Huawei Mate 8 Review: Big Battery, Bigger Build

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Jamison Cush

Huawei is the number three smartphone vendor in the world, but it’s not well known in the US, where Samsung and Apple dominate. There were good reasons for that in past years. Huawei handsets typically topped out at the mid-range, and carriers were reluctant to offer them on contract. Add to that 2012 privacy and spying concerns raised by a U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence investigation into Huawei and ZTE, which centered around enterprise communication devices.

The Huawei Mate 8 is a large, all-metal Android smartphone.

But three years later, those concerns have subsided in regards to smartphones (and were probably overhyped to begin with). Look no further than Huawei’s involvement with the Nexus 6P for evidence. In addition, all the major carriers in the US have dropped contracts and largely opened up to unlocked devices, the very kind that Huawei produces.

That leads us to the Huawei Mate 8, an Android phablet Huawei is pushing as its new flagship, complete with fingerprint sensor, Android Marshmallow, and a mammoth battery. Circumstances in the US market now may favor Huawei, but does this phablet deliver the goods? Read on to find out.

Build & Design

The Huawei Mate 8 is a good looking smartphone. It’s large, and all-metal, with a good heft and solid build that implies a quality device.

It measures 6.19 x 3.17 x 0.31 inches and weighs about .4 pounds, making it larger than most phablets. It’s wide, with flat edges, rounded corners, and a slightly rounded back. We found it easier to grip than skinnier phablets, like the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+, but those with small hands will still want to stay away owing to its large size.

The Huawei Mate 8 sports a microUSB 2.0 input.

The Mate 8 display size is buttonless, with very thin side bezels. The top bezel is a bit thicker and houses an indicator light, ear speaker, 8-megapixel front camera and various sensors. The bottom bezel is thicker still, and it only features Huawei branding.

Looking at the sides, the top contains the 3.5mm audio jack and pinhole microphone. The bottom sports the microUSB charging and data input, sandwiched between two speakers. The left and right sides house the dual-SIM card slot and the power button as well as the single-piece volume rocker, respectively. Both sides also contain two antenna stripes.

We are not fans of having both the volume rocker and power button on the same side. Even though the power button is slightly textured, it’s still too easy to confuse the two without looking. More than once we almost powered down the device when only looking to lower the volume.

It’s too easy to confuse the Mate 8’s power button and volume rocker.

The back panel has the 16-megapixel rear shooter, centered on the upper portion, just above the circular fingerprint sensor and to the right of the dual-LED flash.

Huawei thankfully includes a clear plastic case with the smartphone, and we applaud them for it. Sure, it only offers minimal protection, but it’s perfect for providing peace of mind while users choose a real case. But again, this is a well built smartphone, and the all-metal build suggests it will survive an accidental drop or two.

Display

The Huawei Mate 8 has a metal back.

The Huawei Mate 8 has a 6-inch LCD IPS display with a 1080 x 1920 resolution, which results in 368 pixels per inch. That’s a good number, but it’s not great considering flagships like the Samsung Galaxy Note5 and S6 edge+ top 500 pixels per inch. It’s also outfitted with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to protect from scratches and cracks. It’s not Moto Shattershield, but it’s the next best thing.

As we’ve stated in past reviews, smartphone displays are no longer a matter of good and bad, but rather good and better. The Mate 8 has a good display, with excellent contrast reminiscent of OLED and bright colors. The whites tend toward the warmer side of things by default, with an almost orange tint (this can be adjusted in the settings), and max brightness is enough to cut through moderate glare. But it’s not the best.

The best are the aforementioned Galaxy displays (as of this writing). Compared against the best, the Mate 8’s limitations are more apparent. The Mate 8 suffers from minor but noticeable pixelation, and the display lacks the fullness of the higher-resolution screens.

It’s the same with the speakers. Isolated, they sound fine and are loud enough for personal use. Compared against other flagships, the Mate 8 sounds limited and muddied, lacking in crispness. Turning to headphones evens things out a bit, and the Mate 8 excels. Of course, smartphone speakers are the opposite of displays in that they are either bad or worse. This is the last thing that should sway a buying decision.

The post Huawei Mate 8 Review: Big Battery, Bigger Build appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Huawei Mate 8, MediaPad M2 Stand Alone as Android Flagships at CES 2016

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Jamison Cush

Huawei wants to be a major player in the US mobile market, almost as bad as it wants to earn a reputation as a maker of quality devices. This is obvious from its work with Google on the excellent Nexus 6P (which received a gold-colored variant at CES), and from the high-end Huawei Watch from earlier this year.

It’s fortunate for Huawei then that it announced the only flagship-level Android smartphone at CES 2016, along with the only high-end Android tablet. It’s even more fortunate that both seem quite appealing, at least based on our quick hands-on time with them on the show floor.

Huawei Mate 8

The Huawei Mate 8 phablet is a classy device. Its all-metal build looks and feels premium, almost like the Nexus 6P without the camera bump. The 6-inch IPS display is the real draw however. It extends nearly edge to edge, and it pops with excellent color and brightness. Despite having a 1920 x 1080 resolution and 367 pixel-per-inch count (the Samsung Galaxy Note5 tops 500 ppi), it certainly passes the eye test. Besides that, flagship smartphone displays are usually either great or really great, with minimal difference between the two.

The Mate 8 weighs about .4 pounds, making it a bit heavier than other phablets. But again, the difference here is slight. Besides, that weight goes to good use in the form of a 4000mAh battery, which is one of the largest we’ve seen on smartphone in some time.

That battery might be the Mate 8’s biggest selling point. Huawei claims it can last two days with normal use. Of course, we’ll have to test it out to be sure, but given its size, we’d be surprised if it didn’t considering its lower display resolution. On top of that, the Mate 8 supports quick charging, which we’ve found can pump in hours of juice with just minutes of charging.

Inside, it has an octa-core Kirin 950 SoC with four 2.3GHz Cortex-A72 cores and four 1.8GHz Cortex-A53 cores along with a Mali T880 GPU. It comes in two flavors: a 32GB model with 3GB of RAM, and a 64GB unit with 4GB of RAM.

The discrepancy here can be explained by its Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) OS. Since it has a microSD card slot (along with dual SIM), users can mount a microSD card as internal storage. So the increased RAM is a means of getting buyers to go with the more expensive unit.

In our brief time with the Mate 8, it ran smoothly and stayed cool. While that’s not surprising, the Mate 8 does have a tweaked version of Android Huawei dubs the Emotion UI, which is one of the heaviest we’ve seen since the earlier days of Samsung TouchWiz. It’s far from stock Android like the Nexus 6P, and those custom UIs have been known to muck things up on other devices. But there is some interesting stuff here, including knuckle-based tricks that turns finger knuckle swipes and taps into a variety of screenshots.

Other specs include a standard microUSB charging input (no USB Type-C here, unfortunately), back-mounted fingerprint reader that doubles as a front-camera selfie snapper, 16-megapixel rear shooter with OIS, and 8-megapixel front camera, both with Sony sensors. And being a dual-SIM device, it supports many global LTE bands.

Huawei claims the Mate 8 will ship in Q1 and it’s definitely coming to the US. Only European pricing was revealed, €600 for the 32GB/3GB RAM unit, and €700 for the 64GB/4GB unit. We actually have a Huawei Mate 8 in house, and will bring you a full review as soon as we can take it through the paces.

MediaPad M2

The Huawei MediaPad M2 is a 10.1-inch tablet, also with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, and two features that set it apart from the Android tablet pack. It has a stylus, and it has four Harman Kardon speakers running along its landscape edges.

Huawei MediaPad M2

Looking at the stylus, Huawei claims it has 2000 points of pressure, though reps couldn’t confirm the pen tech. It’s powered by a AAAA battery, leading us to believe it might be N-trig, given the fact that N-trig pens played nice with Android Honeycomb about five years ago on HTC and Lenovo tablets.

The Harmon Kardon speakers interest us the most, however. Tablet speakers are universally awful, so if the M2 can pump out reasonable sound, Huawei will have a winner. It’s impossible to judge them on a show floor as loud and busy as CES 2016 however, so we’ll reserve judgement.

Other specs include Android 5.1 with Huawei’s custom skin, which includes some pen features reminiscent of Samsung’s Note-specific software, a quad-core Kirin 930 processor running at 2.0GHz, fingerprint sensor on the lower landscape edge that looks just like a home button, and microUSB.

This is another device that is also coming to the US, but we don’t know exactly when. We do know the price. The MediaPad M2 will cost $349 for the 16GB unit with 2GB of RAM (stylus not included), and $469 for the 32GB unit with 3GB of RAM and the stylus.

Elegant and Jewel

Huawei Watch Jewel

Huawei also took the wraps off two new Huawei Watches, the Elegant and the Jewel. These are smaller than the Huawei Watch, with slimmer bands and a rose gold color. Obviously, Huawei is targeting the females with these two.

The Jewel is adorned with Swarovski zirconium and both have new watch faces, but otherwise these Android Wear smartwatches are identical to the Huawei Watch. A recent Android Wear update brings a new feature to all three, however. They can now receive voice calls, broadcasting through a tiny speaker located just under where the watch band connects. The original Huawei Watch already had the speaker (who knew?), and that means they can also pump out music.

Both are set to launch in Q1 at $499 for the Elegant, and $599 for the Jewel.

The post Huawei Mate 8, MediaPad M2 Stand Alone as Android Flagships at CES 2016 appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Who Needs a Flagship? ZTE and LG Leading the Way for Practical Smartphones at CES 2016

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Jamison Cush

There sure are a lot of mid-range smartphones at CES 2016. Maybe that’s because companies like LG and ZTE want to emulate the success Motorola is experiencing with its Moto G line; or maybe it’s because Mobile World Congress is right around the corner and the new flagships are still under wraps. But either way, a tech showcase that’s typically dominated by cutting-edge consumer electronics is playing host to some very practical mobile hardware.

ZTE Grand X3

ZTE doesn’t have the brand recognition of Samsung or HTC, but the Chinese device maker has been pumping out quality Android handsets for just as long. Its latest, which debuted at CES 2016, is the ZTE Grand X3.

The 5.5-inch Grand X3 has a respectable spec sheet considering its full price of $130. This Cricket-exclusive only has a 1280 x 720 LCD TFT display – far from the Full HD and up we see on today’s flagships, but it still looks decent, approaching AMOLED-levels of brightness.

ZTE Grand X3

ZTE Grand X3 back panel

It sports a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.3GHz processor that handles its Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) OS very well, resulting in a snappier experience than the 2GB of RAM would suggest. Maybe this is because the Grand X3 is very close to being stock Android. In fact, outside of “back” and “apps” capacitive keys that can be swapped to either side (a possibly useful feature we’ve never seen on Android hardware) we are hard pressed to find any UI tweaks or skins, which makes it all the more appealing.

For capacity, it has a 16GB, along with microSD expansion. If it ever gets Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), users will be able to mount an external card as internal storage. This would be a huge boon for users looking to load this device up with apps and pics.

On that note, it has a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and 8-megapixel rear. Again, this is not a point-and-shoot replacement, but the camera app has plenty of manual controls for things like ISO and exposure.

Other specs include a removable 3,080mAh battery (another great feature) and USB Type-C input for charging. Here at least, the X3 has recent flagships like the Samsung Galaxy Note5 beat, which still has an aging microUSB 2.0 input.

