Tag Archives: First Impressions

LG G5 – First Impressions

Android, Reviews, Tech News, ,

Tavistock Town Hall #lgg5 #wide

Welcome to my first impressions of the LG G5 which I have now used for 3 days solid. This is a retail unit.

I must admit that I was nervous about receiving the LG G5 due to all the horror stories on the web with regards to build quality issues and other negativity being bantered around.

I have a gold LG G5 which was the colour I least wanted but upon opening the LG G5 box, I was immediately drawn by how beautiful it looks. The front glass has a slick feel. The next aspect that struck me was how much easier the G5 was to hold and operate versus the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. I now realise that if I was to go back in time, I would not get the S6 Edge but the standard S7. Now just mentioning the build quality, a really don’t see what the fuss is about. The G5 looks good, feels good in the hand and only longer term testing will reveal how well it fairs over time.

So I first charged the G5, then switch it on and setup the phone with around 150 apps/games. I restored my phone using NFC and the Tap & Go option when you first turn the phone on. Quick Charge 3 is super fast.

My eyes were shocked to see such a garish looking home screen on the G5. A dreadful wallpaper and a 4 x 4 grid that looked so cartoonish. As my apps restored more and more home screens appeared as there is no app drawer. I then spent 10 mins or so creating folders and eventually had all my apps neatly on 1 screen.

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Since creating the above home screen, I have changed the wallpaper for one of the included black wallpapers and used a white background for all the folders. This looks so much better. I have also now got 5 menu items on the bottom bar which makes using the G5 a breeze. I have downloaded Nova Launcher initially, but now have uninstalled it as I am happy with the LG setup.

What a tongue #George #Dartmoor#lgg5

LG really need to think long and hard about the choice of default wallpapers as first impressions do make a difference. The default wallpaper IMO is dreadful.

So what did I notice next. Well simply the lack of bloatware and apps installed by LG. When compared to the S7, the G5 has a fraction of apps installed from day 1.

I was curious to see how easy it was to remove the bottom chin and then remove the battery. After reading the instructions, it was a relatively simple process. The battery removal from the chin part feels super aggressive but still is easy enough.

Around and inside Foggintor Quarry #lgg5 #snapseededits

I was dying to test the camera out and over the course of the weekend managed to snap tons of photos.

Flying the Flag #HSBC #historic #Tavistock #lgg5 #wide

I have included a few within this post and if you scroll back at the earlier posts you will see more examples from the LG G5 camera. I tested both the 16mp and wide angle lens. I tested macro, action shots and as many other types of photos as possible. The output from both lenses is excellent in terms of quality and file sizes. It is possible to crop a lot thanks to the 16mp lens. Now with my S7 Edge, I used 16:9 ratio meaning 9.1mp. The G5 wide angle is 8mp. Yet the average photo file sizes from the G5 was larger than those from the S7. The wide angle photos seem to add a lot of drama to a scene but do need to be used wisely and not all the time.

The G5 has an Infra Red Blaster. I can control my TV, DVD and so much more. It’s really useful.

Next tests involved testing the headphone jack, bluetooth audio and loudspeaker. I had read various reviews that the headphone volume output was weak. Well that’s not the case with my G5. It is louder than the S7, more powerful and dynamic too. The loudspeaker is so loud you can feel the air being pushed out the speaker grills. Bluetooth audio is exceptional. And this is the quality without the HiFi DAC module!

The G5 is very fluid in operation. Scrolling. Opening apps. Typing on the default keyboard. Really fluid.

So that leaves my first thoughts on the battery. 4.5 hours SOT is my average so far. This is with every social media app running, 4 email accounts, connected to my Gear S2 via bluetooth (S Health is also installed on the G5 which feels weird not being a Samsung phone). This is about 90 minutes less than my SOT that I achieved for the S7 Edge. The S7 Edge has a much better SOT and on a few days with the S7 Edge reached 10 hours SOT.

However, the biggest disappointment is the G5’s screen brightness. At times its not bright enough. Sunlight visibility is readable but only just at times. LG have clearly reduced the brightness to conserve the battery but I think its too aggressive. The S7 Edge by comparison is readable with ease in any lighting. Now LG claim the G5 can crank the brightness up to 800 nits. I have seen this happen but it eats battery at this level. Thank goodness for Quick Charge 3 and replaceable batteries! Despite the screen brightness, the screen is a joy to look at.

