Review: Intex Aqua i7 smartphone with 2 GB RAM

Aqua i7 is the costliest handset of Intex and comes with 2 GB RAM, 32 GB internal memory, a 13 megapixel rear camera, 5 megapixel front camera, and 1.5 GHz quad core processor. All this makes it one of the best handsets in the market. But like other handsets of Indian and Chinese manufacturers, the sword of suspicion hangs over Aqua i7 as well.

Thus we put the Intex Aqua i7 through all possible tests to check its mettle and here's what we found out about the smartphone.

Design

The most noticeable part of Intex Aqua i7 is its packaging. It comes in a huge box; even tablets do not come in such a big box. All the accessories like the headset and charger are neatly packed. Intex is also providing a flip cover with the phone. Both the default back cover and the flip cover have a shiny yet non-slippery surface. The body of the phone is thus not a fingerprint magnet and suits the Indian climate.

As far as design is concerned, Intex Aqua i7 is quite conventional with a volume rocker on the top left side, power button on the right, and micro USB on the top. The flip cover also comes with a small transparent cover that makes it possible to see notifications. There is a thin metal strip around its sides that further adds to its charm.

Overall it is a decent looking smartphone but it has no unique design feature as such.

Display

It comes with a 5 inch capacitive touchscreen with full HD resolution. The display is an IPS-LCD panel and as such provides decent viewing angles and good colour outputs. You can use it indoors in low brightness but in sunny areas you have to keep the brightness at maximum, which makes it just bright enough to see the contents.

The screen is a fingerprint magnet and attracts a lot of dust. I never encountered any problem with its touch input though. The screen of Aqua i7 supports full HD (1920 x 1080 pixel) resolution, which is really helpful while playing games and watching movies.

User interface and apps

This is another highlight of the Intex Aqua i7. The moment you switch it on, you will notice its unique theme called X Space, where things are designed like your drawing room. For instance, in the X Space, to listen to songs, you touch the iPod like icon; to watch videos you touch the TV icon and so on. There are a few other themes like Max, Simple, and Roma. In the Roma theme, icons are presented in a Roman way. Though Intex has tried a lot, the themes may not be liked by many. Thank god, then, that you can download other themes from Google Play Store or from the net.

Intex has also tried to alter Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean UI of Aqua i7. For instance, the settings page has been divided into Network, System, Security and Personal segments, which is simpler than the normal settings page of Android. In the notification bar, it has a special Optimization button that acts as a task manager - so there is no need to install a task manger; just open the notification bar and touch the button to clear memory.

The smartphone comes with NQ Mobile security and in its settings page too you will find elaborate security features like authority management, firewall, anti theft, and app lock. It also has an Intex Zone with sections like movies and games. The smartphone comes with auto call recorder preinstalled.

Processor performance

The Aqua i7 has a Mediatek 6589 Turbo quad core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. It is supported by a PowerVR SGX 544MP graphics processing unit, 2 GB RAM and 32 GB internal memory. The PowerVR SGX has been hailed by experts for its high performance.

To test its mettle we also ran many benchmarks including the Epic Citadel, which is based on Unreal Engine 3 - a game engine used by many high end console games. The Aqua i7 ran Epic Citadel with ease and in its benchmark it even got High Performance. In the Antutu benchmark it got 721 and 3114 in 2D and 3D graphics, respectively, which is almost like that of HTC One X's 790 and 2985.

Moreover, its 2 GB RAM and 32 GB internal memory give it huge muscle to handle very high end games like Modern Combat 4, Blood and Glory etc. But the Mediatek 6589 is no match for Nvidia Tegra 3; it cannot run some games, such as Minion Rush.

Memory

As I said earlier, the Intex Aqua i7 comes with 32 GB internal memory, of which 4.17 GB is occupied by Android operating system, 3 GB is meant as flash memory for applications, while the rest is left for users. As a matter of fact 24.83 GB is sufficient for anyone. However, keep in mind that there is no expandable storage slot in Aqua i7.

Camera

There is a 13 megapixel rear camera and 5 megapixel front camera in the Intex Aqua i7. The rear camera is an auto focus unit but the front camera has a fixed focus. You can also record video using the front camera.