The Grand X3 is plastic, with a textured back that easy to grip. It’s very light for such a big smartphone.

But again, this is only $130 off contract, with Cricket’s LTE month-to-month service attached. Since Cricket’s parent company was acquired by AT&T in 2014, users should have no trouble finding a high-speed signal.

LG K Series

The LG K Series is similar, with LG launching two handsets at CES 2016: the K7 and the K10. Expect these devices to come to the pre-paid carrier Boost Mobile, which is hosted on Sprint’s network) later in the year.

Device specifics are a bit murkier here, as both handsets will have different specs varying by region.

The K7 is the smaller of the two, with a 5-inch display and 854 x 480 resolution. As with the X3, this is low, but it still looks good enough with a decent brightness and full colors. This will likely be called the Tribute 5 when it does launch on Boost. At least one unit will support LTE and have a 1.1GHz quad-core processor, along with a 5-megapixel front-facing shooter, and 8-megapixel rear. But again, that could change depending on where it is made available.

The K10 is slightly larger, with a 5.3-inch display and 1280×720 resolution. There is an LTE version, with either a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, quad-core 1.3GHz processor, or octa-core 1.14GHz processor. It will have a flagship-level 8-megapixel front camera, and 13-megapixel rear.

LG K Series back panel

Both phones are plastic and lightweight, but they look good, with what LG describes as a “curved, modern finish” and “2.5D Arc Glass” display. You certainly won’t be ashamed to be seen in public with either. They both ship with Android 5.1.1.

No word on pricing, but they should match or beat the ZTE Grand X3. Again, this is not the most exciting hardware, but it is exciting that these inexpensive smartphones are not far from the $700 flagships currently on the market. In terms of what you can actually do with these devices (text, email, apps, browsing the web, mobile productivity), there is virtually nothing that separates them.

The Moto G owned this category for the past few years, and now Motorola has serious competition in the form of these practical handsets. Stay tuned for some full reviews of the new ZTE and LG Android hardware.

The post Who Needs a Flagship? ZTE and LG Leading the Way for Practical Smartphones at CES 2016 appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Samsung Gear VR Review: You Gotta Try This VR

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Jamison Cush

Virtual reality has been the near future of personal computing for more than 25 years, always just on the cusp of breaking out. While the initial excitement of the 1990s gave way to the mobile computing revolution 2000s, VR seems once again poised to grab its place in the mainstream, this time riding its strength with gaming.

Samsung Galaxy Gear VR looks like ski goggles.

Samsung Gear VR looks like ski goggles.

Oculus literally “Kickstarted” its resurgence with a hugely successful crowd-funding effort in 2013, followed by a $2 billion Facebook acquisition and subsequent VR efforts from Sony, Microsoft, and HTC, to name a few.

Still, almost three years since the Oculus Kickstarter campaign, VR remains just out of reach for all but early adopters and enthusiasts with deep pockets thanks to long development cycles and high prices. In late 2015, Oculus looks to change that by partnering with Samsung for the Gear VR, a $99 Samsung smartphone accessory that could potentially mark a milestone in consumer VR.

With a Gear VR in hand, the team at NotebookReview takes a fresh look at the technology to judge whether the hype is warranted, and if the headset is worth your hard-earned money.

Build & Design

Samsung Galaxy Gear VR touchpad and back button.

Samsung Gear VR touchpad and back button.

There is no doubt the Samsung Gear VR is a virtual-reality headset at first glance. It looks the part, like an oversized set of ski goggles, complete with two elastic and adjustable head straps that wrap both around the back of the head and over the top. The main portion is white, with a large touchpad on the wearer’s right side that features a center divot in a vertical and horizontal groove. A small back button sits just above it, and a volume rocker rests in front, located on the black smartphone housing. A large focus dial sits centered on the top, while the bottom houses a microUSB input.

The smartphone housing also has a male microUSB dongle for connecting the phone, right on a hinge, along with an adjustable clamp for securing a smartphone. A removable black covering snaps into the Gear VR front.

Within the Gear VR are the glass eye pieces, while foam cushioning lines the back.

The Gear VR weighs about .7 pounds without a smartphone docked. With a phone, the weight tops 1 pound. Samsung claims this Gear VR is 19% lighter than the previous incarnations.

Samsung smartphones dock easily in the Galaxy Gear VR.

Samsung smartphones dock easily in the Gear VR.

Physically, the Gear VR is about as comfortable as a device with this design can be, and the adjustable straps do the job of securing the VR viewer well, never digging into the skin or behind the ears. The foam cushioning is also plentiful and serves users well. However, it might seal the Gear VR up too well. The lenses often fog up a few seconds after putting the Gear VR on, though things do clear a few minutes later.

The black front covering is unnecessary in use, and in fact blocks the “camera passthrough” mode. It’s good to have close by, however, as it protects the glass eye pieces when the Gear VR is not in use.

Samsung smartphones dock securely and easily, and removing them is not a hassle. Samsung wisely left an opening for a phone’s 3.5mm headphone jack, and a decent set of wired headphones go a long way to creating the immersive VR effect. We did find that the opening wasn’t big enough for some headphone jacks, particularly those with a 90-degree pin design. In testing the Gear VR, the phone always remained stable, even with frequent and jittery head whipping. The large trackpad, buttons, and focus wheel are easy to identify by touch. This is the kind of device you can just pick up and use.

The post Samsung Gear VR Review: You Gotta Try This VR appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Motorola Droid Turbo 2 Review: Unbreakable and Unbeatable

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Jamison Cush

It happens and it’s awful. You drop your smartphone and crack the display. What’s worse, because a smartphone can still function with a shattered screen, it’s not an excuse to get a new phone. Too many smartphone owners stick with their shattered devices, complete with spider-webbed cracking to remind them of their fumbles.

The Motorola Droid Turbo 2 with ShatterShield display.

The best scratch-proof Gorilla Glass can’t prevent cracked screens 100% of the time, nor can a protective case. But Motorola claims it can with ShatterShield, “the world’s first shatterproof display,” as featured on the Motorola Droid Turbo 2.

We’ve had good things to say about recent Motorola Android smartphones, including the budget Moto G and flagship Moto X Pure Edition. The Verizon-exclusive Droid 2 Turbo shares many of the same specs as the latter, so it has to be good. Right? Read on to find out.

Build & Design

You’d think a shatterproof smartphone would resemble the rugged Android devices designed for jobsites, but the Motorola Droid Turbo 2 isn’t a bulky brick by any stretch. It measures 5.9 x 3.07 x .36 inches (HWD) and weighs .037 pounds, putting it in line with other flagships.

It’s laid out like past Moto X devices with a microUSB 2.0 on bottom and 3.5mm audio jack on the top, next to a microSIM and microSD card slot. The textured powered button rests on the right side, just above the volume rocker.

The Motorola Droid Turbo 2 has the familiar Motorola inset.

An aluminum frame wraps around the phone, while the back panel features an oblong inset centered on the top end. Within the inset, the rear camera sits on top, just above the LED light and Motorola-logoed thumb rest. Two pin-hole speakers sit on the top and bottom of the back panel. The Droid Turbo 2 is sealed and the back panel cannot be removed.

The excellent Moto Maker returns, giving users a limited ability to customize the device, including front, frame, back, and accent colors. Droid Turbo 2 buyers can also choose from a soft grip, ballistic nylon, or pebbled leather (for an extra $24) back panel material.

Overall, the Motorola Droid Turbo 2 is a well-built Android smartphone. It feels very solid and features a “water repellent nano-coating” that Motorola claims protects it against “moderate exposure to water such as accidental spills, splashes, or light rain.” It’s not waterproof, however, and should not be submerged.

It’s a bit shorter and slightly stouter than other phablets, but the slightly curved back aids in ergonomics. This Android smartphone is well balanced, and easier to hold than other models, owing a great deal to whichever build material users choose. All offer better grip than glass or sheer plastic.

Display

The Motorola Droid Turbo 2 has a 5.4-inch AMOLED display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, resulting in an impressive 540 pixels per inch. It has a relatively thick bezel, no doubt due to ShatterShield, especially at the bottom edge. Fortunately for Verizon, this gives them plenty of room to slip in a logo.

It’s here that we typically rave about display quality, especially AMOLED display quality. But we won’t be doing that. The Droid Turbo 2 has a drab screen that’s still dim at max brightness. Indoors, it’s not uncomfortable to view, and is perfectly usable, but whites look especially dirty, and colors lack the pop associated with AMOLED. Outdoors, it has trouble cutting through glare from the sun. Compare it side-by-side with a similarly-specced display, and the difference is stark.

But we aren’t complaining too loudly. And that’s because this is undoubtedly the result of the ShatterShield technology that consists of five layers of protection, with three above the actual display. According to Motorola, that includes:

An exterior protective lens to guard against scratches and dings
An interior lens to prevent cracking and shattering
A dual touch layer to mitigate against touch performance issues resulting from damage
The actual AMOLED display
And an aluminum chassis

There’s a trade off here, added protection for display aesthetics. That ShatterShield actually does what Motorola claims; it’s definitely worth it, no doubt.

Technically, Motorola offers a warranty, claiming, “Your ShatterShield display is guaranteed not to crack or shatter for four years.” However, the fine print excludes “impact damage (e.g. dropping the Product),” meaning you can’t drop the Droid Turbo 2 constantly for four straight years and expect it to survive.

But according to our tests, it will survive drops. In fact, our review unit survived dozens of drops, all onto hard surfaces, and all from four to five feet up. It’s really quite amazing. The abuse we heaped upon the Motorola Droid Turbo 2 would have cracked any other smartphone not specifically ruggedized.

Like the Samsung Galaxy S6 active, this is a smartphone we would carry without a case. But the Samsung device looks like a ruggedized smartphone (in fact, we called it “kind of ugly”). The Droid Turbo 2 has elements of Droid’s industrial branding, but it looks like any other device at a glance. ShatterShield is legit, and it’s remarkable.

The front-mounted speakers are also worth noting. They are not the loudest we’ve tested (in fact, the Moto X Pure Edition speakers are much louder), but they do emit very clean sound. Speakers should be the last thing you consider when buying a smartphone. Still the Droid Turbo 2 speakers are quite good.

The post Motorola Droid Turbo 2 Review: Unbreakable and Unbeatable appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Huawei Watch Review: Android Wear Goes Uptown

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Jamison Cush

Smartwatches basically suffer the same fundamental limitations across the board, especially Android Wear devices. There is not much more the most expensive Android Wear watch can do that the cheapest cannot thanks to Google’s wearable OS. This leaves smartwatch makers with only hardware options for differentiation, which Huawei took to the heart with its latest, the Huawei Watch.

“Inspired by the classic design of luxury watches,” the Huawei Watch is built for “smart, stylish people,” according to the company. Its price tag, ranging from $350 to $800, matches this pitch, as the Huawei Watch is one of the more expensive Android Wear watches available.

Huawei hopes this focus on quality watch hardware will be enough to pull potential buyers away from competing devices, including the LG Watch Urbane, which is going after the same upscale demographic.

Is it enough? Read on to find out.

Build & Design

The Huawei Watch has a quality build.

