headphones, type c headphones and wired headphones. Over 12 different types of headphones used for the review.

To recap, the LG V30 embraces the 3.5mm headphone jack and adds a Quad Dac. The Quad Dac can drive headphones up to 600 ohms. However, I would recommend up to 300 ohms max and dependant on the sensitivity of the headphone as well. Over 50 ohm headphones trigger the high impedance mode of the Quad Dac to ensure proper amplification. Sub 50 ohms and a wider dynamic range is engaged.

The Quad Dac features high end options from being able to choice digital filters, an equaliser and even supports the new high resolution streaming format MQA.

So now sit back and enjoy the LG V30 Audio Review!

Useful Links with Latest Pricing

High Impedance Headphones

VE Monk Plus – http://amzn.to/2mtZdZj
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 ohm – http://amzn.to/2AYqk42
Sennheiser HD 660s – http://amzn.to/2FARBxd
Sennheiser HD 579 – http://amzn.to/2DaDNer

Bluetooth Headphones

Sony WH-1000MX2 – http://amzn.to/2DaDT5N
Sony WF-1000X – http://amzn.to/2qZfafE
Optoma NuForce BE Free8 – http://amzn.to/2DbXRhn

In Ear Headphones

Sony In Ear headphones – http://amzn.to/2DfPAb8
Sennheiser In Ear headphones – http://amzn.to/2DaOSgn

Sennheiser HD 660s Headphone Review – The legend continues

Welcome to my review of the new flagship headphone from Sennheiser. The £429 Sennheiser HD 660s replaces the legendary HD 650 which was first sold over 10 years ago. So can the new HD 660s take the crown. Short answer is yes. But here’s why?

Design

From a design point of view the HD 660s look nearly identical to the outgoing 650’s. In fact, all the spare parts from the 650 will fit the new 660s. From a longevity point of view you are buying an investment and should you need to change pads, cable, in fact anything, you can just order the piece you need. The 660s take on a black paint job, with the Sennheiser logo on the grills and instead of the name Sennheiser spaced out across the top of the headband, it’s just placed on the left side. See video for visuals.

Comfort

The headphones are massive. Large ear pads comfortable fit over any ear. However, the clamping force is reasonable and due to the larger size might cause some people a little discomfort. With care it is possible to gently stretch the headband. I can wear these for hours and hours. However, I do find the cheaper HD 598s lighter and more comfortable.

Sound and Specs

The outgoing HD 600 and HD 650s were 300 ohms and therefore required some decent amplification to extract the most out of them. The 660s are now an easier to drive 150 ohms with a sensitivity of 104db. The frequency response is 10 – 41,000 Hz. Sennheiser designed these to work from some of the newer portable music devices like the LG V30 or Fiio Personal music players. However, these really need beefy amplification with decent voltage outputs to fully obtain music nirvana.

Before I tested these headphones, I gave them a 200 hour burn in. However, as you do, I had a quick listen straight out of the box and was instantly impressed. Now after 200 hours this is my verdict. The 660s are extremely detailed. Huge soundstage which has great positioning too. Speed and attack are present as well. With some of my favourite jazz, I had the hairs on my arm raise. There are very few headphones that can recreate that level of atmosphere and musicality. Bass is precise and not overdone. Being open back, you can hear everything around you and likewise anyone in the same room will hear what you are listening too. The open back design is what helps provides such a huge soundstage.

Video Review

Conclusion

The Sennheiser HD 660s are highly recommended. They have a legendary musicality and will deliver you years and years of satisfaction.

Useful Links

Sennheiser HD 660s latest pricing and more info on Amazon UK

Huawei Mate 10 Pro – Top Cases Reviewed

Huawei Mate 10 Pro, top cases reviewed. When you have a beautifully designed phone like the Huawei Mate 10 Pro, the last thing you would want to do is put a case on it. Unfortunately, if you don’t, one simple drop could end in tears. Glass no matter how strong, scratches and cracks.

So I have looked at a range of cases from different companies looking at a number of factors and then picked a winner. I will leave some links to the cases at the end. My favourite case for the Mate 10 Pro, is also the same case that I use for the Google Pixel 2 XL and LG V30+.

Useful Links

Huawei Mate 10 Pro cases on Amazon UK

USB C to 3.5mm Adapters Reviewed & Explained

USB C audio is a complicated mess. Very few manufacturers have adopted the format is the same manner, some doing their own thing and others following the system incorrectly. In my video below, I take a look at several different types and explain the differences, what works and what doesn’t. Due to the changing landscape, this is still an evolving landscape too!

Useful Links

USB C to 3.5mm adapters on Amazon UK

Sennheiser HD 579 Headphone Review vs Sennheiser HD 598

Welcome to my review of the Sennheiser HD 579 headphones with a comparison to the Sennheiser HD 598.

The HD 579 is part of the new HD 500 Series. The HD 579 is a headphone that provides premium performance and great value. They are powered by Sennheiser proprietary transducer technology and feature the ‘Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement’ design.

