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.

Real user review - Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL

Huawei's flagship is a very attractive package with a superb screen

Life as a tech blogger is a succession of increasingly competent devices landing on your doorstep, each in its own way making you acutely aware of your current device's limitations while simultaneously generating a lust to possess the latest and greatest. Or at least, that's how it seems.

AndroidNZ Ed-In-Chief Murray decided that it was time for me to slum it a bit. Not in a homeless person kind of way, but more in the "OMG, does he drive a Suzuki Swift?" sense. The Huawei Ascend D1 Quad XL (apparently there was another model named the "D Quad" - very unfortunate when spoken aloud) had turned up for testing and I got the short straw. However, the spec sheet suggests that the Ascend really isn't too far off the pace when compared to the very high end offerings from the likes of Samsung, LG and HTC. And arguably, even Nokia's recent Win8 kit. And even when it misses the bar, it's by only modest margins. Is that even important though? Good question. We shall see…

Galaxy Note 2 Smart Dock - exclusive first look video review!

I was lucky enough to get my hands on one of these very cool pieces of kit over the last couple of days, check out the video for a detailed demonstration of what it can do. I have to return it to Samsung very quickly, so if you have questions please ask them at the YouTube channel as quickly as possible.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2: review incoming!

The successor to our first ever review device is in our hands...

Hi everyone!

Quick post to let everyone know that the Note 2 is of course in our hands and undergoing the usual gruelling 'real-user' treatment here at AndroidNZ. If you read our review of last years phablet flagship, then you probably know that while there may be many other reviews of the Note 2, there is really only one that is going to do this epic device justice (ours, if I haven't been obvious enough there!).

If ther Note 2s arrival at AndroidNZ is news to you, then you clearly aren't following us on Twitter - why aren't you following us on Twitter?! Hit up @Android_NZ to put things straight. We're not prolific, so there's no need to worry about us spamming up your timeline, you just get to enjoy the cosy feeling of security that comes with always being up to the minute with happenings here.

Oh, and things are going to unfold slightly differently this time around too, since two editors will be contributing to the review - myself (@NZtechfreak) and Nik (@onslaught86). We're also worth a follow in Twitter, if I do say so myself, particularly if you want to see how we're getting on with the Note 2 as it happens.

Naturally, if you have questions you'd like addressed in the review please feel free to fire away in the comments below, or via social media.

Anyways, catch you again soon with all of our Note 2 content, kicking off soon with the first part of the review, Root guide, top ten apps, connectivity demo video and more...

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]

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 Samsung Galaxy S III "Real-user" Review: Part 1 - Initial impressions, Design/build quality, Screen and Benchmarks

One phone to rule them all?

The most anticipated Android handset in history: the Samsung Galaxy S III.

If I can confide in you, it's a little daunting sitting down to write a review for a device with such unprecedented interest surrounding it. A far cry from writing about a niche device like the Galaxy Note, that's for sure...

Anyway, you didn't come here to hear my musings on how difficult this is to write - make the jump to start immersing yourself in what will surely be the most complete and thorough review of the S III on the internet (or perhaps just the least succinct one).

[NOTE] If you've already made the leap and purchased an S III you might like to head to our guide for Rooting the S III so you can start making the most of your shiny new toy.

New instalment of the HTC One X "real-user" review up, 4-way camera shootout ensues!

Hi all, quick note to let you all know that the next instalment for my One X review has gone up at the Telecom Tech Blog. Catch the camera review here, and don't forget to cast your votes on the camera shootout at the bottom of the page - HTS One X Vs Samsung Galaxy Note Vs iPhone 4S Vs a standalone digital camera!

Video Review: Speck CandyShell for HTC One X

In the continuation of our HTC One X accessory coverage, I've decided to take a look at the CandyShell case, which comes from the folks over at Speck Products. The CandyShell case first came to existence in early 2009, when it was produced for the iPhone 3GS. Its popularity was quickly noted by consumers and the case design spread to many other devices.

Due to its simplistic yet stylish approach and design, this remains Speck's most popular case, so it is no big surprise it was ported to the One X. The case itself is a hybrid, composed of a plastic shell with a silicone inner layer, although the real treat is that the materials are molded into one single piece. Due to its design, it is extremely protective, yet slimmer than most other hybrid cases.

Check out the full video review below for more info:

Video Review: Case-Mate Tough for HTC One X

Seems a lot of you liked the Galaxy Nexus accessory coverage I brought to the site, with that said, the Galaxy Nexus is slowly becoming a last generation device. In my transition away from the Galaxy Nexus, I've gotten my hands on the HTC One X - which will be used in the next couple of weeks until my Galaxy S III arrives.

In order to protect the new investment, the folks at Case-Mate hooked me up with one of their new Tough cases. Like the name states, this is an ultra protective case featuring a dual hybrid layer design. The inner silicone is nothing special, average quality at best. However, once paired up with the hard plastic shell, the phone feels extremely solid and resistant. This case offers a great amount of protection, albeit at a premium price point.

Check out the full video review below for more info:

[REVIEW] Mugen Extended Battery for the Galaxy Note - 4500mA of staying power

Is this the extended battery you're looking for?

Battery life. The final frontier of convergence. The great challenge facing all smartphone owners... ...or at least those who actually use their convergence device for more than simple telephony (if you caught a faint whiff of a derisive sneer with that comment, it's because I meant it).

I can virtually guarantee that if you're here reading this you have at some point complained about your present phones battery life, and probably every smartphone you've owned before it too for that matter. I can also be almost certain that you've invested a fair amount of time investigating and experimenting with ways to extend it. Be that dimming the screen, scrupulously avoiding light coloured wallpapers, meticulously micro-managing your sync activities and data usage, flashing custom ROMs, or just plain curtailing your use. One thing nearly of all these things have in common is that you're compromising your use and enjoyment of the device.

You might think to yourself, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a way I could have the battery life I need, but without having to curb my use?", and "Why hasn't anyone done something about that?". Well fortunately for you Mugen have attempted to do something about it. Question is, just how good is it?

The Galaxy Tab 7.7 "Real-user" Review: Part 1 - Unboxing, Initial impressions, Design/build quality, Screen and Benchmarks

So, I've had the Galaxy Tab 7.7 for a few weeks. I'm tired of people asking me about when my review will start going up, so I decided now is good (seriously, in a microcosmical way I start to understand how the Cyanogenmod guys must feel sometimes). Make the jump past the break to see how the Tab 7.7 stands up to our usual intense scrutiny!

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 arrives at AndroidNZ!

Hi all!

Hot on the heels of the ASUS Transformer Prime, we've also got our hands on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 here at AndroidNZ.

We'll have plenty of content in relation to the 7.7 coming over the next few weeks, and as always we're interested in what you guys actually want to know about the device. Drop us a line in comments if you've got burning questions that need answering.

If the full-sized Prime is more your speed, don't despair! There is still lots more Prime content coming to AndroidNZ for it - including a full review by editor Andy Carruthers.

...and of course as per usual if you want our latest up-to-the-minute thoughts and experiences with the new devices follow us on Twitter @Android_NZ @NZtechfreak @Kre8vDuece



(basically if it's a new Android tablet at the moment we're all over it, for some reason there is a surplus of these right now and a lull in the phone release schedule)