So overall I am thoroughly enjoying the G5, more than the S7 Edge. However, the screen brightness is my biggest gripe and I hope LG can change brightness scale in a future software update.

HTC 10 – My First Thoughts and Opinions vs the Competition – Plus discount codes

Android, Tech News, , ,

htc10

HTC announced their new flagship the HTC 10. Full specs can be found on HTC’s website – click HERE.

Firstly, I thought HTC did a rather clever job of announcing the new flagship without a big live event. In fact, at 1pm UK time, all the content just appeared on HTC’s website along with a 13 min introduction video to the new flagship and what makes it special.

At the same time, all the major website also released all their content on the HTC 10 along with first impressions. Full reviews are likely to follow soon as well.

So instead of reproducing the same content as every other website, I am going to discuss the high and low points of the HTC 10 and then provide my thoughts re the competition.

HTC 10 – My First Impressions

A typical unibody slab of metal from HTC which will help it feel and look premium in the hand. The effort HTC’s went to task to simplify the software with Google will mean this phone will be super fast to use. However, for some and probably me included this could also mean a boring phone with no added extra software perks. The next stand out feature is the Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Headphones. This is for playback and recording via the microphones. This is really excellent if you like your music. The loudspeaker setup is a tweeter at top and bass/subwoofer at the rear. This should sound reasonable. 12mp rear camera f/1.8 1.55 microns pixel size, with OIS, two tone flash and laser auto focus. To me this sounds like the Nexus 6P rear camera but with OIS. Expect good photos. The front 5mp camera has OIS too. The rest of the specs are all run of the mill for a flagship phone. Apart from Airplay support built in. Unusual for an android phone. Due to all the software optimisations with Google, battery life should be one day. Handy Quick Charge 3 is included. Another claim to fame is the HTC 10 holding the top rating for its camera with DxOmark. I also liked that the HTC 10 had adoptable storage.

HTC 10 vs The Competition

Nexus 6P – I would pick the HTC 10 over the Nexus 6P. That is unless you wanted to ensure fast and quick firmware updates directly from Google. The HTC 10 should have better cameras and audio.

Samsung Galaxy S7 – Whilst the HTC 10 has larger pixels in its rear camera, the S7 has a f/1.7 vs a f/1.8 for the HTC 10. Both rear cameras are 12mp. Personally the S7 would be my choice for camera due to its incredibly fast focus. The S7 is also water and dust resistant. If selfies are your thing, then maybe the HTC 10 would be a better option. The HTC 10 gets the thumbs up from me on the audio front and the fact it has adoptable storage. On paper I still think the S7 Edge looks more premium. It also has a better screen and battery. Whilst Samsung include lots of extra apps, some are really useful and add extra functionality.

Xiaomi Mi 5 – HTC 10 has the camera and audio edge. The Mi 5 features an IR blaster and is a lot cheaper. But it is not as readily available world wide.

LG G5 – I still think the 16mp rear camera on the G5 is my preferred choice over the 12mp HTC 10. Whilst the G5 doesn’t offer a front camera with OIS it does offer a higher resolution at 8mp. The 8mp wide angled rear camera is unique. Audio quality will be better on the HTC 10, even with the G5’s DAC module potentially. However, bluetooth audio on the G5 should be better than the HTC 10 due to the G5 supporting APT-X High Definition codec. The G5’s modules offer something different to the HTC 10. The HTC 10 is far more premium looking. An IR Blaster is still included with the G5 and not present on the HTC 10.

Huawei P9 – I think the P9 will have a tough time competing against the HTC 10 except for the fact the P9 at launch will be £100 less in price. The P9 also has a unique dual rear camera lens setup. But these lenses do not feature OIS meaning blurrier shots will happen more frequently.

iPhone 6S – Apart from the iOS vs android debate, I really think the HTC 10 beats the iPhone in audio and camera, at least from a specs point of view.

Microsoft Lumia 950 – Whilst the camera on the 950 may be respectable I believe the HTC 10 would be a better all around option.

Conclusion

It is worth remembering these are my initial thoughts. I have yet to see the HTC 10 in person and like everything the specs may look good, the promotional material may shine, but does the phone deliver on what it promises! Time will tell but it really does look like HTC have delivered a decent offering this year.

