Android Phone Buying Guide 2011

**racer** · 12-02-2011

If you are looking for a new Smartphone, you probably spent hours trying to determine which is best suited to your needs. Here's a quick overview of the market to help you make your choice. The offer is so vast that it is not easy to choose, especially if you consider the purchase of smart phones which come with a commitment of two years (as is often the case) . Five years ago, the two factors most important purchase was the name of the operator and brand of phone, but other factors have been added over the years.

Customers must now choose between the multifunction phones and smartphones, touch screen and buttons, the numeric keypad or QWERTY keyboard, a contract that includes downloading data or not, the multitasking operating system or easy to use open or closed, etc. All these factors must be taken into account before deciding the name of the operator or the brand of phone! For consumers interested in Android phones, the operating system from Google, the choice has just become easier. Here at Google we are delighted with the adoption of Android worldwide and the high quality of phones coming onto the market. Since there are so many high quality phones, we wanted to make the decision process a little easier for people who want to buy a new phone.

The Internet giant has just launched an online global website that allows you to compare the different characteristics (functionalities and design) of each Android phone on sale in your country. This new service is welcome in a market increasingly fragmented and consumers will appreciate not having to visit the websites of different brands and operators to bring their comparative studies. Google's site helps customers in the exploration stage to make their choice by searching by country, manufacturer or operator, and providing technical comparisons between phones that are interested.

Google Android

Android system operated by Google, accounted for nearly 20% of Smartphone market in France, against just 3% a year earlier, according to a study by ComScore. If Nokia and Apple remain the leaders in the Smartphone sector in France, both companies have experienced a slowdown in sales last year. Used by 40% of Smartphone owners in late 2009, Nokia has remained a reference for 30% of users. The iPhone sales have stabilized and the terminal at the apple is now in the hands of 30% of consumers.

Android is the cornerstone of a new association created for the occasion: the Open Handset Alliance. The latter brings together no fewer than 34 companies, including manufacturers and mobile operators such as Motorola, HTC, Qualcomm, Marvell, Texas Instruments, Samsung, China Mobile, T-Mobile, Sprint or even Google itself, of course .

Currently, the best that can be directed Android is a good third place behind Windows Mobile and Symbian, respectively put forward by Microsoft and Nokia (which are also not part of the Alliance). The two firms do not seem worried. At Nokia, for example, it is estimated that this is not the first time a new mobile platform emerges to conquer the world. It is anyway good form to minimize the impact of this kind of arrival, but Android and Google will have everything to prove. For starters, the company sprawling described accurately but the platform SDK, which enable the development of applications, is absolutely not ready. In fact, the first preview release will be published Nov. 12, which indicates that the Android platform is not finalized.
Then the operating system is Linux based and is a key element of a platform that Google hopes will grow into a powerhouse for services and applications.

Of course, the research specialist will put in a good position his own tools such as Gmail for e-mail or Google Maps for consulting maps. But again, it will prove that Android has a real advantage to bring to the user. However, the platform has a real advantage: the number of project partners. The release of the SDK will allow, or rather should allow an explosion of software. Success will then depend on the number of models of mobile phones that Android will embark. At this point, Google is pleased, because instead of offering one Gphone, thousands are available. Android will remain open source and interested developers can therefore manipulate the system according to their desires. On the site of the Open Handset Alliance, it says that all applications, whether internal or third party, will run on an equal footing. The system will carry a number of key components that will form the basis for applications and served, including a presence service and detecting contacts in the same geographical area.

**racer** · 12-02-2011

Android Phones below Rs. 10,000

Samsung Galaxy Pop S5570 – Rs. 9,000

The Galaxy Mini S5570 is among the new models of entry and midrange with Samsung Ace Galaxy, Galaxy and Galaxy Grio Fit. This terminal will appeal too many users probably are not looking for a monster of technology but just want a small Smartphone economy. Samsung has introduced many products at CES 2011 but has kept some interesting products for presentation at MWC in Barcelona. Here is the Samsung Galaxy S5570. The Galaxy Mini Samsung is as its name suggests a Smartphone-sized mini size 110.42 × 60.76 × 12.68 mm. The Galaxy Mini will be equipped with a screen resolution of 240x320 pixels, connectivity, Wi-Fi b / g / n and Bluetooth 3.0 and will offer the new interface TouchWiz UI and a microSD slot for memory cards.