This is a well-built watch. We’ve dinged Huawei in the past for its wearable design choices, but there is nothing to complain about here. The 42mm watch face consists of cold-forged 316L stainless steel, and juts out about 11.3mm from the wrist. It feels solid, and a bit heavier than expected, which suggests a quality build.

Our review unit felt great when worn, both well balanced and snug. To be fair, we tested the black stainless steel link band, and can’t speak to the comfort of the steel mesh or leather bands. Given those are typically the more comfortable than metal links with traditional watches, we’re confident that all Huawei Watch options wear well.

While it’s obvious Huawei is marketing the Huawei Watch to men, it’s still too bad it’s only available in this size. It’s large enough that we suggest anyone looking to buy try it on first.

The Huawei Watch sports a crown on the upper-left side of its round display, which only functions as a button, toggling the display and apps/settings access. It presses well and serves its purpose.

It’s IP67 rated, meaning it can deal with dust and water splashes, and even an accidental submersion. Just to be safe, don’t take it in the shower or pool, but if you wear it while washing your hands or get caught in the rain, it will be fine.

The Huawei Watch charges via a magnetic sphere that attaches to the bottom. But unlike the Apple Watch charger, this one has four pins that align to receptacles on the back. Overall, it’s not a bad charger design, but it’s not as good as the Apple Watch or Moto 360, given the pins require specific placement.

Display

The Huawei Watch AMOLED display is excellent.

The Huawei Watch display is fully round, unlike the Moto 360 smartwatches that have the “flat tire” look owing to a small section on the display bottom. It’s a 1.4-inch full-circle AMOLED display with a 400 x 400 resolution, resulting in 286 pixels per inch.

It looks great and further proves AMOLED is the only smartwatch display tech worth conisdering. Colors pop, contrast is deep, and it’s sufficiently bright at the highest setting.

The display glass is sapphire crystal, making it extremely tough. That, coupled with a display bezel that slight extends above the watch, add a sense of security in knowing this watch face won’t nick or scratch easily.

Unfortunately, it’s also a reflective display, and here’s where the display praise ends. The Huawei Watch can be really hard to see outdoors in bright light. Max brightness offers a passable experience, but the Android smartwatch does not have an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust. Users have to manually boost the brightness in order to cut through any glare. Android Wear offers shortcuts to the setting, but it’s extremely difficult to access when you can’t see anything. There should be a voice command for this, but we couldn’t find one.

To be fair, this has been a constant problem with many smartwatches we’ve tested, and it’s illustrative of the limits. In fact, only high-end tablets and smartphones have been able to reasonably address glare.

The post Huawei Watch Review: Android Wear Goes Uptown appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ vs. Motorola Moto X Pure Edition

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Jamison Cush

Smartphones have been really good lately. There are so few clunkers, it’s tough to figure out which to get. In late 2015, it’s particularly tough, as there are three excellent Android handsets available: the Samsung Galaxy Note5, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+, and the Motorola Moto X Pure Edition. Yes, there are other new and flagship-level phones on the market, like the OnePlus 2 and there are two new Nexus devices, but these three handsets have been widely available for a few months. This means bugs have been ironed out and new features launched.

Read our reviews and you’ll see that they are all good. So which is the best? It turns out that the better questions is, who’s buying?

Build and Design

The Galaxy Note5 looks great, but it’s a fingerprint magnet.

These phones are all big, measuring about 6 x 3, and range between .43 (Moto X) and .27 (S6 edge+) inches thick. Each weigh less than .4 pounds, meaning that any difference is insignificant. They take up the same footprint.

The Note5 and edge+ are stunning smartphones. They look high-end, with Gorilla Glass back panels and aluminum frames. The edge+ is the slicker of the two owing to its curved display. Unfortunately, both are also fingerprint magnets, and both lack a microSD card slot and a removable battery.

The Moto X Pure Edition looks like a run-of-the-mill smartphone. It’s nothing special, but Motorola lets users customize the back panel, accents, and display trim colors, as well as back panel material (leather, wood, or textured plastic). It also doesn’t have a removable battery, but it does have a microSD card slot, which is inconveniently located alongside the SIM card, meaning you have to eject the SIM to swap the card. It’s annoying, but better than nothing.

Motorola claims the Moto X is water repellant, while Samsung makes no such assertion. We can’t say just how much more water the Moto X can resist before failing, so we’re wary about taking any of the three out in the rain.

These smartphones aren’t rugged, and you’ll want a case to protect against drops, especially for the Note5 and edge+. Their glass backs are slick. The Moto X ships with a clear plastic edge case, which we love. While it’s only a cheap piece of plastic that doesn’t replace a full-on protective case, it’s also an extra that gives us a little peace of mind while we pick out a better option. Kudos to Motorola for the consideration.

Bottom Line: The Galaxy smartphones are two of the best built and best designed smartphones we’ve ever seen. The Moto X has more utility and some robust customization offerings. We say it’s a wash.

Display

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ has a great display.

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 has a 5.7-inch Gorilla Glass 4 Super AMOLED display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, giving it 518 pixels per inch.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ has the same, but with sloped edges.

The Motorola Moto X Pure Edition has a 5.7-inch Gorilla Glass IPS TFT LCD display, also with the same resolution.

The Moto X display is good. The Samsung Galaxy smartphone displays are the best we’ve seen to date. We seem to say that with every new Samsung smartphone, and it’s because the Super AMOLED technology Samsung uses to build the display is noticeable superior to LCD. The colors are more vibrant and the blacks are deeper.

Of the two Samsung Android smartphones, the Galaxy S6 edge+ gets the, ahem, edge. The sloped sides provide limited utility, but they create the illusion that apps and content are floating over the display. This is the kind of display you’ll watch anything on, just to see how cool it looks.

Bottom line: The Moto X is good, and it shrugs off glare from overhead light and sun well. Both Samsung smartphones are better, and also do very well outdoors. The Note5 would be the best we’ve seen to date if not for the S6 edge+ and its curved edges.

Buttons/Ports/Speakers

The Moto X Pure Edition has a microSD card slot.

No matter which you chose, it sports a microUSB 2.0 port and 3.5mm audio jack. We expect USB C to replace 2.0 very soon, and these could be the last flagships to ship with it.

As mentioned, the Moto X has a microSD card slot, and no onscreen buttons. It also has a power button and volume rocker, which we complained were easy to confuse by touch alone, even though the power button is slightly textured.

The Samsung Galaxies have a home button that doubles as a fingerprint scanner, sitting between two capacitive softkeys, back and all apps. Volume control is split into two buttons, and they sit on one side opposite the power button. Both have a heartrate sensor just under the back camera.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ has sloped edges, which look great, but don't offer much utility.

The Samsung Galaxies have a great button layout.

We prefer the Galaxy layout as it eliminates any potential volume/power confusion. We also like the home button as it is more satisfying to push or click something than tap an icon. It’s easier to find without looking as well. Samsung also gets credit for the fingerprint scanner. It works consistently enough that it’s not a liability, and we appreciate the convenience of a quick thumb press to unlock in lieu of PIN code or password. Smartphone heartrate sensors exemplify feature creep in our experience and are unnecessary. But since they don’t distract from the designs here, they are easy to ignore.

The Samsung Galaxy speakers are bottom mounted, while the Moto X has front-facing speakers. Samsung loaded up granular audio controls and audio upscaling, which has a more profound effect on local media than it does streaming. The Moto X speakers are a bit louder and fuller by default, but the difference is slight.

Bottom Line: Samsung nails it with button placement and the fingerprint scanner. But give Motorola credit for the microSD card slot. The Moto X also has better sound output overall. These three Android devices have better speaker performance than most others, but we’d sooner flip a coin to make a buying decision than rely on smartphone speaker quality.

Stylus

The S Pen slots in the bottom, next to the speaker.

The S Pen slots in the Note5 bottom.

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 is the only one of the three with stylus support. Even though it’s a Samsung smartphone, the S6 edge+ does not work with the S Pen. We’ve found older S Pens work with the Note5, though don’t fit into the smartphone’s receptacle.

The S Pen docks within the Note5, and the smartphone has some excellent software tweaks to take advantage of it. Note mainstays like Action Memo, Smart Select, and S Note are on board, but we especially like the ability to actually edit and not just write over PDFs. The lock screen scribble pad is also a great addition, but we really love the way it has all been implemented on the phone. The S Pen features feel more accessible and almost native to Android rather than tacked on. More than any previous Note, the S Pen features are easier to incorporate into workflows.

Performance

Both Samsung Galaxies sport an octa-core Exynos 7420 chipset (64-bit, 2.1GHz Quad + 1.5GHz Quad) and 4GB of RAM. The Moto X Pure Edition sports a hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor (1.8GHz), which includes a 600Mhz Adreno 418 GPU, and various cores dubbed the Motorola Computing System dedicated to natural voice processing and motion-based controls and triggers, along with 3GB of RAM.

The Note5 and S6 edge+ are more powerful, which shows in the benchmarks.

Using all three side-by-side-by-side, it’s tough to discern which is the best performer. However, the extra GB of RAM helps the Samsung smartphones with multitasking, and the demands of the various TouchWiz features Samsung adds to Android. Many of these, like Multi Mode, necessitate decent horsepower.

Bottom Line: The Moto X isn’t bad, but it can’t keep up with the Samsung Galaxy Note5 and S6 edge+.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 S Pen features are well incorporated.

Software

All three smartphone run Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, and are a lock for an Android Marshmallow update. Given the companies’ histories with updates, we expect they will also receive the Android N update as well, but we are a bit more confident in Motorola’s ability to more quickly roll it out.

The Motorola Moto X has a near stock version of Android, coupled with Motorola’s genuinely useful software tweaks. We especially like Moto Actions and Moto Display, and we love the fact that it’s available unlocked from Motorola and supports the four major US carriers. This means that it’s free of carrier bloatware like NFL Mobile and redundant navigation apps.

Though it’s scaled back things with recent Galaxies, Samsung still has some of the heaviest Android additions thanks to its TouchWiz. Most tweaks, like Multi Mode, prove useful, and others are necessary differentiators like the S Pen features and the Apps Edge. Thankfully, Samsung no longer preloads an absurd amount of bloatware, but rather keeps them available through its Galaxy App store. Instead, it preloads Microsoft Office apps and quality utilities like SideSync, which can’t be deleted, only disabled.

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ differ only in that the Note5 has the S Pen and its respective pen software, while the edge+ has the Apps Edge and People Edge, which features shortcuts and colored alerts on the sloped sides.

We tested the 32GB versions of all three devices, and each shipped with about 23GB to 24GB of space available out of the box.

Bottom Line: The Note5 and Edge features undoubtedly add to the devices, and are fine Android tweaks. Compare the rest of Samsung TouchWiz to the clean Moto X and the Motorola Android smartphone gets the win. The closer to stock Android the better.

Mobile Payments

Android Pay, Google’s NFC payment system, is similar to Apple Pay in that in requires specialized hardware on the retailer’s end to process payment, and it’s on all three phones. Many major outlets accept it, but not all, and small mom-and-pop shops are less likely.

The Note5 and S6 edge+ are also Samsung Pay devices. Because Samsung Pay supports magnetic secure transmission (MTS) technology, it can be accepted just about anywhere that accepts credit cards. MTS has its limits (some card readers require a physical trigger, like those found at gas stations), but Samsung Pay is clearly accepted at more retailers than any other mobile payment.