If you order directly from HTC there are discount codes available as follows –

– USA – Code – HTC1008 – Saves $100 – Price reduced to $599 from $699
– Canada – Code HTCCA1008 -Saves $100 – Price reduced to $899 from $999
– UK – Code – HTC10 – Takes 10% off. New price is £512.99 from £569.99 – Also selecting Express Shipping instead of standard, makes shipping free.

LG G5 – The Best Camera Examples and First Impressions + LG G4 vs LG G5

Android, Tech News, ,

Below are a highlight of some videos created by a number of different people highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the LG G5.

What is also interesting is the “negativity” created on the internet initially tarnished peoples views of the LG G5. However, what you will witness is a different feeling after using the LG G5 for a a few days.

Below is a good example. Filming video with all 3 cameras at the same time by Tony Pazo. Just imagine using this mode for a festival like Glastonbury.

Next up is a short comparison video from Supersaf. Whilst the comparison is a bit short, it does show just how good the S7 camera is whilst using video. Personally, I preferred most (not all) of the stills from the G5.

This S7 advantage over video is helped by its super fast auto focus.

Now lastly, Pocketnow have put together a short video depicting their thoughts after 24 hours and again the more the LG G5 is used, the more pleasurable the experience became.

I have used the pre production LG G5 which is not the same as the retail version. My retail version is arriving any day so once this is in the house, I can start publishing photos and my first impressions.

The camera and Hi-Fi modules are also expected in a week or so. My plan is to review the phone as a phone and then talk about the modules and deliver my final thoughts at the end.

If you are wondering is the LG G5 any better than the LG G4, take a look at this article by GeekandCom. It’s in French, so here is the Google Translation – CLICK HERE. . Thanks to OneTwelve for the link.

Apple iPhone SE – First Impressions

Apple, Tech News,

So I happened to see the new iPhone SE yesterday.

I got to see all the different colours which also come with a matching dock. The dock is an extra cost but Apple certainly know how to make accessories look appealing. 

Before you all shout out this is just an iPhone 5S, it really isn’t except in looks.  The internals are all updated but the most striking thing about holding the iPhone SE is its screen.

At first I thought I had picked up a demo fake model with a fake screen. The icons on the screen looked so crisp and clear I didn’t think for a split second that the phone was actually switched on. Then I swiped the home screen to move to another home screen and realised it was switched on.

The iPhone SE felt like a toy initially as it was so small. But then I started to play with it more and that one handed use is so so good. Here is a phone that doesn’t invade your life and that fits snuggly away in any pocket.

And then I looked at all the different finishes and decided which colour I preferred.

I nearly thought about going back to a small screen phone and how life could be again.

But I didn’t …. for now …..

LG G5 – My First Impressions

Android, Reviews, Tech News, ,

lgg5

Across the internet there are many “reviews” already being penned based on pre production hardware. However, if you want to gain a glimmer of an idea what the LG G5 is like, then pop into any mobile phone store where you should be lucky enough to find a demo LG G5 on display.

Today, I wanted to share my initial first impressions which obviously could change over the next few weeks and months. I had my S7 Edge with me as a comparison too. Photos were taken on both phones and I already have an idea as to the pros and cons of each phones camera. But there is always more to a phone than its camera.

My personal phone is coming from Clove Technology who have a good deal on the LG G5 which includes free B&O H3 headphones worth £149.

So moving on to my first impressions based on using the titan (grey) finish LG G5.

Hardware

The hardware comes across as a fairly typical smartphone. I liked the look of the 2 rear cameras section which were flusher than I expected. The G5 felt comfortable to hold and grippy enough that I might skip a case. The modular slot section. This felt tough at first to remove, but once I gotthe hang of it, it wasn’t too difficult. I had been asked by a few people whether there was a gap or line where the bottom bit comes off. No there wasn’t , but it I ran my finger over the back, I could feel the seam.

Thank goodness LG kept the infra red blaster on the G5. This is fantastic and a useful feature for me.

Software UI

When I turned on the LG G5, it felt fairly sparse. LG seem to have tamed down the software although you still get the brighter coloured UI. Personally, this has never bothered me. There are other launchers should this not be to your liking.

The Camera

Lots of new modes and options available. These will get covered in more depth in my main review. However, unless the final software changes, I noticed there were no manual controls for video. This is disappointing since the LG V10 had excellent manual controls available for video. That’s the downside, the plus side is the camera quality. Based on very early findings the picture quality is excellent. Even in low light. Burst speed is on par with the iPhone 6S Plus burst mode. The 2 cameras. Having a 16mp normal lens and a 135 degree wide angle lens is extremely superb and opens up a world of options. More in my main review but I honestly thought it would be a bit of a gimmick, but actually it seems useful and fun.