The first thing that comes to mind is that Samsung has made perhaps a wrong choice by adopting a resolution of 320 × 240 for a screen size of almost 3.2 inches. Usually, it's 320 × 480 which is built on this type of screen. It is a black spot in the terminal. The originality of the Mini Galaxy S5570 comes from the fact that it will be supplied with a bare version 2.2.1 but Android widgets Touchwiz will present as well. The pitcher, however, was modified to fit the screen resolution: we are entitled to a square in the style of Windows 7 Phone. The camera quickly shows its limits with one recording QVGA video at 15 fps and because of the processor, it must also do without Adobe Flash, as well as the live wallpaper.

Android Phones below Rs. 15,000

LG Optimus P500 – Rs. 12,500

LG wanted to play the card of the Smartphone is democratic as well as trucks. As a result, the design of the terminal is largely influenced by the Nexus One or the HTC Desire. A little more compact, however, also displays the Optimus One finishes that betray its position entry / mid-range plastic rather poor, buttons a little chick. Moreover, the model tested, stamped with the seal of Orange, is playing in the courtyard of bad taste with a combination of gray and blue fair retina-burning altogether rather suspicious. We advise you, but it contains an element of subjectivity, to await the availability of the black version, and far more successful overtaking the finish just right.

After the LG GW620 with its full sliding hardware keyboard stuck on Android 1.5 (Good news, the update is scheduled for end of year), and LG Optimus GT540 being updated to Android 2.1, the LG Optimus One is directly marketed Android 2.2, the latest version of Android is called also Froyo. The Optimus One will feature 170 MB of internal memory and a battery of 1500 mAh. In terms of the camera, it will be powered by a 3-megapixel sensor without LED flash, it is surely only one of these weaknesses.

It has a TFT-LCD 3.2 inch (8.5 cm) with a multipoint capacitive touch technology. The screen resolution is 320 x 480 pixels. Its dimensions are quite small, 11.3 x 5.9 x 1.3 cm and weighs 127 grams. It is compatible with GSM / UMTS (GPRS / EDGE / HSDPA). The processor is a Qualcomm Cortex-A8 running at 600 Mhz and 512 MB of RAM. The Optimus One (P500) did not finish exemplary plastic that does not seem very strong but a good overall finish. The Optimus One is well in hand, he does not crack. The size is good, although a bit bulky. It looks like (by far) at Nexus One famous but finished far behind.

One Optimus on LG, we find Android 2.2. This is one of the first androphones equipped with the latest version of Android, named Froyo. It's a landmark, especially after the failures of LG Electronics: they have not updated the LG GW620 remains locked in Android 1.5, despite the claims of a few months earlier responsible announcing the availability of Android 1.6. As for LG Optimus GT540, updating Android 2.1 is being rolled out, good news for owners of this model.

Mobile multimedia fans should not be disappointed because the Optimus One P500 plus an FM tuner and a headphone output, the text provides the essential features with a 3.2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi compatible with 802.11 n. Finally, since any self-respecting Smartphone, the Optimus One is equipped with an accelerometer and a satellite navigation module with digital compass.

Galaxy Ace S5830 – Rs. 15,000

Samsung has unveiled two new smartphones Android, here follows the Galaxy and Galaxy S5670 S5830 Ace. The Samsung Ace S5830 Galaxy, originally known as the Galaxy Mini, will carry the Android version 2.2 Froyo, a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and a HVGA. It will offer Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 3.0 and will have GPS and a microUSB port. We can see from the pictures, a white version which suggests that two colors will be offered. Samsung seems to position itself for a phone with lower specifications, and thus target the low end. The internal memory is quite low, suggesting that the processor and RAM will be in the same lineage. A strange thing in the constructor is the absence of AMOLED.

While the Gratia a 3.2 inch display (320 x 480 pixels) and the Defy has one built with 3.7-inch 480 x 854 pixels, the Ace is with its 3.5 inch screen (320 x 480 pixels) between the two. The processor uses an 800 MHz Samsung chip strong. A 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, UMTS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the usual sensors can be found at the Ace as well.