Bottom Line: Samsung is the clear winner here.

Battery

All three smartphones have a sizable 3,000mAh battery, but the Galaxy Android phones have much better battery life. The Moto X Pure Edition lasted 5 hours streaming Netflix over Wi-Fi with the display brightness maxed out. The Galaxies both lasted approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes. That’s impressive. The Galaxies likely owe their longevity to a processor capable of managing power effectively, and their AMOLED displays, which require less power than the Moto X’s LCD.

Both feature some sort of fast charging technology that power up a dead battery to 50% in about 20 to 30 minutes, and fully charge it in the hour, with the Moto X being a few minutes faster than the Galaxies.

Both the Note5 and S6 edge+ support PMA and WPC wireless charging technologies out of the box, while the Moto X does not. In fact, it doesn’t support any wireless charging technologies.

Bottom Line: The Moto X charges a bit faster, but the Galaxies last longer and can be wirelessly charged. They win.

Connectivity

These are LTE smartphones, with the Samsung Galaxies featuring LTE Cat. 6 and 9, along with dual-band 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth v4.2 LE. The Moto X Pure Edition is an LTE Cat. 6 device, with the same Wi-Fi spec, and Bluetooth v4.1 LE.

LTE Cat. 9 promises absurdly fast speeds, but it’s tough to find in the US. Users probably also won’t notice the difference in Bluetooth either. The 4.2 standard is technically faster and has a greater capacity along with increased security, but those features were added with the Internet of Things in mind. For smartphone users, keyboards, smartwatches, and other Bluetooth accessories will function just about the same on all three devices.

Bottom Line: Technically, the Samsung smartphones are better. In real-world usage, any difference is tough to discern.

Camera

The Moto X has the Galaxies beat on the megapixel count, with its 21-megapixel rear shooter and 5-megapixel front camera, compared to 16 megapixels and 5, respectively. But the Galaxies have f/1.9 lens and optical image stabilization, while the Moto X has an f/2.0 and no OIS.

On paper, the strengths and weaknesses here should balance out, but in the world these smartphones occupy, the Galaxy Android handsets are the superior cameras. They are actually some of the best available (if not the best), and rival the output of any point and shoot. They especially excel in more challenging shooting situations, delivering clarity, detail, and balance.

The Galaxy Note5 has a great camera that captures excellent details.

The Moto X camera is decent, and is definitely a step up from the previous Moto Android offerings. We like the quick launch action and the camera app’s simplicity. But it’s clearly one of the weakest compared against other flagships in 2015.

All three cameras can shoot 4k video, but the Galaxies are the only that support RAW image files (a huge plus for serious photographers that like to tinker in Photoshop). Plus, the Galaxies are the only smartphones that enable YouTube live streaming. This process is surprisingly cumbersome using a laptop or desktop, as of this writing, so it’s a great exclusive. But Google owns YouTube, so it probably won’t be long before the feature becomes baked into the YouTube app for Android. Note5 users can also annotate photos with the S Pen.

The Moto X Pure Edition camera software is simple, which we like.

Bottom Line: The Samsung Galaxy Note5 and S6 edge+ have two of the best smartphone cameras on the market. The Moto X isn’t bad, but it’s a long way from being equal.

Price

Samsung Galaxy Note5 and S6 edge+ prices vary by carrier, but off contract they both run about $700 for the 32GB version and $800 for the 64GB version.

Here’s where the Moto X Pure Edition shines. It starts at $400 for the 16GB version, going up to $450 and $500 for the 32GB and 64GB versions, respectively.

Bottom Line: The Moto X Pure Edition is the best value at the high end of the smartphone market. Samsung can’t compete.

The Best Android Smartphone

Moto X Pure Edition looks like your average smartphone.

If we’re paying, we pick the Moto X Pure Edition.

A superb display, camera, processing power, and Samsung Pay make the Samsung Galaxy Note5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ the best smartphones in this bunch, and likely the best Android smartphones of 2015. Of the two, the edge+ is a slicker device, but we prefer and recommend the Note5 for its handy S Pen. Samsung did a great job incorporating the S Pen features into the device, and even casual users will benefit from it.

That said, we can’t dismiss price, and the Samsung hardware is prohibitively expensive. If the money is coming out of our pockets, we’re going with the Moto X Pure Edition. As we stated in the review, it has a “just right” balance of price and performance, with an excellent Android implementation, and fun design choices.

Bottom Line: If someone else is buying, go with the Samsung Galaxy Note5. If you’re picking up the tab, the Moto X Pure Edition is much better than good enough.

The post Samsung Galaxy Note5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ vs. Motorola Moto X Pure Edition appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Moto X Pure Edition Review: The “Just Right” Flagship

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Jamison Cush

How’s this for a smartphone sales hook? It’s a “just right” Android handset, with an above-average spec sheet, a reasonable off-contract price, and few flourishes or gimmicks.

With Android device makers turning to display edges, design curves, 4K displays, active styluses, and software tweaks to differentiate their offerings from one another, Motorola’s basic-is-better approach to hardware is refreshing, and it’s resulted in two generations of solid flagship devices in the Moto X line.

The latest, the Moto X Pure Edition, continues that trend, along with the line’s customization features, giving users a wide array of color options, and a few new build materials to boot. It also starts at $400 off contract, and works on just about every US carrier.

That has to make the Moto X Pure Edition a real winner, right? Read on to find out.

Build & Design

Moto X Pure Edition looks like your average smartphone.

Even with the most garish color combination, the Moto X is a good looking smartphone. It has a very thin bezel on both the right and left portrait sides, while adhering to the Android buttonless display trend. The ear and mouth pieces double as the front facing speakers, located on the top and bottom bezels, and they are joined by various infrared sensors, the 5-megapixel front-facing camera, and a front-facing camera flash, which is an uncommon but useful addition.

The Moto X Pure Edition measures 6 x 3 x .24-.43 inches (H x W x D) and weighs .39 pounds. It has a curved back, which aids ergonomics, though not enough to keep the smartphone from being unwieldy and awkward, especially when trying to operate with one hand. This is the trade-off for the big screen with every phablet.

The back houses the 21-megapixel rear camera located just above the flash/LED light. Both are contained in an oblong plastic accent, along with a small finger rest adorned with the Motorola logo. There are various pinhole mics along the back for recording audio during video.

The power button and single-piece volume rocker reside on one long side, while the USB 2.0 input sits on the bottom. The 3.5 audio jack and microSIM/microSD tray, which require pin removal, sit on the top.

We complained in the Galaxy Note5 review about USB 2.0. It’s old and time for the flagships to move past it. Given that the Moto X has a more modest price tag and spec sheet, we’ll give it a pass. The placement of the power button and volume rocker on the same side presents issues, however. Although the power button is textured, it’s tough to distinguish the two by touch, resulting in too many accidental power offs.

The basic Moto X Pure Edition features a soft grip back, which feels pleasant, though not as premium as other flagships. It easily scuffs and scratches.

Depending on the storage configuration, users can select from up to three color combinations for the frame and front (white/silver, white/champagne, black/gray), and seven choices for the accent. Users can also go with a “soft grip” back (slightly ribbed plastic with 10 color options), or you can choose from among 4 color options with wood or leather backs. Our review unit features the soft grip back, which feels pleasant, though not as premium as other flagships. It easily scuffs and scratches.

There is no removable battery, but the microSD card slot is a great addition that is missing from too many other smartphones. It’s water repellent, meaning it will shrug off spills and splashes, but shouldn’t be submerged. Overall, it feels solid with no creak or flex. It likely will survive a drop or two, but just as with any phone not specifically ruggedized, a case is a worthwhile investment. In fact, the Moto X Pure Edition ships with a clear plastic edge ring, which offers limited, but still welcomed, protection. Kudos to Motorola for including it.

Display & Speakers

The Moto X Pure Edition has a 5.7-inch IPS TFT LCD display with Gorilla Glass 3, and a 1440 x 2560 resolution, which translates into a density of 520 pixels per inch. This is a departure from the 2014 Moto X’s 5.2-inch AMOLED display, and even though the Pure Edition has a larger display with about 100 more pixels per inch, we can’t say it’s much of an improvement.

With these sizes and resolutions, it’s near impossible to discern the difference in pixel density, but AMOLED display technology is superior. It produces more vibrant colors and deeper blacks. For its part, LCD has come a long way, and the difference between the two isn’t as stark as it once was. Still, AMOLED is the better choice if image quality is your primary concern. LCD typically has cleaner whites, but our sample of the Moto X Pure Edition has a slight magenta tint.

Keep in mind that we’re nitpicking here. The Moto X Pure Edition has a fine display that’s just below the best of the best. Users won’t be disappointed, and it’s especially good at cutting through the type of glare found outdoors on a sunny day.

We’ll have to take Motorola at its word that this Moto X has stereo speakers, because at this size, the effect is hard to discern. Overall, the sound is cramped, which is common to every smartphone we’ve ever tested. They are plenty loud, and that makes them better than most.

The post Moto X Pure Edition Review: The “Just Right” Flagship appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review: Great, Big, & Pricey

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Jamison Cush

Once upon a time, the large-screen smartphone category was dominated by one device: the Samsung Galaxy Note. It was literally the original phablet (not counting the ill-received Dell Streak), and it was the only smartphone north of five inches worth considering.

Samsung Galaxy Note5

Fast forward five generations of smartphone, and nearly all Android smartphones have at least five-inch displays, and even Apple entered the segment in 2014 with the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus.

In 2015, Samsung can no longer count on display size to contrast it against rivals. Instead, it has to innovate and push its other differentiator, the S Pen. With the Samsung Galaxy Note5, it does just that with a revised Air command launch, new blank-screen note mode, and PDF annotation. It pushes things further with Galaxy-specific features like YouTube Live Streaming, Samsung Pay, and SideSync.

Of course, it also helps that the Samsung Galaxy Note5 is hitting the market before Apple refreshes its iPhablet for 2015.

All that being said, does the Samsung Galaxy Note5 do enough to stand out from a market awash in large-screen options? Does it have enough to stave off competition from Samsung’s single biggest rival, Apple? Read on to find out.

Build & Design

Samsung embraced a new design philosophy with the S6, and that carries over to the Note5. Gone are the faux-leather and cheesy stitching, in its place are a sloped Gorilla Glass 4 back with aluminum frame.

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 has no removable battery.

Gone too, unfortunately, are the removable back panel and battery, and the microSD card slot. While we can understand the need to make the Galaxy S6, S6 edge, and new Galaxy S6 edge+ as slick as possible, the Note5 is built for productivity. Losing utility in the name of style betrays its core focus, and probably turns off a few enterprise customers to boot.

That the Note5 looks as good as it does make this a bit easier to swallow. There’s no doubt this is a premium smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 measures 6.03 x 3 x .3 inches, making it slightly smaller than the Note 4. At .37 pounds, it feels solid and finely built, with absolutely no creek or flex. This thing will likely survive a few drops before cracking, but we still suggest a protective case.

The slightly sloped back aids in ergonomics, but the glass is a bit too slick for our liking. Say what you will about the faux leather, but it was easy to grip. Overall, it resists fingerprints and smudging about as well as a glass back can, but they are visible in the right light.

