The Sony Xperia Z: the mobile camera, reloaded? A brief shootout, Xperia Z Vs Galaxy Note 2 Vs the Nokia Pureview 808

This piece is a heads-up of sorts to let you know that thanks to the good folk at Mobicity, we're fortunate enough to have an Xperia Z in our hot little hands already.

As you might guess a (rapid-) review will be forthcoming, but this time around I'm going to start with something a little different. You see I had some fun yesterday on Twitter trying out the Xperia Z camera, pitting it against the Note 2 camera and the undisputed king of mobile imaging, the Nokia Pureview 808. After looking at the results I thought it was too worthwhile an exercise to leave just to Twitter, and so here it is on the blog too.

Although it's a little bit of a departure, the camera of the Xperia Z is too fundamental a part of its marketing drive to leave to a couple of paragraphs in a rapid-review; it demands more. If you believe Sony's hype surrounding the purported imaging advances offered by its latest and greatest, you'll be expecting a solid improvement over last years shooters, and maybe even a substantial improvement. Sony is betting the bank on the camera being a strong differentiator to favour their 2013 flagship against incumbents like the incoming HTC One and Galaxy S4, so the question of whether its camera can indeed carry the day looms large over the Xperia Zs fate.

Rapid Review: The Huawei MediaPad/T-Mobile Springboard

So, as promised a couple of weeks ago, here is our inaugural Rapid Review.

First up? The Huawei MediaPad (also known as the T-Mobile Springboard Stateside).

It might seem an odd choice to review now, being an end-of-life (EOL) product, about to be relegated to the side-lines as Huawei refreshes its tablet line up. But then, it might just be one of those unappreciated gems worth grabbing at EOL prices, mightn't it? You'll have to read on to find out I guess. Well, actually, I know you're clever enough to realise we wouldn't even be here if we didn't like it, but there still might be a few tasty surprises just past the break nevertheless...

Video Review: Speck FabShell for Samsung Galaxy S3

I test out a lot of cases. I get 2 or 3 packages weekly (sometimes more!) from different case manufacturers trying to promote a new product. For the most part, the majority of cases are very similar to another and don't 'think outside the box'. Whenever I find a case that does, I'm eager to try it out. Now, a lot of people don't care for a unique or exclusive case, they simply want something protective and reliable. I completely understand that, but as a reviewer, I see so much of the same stuff that I like something out of the ordinary occasionally.

The Speck FabShell does a good job at fitting into that space with its unique fabric backing. The case itself is pretty straightforward, featuring a TPU body that is backed with plastic for added durability and protection. What sets this case apart from others is the fact that the plastic is lined in fabric, which not only adds grip, but features a characteristic design.

I'm not a huge fan of the design options that Speck has released, but the case itself is not a let down. Offering great protection, the FabShell features nearly perfect ports and cutouts, falling short due to its lack of responsiveness with the power button. Other than that however, it is well made.

Check out the video review below for more information and my full thoughts:

The Nexus 7 "Real-user" review: Part 1 - Initial impressions, Design/Build quality, synthetic benchmarks and performance in actual-use

The first device to sport Android OS version 4.1, Jelly Bean, and a
serious salvo fired over the bow of Amazon - is it good enough?

So we come to part one of the Nexus 7 review. If I'm not very much mistaken a great many of you are watching this device eagerly, and I'm quite sure it is already well on its way to achieving its goal of making inroads for Android into the tablet market. But does it deserve to? That's the fundamental question here really. Is it good enough for the asking price to deserve your dollar, or do the inevitable compromises for cost harm the end result in the Nexus 7 too much?

Read on to find out whether our early impressions suggest this is the best way to spend your $200...

[Oh, and if you've already made the leap and purchased an N7 you might like to head to our guide for Rooting the N7 so you can start making the most of your shiny new toy]

Video Review: Diztronic Matte Black TPU Case for Samsung Galaxy S3

There are some cases that just tend to be reliable, affordable & get the job done. The Diztronic Matte Black TPU case is exactly that for me, I don't always use it, but I always keep it around. Priced at $9.90 USD, this is a budget-conscious option, but don't let that price point fool you - this case is as good or even better than other more expensive alternatives.

Featuring a matte coating on the back, the Diztronic case is a TPU case that hugs your Galaxy S3 tightly for a snug fit. Ports and cutouts are decently cut, with some being slightly misaligned (but not affecting overall performance). Protection wise, you'll find this case provides excellent scratch protection and some minimal drop & shock protection. Not too shabby for a 10$ case.

Check out the full review below for more info:

The Galaxy S III "Real-user" Review: Part 2 - Entertainment and media - Music and video playback, gaming, browser

The combination to make you wax lyrical about sound?

Today we’re going to bite off a fairly sizeable chunk of the review, covering a lot of the entertainment aspects of the device – music, video, gaming and the browser. If you haven't read part 1 of the review which covered initial impressions, design/build quality, screen and benchmarks then check it out here.