Using the HD 579 was a great experience. For a fraction of the price compared to high end audiophile headphones, The HD 579 was approaching high end audiophile sound reproduction. The open back, around ear headphone design delivers a lovely natural tonal balance with a wide soundstage and spatial performance. Comfort is one of the best with proper large ear cups fitted with plush velour ear cushions. Treble and mid range is detailed and not tiring. Speed and timing is excellent with a decent amount of bass.

As these are open back headphones, they let all the music leak from them and at the same time you can hear everything going on in the outside world. Sennheiser do have a range of closed back and noise cancelling headphones for those days when you need no disturbances! So for commuting, these are not the headphones to use. At home and in quiet environments they are ideal. They are also easy to drive. Tested with the Google Pixel 2 XL using the USB C dongle and also with the LG V30+. The pairing with the LG V30+ was exceptional.

So how do these compare with the older HD 598. They are pretty much identical. The HD 598 are marginally easier to drive and have a slightly wider frequency range. In real life its hard to tell them apart. I felt the bass on the HD 579 was marginally better.

Conclusion

The Sennheiser HD 579 headphones are highly recommended and represent great value for money.

Useful Links

Sennheiser headphone info and deals on Amazon UK

LG V30+ First Impressions – 128gb storage & Headphone Jack with Quad DAC & Wireless Charging

Welcome to my first impressions of the LG V30+. The V30+ is exactly the same as the V30 except it has double the storage at 128gb instead of 64gb.

Notable features include (and I suggest you read these as they are impressive)

Hybrid Sim – either dual sim or single sim plus micro SD card (some markets just single sim plus micro SD card)
IP68 dust and water PLUS MIL-STD-810G compliant
Wireless Charging
3.5mm headphone jack with a QUAD DAC 32-bit/192kHz audio, B&O Play certified,24-bit/48kHz audio recording, Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
6 inch P-OLED QHD screen 18:9 aspect ratio
– Gorilla Glass 5
– Dolby Vision/HDR10 compliant
– Always-on display
Snapdragon 835, Adreno 540
– Android 7.1.2 – Oreo rolling out now
– 64gb or 128gb storage, 4gb ram
Rear cameras – Dual: 16 MP (f/1.6, 1 µm, 3-axis OIS, PDAF) + 13 MP (f/1.9, no AF), phase detection & laser autofocus, LED flash, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec
– Front camera 5 MP (f/2.2, 1/5″, 1.12 µm)
Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD (with Oreo update, Sony’s LDAC codec is added)
Stereo FM radio with RDS
– USB C Connector
– Sensors – Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, colour spectrum
– Non-removable Li-Po 3300 mAh battery
151.7 x 75.4 x 7.3 mm Small size
Weight 158g Quite light

Before I get to the video review section, I just want to emphasise the specs above again, as the LG V30+ has nearly everything you could dream in a phone. It also looks gorgeous. Below are a few first shots from the camera.

Camera Samples

The camera is a beast, so many options too. The photo that looks like it has had a filter applied was actually snapped with a filter pre applied. The camera shoots in 4:3 at max MP. All I have done is cropped afterwards to 16:9.

First Impressions plus look at the Interface and Camera

Useful Links

LG V30 latest pricing on Amazon

LG V30 cases on Amazon

Honor 7X Review – Another classic phone from Honor

oznor

Welcome to my review of the Honor 7X.

The Key Features

– 5.93-inch display with IPS Full HD+ resolution (2160 x 1080 pixels) with an 18:9 aspect ratio
– Kirin 659 chipset, 4gb ram, 64gb storage
– Storage expanded for an additional 256 GB with a microSD card
– Dual rear camera setup that features 16mp and 2MP sensors for depth sensing
– Front camera is a 8mp
– 3,340 mAh battery
– 156.5 x 75.3 x 7.6mm
– Weight 165g
– Android 7.1 and EMUI 5.1 – update to Oreo and EMUI 8 in New Year
– 3.5mm headphone jack
– Micro USB, no NFC

Camera Samples

In good light the Honor 7X takes good shots. Wide Aperture mode, Portrait mode are all present making the camera a good offering. In low light images are soft.

Video Review

Useful Links

Honor on Amazon UK

Honor Store UK

Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless Headphones Review – Audio Nirvana without the wires

Welcome to me review of the Bowers & Wilkins PX Wireless Headphones.

The Key Features

– Adaptive noise cancelling
– Advanced Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX-HD for hi-res streaming Natural UI, APT-X , SBC & AAC
– Built-in sensors handle functions like stopping audio playback when you remove the headphones
– World class acoustics from 40mm full range drivers Premium materials and build quality
– Rechargeable battery (up to 22 hours of battery life)
– Mobile companion app for personalising audio playback
– Inputs: 3.5mm stereo jack for optional wired playback USB-C (Audio, Battery charging, and Firmware update)
– Drive units: 40mm diameter Full Range Drivers
– Performance: 10Hz to 20kHz Frequency Range
– 22 ohms (passive) Impedance
– <0.3% (1kHz/10mW) Distortion (THD) 111 dB/V at 1kHz Sensitivity 1V Maximum input power
– 335g weight
– 4 x mics for ANC
– 2 x mics for telephony clear voice communication

Video Review

Useful Links

Bowers & Wilkins latest deal price on Amazon UK