Taking a look at the Note5, the power button rests on the right side, while a separated volume rocker rests on the left. There is a SIM card slot on the top, next to a microphone. The bottom houses a 3.5mm audio jack, microUSB 2.0 port, speaker, microphone, and S Pen slot.

The S Pen slots in the bottom, next to the speaker.

The 5.7-inch display dominates the front, with an ultra-thin bezel on each side. The top has space for sensors, ear speaker, and the 5-megapixel front-facing shooter. The bottom has a physical home button that doubles as a fingerprint senor, resting between “all apps” and “back” capacitive softkeys.

The back houses the 16-megapixel rear shooter, flash, and heart-rate sensor

It’s nice to see Samsung eschew the trend toward on-screen nav button in favor of a physical home key, even if it’s only because Samsung needs a place to put the fingerprint sensor. The button is easy to find by touch alone, and a press is always more satisfying than a screen tap.

Samsung also redesigned the S Pen, giving it a clickable bottom knob that doubles as a release trigger. It also feels more solid than the plastic sticks of Notes past, though it still retains the rubber tip and single button.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 has a thin bezel and sloped back.

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 has a stunning display. It’s one of the best we’ve seen on a smartphone to date. Of course, we’ve been saying that about Samsung smartphones for some time, and it’s obvious Samsung knows what it’s doing with OLED.

This Android smartphone has a 5.7-inch display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution. That’s the same as the 5.1-inch S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, meaning the Note5 has a lesser pixel-per-inch count, 518 to 577. You’d be hard pressed to tell looking at them though. We’re way past the point where the human eye can discern individual pixels on the display.

Just like most other Galaxies, the display features Super AMOLED, protected by Gorilla Glass 4. As expected, colors are sharp and accurate, and contrast deep and effective. The Galaxy Note5 does exceptionally well in direct sunlight (better than just about any other smartphone we’ve tested, really), and is easy to see in all situations.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 sports an octa-core Exynos 7420 chipset (64-bit, 2.1GHz Quad + 1.5GHz Quad), which is similar to the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. What sets the Note5 apart, is its 4GB of RAM (the previous Galaxies had 3GB).

Asus, Xiaomi, Lenovo, Elephone, and OnePlus have all launched smartphone with similar RAM, and it will likely be the flagship standard going forward.

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 performs great out of the box, as any flagship at launch should. It’s proved stable in testing, and zippy, even with Samsung’s relatively-heavy TouchWiz tweaks. The Note5 scored 1465 on the Geekbench 3 single-core benchmark, and 4610 on the multi-core benchmark, easily besting some of the more powerful devices from 2014.

The Note5 ships with either 32GB or 64GB capacity, and Samsung reps did not dismiss the possibility of a 128GB version during conversations at the launch event. On our 32GB review unit, about 23GB are available out of the box.

The Note5 supports 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v4.2 LE, and LTE Cat. 6 and 9, and it’s a global phone.

Battery

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 has a 3,000mAh battery, which is larger than the batteries found on the S6 and S6 edge, but charges just as fast, according to Samsung. Unfortunately, our review unit came with an international power adapter, so we weren’t able to test out the fast-charging feature.

For its part, Samsung claims the Note5 will hit 50% power with about 30 minutes of charging. The S6 and S6 edge have the same ability, and it works well. We have every reason to believe it will on the Note5 too.

The Note5 also supports both PMA and WPC wireless charging technologies.

As for battery life, the Note5 lasted 7 hours and 10 minutes in our strenuous battery drain test in which we streamed Netflix over Wi-Fi with the screen brightness maxed out. This is about the bare minimum users can expect from the device, and it translates to about a day and a half of average use.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 TouchWiz

That’s a good number, but far from the best. The Motorola Droid Turbo from late 2014 lasted 11 hours and 20 minutes with the same test, and the Samsung Galaxy S6 active lasted 9 hours and 25 minutes. Still, those devices are built for longevity, and the Note5 number is good for a phone with its power, display, and features.

Software

The Note5 ships with Android 5.1.1, and Samsung’s TouchWiz customizations. Thankfully, Samsung borrowed the less-is-more approach from the S6 and S6 edge, making TouchWiz on the Note5 one of the lightest on a Samsung device in recent years. TouchWiz still alters Android to a greater degree than most other smartphone skins, especially cosmetically. But it doesn’t look bad, and those familiar with Android will have no trouble getting around.

Our review unit did ship with some bloatware, but nothing egregiously useless, mostly just Samsung and Google apps, along with some popular Facebook apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. There is also a Galaxy Apps shortcut to download any Samsung apps that previously shipped on the device, include S Translator and PEEL Smart Remote.

Of course, the preinstalled apps can’t be deleted, just disabled. And you can bet the carriers will add to the bunch. But at least the Note5 is starting from a better place than previous Galaxy smartphones.

S Pen

The S Pen is the Note’s defining characteristic, so we are happy to see Samsung worked to make it less clunky on the software end.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 S Pen

Air command returns with the Note5, providing shortcuts to the various pen functions. On previous Notes, this took the form of a medium-sized icon with figuratively opaque symbols for functions like Screen write and Smart select. It was sluggish, annoying, sometimes hard to see, and confusing.

With the Note5 Air command now overtakes the entire display, blurring the screen behind it, and actually labeling the functions: Action memo, Smart select, Screen write, and S Note. There’s even room for the user to set two additional app shortcuts.

The new Air command launches whenever the S Pen button is pushed, via a small translucent icon on the edge of the Note5 display, or when the S Pen is undocked.

We can’t understate what a positive difference this makes. What used to feel intrusive, now feels organic and baked into Android. Users will get a lot more use out of the S Pen because of it.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 Air command

A new feature added to Screen write is the ability to snap screenshots of scrollable content in its entirety, as one long JPEG. This proves useful for securing hard copies of directions, or even long website articles for emailing and reading while offline.

The Note5 also can also double as a quick scratchpad. Simply ejecting the S Pen while the display is off but the phone is one will essentially turn the display into a simple notepad for scribbling info like phone numbers and addresses. The scribbles are saved in S Note. The simplicity is what makes this great, and we can see us getting a lot of utility out of it.

The S Pen itself feels great on the display, and even more like actual pen on paper than past Notes. The latency is also a nonfactor, and barely perceptible.

Galaxy Features

Most familiar Galaxy features like Multi Mode, Smart Scroll, and the gesture controls return, while Samsung adds a few new things to the mix. Business users will likely love the ability to annotate PDFs directly on the device via the S Pen. Previous Notes enabled users to mark up PDFs by essentially drawing over them, but with the Note 5, users can input text and sign directly. Though managing a large PDF can be awkward on a smartphone, it worked well enough during testing that we want to see it on other devices.

Business and power users will also like SideSync 4.0, which pairs with a PC or Mac and actually virtualizes the smartphone display on the computer. Here, users can drag and drop files to and from the smartphone, check email, send/receive messages, and access any app. You can even make and receive phone calls. The phone can also act as a screen extension, and supports both the mouse and keyboard. This program is not new, but Samsung has gussied it up for version 4.0 with wireless connectivity and better performance. There is still plenty of lag, even with a wired USB connection, meaning smartphone gaming on the PC is out of the question, but it works as intended, and users will likely come to rely on it.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 notepad feature

The Note5 also has some of the most granular audio controls found on any smartphone we’ve tested to date, including an equalizer and various sound enhancements. Samsung touted its UHQ Upscaler at the Note5 launch, which the company claims brings streaming audio up to CD-level quality.

Testing the various settings wired to both studio-quality and consumer-grade headsets, we found the upscaler has a noticeable, but negligible effect, on streaming media, producing a slightly fuller sound. More pronounced are the effects from the Adapt Sound feature, which guides users through a series of barely audible beeps to determine the best personal configuration.

Some of the other sound effects had similarly negligible result with streaming media, while the equalizer and custom settings (rock, pop, etc) had no effect at all.

With local media (downloaded songs), the sound effects and equalizer all had a profound effect. UHQ Upscaler and Adapt Sound combined made for an excellent listening experience over headphones. In fact, it’s the best we’ve had on a smartphone to date.

Most of these results were similar over Bluetooth, with the exception of upscaling. That’s exclusive to certain Samsung-branded wireless headphones and speakers, as of this writing.

Fingerprint Scanner

The Note5 home button doubles as a fingerprint scanner, which is mainly there for Samsung Pay security. It can be used to access websites and unlock the device. We used it in lieu of a PIN code, and it was dependable and quick, unlocking the device on the first try about 70% of the time. Inputting more fingerprints, or rather, the same fingerprint from multiple angles, increased that number.

The fingerprint scanner will be key to Samsung Pay, which uses it to authenticate purchases. In order for us to ditch the wallet, we’ll need it to be a bit more reliable on the first try.

We’ll update this review after we get a chance to test out Samsung Pay in the wild.

Camera

The Note5 has a 16-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing shooter. With its f1.9 lens and optical image stabilization, it’s the same as the S6 and S6 edge, and a bit wider than the f2.2 found on the Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge. That means it should be better in low-light, which is an area smartphone cameras have progressively been improving upon through the generations.

The camera ships preloaded with a handful of basic modes and effects, with more available for download. It also includes tap to focus, and a quick exposure control slider for lighter or darker photos. There’s a new Pro mode that enables more granular picture controls and snaps RAW image files. These are pics before they are processed into JPEGs, and are favored by pro photographers because they enable a greater level of tweaking. They also make for very large files.

The front-facing camera has plenty of selfie modes, including wide-angle, beauty (virtual air-brushing and facial tweaks), and interval shot (four timed selfies in a row).

Other modes include an animated GIF maker, and a photo annotater, for use with the S Pen.

On the video front, the Note5 shoots 4k UHD video (3,840 x 2,160), video collages, and supports YouTube live streaming.

YouTube live streaming on the desktop is a cumbersome process as of this writing, so it’s impressive Samsung and Google managed to cram it into the Note5 camera app. For now, it’s exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy Note5 and Samsung S6 edge+, but given Google’s ownership of Android and YouTube, it’ll likely be baked into future versions of Android.

YouTube Live streams can be set to private (invites only) or public. Users can send an invite with a link to their contact list, or share it via email, message, or social media.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 YouTube Live Streaming

Sending out the link to the public is a bit cumbersome, and requires the user to start the stream, pause it to get the link and send it out, and then resume.

The YouTube Live Stream page on the desktop includes a chatroom function and like/dislike buttons, though streamers on the Note5 can only see likes and dislikes, not comments.

The live stream operates on a 30-second delay, and includes audio and video. Quality is what you’d expect from YouTube, and it proved very stable in our testing. Overall, it’s a wonderful feature in theory that requires a bit more polish in practice. For example, getting a link to your stream to invite the public needs to be less awkward, and streamers should be able to see comments through the app during broadcasts.

Image Quality

The Note5 takes great pics, as any flagship should. Software processing has progressed to the point where low-light photos rival point and shoot camera output (though mirrorless and DSLRs are still better by a large degree), and OIS helps keep away the blur. Comparing the output from any high-end flagship released in the last year is going to come down to personal preference.

Looking at the pics below, the macro of the spider shows impressive details (that was one tiny spider), though it was hard to focus given the lack of an on-screen guide. That it came out so clear is an example of the great stabilization.