As far as our findings go, the rear camera is decent in good lighting conditions as well as in low light. The single LED flash does a good job as well. Below are a few pictures that we have clicked using the rear camera in the default setting. The front camera is decent for self portraits but an auto focus unit would have propelled the Aqua i7 over its competitors.

The camera application is quite easy to use: flash, options, and camera switch buttons are displayed prominently in the camera app. Using the options menu, you can start HDR, self timer, etc. There is a smart magic mode as well, which basically allows one to remove unwanted objects from the picture. To the extreme right, there are various effects that you can choose while taking a picture. While recording videos, you can change the options menu to change settings.

Curiously, in the still image section, you can zoom picture only using the on-screen menu, which, though, vanishes from the screen within 2-3 seconds. The volume rocker, which should have acted as a zoom in/out key acts as a camera key instead.

Battery

There is a 2000 mAh battery in the Intex Aqua i7. As per Intex, it provides 6-8 hours of talktime and 220 hours of standby, which is rather a vague statement. So we have put it through some testing.

As far as our finding goes, it provides almost 24 hours of normal use, like a few minutes of gaming, calling, and internet. For gaming, it provides around five hours of back up. Also, in one instance, I used the phone for clicking pictures and videos and the phone consumed 10 per cent charge in half an hour (full brightness).

But the most worrying factor is that it gets heated up very fast-on calling, camera use or gaming.

Connectivity

The Aqua i7 comes with two SIM slots. Notably, it has one micro SIM slot while the other slot is for a regular SIM. Besides, the smartphone has Bluetooth, WiFi, WiFi hotspot, micro USB, GPS andAGPS.

In the review unit, we faced problems with connectivity. For instance, call drops were severe. The review unit seemed to have a data connectivity bug as well, which shut down data connectivity - both WiFi and data - every now and then.

Curiously, the Intex Aqua i7 comes with support for HDMI devices like your TV, which makes it a unique device in the Rs 20,000 price range.

Conclusion

The Intex Aqua i7 is well armed with features while its price is very competitive. There are perhaps one or two smartphones in the market that would match it in terms of features, but none would be from MNC players. Intex also has a bit of an advantage over others since it is quite an old player in the market.

Having said that the Intex Aqua i7 has some chinks in its armour as cited above. It has connectivity issues, though the bug may be peculiar to the review unit and an update could solve it. Also, people who think 24.8 GB is not enough should stay away from this device as it has no micro SD card slot. The Mediatek processor and 2 GB RAM configuration is very good for most games found on Google Play Store but it cannot play all types of games like Tegra 3 can. Its battery back up is decent but not something that would blow up your mind. The phone also gets heated up too much during calls and while playing games.

Review-Intex Aqua i7 smartphone with 2 GB RAM Specifications
Network
Operating System	Android 4.2
Dimensions
Display	5 inch full HD
Input Method	Touchscreen
Processor	1.5 GHz Mediatek 6589 quad core
Memory	2 GB RAM,32 GB internal, no expandable storage
Connectivity	dual SIM, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, micro USB
Multimedia	Supports all major audio file types
Camera	13 megapixel auto focus rear camera, 5 megapixel fixed focus front camera
GPS	yes with A-GPS
Additional features
Battery	2000 mAh
Warranty	1 year
Price	Rs 20,000

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ZTE Blade G2 Chinese smartphone review

Chinese handset giant ZTE has been on an aggressive path to establish its brand in India. The leading original equipment manufacturer had launched a couple of devices in July this year including this Blade G2 Android smartphone.

It is to be noted that ZTE sells its smartphones to a lot of handset manufacturers who in turn sell them under their own brand. ZTE is one of the leading handset sellers in Western countries too. Thus, we had high hopes from ZTE smartphones, including from Blade G2. But ZTE Blade G2 is currently available for Rs 9,999-a price point at which it faces several threats from both Indian and MNC players, including devices with 1 GB RAM and huge 8 megapixel cameras.

So does ZTE Blade G2 offer quality for which you should buy it? Let's find out.

Design and display 

ZTE Blade G2 comes with a 4.5 inch display with a curved back panel that has the bulk of its mass in the middle, which makes it very easy to handle and carry around. The back panel has a rubberized finish that gives it a good grip. The rear camera panel and LED flash are artistically fitted in the rear panel, which further boosts it look. With 9.9 mm thickness and 145 grams of weight the ZTE Blade G2 is also one of the lightest and thinnest smartphones in the sub-Rs 10,000 price bracket.