OK, so to start things off, here is my “I’m no audiophile” disclaimer (italicized since AndroidNZ readers will have seen it before):

Like I seem to do quite often, I have to start here with a disclaimer of sorts - this time in terms of my own listening prowess. You see, in terms of evaluating the audio quality of the phone I have to set the appropriate context - that context being my own limitations as a listener. I think my ear is above average, nearly twenty years of playing guitar certainly helps there, but I am definitely no audiophile. While I’m in complete disclosure mode: I have some high frequency hearing loss from guitar and concert attendances over the years, and I don’t own a set of audiophile headphones. What does all that mean? Well, basically, audiophiles should move right along, my ear isn’t up to advising you about whether you’ll be happy with this phone. Most everyone who isn’t an audiophile will be happy enough with the Note's audio quality, and those same readers will likely find my take on the sound quality is pitched at the right level.

I purchased a few things audio-related since the Note review.

Having said of all that I must say that it’s no longer ringing entirely true. While I still wouldn’t label myself an audiophile, I have been on rather an audio voyage of discovery since I wrote that disclaimer and should probably adjust it accordingly.

You see, since the Note review I’ve purchased the ASUS Xonar Essence One USB DAC for my desktop, an E17 USB DAC for portable use, and several sets of headphones (the Grado GS1000i, Audeze LCD-2, Sennheiser HD-251 II, and ACS-T15, for those who like to know that sort of thing). That’s a reasonably serious outlay on audio equipment, so it’s a little disingenuous to completely downplay my ability to adjudicate sound quality. Readers should realize though that I’m still in my audio lovers infancy. I might be able to discern more than some people, simply on account of having better listening equipment, but I’m hardly a paragon of audio quality assessment and astute listeners will still need to seek their own S III audition from which to form their own opinion.

So, preamble over, what is my assessment of the S III’s audio playback chops?

Video Review: Tridea Tedoori Bumper Case for Samsung Galaxy S III

Bumper. What exactly does it mean? A quick dictionary search will lead you to something along these lines; a fixed metal bar used in a vehicle to reduce damage after a collision. Seems useful, huh? The folks at Tridea took the idea of a bumper and ported it to phones in order to have a similar effect, reducing damage during a drop or fall.

The result is the Tedoori Bumper case, made from a TPU material, it hugs the sides and corners of the Galaxy S III to provide a tight fit whilst adding a slight grip. The execution of the case is good for the most part, it is comfortable to hold while maintaing a minimalistic and simple design. The ports and cutouts are spot-on, so I have no problems with the manufacturing of the case.

The main issues come with the way the case is meant to be used, simply put: this case offers an extremely low amount of protection from scratches or drops. Bumper cases in general are to be used by consumers that are careful with their devices, the Tedoori being no exception. One drop and you can kiss your Galaxy S III goodbye. This isn't a knock on Tridea, but rather bumper cases in general.

Check out the video below for the full review:

Video Review: SGP Flex HD for Samsung Galaxy S III

The Galaxy S3 is finally amongst us! After a long 4 month wait (for me at least), I received my 16 GB Pebble Blue model late last week. Whenever I get my hands on a new device, I immediately start sourcing cases & accessories to keep my beloved well protected. In today's post, we'll be checking out the Spigen SGP Flex HD full coverage screen protector for the S3.

Back in December I installed and reviewed the same screen protector for the Galaxy Nexus and went on the use that screen protector for the following 7 months. Upon hearing SGP would remake this shield for the S3, I knew I wanted to check it out right away! A full coverage screenshield is one that covers the whole glass display, in the case of the S3, its slight curvature means some protectors can't cover the curved areas.

Visually, this screen protector won't provide the best clarity or feel, but where it excels is protection. A little thicker than most, the Flex HD provides unparalleled protection from drops and scratches. 

Check out the video below for the installation (very easy!) and review:

The Huawei Ascend G300 (U8815) "Real-user" review

Welcome to the "Real-user" review of the Huawei Ascend G300, otherwise known as the U8815

I don’t know why some phone models are given different numbers. The box says U8815 but the Internet and even Vodafone advertise this phone as a G300. The box says U8815, so that’s what I’m calling it throughout this article.

We were fortunate enough to be offered one of these to review here at AndroidNZ recently, and while we generally cover high-end devices, we’re always keeping an eye on the entry-level segment of the market too. Couple that interest with a chance to spend some hands-on time with a handset from up-and-coming Android device manufacturer Huawei, and naturally it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.

The review is going to go out in two parts, basically because I totally suck at games. At the point of determining what muscle this phone had in ability to play games, I handed the phone to Nik. So there will be my part, and then Nik’s part with some of his thoughts on the phone.

So here’s my review, continue reading after the jump