The photo quality of the G5 on the shots taken looked fantastic. They were better than those I took with the S7. However, as to which is better is going to be a fascinating comparison for a dedicated post.

Conclusion

Early days but the LG G5 really is an interesting phone – add on modules and friends, superb camera and more. I can’t wait to test more of its features over time. As to how it compares against the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and Huawei P9, well only time will tell.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – First Impressions – Updated

Android, Reviews, Tech News, ,

You have read all the glossy reviews, now for some reality. This is my first impressions on the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.

First up, the phone came free with the Gear VR. Both the phone and VR box were inside a larger box, which when opened revealed that the inside panels of the box were black. The phone and VR boxes were wrapped in black wrapping paper, creating a wow moment. The envelope that was inside the box was black too.

I have the black S7 Edge. Let’s not beat around the bush. It is gorgeous. The QHD screen is excellent. And the camera takes some cracking shots when it works. There is lag sadly. This is when pressing the home button, it doesn’t always register. Inserting my 200gb Sandisk micro SD caused the phone to collapse. While it was indexing the card for several hours, the phone was unusable. Anyway, I had my main sim in the S7 Edge along with 30 core apps. I had taken a number of photos and then I got the error message shown at the end of the article, that is the camera force closed when launching it.

So I performed a hard reset and started again and all seemed well. So my wife and I had a go with the Gear VR. It says not to wear glasses and instead use contact lenses. Well, as both of us don’t use contact lenses, we found that the lens adjustment gauge on the Gear VR was not enough to create a clear sharp view. This meant the VR experience became average at best. This is a real shame as even based on my experience which was not pin sharp, the wow factor was huge. My wife and I used the Gear VR with bluetooth noise cancellation headphones. I am certain the Gear VR will help Samsung sell loads of these phones.

And then just when I thought everything was working smoothly, I got the same camera force close camera error message. Nothing I tried worked, so I could see another hard reset was going to occur. So I took my sim card out of the S7 Edge and put it back in my iPhone 6S Plus. I also soft reset the S7 Edge and voila it worked again. So maybe there is something wrong with Three UK and / or using my Three Signal Booster? See update at end for actual reason.

Now not wishing to beat the S7 Edge into submission, this is day 1 firmware and hopefully will receive updates to quash the bugs.

So how does it compare to the iPhone 6S Plus. Well android feels liberating and clumsy. iOS has Touch ID that is so well implemented into many apps and makes using these apps much faster and easier on iOS than android. There is no mobile payments option for the S7 Edge yet if you’re in the UK. Then with iOS you have force touch, integration of iMessage and FaceTime and much more with slicker and better designed apps. However, it is not all one sided. There are aspects of android that make iOS seem behind. Let’s not beat around the bush here, the S7 Edge camera is much better than the iPhone camera. iOS has many third party camera apps that squeeze even more performance out of the phone. Android at the moment has no compatible apps that work with the S7 Edge or add any extra benefits. Then again, the S7 Edge camera app is feature rich. And when you look at the basics, the S7 Edge has a much better screen to the point whereby I don’t need to use my reading glasses as much.

So for me there are some amazing highs but also some frustrations especially with the camera app force closing.

Update – I have since discovered that the S7 Edge camera does not like to save photos to a micro sd card and this is an issue several people are having. The solution is to save photos to the internal memory until Samsung hopefully release a fix.

Update 2 – Samsung have confirmed the camera problem is effecting a number of devices.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge – My First Hands On Impressions plus Camera

Android, Tech News, ,

s7 edge colours

Welcome to my first impression of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. In this first impression I will discuss my initial findings on the camera and how the camera compared versus my Apple iPhone 6S Plus.

Unfortunately, it was not possible to extract the photos for this post but I will have another article up focusing specifically on the S7 Edge camera with loads of camera samples.

But first let’s talk about the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge hardware. Historically, I have always preferred the Edge version of the earlier Samsung models. Not so with the S7 range. I was examining a black S7 and a gold S7 Edge. In black, the S7 looked stunning and so much better than the older S6 too. 