As mentioned earlier, the ZTE Blade G2 has a 4.5 inch touchscreen. It is an IPS LCD unit and gives very good viewing angles, which is essential while playing running and racing games. The touch response is equally good. It has FWVGA resolution (480 x 854 pixel,) which is on the lower side considering the fact that most of its competitors come with qHD resolution.

Camera

The ZTE Blade G2 has a 5 megapixel rear camera and a 0.3 megapixel front camera. In the sub Rs 10,000 segment camera quality is a big problem despite the fact that many devices in this bracket come with an 8 megapixel camera.

So rather than talking about the technical aspects of the camera, we have clicked a few pictures (posted below) in different lighting, which should give you a decent idea. You can also use the front camera to click self-portraits and even videos, but you seriously should not try to use the 0.3 megapixel camera if it is not essential.

Note that while capturing the images we opted for the default setting without any modification.

Battery

There is a 2000 mAh battery in the Blade G2, which claims to provide 15 hours of 2G talktime and 12 hours of 3G talktime, which is almost double of what most of its competitors offer. Also, ZTE claims 300 hours of 2G standby.

As far as experience goes, the ZTE Blade G2 gives very good battery backup. Just charge it fully and forget it for 24 hours if you use the phone for about half an hour of gaming, and as much time for browsing the web and for making voice calls. In another instance, we played games on the Blade G2 for half an hour, with maximum brightness and medium volume, during which it consumed only 10 per cent charge. Also, once we watched YouTube videos over WiFi, using a Bluetooth headset, and it consumed only 10 per cent in half an hour.

Memory

Like most of its competitors, the ZTE Blade G2 also has 4 GB of internal memory of which 2.5 GB is available for users. There is an expandable slot where you can use up to a 32 GB micro SD card.

Performance

This smartphone comes with Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean. It has a quad core Mediatek (MT6589) processor but is underclocked to 1 GHz, which is why it gives stable performance. To support the processor there is a 512 MB RAM and PowerVR SGX 544MP graphics processing unit.

The combination is able to give good performance and you would not have a single crash during day to day tasks, even during multitasking when you have to open an array of apps, like camera, web browser, note pad, etc. It can also play a majority of the games in the Google Play Store like Stick Cricket, Temple Run 2, Temple Run Oz, Subway Surfer, and even Dead Trigger, but it cannot play graphics intensive games like Riptide GP2, Modern Combat 3 etc due to obvious reasons and one cannot expect devices in this range to play such games.

Conclusion

The ZTE Blade G2 has a decent display and very good battery backup. Memory-wise too it is like its competitors. However, it has only 512 MB RAM unlike many of its competitors, which otherwise come with 1 GB RAM. Though ZTE claims that the Blade G2 performs better than its competitors, which come with 1 GB RAM, we did not have a chance to check the claim. Low resolution also mars the video viewing experience as well as the fun of playing HD games.

In a nutshell, the ZTE Blade G2 is mediocre vis-à-vis features but provides very good performance nonetheless. It is ideal for those who want good battery backup and decent all round performance.

Android smartphone review-ZTE Blade G2 Specifications
Network
Operating System	Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean
Dimensions	9.9 mm thickness and 145 grams weight
Display	4.5 inch display, FWVGA resolution (480 x 854 pixel)
Input Method	Touch (capacitive)
Processor	1 GHz quad core Mediatek (MT6589), GPU-PowerVR SGX 544MP
Memory	512 RAM, 4 GB of internal memory ( 2.5 GB is available for users), Expandable-32 GB micro SD card
Connectivity	WiFi, Bluetooth
Multimedia	Supports all major audio file types
Camera	5 megapixel rear camera and a 0.3 megapixel front camera
GPS
Additional features
Battery	2000 mAh battery
Warranty	1 year
Price	Rs 9,999

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LG G Flex to be more curvier, bigger than Samsung Galaxy Round

The LG G Flex smartphone said to run on the Google Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system and a quad-core 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 mobile chipset.

Few days after Samsung showcased world's first curved display bearing smartphone called Galaxy Round, images of LG's first curved display bearing smartphone - G Flex - has surfaced. It is to be noted that the LG G Flex is expected to be launched soon, as reported previously by Mobile & Tablets in India.