The dog picture shows off the low-light capabilities, particularly the software’s ability to smooth out the image. It looks decent, with even some color appearing in the shot, but it’s still a bit blurry for our liking.

The Note5 captured great color and details on the sunset image, creating a very balanced pic.

The train track picture also shows off the sharp detail and attractive HDR capabilities of the Note5.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 is available for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and US Cellular, and it is expensive at launch. Since the major carriers have ditched the 2-year contract, many will have to pay full retail, which the carriers are happy to break up into monthly payments.

AT&T charges $740 for the 32GB Note5, and $840 for the 64GB. Sprint charges $720 and $816, respectively; T-Mobile charges $700 and $780; Verizon charges $696 and $792; and US Cellular charges $670 and $770.

Conclusion

Samsung Galaxy Note5

Note fans will not be disappointed in the Note5. It’s big and powerful, with a top-notch design and one of the best displays on the market. It excels at just about everything, and is a leading contender for the best overall smartphone to date.

Those still holding on to a Note 3, Galaxy S5 or earlier device, will certainly benefit from an upgrade. Note 4 and S6 users can wait for the Note 6, given those are still excellent devices by today’s standards. We would also choose the Note5 over the iPhone 6 Plus for those coming in clean (but mostly because the iPhone 6 Plus is due for a refresh) and iOS devotees in love with the big screen should check out the Note5’s S Pen to see what mobile productivity is all about.

Of course, this advice excludes the Note5’s high price tag. Smartphones like the $329 OnePlus 2 and new Moto X devices, which start at $400, are shipping with respectable, though slightly lesser, specs. For power users, the Note5 might be a no-brainer in comparison. But for everyone else, the price difference could be enough to sway the decision.

Pros:

Excellent design, the Note5 looks great
Superb display
S Pen features useful and well implemented
Powerful and stable performance

Cons:

Pricey at launch
It’s time to move on from USB 2.0
Samsung should have kept the removable battery and microSD card slot

The post Samsung Galaxy Note5 Review: Great, Big, & Pricey appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Samsung Took the Best Part of BlackBerry and Made It a Case

Posted on August 15, 2015 by Jamison Cush

Powers users lament, in the device makers’ pursuit of lighter, thinner, and slicker devices, there is no more regrettable loss than the physical QWERTY keyboard. No on-screen keyboard can duplicate its utility, and no swipe scheme or word recognition software can replicate its function.

Samsung Keyboard Cover on Galaxy S6 edge+

It’s been years since a mainstream and non-BlackBerry device sported a real keyboard, never mind a flagship, which makes Samsung’s new keyboard cover such a treat. It will bring a full, four-row, 35-key, keyboard to the current line of Samsung flagships, including the Galaxy Note5, S6 edge+, S6 edge, and S6.

Unlike Ryan Seacrest’s ill-fated Typo keyboard, which relied on a Bluetooth connection, the Samsung keyboard cover is a few simple pieces of plastic that precisely overlay the actual virtual on-screen keyboard. A removable back panel anchors the keyboard and functions as a more traditional protective case.

Samsung reps claimed the smartphone recognizes the case thanks to “capacitive keys,” and the display responds accordingly, resizing around the approximate 65% that remains uncovered. In other words, the keyboard case never gets in the way of the display.

The three familiar Android keys (back, home, all apps) rest underneath the QWERTY, providing full navigation. When not in use, the QWERTY snaps to the back panel.

Samsung Keyboard Cover will be $80 at launch

In our brief time testing the keyboard case, it proved much better than any on-screen alternative. Though, it doesn’t replicate the BlackBerry experience. Popular shortcuts like the spacebar-double-tap for a period aren’t supported, and the keys are a bit too crowded for our liking, not to mention mushy.

Then there’s the cost. Samsung reps at the Note5 launch event claimed the keyboard case would cost $80 at launch. That’s a bit steep for what amounts to a few pieces of plastic.

Still, it’s exciting that at least someone at Samsung thinks there’s a market for a smartphone with a physical keyboard. If the keyboard proves popular, perhaps we’ll see a Samsung Galaxy Note Keyboard Edition in the near future. This is the company that brought back the stylus, after all.

Power users can only dream.

The post Samsung Took the Best Part of BlackBerry and Made It a Case appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 Hands On Preview

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Jamison Cush

Samsung’s Android tweaks have always been a double-edged sword. While it’s hard to deny the utility of TouchWiz additions like Multi Mode, which provided true multitasking on Android, Samsung’s heavy-handed approach too often left devices feeling bloated at best, and sluggish at worst.

Samsung Galaxy Note5

Maybe because Google eventually coopted some formerly TouchWiz-specific features like resizable widgets, and too many were unnecessary (Smart Scroll, perhaps?), many critics (this one included) pined for a more pure Android experience on Samsung’s impressive hardware.

This duality was especially salient on the Galaxy Note series. On one hand, the S Pen active stylus proved incredibly useful for navigating Android on the large screen, and the Galaxy Note was the definitive Android productivity device. But most of the stylus-specific features seemed tacked on, awkwardly accessed, and divorced from typical Android workflows.

So this is where things stand going into the fifth-generation of Galaxy Note smartphones. And good news, Samsung seems to have addressed it.

Pen UX

Samsung claims that its Galaxy Note5 is “engineered to help people get more done, faster.” To that end, the Air Command shortcuts that call up the Pen-specific features are readily available via an ever-present icon that hovers on the large, 5.7-inch display. There is more than enough screen real estate that it doesn’t seem to get in the way during our time testing it, and activated, the display blurs, leaving only the shortcuts in focus.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 Air Command

All the familiar Note tools are there: Action memo, Smart select, Screen write, and S Note, as well as a camera shortcut, and room for additional user-selected shortcuts. All are labeled, and there are no opaque icons (figuratively speaking) there to confuse users.

Just the mere additions of an icon shortcut, the display blur, and labeled icons, makes the entire Pen user experience seem more organic and ingrained in the device.

Samsung also added three new features that power users should love. Whereas previous Notes simply wrote over PDFs, Note5 users can now actually annotate them. A Scroll Capture feature snags screenshots that extend beyond the display for one continuous jpeg, which is perfect for directions and reading long articles offline (and perfect for Google to steal for future Android versions). And finally, popping out the Pen no longer turns on the device. Instead, it activates the display, but keeps it black, turning it into an impromptu scratchpad. Anything jotted down, an address, phone number, or quick note, is then saved in S Note.

Galaxy Features

Samsung Galaxy Note5 SideSync

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 will launch alongside the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+, and both will share additional software tweaks. Both will have a fingerprint sensor and KNOX security, so the Android smartphones will support Samsung Pay, which works with both NFC and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission). For users, that means Samsung Pay will work with just about any credit card reader, whether they support wireless transactions or not. This killer feature should not go unnoticed. Samsung Pay has the potential to be accepted everywhere that accepts credit and debit cards – even small mom and pop shops.

Both devices will also have broadcast support built into the camera app for streaming live to YouTube Live, both audio and video. Both have an audio upscaling feature that Samsung claims brings streaming audio up to CD-like quality, as well as a similar Bluetooth upscaling for streaming to specific Samsung headphones and speakers. And both will feature SideSync 4.0 for sending and receiving files wirelessly to a PC or Mac.

What’s cool about this feature is that SideSync actually virtualizes the Android display on the computer monitor, giving users access to the smartphone’s apps, including email, pictures, games, and messages. While there is too much lag to play an intensive 3D game, it supports drag and drop, as well as copying files to and from the desktop. Users can even make and receive calls through SideSync.

Specs

Samsung Galaxy Note5 USB 2.0

The hardware receives the expected spec bump, making it one of the most powerful smartphones on the market as of this writing. It sports an octa-core Exynos 7420 SoC (64-bit, 2.1GHz Quad + 1.5GHz Quad — same as the S6 and S6 edge) and 4GB of RAM (the S6’s both have 3GB). It ships with Android 5.1 (Lollipop) with either 32 or 64GB capacity (no 128GB at launch, though Samsung reps claimed one may ship depending on user demand).

It has a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, giving it a 518 pixel-per-inch count. It measures 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6mm, and weighs 171g, with a slightly curved back. The battery comes in at 3,000mAh, which is larger than the battery on the S6 and S6 edge, but Samsung claims it charges just as fast. It supports both PMA and WPC wireless charging technologies.

It has a 16-megapixel rear shooter with optical image stabilization, and a 5-megapixel front camera.

For connectivity, it supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi on both 2.4 and 5GHz, and Bluetooth v4.2 LE, as well as LTE Cat 9. It has a single USB 2.0 port.

Hardware Hands On

Samsung Galaxy Note5

The Galaxy Note5 continues on path set by the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, and is an extremely well-crafted device. It’s light and comfortable to use, considering its size, thanks to its slightly curved back panel. It feel solid, though users will want a case to protect it against accidental drops. Samsung was mum in regards to any durability features, so we don’t know how well it will handle dust, water, and drops. Chances are it won’t rival our current favorite Samsung phone, the S6 active.

The display looks great, even if it has a lower PPI count than the S6 and S6 edge (same resolution, but bigger display). Samsung routinely has some of the best display hardware in the business, and this is no exception. We look forward to seeing how well it does against bright glare from the sun, especially considering this device’s productivity chops. Its side bezel is extremely thin, while the top and bottom leave room for the earpiece speaker and the center home button.

We don’t know why Samsung sticks with a physical home button that is flanked by two capacitive softkeys while the majority of Android devices sport on-screen buttons, but we are happy it does. Physical buttons may not have the same aesthetic, but they are much more practical and easier to access.

Samsung Galaxy Note5 does not have a removable back panel

The device functioned well in limited testing, and was quick and stable. The 4GB of RAM should certainly help the Note5 power through just about anything the user will throw at it. There are still plenty of TouchWiz tweaks and stylings apparent, though they aren’t nearly as pronounced as they were on past devices. Hopefully this means the Note5 will retain its swiftness well after launch.

Samsung claims the S Pen “feels more solid and balanced in the user’s hand,” though we were hard pressed to notice any difference between its build quality and previous Pens. It does have fun button on the end that clicks, mimicking a real ball point pen. While this has no functional value, it’s still a neat and novel touch.

In use, the Pen feels great, with a tip that offers resistance reminiscent of a real Bic, and the latency is so low, it’s tough to discern. The Pen is still a bit small and thin, making it tough to use for prolonged periods, though what can Samsung do about that, considering it docks in the device?

We are disappointed, though not surprised, to see that the Note5 lacks a user-replaceable battery and microSD card slot. But that’s the trend in smartphones (except the LG G4), which Samsung already embraced with the S6 and S6 edge. The USB 2.0 port also sticks out like a sore thumb on the spec sheet, given the age of the standard. If not Samsung here, we wonder who will be the first with a USB C smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 will be available in Black Sapphire and White, coming to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon.

We look forward to reviewing the final product to see just how well the Pen tools function in real-world usage. The test will be how quickly and effortlessly we can ease them into our daily workflows. From our initial time with the Note5, we remain optimistic.

The post Samsung Galaxy Note5 Hands On Preview appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Hands On Preview

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Jamison Cush

There are two ways to describe the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+. It’s a Samsung Galaxy Note5 without the S Pen, or it’s a larger and more powerful S6 edge. That means its great looks come at the cost of the productivity features that make us so excited about the new Note5.