The internal memory on the memory size has not been known, it can be expanded with a microSD memory card. In addition to a micro-USB port, the Galaxy Ace also has a 3.5mm jack connection. That being said, the mobile solid food for each android, who asked not to break into the top class. Also on board will include HSDPA for data transfers of up to 7.2 Mbps, WLAN with the new standard 802.11 b / g / n and a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and autofocus. This is complemented by a media player, integrated FM radio and Bluetooth 2.1. Also an A-GPS receiver found in the phone. The internal memory is 158 megabytes me although a bit small, but can be supplemented by microSD card of up to 32 gigabytes.

**racer** · 12-02-2011

Android Phones below Rs. 20,000

Motorola DEFY – Rs. 18,500

First remark, the housing is very compact Defy. Smaller than a conventional Smartphone, there is a significantly thicker (1.4 cm), but it is actually very light: only 112 grams, less than 118 grams of Samsung S Galaxy. Aesthetically, the Defy does not lace. Some like it very much strengthened its appearance, lined screw caps and rubber on its USB ports and jacks. It is indeed our case.

MotoBlur is not an interface, but rather an environment. Software cosmetic changes are minor, it recognizes mainly the classic interface of Android, which is not bad either. MotoBlur offers mostly hosting a personal account online by Motorola. This saves the individual accounts built by the user (Facebook, Gmail, etc.) And merges all information from his contacts. When the phone is reset, just enter their account Motoblur to find all their contacts, and even the configuration of its widgets in a blink of an eye. Happiness, at least if one does not care too much about protecting our privacy.

Motorola offers a suite of widgets designed very well, from simple weather shortcuts to our favorite contacts, photo included, via the traditional Facebook and Twitter. All widgets can be resized on the fly, and display more information when enlarged. The home screen of the Smartphone is suddenly very nice to use, even if we regret this lack of fluidity typical graph of Android phones.

Motorola has addressed the major problem of smartphones, a defect that affects many models on Android: autonomy. The manufacturer has set up multiple profiles for battery management, well thought out (who cut including 3G connectivity at night when the phone is not used). And it does not disappoint: a relatively conventional battery of 1540 mAh, the phone is 9:15 in GSM communication with a loud and clear. This is one of the best scores ever achieved in our laboratory. 3G in navigation, the phone takes nearly 5 hours and just under 6 hours of video playback. It is simply excellent. In practice, the phone takes two days in normal use, with push Gmail.

List of Android Phones below Rs. 30,000

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc & Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play

This pretty model builds on design with quality materials for hull and a slightly curved for a perfect grip, and is presented as the thinnest Smartphone in the world, with only 8.7 mm thick, styling in the post Optimus LG Black (9.6 mm). That did not stop to have a widescreen 4.2 multitouch technology Reality Display using the BRAVIA Engine Mobile inherited technologies for televisions and flat screens from Sony.

As a reminder, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc in Android 2.3 and features a Qualcomm processor at 1GHz, 512MB of ROM, a capacitive touch screen TFT LED multitouch 4.2 with a resolution of 854 × 480 and Reality Display Technology With Mobile Bravia Engine, a 8.1 megapixel sensor Exmor R movie recording in 720p, a micro-HDMI output, FM tuner, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, integrated GPS, a microSD memory port with a card 8GB included a 1500 mAh battery, all in the dimensions of 125x63x8, 117g for 7mm.

The first thing that strikes you about was the Sony Ericsson Xperia Bow in hand, is its subtlety. It's pretty impressive, especially since the finish is to go with materials, certainly brilliant, but not cheap. Then comes the screen is really amazing, I had not put videos on my Nexus S and I regretted it because I would have liked to compare a Super Screen AMOLED Screen Samsung's new Bravia Engine Sony.

Along with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, needless to say that it changed the Xperia X1 0 to level of responsiveness. When my Nexus One had moved from Android 2.0 Android 2.1, I felt a marked improvement, and then I had the same sensation from Android 2.2 and still the same now with Android 2.3 on the Nexus S. Well, I met a few jerks around, this reactivity on the Xperia Arc.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play

Samsung Galaxy S2

At the next Mobile World Congress, Samsung is expected to present the successor to Galaxy S model with the different versions have sold extremely well (read: Samsung: 10 million sold Galaxy S). He that is called for now Galaxy S2 could use Korean sources said Orion processor with two cores running at 1 GHz and 1 GB of RAM, all in 9 mm thick (4 iPhone measures 9.3 mm thickness).