As per the recent leaked images, posted on Android Authority,the LG G Flex has a 6-inch display, which is tad bigger than Samsung Galaxy Round that has a 5. inch display. However, the G Flex seems much curvier than the Galaxy Round.

The LG G Flex smartphone said to run on the Google Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system and will be powered by a quad-core 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 mobile chipset. There are no further information on the LG G Flex.

To know more about Samsung Galaxy Round, click here.

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Cheapest Android phone: Josh Fortune Square launched at Rs 2,299

Despite being priced so low, the handset comes with Android Gingerbread, 32 GB expandable storage slot, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 2 megapixel rear camera.

Josh Mobiles has announced the launch of an Android smartphone, called Josh Fortune Square, for Rs 2229 only, which makes it the cheapest Android smartphone till date.

The Josh Fortune Square is based on older but powerful Android Gingerbread 2.3.5 operating system and offers a 3.5 inch display. It is powered by a single core processor running at 1 GHzand has a dedicated graphics chip as well. The smartphone comes with 256 MB RAM and has 90 MB of internal storage only. But one can expand its memory to up to 32 GB using a micro SD card.

It has a 3.5 inch display with 480 x 320 pixel resolution and capacitive touch input system supporting multi touch as well. The Josh Fortune Square has a 2 megapixel rear camera which is also capable of recording videos.

The handset comes ready with dual Sim GSM connectivity with 2.5G networks supported over the primary SIM. The device also has Bluetooth and WiFi. There is a 1450 mAh battery pack for powering up the device.

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LG Google Nexus 5 pricing rumors

LG and Google will introduce two models of the Nexus 5 smartphone with different battery capacities. The Nexus 5 16 GB model will feature a 2300 mAh battery at $299 and 32 GB model with 3000 mAh battery at $399.

Google and LG are working together to launch the next generation Nexus 5 smartphone later this month. The Nexus 5 smartphone will come with Android 4.4 KitKat update. While the launch date is still not announced, PhoneArena got tipped about the Nexus 5 models and selling prices. Nexus 5 will come in two different models with each offering battery capacity based on native on-board storage.

LG Google Nexus 5 will feature a 5 inch touchscreen display with 1080p HD resolution and will be powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 mobile chipset. This smartphone will debut the Android 4.4 KitKat update, which will later be pushed for other Nexus devices. Google and LG seem to have decided to offer different value propositions with the Nexus 5 models.

The tip about Nexus 5 pricing suggests that the base model-the 16 GB Nexus 5 for $299 will have a 2300 mAh battery; while the 32 GB Nexus 5 model for $399 will have a 3000 mAh battery. Till now, it has not been established whether the battery would be removable or not. Not to forget, the Nexus 5 also supports wireless charging.

The difference in battery capacity alongside storage might be quite an interesting move by LG and Google. The difference between the 16 GB and 32 GB model prices is $100, and that would make it easy for people to choose between them. Hopefully, other specifications would remain the same for the Nexus 5 model.

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Samsung Galaxy Round Launched

Samsung has officially announced world's first curved display bearing smartphone, called as Galaxy Round. However, unlike earlier expectations, it does not have a proper flexible display, rather its has a stationary curve that is said to fit a person's face. According to Samsung, this curvature lets users controls their apps, music, and photos more easily.

According to reports, the Samsung Galaxy Round has a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with high definition resolution (1080p). The 7.9mm thick smartphone weighs 154g and has a 2800mAh battery, Android 4.3 operating system, 3 GB RAM, and a 2.3GHz quad-core processor. The smartphone also has a 13-megapixel camera.

"As a result of its unique curved design, users can take advantage of round integration experiences like the Roll Effect that enables user to check information such as date, time, missed call and battery easily when home screen is off, and the Gravity Effect for creating visual interaction with the screen by tilting the device," Samsung said wrote in a statement.

"When the Galaxy Round's display is off while the music player is running, a short press to the left of the device will play the previous track while a short press to the right will play the next track. For pictures and videos, the Side Mirror feature enables users to gain access to list of the album content with a left and right tilt," the Korean company further added.

LG too is expected to introduce a smartphone with flexible display, which reportedly would be named as LG G Flex. As per earlier reports, LG may launch the G Flex in this month itself.

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