To be fair, the S6 edge+ has some exclusive features of its own that take advantage of its curved display, proving that the edge in the edge+ is more than just a design gimmick. It also shares a nearly identical spec sheet to the Note5, making it if not the most powerful, than one of the most powerful, flagships on the market at launch.

Edge Features

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+

We’ve already seen alerts, information tickers, and notifications take advantage of the unique edge design. Particularly with the Note Edge, which had a more severe slope than the S6 edge that lent itself to passive information. The more stylized and gradual slope of the S6 edge and now the S6 edge+ seems better geared toward usability and one-handed operation.

To that end, the new S6 edge+ brings both the “Apps edge” and “People edge,” two screen’s worth of shortcuts, available via a quick swipe. Both have user-set shortcuts, and they make using a large smartphone with one hand just a bit less awkward. Lefties will appreciate the fact that the “edges” can be set for accessing from either side.

S6 edge+ also borrows from the Note5’s display blurring when the “edges” are accessed, making the process easy on the eyes and keeping the display free from clutter.

Specs

The Samsung Galaxy edge+ earns its plus from its larger, 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display, though it has the same resolution as the 5.1-inch S6 edge, 2560 x 1440. That means its 518 pixel-per-inch count is lower than the S6 edge’s 577 PPI, but even the most eagle-eyed user would be hard pressed to tell the difference.

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ has a 5.7-inch display

Just like the Note5, the S6 edge + sports an octa-core Exynos 7420 SoC (64-bit, 2.1GHz Quad + 1.5GHz Quad, same as the S6 and S6 edge) and 4GB of RAM (the S6’s both have 3GB). It features Android 5.1 (Lollipop).

It has either 32 or 64GB capacity, a 16-megapixel rear shooter with optical image stabilization, and a 5-megapixel front camera. It supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi on both 2.4 and 5GHz, and Bluetooth v4.2 LE, as well as LTE Cat 9. It has a single USB 2.0 port.

Its 3,000mAh battery is larger than the S6 edge’s 2600mAh juice pack, but it charges just as fast, according to Samsung. It supports both PMA and WPC wireless charging technologies.

It measures 154.4 x 75.8 x 6.9mm, and weighs a scant 153g.

Galaxy Features

It shares a bunch of features with the Note 5. The Galaxy S6 edge+ has a fingerprint sensor and KNOX security, so it will support Samsung Pay, which works with both NFC and MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission). For users, that means Samsung Pay will work with just about any credit card reader, whether they support wireless transactions or not.

It can live stream to YouTube Live through its camera app, and it can upscale streaming music to CD-like quality in Samsung’s words. It has similar Bluetooth upscaling for streaming audio to specific Samsung headphones and speakers. And it features SideSync 4.0 for sending and receiving files wirelessly to a PC or Mac through virtualization and drag-and-drop.

Hardware Hands On

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ does not have a removable back panel

The S6 edge+ looks great and feels great. Though it’s hard not to be impressed with what Samsung was able to do with the glass, many of the hardware criticism we levied at the Note5 also apply here. That means it has no removable battery, no microSD card slot, and it has a USB 2.0 port that seems ancient compared to the rest of the spec sheet.

Though it’s undeniably well built, we didn’t hear anything about rugged design features, dust proofing, or water resistance. Chances are you’ll want to hide this beauty in a protective case.

Given the display wraps around the sides, there is no bezel to speak of, however there is plenty of room on the top and bottom to house the earpiece as well as the physical home button and capacitive softkeys. It may seem out of place on such a slick smartphone, but we love the physical home button and hope Samsung never abandons it in favor or on-screen keys.

Galaxy S6 edge+ will be available in Black Sapphire and Gold Platinum, for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon.

To call the S6 edge+ a prettier Note5 without the productivity features is not the dismiss it. Its design is too slick and its spec sheet is too impressive. We look forward to testing this one out fully.

The post Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Hands On Preview appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Huawei TalkBand B2 Review

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Jamison Cush

If all they did was quantify exercise, fitness trackers would be a commodity just like the pedometers that preceded the popular wearables. But the Fitbits and Jawbones of the world can’t have that, so they have to figure out ways to differentiate their products from one another with added features.

Huawei TalkBand B2

For Huawei, a Chinese mobile maker better known for Android handsets, that means doubling up its latest wearable, the TalkBand B2 as both a fitness tracker and a Bluetooth headset, and by being the first third-party device to sync up with Jawbone’s excellent UP fitness app.

Is that enough for the Huawei TalkBand B2 to distinguish itself from the pack? Let’s find out.

Build & Design

The Huawei TalkBand B2 looks a lot like the previous generation of fitness trackers. It’s a bit bulkier than the current crop owing to the fact that is consists of two pieces: a removable tracker/Bluetooth earpiece, and the strap/receptacle. Wearing it, we found it protrudes a bit too much from the wrist, and snagged a backpack strap a few times too many during testing. But it’s not heavy, weighing around .04 pounds depending on the build.

Huawei TalkBand B2 consists of two pieces

The B2 is available in either black or silver with a plastic band, or gold with a leather band, and secures via a single peg-and-hole setup. It’s not uncomfortable to wear, and despite the single peg, remained securely on during our testing period, which included some vigorous runs and biking sessions.

The TalkBand earpiece houses a single multi-function button on one side, along with microphones. An earpiece and microUSB charging input hide on the bottom. The other half consists of two removable straps, and the earpiece housing, with a two-button release trigger.

The two-piece setup actually works very well, considering how gross fitness bands can get with gunk and dirt build up. It’s much easier rinse it off without fear of damaging the tracker. The TalkBand B2 has IP57 water and dust resistance, defined as partial resistance to dust and immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This thing will likely weather a rain storm well, but take it off when you go swimming or bathe.

Display

HuaweiT alkBand B2 display can be tough to see

The Huawei TalkBand B2 has a .73-inch black-and-white display with a 128 x 88 resolution. It’s OLED, but don’t get excited, because it’s Passive Matrix OLED, which is the budget version of the AMOLED found on flagship smartphones. To that end, it’s near impossible to see in direct sunlight because it’s not bright enough (and there are no brightness settings), the display glass is extremely reflective, and it’s a fingerprint and smudge magnet. It also shuts off way too fast, giving users only a couple seconds to glance before going to black.

As a touch display, it’s also not responsive enough. Granted, finger tips sweaty from running present issues for just about all touchscreens, but the Huawei TouchBand B2 exhibits delays with swipes and taps even under the best of circumstances.

The display stays off by default, powering up via a button press or a user wrist rotation upward, like the Apple Watch. This method is wholly unreliable (as it was with the Apple Watch). Too many times during testing the display did not light up during the first try, and when it did, there was a constant few-second delay.

Performance

The Huawei TalkBand B2 performs basic step and sleep tracking. The device displays steps, calories burned, and time spent sleeping. It pairs to any device running Android 4.0 or iOS 7, or later, via Bluetooth 3.0. Data is stored in the Huawei Wear fitness app, which can share data with the far superior UP app by Jawbone (more on that in a bit).

The TalkBand lacks a GPS, and cannot do exercise-specific tracking, like yoga or weightlifting. It will detect stair climbing and bike rides, but the latter proved wonky during our tests. It too often picked up a few minutes of driving as a bike ride, and cut actual rides consistently short by about 10 minutes.

Sleeping seemed off as well. Again, it consistently undercut the hours we spent snoozing, which strains its credibility for tracking deep and light sleep.

Fortunately, it tracks steps very well. Its numbers jive with the other popular wearables we tested it against, give or take a few steps, and the distance logged in the Huawei app corresponds to Google Maps data within a couple hundred feet.

Navigation is simple and easy to master, with fun animations for sleeping, walking, and the like. We especially like the fireworks display that celebrates reaching the daily step goal.

The main screen displays the date, time, Bluetooth connection status, and battery level. Swipes show steps, calories burned, time slept, and a stopwatch. The stopwatch will track steps and calories specifically for the time measured. A press of the power button reveals more options for Bluetooth, find-my-phone alert, and a remote camera shutter that oddly launched “OK Google” on Android devices when outside the camera. Not sure if that’s a deliberate feature or a bug…

The B2 has a few other tricks, including standard vibrating alarms, smart alarms designed to vibrating when light sleep is detected, and a “get-up” reminder after it detects between a user-defined 30 and 120 minutes of inactivity.

Battery

Huawei Wear app

Huawei claims the TalkBand B2 will last up to six days with its 95mAh battery. That’s a stretch. We had to charge it every two to three days depending on usage. Being that it tracks sleep, we didn’t want to do it at night, so it thankfully charges quickly, taking about 90 minutes max. Those working at a desk will find plenty of time to plug it in without missing too many steps.

App

The Huawei Wear app aggregates all the sleeping, calorie, and steps data, and it’s here that users set up a profile and manage the TalkBand B2. The fitness band settings are limited to setting alarms, step goals, and standup reminders, with nothing to manage the display brightness or time before it dims.

It’s a good-looking app, but very barebones compared to others. It does have options for syncing to the popular MyFitnessPal calorie counter, as well as the excellent UP app by Jawbone.

Unfortunately, UP integration is hardly seamless. Information must first be logged by Huawei Wear, and it then automatically ports over. We found there to be inconsistent delays with this, though everything did sync up during our time testing. That complaint aside, the TalkBand app situation would be greatly improved if it could just sync to the UP app automatically, without the need for the middleware.

Bluetooth

Huawei TalkBand B2 doubles as a Bluetooth headset

Call it odd or innovative, but the TalkBand B2 doubles as a Bluetooth receiver. While connected, the number from any calls will show up on the TalkBand, and users can answer by popping the band out of the base. It really works, and works quite well. Voices sound clear to the wearer and a bit muddled on the other end, but no worse than some cheaper Bluetooth earpieces.

We actually found the unique functionality to be useful, freeing us from fumbling around our pockets looking for our phones (though most were happy to simply ignore the calls altogether). The caller ID is also a nice touch, and we can’t help but think how much better it would be if the TalkBand also displayed texts and other smartphone alerts.

The Bluetooth earpiece secures only via a rubber earbud, which stays put so long as the user doesn’t bob around too much. Kudos to Huawei for including multiple buds of various sizes with the TalkBand.

Price and Availability

The rubber TalkBand B2, which we reviewed, is available in black or silver for $180, and a gold and leather combo that runs $200. Of the three, the black option has the most viewable display thanks to the contrast, and that’s our pick overall.

Conclusion

The Huawei TalkBand B2 manages to distinguish itself from other fitness trackers with a few neat tricks, and it works mostly as advertised. It’s surprisingly comfortable, and the animations give it more personality than other devices. If it were less expensive, it’d be easy to recommend,

Unfortunately, it has just enough annoyances to make us question the price tag. While the headset feature proves useful, it isn’t enough to get us past the mediocre battery life, barebones app, and dim and occasionally unresponsive display, at least not for $180. For that money, you could snag a Jawbone Up2 ($100) and a superior Bluetooth headset from Jabra or Plantronics.

The post Huawei TalkBand B2 Review appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Samsung Galaxy S6 active Review: Swift, Rugged, & Better than the S6

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Jamison Cush

Call it rugged, call it sporty. Samsung calls it active. Specifically, Samsung dubbed its latest Android handset the Samsung Galaxy S6 active. It’s a tougher version of Samsung’s impressive flagship.