Internally, the successor of S would Galaxy code name "Seine". Like the Nexus S, manufactured by Samsung, the S2 is equipped with Gingerbread Android 2.3 and be compatible NFC. It should have a screen 4.3 "800x480 AMOLED Super Plus and an 8MP sensor with features 1080p HD video recording.

SOC Orion Galaxy S2 is manufactured by Samsung on a Cortex A9. It has a graphics chip 5 times more powerful than the Hummingbird platform, including those for encoding and decoding HD streams 1080p at 30 frames / s. It also integrates GPS chip, 3-screen controller and HDMI. In the same way that Apple used in the A4 iPhone is pretty close to the Hummingbird, the next processor Apple should be pretty close to Orion after the confrontation Galaxy S / iPhone 4 in 2010, 2011 could be the year of the Battle iPhone 5 / Galaxy S2.

**racer** · 12-02-2011

Motorola Atrix 4G

As the Optimus 2X LG, Motorola Atrix 4G is fed to a dual processor cores with each heart is clocked at 1 GHz to open web pages 2 times faster than most other smartphones. It includes various platforms to transform the phone from which I quote the dock to laptop and multimedia dock that connects your phone to compatible devices via HDMI. It comes with the technology of two microphones for noise reduction to ensure high voice quality. In addition, it provides a reader fingerprint recognition to the table to secure the transaction.

The Atrix 4G Motorola running Android 2.2 Froyo which offers access to more than 200,000 applications on Android Market. It provides powerful and useful applications such as:

Application U-verse TV Live lets you schedule recordings, download and watch TV on your Motorola Atrix 4G.
Citrix Application Receiver that offers secure access to virtual desktops and Windows.

Other applications such as Sales-force.com, Google Docs, Quick Office, Webtop including the integration of social networks (MySpace, Facebook, Twitter.) and the integration of Google Apps containing Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail , Voice Search, YouTube and the Firefox web browser (Firefox full version 3.6).

LG Optimus 2X.

Dell Venue - Rs. 28,000

Venue of the new device based on Google Android operating system of the American producer. Features a large 4-inch AMOLED display, 8 megapixel camera, 512 MB of RAM in addition to the classics: Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi.
The specifications of this Smartphone will be revealed in the future, but currently, is that the Dell Official Venue Pro offers a large 4.1 inch WVGA display (480x800 pixels) with AMOLED capacitive multi-touch support. The Smartphone includes a Qualcomm chipset QSD8250 1GHz and a 5 megapixel camera, and for lovers of the physical keyboard do not miss a full sliding QWERTY.

HTC Desire HD - Rs. 22,000 - Rs. 25,000

First, its 4.3 inch screen is unbelievable with its dimension that fills the screen ". With a similar resolution at Desire, 480 x 800 pixels, Desire HD is unfortunately not equipped to the AMOLED LCD or the Super, but a conventional TFT-LCD screen that is mature with good performance but less bright colors and black less "black" (lower contrast). It is of course multi-touch technology with a capacitive touchscreen which is higher than that used by Desire (only dual-touch). With a screen like this, one might almost speak of tablet, the experience is simply greater than the Desire and the Samsung Galaxy S.

Note that the Desire HD does not have a kickstand on the back cover; EVO 4G on this crutch is nevertheless very useful because it allows you to watch a movie on a table without having to hold the phone. In addition, when you look at the thickness of Desire HD it is only 1.18 cm, that is to say similar to Desire. The battery is located on the right of Desire HD under the aluminum hull. It embeds a battery of 1230 mAh, smaller than the Desire (1400 mAh) or the HTC EVO (1500 mAh). Nevertheless, autonomy announced by HTC is greater than the autonomy of the latter. It will wait for cons tests to confirm the manufacturer.

Multimedia side, you will receive a mobile audio system with Dolby Surround and SRS as well as an 8-megapixel camera with dual flash and video recording in HD 720p. Note the possible reading Xvid video files. And of course the compatibility of Adobe Flash 10.1, native Android 2.2, for surfing the Internet. Desire HD also offers the new Quick Start HTC, which allows you to quickly make calls and check e-mails by shortening the time required to fully boot the phone. Building on the legacy of the HTC Legend, this Smartphone is carved from a solid block of aluminum, which hopes to stand out design and glossy plastic of some smartphones.