The S7 is curvier, fits better in the hand, and in black was super cool. Now bear in mind I don’t like black phones. I prefer white, silver or gold. So for me to say black looks stunning, it really does! The Edge was finished in the gold option and it just didn’t look right or good either. It is a slightly different shade of gold to the S6 range. It also is not as comfortable to hold as the standard S7 nor does it look as good. Now my verdict could be tarred by the gold finish, and maybe in black the S7 Edge will look a lot better. I compared the S7 to a S6 and whilst there is similarities, the S7 does look different and classier.

Touchwiz. It’s present but not overpowering and I like the lighter skin provided by Samsung. It really is a lot lighter. Many apps are not installed versus previous Samsung phones. For example, the only music app is Google Play by default. There is even an option to remove the app drawer in the settings to make the S7 look just like an iPhone. I tried to slow down the phone and I couldn’t. No lag was present. It obvious that the android app drawer is going to finally become obsolete across all android phones and this is fine by me. 

Camera. The 12mp rear camera shoots at 4:3, or 9.1mp at 16:9 aspect ratio. Lower resolutions are available. The takeaway aspect of the camera that I witnessed was its focusing speed. Blisteringly fast. Even in diminishing light. I snapped people walking and it kept them on the whole in focus and produced a good shot with little blur. I noticed that reduced light shots were brighter and clearer than those from my iPhone 6S Plus. However the iPhone shots could be edited in photos and made brighter although the quality was not as good. 

The level of detail in lower light on the S7 was overall better than my iPhone. This advantage should pay off with kids or pets moving around, enabling a shot to be snapped in focus and look light enough to use as well i.e. not too dark. The f/1.7 versus the iPhone f/2.2 does make a difference in lower lighting. As soon as the lighting improved to more daylight type conditions, I found it was harder to spot the differences.

For those curious the Pro mode allows a max of 10 second shutter speed. 

I loved the double pressing of the home button to launch the camera and take a shot. Super fast. 

BUT.

I did manage to trip the S7 camera up several times when it came to macro. Several times it just could not focus and the macro shots did not look as pin sharp as I would have expected. I need to retest the macro shots again. However, when it did focus, it was fast again as with all the photos.

Final thoughts. I was left in no doubt the S7 camera is really fast to focus and that it will also produce great quality photos in most lighting conditions. The black finish in my preferred choice and currently I wouldn’t buy the Edge, I would buy the standard S7. I might change my mind when I receive the S7 Edge in Black, so watch this space. I can’t recommend the gold finish. Samsung have done a good job and produced great looking flagship.

But how will it compete against the likes of the LG G5? How far can I push the boundaries of the S7 Camera? Stay tuned as all the comparisons and tests and photographic results are coming soon.

LG V10 – European Version – First Impressions

Android, Reviews, Tech News, , , ,

  
Finally the LG V10 has arrived. My thanks go to Clove Technology for helping me out after UPS mysteriously lost the first V10. 

Clove Technology are selling the LG V10 currently for £375 plus VAT. If you’re quick you also get a pair of Bluetooth gloves worth £10.  Now that is cool. In fact if you spend £25 or more you get the Bluetooth gloves while stocks last!

  

The European LG V10 is different to the other versions. This model has all the UK bands but drops the internal storage from 64gb to 32gb. Apart from that it’s one super geeky cool piece of tech. 

Now I really enjoyed the G4, but the V10 takes it to another level. Whatever the G4 lacked, the V10 has in style. First impressions of the hardware are of a solid semi rugged phone. The secondary display, two front selfie cameras for different angles, gorilla glass 4, fingerprint sensor, metal frame, grippy back, infra red blaster, Sabre HiFi DAC and legendary camera with manual controls for photos and videos. 

Last night it was impressive to connect my Sennheiser headphones and only need the volume at 30 out of 100 due to the Sabre HiFi DAC and Amp.
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And oh the camera. It’s so much better than the iPhone 6S Plus. 

More soon. 

iPad Pro – My First Impressions – Review

Apple, Reviews, Tech News, Uncategorized, ,

They say anything can happen in 24 hours, and in my case this occurred.

I have decided to make the most of the Apple eco system and no longer have a chromebook. Instead I have the new iPad Pro with the Apple Smart Keyboard.

This entire post was typed on the new keyboard too. 

This is my first impressions of the iPad Pro using it for several hours last night. I am sure my views will change slightly as time moves on. 