Samsung Galaxy S6 active

In terms of performance, the Samsung S6 active is virtually identical to the Samsung Galaxy S6, given that both have the similar inner hardware. So when we wrote the S6 had “a top-notch chipset” and “exceptionally fast performance,” the same applies for the S6 active. Ditto for the display quality. We called the S6 display “spectacular.” The S6 active display is spectacular as well.

The differences are in the hardware build, a few missing features, and a few additional features. And that’s where we focus this Galaxy S6 active review.

Build & Design

For a device built to take abuse, the S6 active isn’t big or bulky. It measures 5.78 x 2.89 x .34 inches and weighs .33 pounds, which makes it less than 10% bigger than the S6, and about 100% tougher.

Gone are the slick metal and glass of the S6, and in its place are hard, textured plastic and decorative rivets. Fortunately, the S6 active doesn’t feel like the greasy plastic of Galaxy handsets past, but instead feels very solid. This thing can take a punch.

Samsung Galaxy S6 active camo back panel

There are no curves either, except the slightly rounded edges. It’s not a pretty smartphone, but its rugged aesthetic stops just shy of garish. Yes, the rivets, edge lining, and rear camouflage are a bit much, but it’s no worse than the Droid branding that’s been uglying up quality Android smartphones for the past five years.

Besides, the design has a lot going for it functionally speaking. The corners slightly protrude, adding an extra bit of drop protection, and the S6 active reverts the trio of Android softkeys typically found on the display to buttons underneath it.

The physical apps, home, and back buttons are a welcomed throwback to the early days of Android, and feel great to push. The S6 active even supports button shortcuts, like a double tap of the home button to launch the camera, and a long press to launch Google Now, among others.

The S6 active also features an “Active key” above the volume rocker on the left long side. It’s an app launcher, and users can set up to two apps to launch either via a quick press, or a press and hold. It’s so convenient that you’ll wonder why all other phones don’t have it.

Samsung Galaxy S6 active Active key

Samsung Galaxy S6 power button

So how tough is the S6 active? Here’s the official word:

Meets U.S. Mil-STD-810G for water-resistance and to withstand dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, and high altitude. Submersible up to 1.5 m of water for up to 30 minutes. Shock-resistant when dropped from less than or equal to 4 feet onto a flat surface.

We can confirm it survived all of that during our time with it. Like the Galaxy Tab Active, it impressively manages water resistance without annoying port covers. It’s one of the few smartphones we’d carry without a case. Even the display should hold up from cracking, given that it features Gorilla Glass 4.

Compared against the S6, the S6 active lacks a fingerprint sensor. That means no fingerprint-enabled Samsung Pay. Samsung claims the active will support Samsung Pay when it launches, though it will be password-based.

That’s not a big loss, especially considering the tradeoff. The S6 isn’t water or dust resistant. We would think twice about whipping it out during a sprinkle storm. We’d happily use the S6 active in a hurricane, or while swimming in a pool.

Display

Samsung Galaxy S6 active display

The S6 active has the same 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display as the S6, complete with 2560×1440 resolution and 576 pixel-per-inch count. Typical of Samsung smartphones, it’s one of the best displays as of this writing with accurate colors, deep contrast and excellent viewing angles. It’s even decent in the sun, as far as smartphones go. The display get just bright enough to make the S6 active viewable with major overhead glare. It’s not comfortable viewing by any stretch, but it works.

The only real difference between the S6 and this is the lack of softkeys. That gives the S6 active a tiny bit more display real estate, and a slightly smaller screen to body ratio.

The post Samsung Galaxy S6 active Review: Swift, Rugged, & Better than the S6 appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Apple Watch Review: The Smartwatch Has Not Yet Arrived

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Jamison Cush

Apple wants to define the smartwatch. Just as it defined the tablet and smartphone, Apple wants consumers to look at the Apple Watch and say “that’s what every wearable should be.”

Apple Watch Sport

It follows a predictable pattern. Apple is not the first to market here. Google’s Android Wear is pushing a year old, and Samsung, Pebble, and half a dozen others have been in this market for longer than that. But like BlackBerry and the smartphone in 2007, Google thinks it has the smartwatch just about figured out.

As we stated in our Android Wear review:

Google has a clear vision of what it wants Android Wear to offer: concise and useful information for the user, pushed out to the user, when the user needs to see it, all available at a glance.

Google thinks this will save time, keep heads out of smartphones, and keep us all engaged in the real world. It will alleviate the smartphone distraction, while still keeping us connected.

The problem for Google is that Android Wear is not quite there yet. The user interface is too awkward, Google Now alerts are too unreliable, the apps are too gimmicky, and the devices require too many compromises, particularly in regards to battery and display.

That leaves a large opening for the Apple Watch. Surely Apple can build a smartwatch with better battery than what the Android Wear delivers. Surely Apple can come up with an intuitive smartwatch OS. Surely Apple can inspire app developers to build must-have apps; the kind that take full advantage of the form factor and improve users’ lives.

Surely, Apple will give us a reason to own a smartwatch. Right?

Build and Design

There are three styles of Apple Watch, each available in two different sizes according to the watch face height, 42mm and 38mm. We reviewed the larger Apple Watch Sport, which has an anodized aluminum case (available in either silver or a slightly darker space gray) and Ion-X glass. The more expensive Apple Watch has a shinier stainless steel build (available in black or stainless steel) and a presumably tougher Sapphire crystal display. Finally, the high-end Apple Watch Edition comes in either yellow or rose 18-karat gold, also with Sapphire crystal.

Apple Watch crown

All Apple Watches feature the same crown, or scroll wheel, just above an oblong button. Small speakers and a mic hole occupy the opposite edge. The display dominates the front, while a dark magnetic circle rests on the underside, between two strap release buttons. Within the circle are two round charging receptacles and two round LED lights, used for measuring heart rate.

The straps are secure but easily removed, and any Apple strap fits to any same-sized Apple Watch. The rubberized Sport bands are the cheapest, starting at $49, with prices ranging up to $449 for the stainless steel Link Bracelet.

Let’s set aside the fact that $49 is way too much for a glorified rubber band (to say nothing of the $449 option). The Sport strap is soft, comfortable, and fits well through a pin-and-tuck closure. It’s loose enough as to not agitate your wrist during a run, but secure enough to keep from flying off.

Apple Watch back and LED hear-rate monitor

The Apple Watch Sport ships with three straps of varying lengths. The others only ship with the two standard straps.

When worn, the Apple Watch rests comfortably on the wrist, and has a bulbous design thanks to its rounded edges. The 42mm Sport we reviewed weighs 30 grams (about .07 pounds), with the other models ranging from 25g to 69g. It measures 42 x 35.9 x 10.5 millimeters (H x W x D), or about 1.65 x 1.4 x .41 inches, while the smaller unit measures 38.6 x 33.3 x 10.5 mm (1.5 x 1.3 x .41 inches).

It’s water and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Practically speaking, that means that you can wash your hands while wearing the Apple Watch, or head out in the rain. Don’t go swimming with it, though, or submerge it.

It’s no less “geeky” than any other smartwatch on the market, despite Apple’s attempt to market it as jewelry, at least on the high end. In fact, if not for the crown, it would be hard to distinguish the Apple Watch from any Android Wear device.

Apple Watch Sport band pin

That said, the Apple Watch does not betray Apple’s reputation as a maker of quality devices. It’s very well-constructed, with the scroll wheel especially impressing with its tight control. It’s also proven durable during our review. Despite a numerous runs, a few drops, and a nick or two against a desk and cubical wall, the Apple Watch Sport still looks like new.

The Apple Watch ships with a round magnetic charger that connects to the typical Apple wall adapter via USB. It’s an elegant charging solution, but the magnet does not hold as well as it should unless the Apple Watch rests flat on the charger. Too often it slipped off the charger during our time with it.

Display

The 42mm Apple Watch has an OLED display, with a 390 x 312 resolution (the 38mm has 340 x 272 pixels), and it looks great. This may be the first Apple product with an OLED display, and it will leave iPhone and iPad owners wondering why their larger devices don’t have the same screen technology.

Apple Watch display

The Ion-X glass is reflective, but overhead glare only presents a moderate issue thanks to the brightness, stark contrast, and vibrant colors; all of which are hallmarks of OLED technology. The Apple Watch also has an ambient light sensor, making it all the better for fighting the sun. Fingerprints and smudges will accumulate, but we easily wiped the screen clean with just the cuff from a long-sleeve shirt.

The Apple Watch’s touch sensitivity and accuracy aren’t nearly as impressive as the display. The Apple Watch has what Apple is branding as Force Touch, which enables the Apple Watch to distinguish a tap from a press. While a tap might open up an app, a press will open up the settings or other options within that app. It takes some practice to get just right (it’s a tap and press, not a hard tap), but it proves accurate.

Too bad the taps and swipes don’t follow suit. The Apple Watch is often slow to register swipes, and taps misplaced. This is especially evident when setting or inputting the four-digit PIN lock code. Be prepared to mess this up by accidentally pressing the number above or below your selection. But it also happens when selecting apps from the app grid.

Part of this is due to the small display, where accuracy is tough to judge. But you can’t help but think it’s also a calibration problem that hopefully will be addressed with a future update.

The display stays off by default, only lighting up when touched, when the crown or side button are pressed, or when you raise your wrist for a glance. At least that’s how it is supposed to work. A tap or button press work near 100% of the time, but raising a wrist requires too much motion for it to register regularly. In fact, the range required is downright uncomfortable. The display can also be manually turned off by covering with the palm of a hand.

Battery

Apple claims that the Apple Watch has up to an all-day battery life up to 18 hours with mixed use, though “actual results will vary.”

When we first fired up the Apple Watch, ours varied to the tune of about 6 hours, as we explored the device and tested the various apps. Once we got into a routine with it, the Apple Watch lasted the full work day and well into the evening. In this regard, the Apple Watch is right in line with the Android Wear devices, in that it needs charging every day.

The Apple Watch does have a Power Reserve mode that disables all but the time, and that will extend the life of the Apple Watch up to 72 hours. Our Apple Watch charged slowly, taking about three hours to charge completely, and two hours to hit about 80%.

The post Apple Watch Review: The Smartwatch Has Not Yet Arrived appeared first on Brighthand.com.

Author: Jamison Cush

Build & Design

Display

Huawei Mate 8

MediaPad M2

Elegant and Jewel

ZTE Grand X3

LG K Series

Build & Design

Build & Design

Display

Build & Design

Display

Build and Design

Display

Buttons/Ports/Speakers

Stylus

Performance

Software

Mobile Payments

Battery

Connectivity

Camera

Price

The Best Android Smartphone

Build & Design

Display & Speakers

Build & Design

Display

Performance

Battery

Software

S Pen

Galaxy Features

Fingerprint Scanner

Camera

Image Quality

Pricing and Availability

Conclusion

Pen UX

Galaxy Features

Specs

Hardware Hands On

Edge Features

Specs

Galaxy Features

Hardware Hands On

Build & Design

Display

Performance

Battery

App

Bluetooth

Price and Availability

Conclusion

Build & Design

Display

Build and Design

Display

Battery