LG G3 Camera Review: UHD Video Test and Samples (2160p)

To go along with that impressive Quad HD screen, you’ll probably want to shoot some Ultra-HD video! At four times the resolution of 1080p, the LG G3 camera is capable of capturing some stunning footage. We run the AT&T version through our real world camera benchmarks to see how it performs!

LG G3 Camera Review – HD Video Test and Samples.
Shop the LG G3 on Amazon.
LG G3 First Impressions.

LG G3 and G Watch coming to AT&T July 8th

LG G 3The newest hot flagship phone in AndroidLand is heading to AT&T, and it’ll be available to order tomorrow!

The G3 shows off why LG is the fastest growing Android manufacturer, and recent phones like the G2 and G Flex have started giving players like Moto, HTC, and Samsung a run for their money. A 5.5″ QHD screen (2560×1440) with ultra-thin bezels is powered by a Qualcomm 801 quad core, 16GB of storage (with MicroSD expansion), 3GB of RAM, all fed by a 3000mAh battery. Camera junkies will appreciate the 13MP rear shooter capable of UHD video with true Optical Image Stabilization and a new Laser Focus autofocus.

lg g watchAlso in attendance, it’s clear why carriers are getting into the accessories game. More than a bumper case or pair of headphones, gadgets like speakers and smartwatches are tangible value add for consumers, and better help the carrier’s bottom line. The G Watch is one of the first to offer up Google’s Android Wear OS, and it’ll function like having Google Now cards on your wrist, a handy way to keep you from having to check your phone for every little alert you get.

The G3 will run you $199 on a two year agreement. The G watch will set you back an additional $229. Both will be in stock at brick and mortar AT&T stores starting July 11th. Full PR below for more info!

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Samsung Targets iPhone Battery Life in “Wall Huggers” Commercial

samsung wallhuggers commercialI haven’t always loved Samsung’s snarkier spots, but this one is tickling my funny bone. If you’ve traveled recently, you’ve probably noticed this phenomenon of people crowding the outlets at airports.

As more and more phone manufacturers rush to enclose their device’s batteries in non-removable shells, I have a soft spot for Samsung continuing to provide us with removable back plates. Funny to think that the company working hardest on waterproofing and rugeddizing their phones, also continues to let consumers swap out their battery.

But I digress. Here’s Samsung’s latest assault on the iPhone. Enjoy.

Nokia Lumia 635 coming to T-Mobile July 9th

Lumia-635-2Nokia is raising the stakes on the entry-level game.

After scoring a hit with last years low-cost wunderphone the Lumia 520, the follow up this year is looking to continue that tradition of not punishing people for buying a “cheap” handset.

This will be the first phone to properly ship with Windows Phone 8.1 (our full review of Microsoft’s new OS), and it’s coming first to T-Mobile. Starting July 9th you can score one for $0 down and only $7 a month added to your plan. It’ll be less than $170 if you want to buy it outright.

A 4.5″ screen is powered by a Qualcomm 400 series quad core, 512MB of RAM, 8GB of storage (with MicroSD card expansion up to 128GB), a 5MP rear camera, an 1830mAh battery, and LTE for T-Mo’s 4G network.  It’s a solid step up from the Lumia 520, and more than covers the basics for someone wanting a solid smartphone experience.

The 635 will eventually land on other carriers, but Lil Magenta is where you can get it first. It’ll be closely followed by the Lumia 930, which we got a sneak peek of in the Verizon Lumia Icon. Nokia produced a hands on of the 635, which you can watch below.

Android One reference design to bring low cost phones to developing markets

android one micromaxIt’s an area where Android often lags. How to bring functional low cost phones to developing markets?

Google has been looking at software optimization with KitKat, who to provide a less punishing experience for low power handsets, but that still requires manufacturers to tailor the experience on the phones they produce. That can be a tough decision for a company to make, how much man power to assign to a device which likely wont generate as much profit as a flagship phone.

Android One is a program which aims to streamline the development, manufacturing, and support process. Android One devices will run stock Android like Nexus phones, though carriers and OEM’s will be able to pre-load apps to customize the experience. Google will also be responsible for providing updates to One phones as further incentive for manufacturers, saving them a little on support costs.

Micromax was on hand to show off an example One device and they’re expected to release a dual SIM handset with a 4.5″ screen and SD card slot for under $100.

Android One will start up in India first, with devices expected to drop later this Fall.

Amazon Fire Phone Coming Exclusively to AT&T – 32GB for $199 on Contract

feature-fireos._V349436017_The long rumored Amazon phone is official!

The Fire Phone builds off of Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem, delivering a similar “FireOS” user interface running on top of a custom build of Android. This means 3rd party Android apps will be compatible, but Google services wont be included as this will use the Amazon App store instead of Google Play.

The hardware is a mix of mid-range and high-end. I’m glad to see the slightly smaller 4.7″ screen, though it’ll come in at 720p instead of the terrific 1080p found on the HTC M7. The venerable Qualcomm 800 quad-core is on board backed up by 2GB of RAM, plenty powerful for gaming on this screen resolution. Storage comes in 32GB and 64GB flavors, with no MicroSD card expansion it seems like a good platform to push Amazon Cloud Storage, as you can upload photos taken from a Fire Phone for free. Continue reading “Amazon Fire Phone Coming Exclusively to AT&T – 32GB for $199 on Contract”

Samsung Announces First Smartphone Running Tizen OS

Samsung Z_Gold_DynamicThe game is afoot.

The number one manufacturer of Android handsets is now taking a stab at releasing a phone with their own operating system. We’ve been hearing about Tizen for a while now, and it made its first commercial appearance on the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches. Now Sammy thinks it’s ready for the big time.

The Samsung Z is an upper mid-range phone sporting a 4.8″ 720p display, powered by a 2.3GHz quad core processor. 2GB of RAM will be on board, and the normal split of 16GB and 32GB storage options will be available, backed up by a MicroSD card reader for expansion.  An 8MP camera is on the back, and the whole affair is juiced by a 2600mAh battery.

For a first phone, Samsung is packing in a surprising number of high end features from their Galaxy line. IR Blaster for universal remote control function, finger print scanner, NFC, Heart Rate Sensor with S-Health, and the Downoad Booster which uses WiFi and LTE to improve data speeds.

Samsung Android phones are a heavily customized experience, with a number of services built directly by the manufacturer. It’s clear that Sammy believes a “Touchwiz” phone can stand on its own regardless of what OS lives underneath the candy color UI.

We’ll have to see how developers embrace the platform, and what apps will be available as we can be pretty sure that some core Google services like Maps, will likely not be found on this phone. Samsung will be releasing the Z in Russia during Q3 of this year with pricing info to follow soon.

Would a “pure” Samsung device interest you? Can any company launch a new OS in this maturing smartphone market? Drop us a comment below!

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Top 5 Best Non-iPhone Smartphones for Audio Playback Over Headphones!

Here at SomeGadgetGuy, we have the most comprehensive collection of speaker reviews available anywhere on the internet.

However, when listening to music, playing games, or watching movies, we often listen over headphones. This video, we’re taking a look at the best non-iPhone devices to offer up the highest quality playback over their respective headphone jacks!

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