Apple’s system of online ordering to get the device first seems to be changing as on Wednesday several Apple stores had stock of the iPad Pro. I didn’t expect to buy one either, but a brief play with the device and I realised the potential and how much it would be ideal for myself. Little annoyances include the lack of the Apple Pencil, currently with a 4-5 week online waiting time. My local Apple store only had 2 Apple Smart Keyboards in stock, which after I left just left one. The keyboard is US English only which is annoying, but with some trial and error I discovered where the £ key was located. It is shift 3. 

The first thing that strikes you is just how big and beautiful the iPad Pro screen is and how everything just  feels so much more engaging. The iPad Pro is heavy, but not as heavy as expected. The Smart Keyboard is genius. It is so slim, making the overall profile when fitted incredibly thin looking. The speed of typing on the smart keyboard is very fast. At first, I was not convinced I would be keeping the keyboard longer term, but it really has grown on me, especially just how fast I can type across the keys. The on screen keyboard has been improved too, with a numbers row and shortcuts. This means that for some people, a separate keyboard will not be necessary. 

Split screen mode works really well and I like being able to have tweetbot running and web browsing on safari at the same time. Some apps clearly need updating as they look too scaled up. However, in time apps will get updated and new apps will arrive. Apps that have been optimised for the iPad Pro simply look gorgeous.

The iPad Pro has Touch ID, something for some reason I was not expecting. It also has Apple Pay/Wallet. On top of that you can use the tablet to take photos and annoy the world. Panoramas can be as large as 43mp. I am sorely tempted to try and take one too on the iPad Pro. 

The speakers on the iPad Pro are the best yet on an iPad. Clear, punchy and loud. Photos taken on my iPhone 6S Plus look amazing on the iPad Pro’s screen, although I expected nothing less.

Now Tim Cook made the statement that the iPad Pro is a PC replacement and I have to concede despite my reservations, that this device will replace my macbook pro which is now up for sale. Until you have used this device I don’t think it is possible to fully appreciate its finer qualities.

And yet, I still have the Apple Pencil to explore in a few weeks time!

Nexus 6P – First Impressions

Android, Reviews, Tech News, ,

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So my Nexus 6P 128gb Frost White arrived yesterday. It is a big device.

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From left to right, Huawei G8, Nexus 6P, iPhone 6S Plus, Sony Z5 Compact and a BlackBerry. I do wonder if we have lost the plot on screen sizes now?

The Nexus 6P has stereo front speakers and a new USB C cable.

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I was disappointed to find only 111gb free of the 128gb model. Clearly despite being hardcore android the firmware is large. As a comparison the 128gb iPhone 6S Plus has 113gb free out of the box but does include loads more apps.

Screenshot_20151105-180431

Despite the space available, I can’t see myself running out any day soon. So what do I like and what don’t I like ?

As first impressions, the frosted white is fantastically beautifully amazing choice of colour. I am so pleased I didn’t opt for aluminium or black. There are 2 cables in the box, one is USB C to USB A but so short it is a joke. The USB C to USB C cable is an ideal length. Suddenly, I realised I have no compatible cables and charging in the car and around the house is an issue until I get more USB C cables. I found a good selection of USB Type C Cables and Adapters on Amazon

The phone feels premium but is not that comfortable to hold as it is big. The Nexus 5X was much easier and more comfortable to grip in the hand. The fingerprint sensor works really well, but when the phone is face up on the table, its no use at all. Apple and Samsung and even Sony have the sensor is a more suitable location.

The camera. I have tried some random shots just to get an idea of its standard. It takes good shots but as to how good the quality of the camera is will only be established after I have had and more time and dry weather to take more photos. So far it took 3 indoor low light shots to get 1 shot to be better than that from the iPhone 6S Plus. My iPhone only needed one shot to get it right first time. The Sony Z5 Compact also only needed one shot. However, don’t read too much into this at the moment, as I need to understand the quirks of the phone and I will also see what can be achieved using third party camera apps. More soon.

Screen. I don’t like the screen. It feels muted except for watching films etc when it looks great. Add to the fact there are stereo speakers and it is a lovely media player. I will test for audio quality later as well.

And before I sign off, the highlight of the phone is its running pure android. That is a benefit to ensure you get the latest updates to the firmware, but it is also bland. Huawei’s EMUI and Xiaomi’s skins do add a lot of extra features. So it ultimately boils down to what your preferences are.