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MORE THAN 100 MOBILE
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november 2014
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iPHONE 6
why its
still the
one to
beat

BLACKBERRY
PASSPORT
does this curious
square-screen
device measure up?

November 2014

ANDROID GETS A
64-BIT TURBO BOOST
01_Cover_November14.indd 3

TOP 20 ALTERNATIVES
TO FACEBOOK

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November 2014
Clark White Publishing Ltd
8-10 Godson Street
Islington, London
N1 9GZ

Tel: 020 3122 0870


Email: editorial@whatmobile.net
Website: www.whatmobile.net
Twitter: @whatmobile
Facebook: What Mobile Magazine

Apple shows no
signs of softening
Poor Google, it came so close.
It looked like 2014 was going
to be the year of Android that

Next issue on sale


13 November

finally, after years of maybes


and nearly theres, Googles
operating system would

EDITORIAL
Email: editorial@whatmobile.net
Telephone: 020 7324 3502
Reporter: Saqib Shah
Email: saqib.shah@whatmobile.net
Telephone: 020 3122 068
Reporter: Callum Tennent
Email: callum.tennent@whatmobile.net
Telephone: 020 3122 068
Editorial Director: Ian White
ART/PRODUCTION
Art Editor: Andy Hemming
Email: andyh@mobilenewscwp.co.uk
Sub-editor: Andy Williams

take centre stage in the


tech mainstream.
We were premature, to say the
least. With confidence, swagger and
flourish, the Muhammad Ali of the
smartphone world strolled back into
the ring and made it unwaveringly
clear that theres still only one
heavyweight champion. Apples
iPhone is back.
Its enough to make invested
Android fans tear their hair out, but

ADVERTISING
Advertising Sales Manager
Kimberley Glover
kimberleyg@mobilenewscwp.co.uk
020 3122 0871

PUBLISHING
Printed by PCP, Telford, TF7 4QQ
Telephone 01952 585 585
Distributed by Inter-Media
What Mobile is published
12 times a year

Subscriptions
Tel 01737 457 157
Email whatmobile@inter-media.co.uk
Post What Mobile Subscriptions,
Intermedia Brand Marketing Ltd,
Abbey House, Clarendon Road,
Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QZ

03_Editorial_November 14.indd 3

once again, Apple has proven that


nobody can compare when it comes
to both showmanship and sales;
10 million units shifted in the first
week should tell you that.
While all that attention was being
lavished on the champ, there was some interesting action from the undercard,
too. BlackBerry may have taken one hell of a beating, but itll take more than that
to keep down the old veteran. The Passport is supposed to be the device to get
BB back into the big time, or so it hopes. Truth is, its probably not so much a
knockout blow as a much-needed clinch, but it could be enough to see BlackBerry
steady its legs. Its got a long old slog ahead of it to revive former glories.

The What Mobile team

30/09/2014 17:14

contents

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Inside
WIN one of four
27 top smartphones

24

32

36

40

06 First look
Hand up if you want an Apple Watch?

42 When Im 64...
The future is 64-bit, but what does that mean?

08 International round-up
Seismic shifts from across the world of mobiles

46 Beyond Facebook
The 20 best social networking alternatives

12 Patently obvious
Google Glass is transformed into a projector

50 Apps and games


All the latest mobile downloads reviewed

16 Accessories
Protect your new iPhone 6 with a new case

54 Mobile gaming
PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS releases rounded up

24 iPhone 6
All you need to know about Apples finest

58 Buyers guide

Over 100 devices rated

32 Microsoft Surface Pro 3


Finally, a tablet that can replace your laptop

36 BlackBerry Passport
Its hip to be square, or so BlackBerry believes

60 Phone reviews

40 Motorola Moto G
The best budget phone just got even better

in our comprehensive guide

89 Tablet reviews

4 www.whatmobile.net

04_Contents_November14.indd 4

30/09/2014 15:50

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first look

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About time: Apple


unveils its watch

new chapter in Apples story thats how boss


Tim Cook introduced the tech giants long-awaited
wearable device, the Apple Watch.
Being the first smartwatch that the company has launched is
arguably enough to make it an historic device. But did the Apple
Watch offer enough to overshadow the unveiling of the iPhone
6 in September?
The answer is no. But its more complicated than that.
The Apple Watch works alongside the iPhone (models 5
and upwards). That means Apple chose not to make it a
standalone device, as Samsung did with its Gear S.

triple treat
The Apple Watch shuns a round watch-face in favour of a
rectangular display. It comes in two sizes and boasts three
variations: the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple
Watch Edition (aluminium, stainless steel and 18-carat gold).
A unique feature is its digital crown thats the rotary wheel
on the edge, to you and me. Turning this allows users to zoom in
and out of the display and scroll through web pages or messages.
Among its features are fitness and heart-rate tracking sensors, as well
as apps such as maps, email, music, photos, calendar, Siri, dictation and
messaging.

Watch operates
alongside iPhones

Rotary wheel is
for navigation

Device can track


heart rate

6 www.whatmobile.net

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30/09/2014 13:07

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Design options Watch comes in a range of sleek and sporty looks

first look

Four sensors Movement detection allows for intelligent functions

The Apple Watch is more of a general


crowd pleaser than other smartwatch
devices weve seen

The Apple Watch can also store music and


allows users to control the music on their iPhone
or Mac via the wearable.
Four sensors, or contact points, on the back of
the device allow for intelligent functions. These
include the screen turning on when it senses
the users wrist, and the ability to use vibration to guide you while in the
Maps app.
Inside the watch is an Apple-designed S1 processor. Once the watch
is in the shops, we will be able to compare it fully with Android Wear
devices to see if Apples chip makes a difference to its operating speed.

Faceful of features
Apple showed a demo of the Watch at its launch event, mainly to illustrate
its notifications and interactive wallpapers.
If a notification comes in, the watch vibrates using the built-in
haptic sensor. The screen displays the notification once the user lifts
their wrist.
Apple also revealed the devices ability to read messages and provide
relevant replies and actions.
More interesting, however, are the customisable replies and drawings
you can send friends. These include emojis that can be enlarged and
drawings of your heartbeat, as monitored by the heart-rate sensor.

Apples digital voice assistant is also on board and wearers can ask the
voice-operated assistant, Siri, all the usual questions.
Fitness is currently a major theme for Apple and this is also true of the
Watch. You can take it to the track to monitor short training sessions via
the new built-in Workout app, or use it to constantly monitor fitness via
the aptly titled Fitness app.
The Apple Watch will be released with six customisable leather straps,
as well as an array of sports bands for fitness-centric use. All of these
can be fastened using the magnets on the Watch. There is also a classic
buckle or stainless steel link bracelet option.
These design elements, in conjunction with the smaller size, make the
Apple Watch more of a general crowd pleaser than other smartwatch
devices weve seen. It looks as though Apple is also targeting women
with the wearable a neglected demographic up until now in
smartwatch marketing.
The Apple Watch will hit shelves early next year and will be priced at
$349 in the US (215). Prices for other territories have yet to be revealed.

Sporty straps
are available
Straps fasten
using magnets
Haptic sensor
is built in

Maps vibrate
to guide you

www.whatmobile.net 7

06-07_First Look_November14.indd 7

30/09/2014 13:07

international round-up

worldmags.net
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Around the world


Google makes a big push into India with its affordable Android One programme; LG adds a stylus to its flagship G3; Huawei
beats Apple to a super-strong sapphire screen; and Lava goes selfie crazy with the Iris X5

Android One
Google has revealed the first three handsets
that will roll out as part of its affordable
Android One programme, starting in India.
The tech giant is partnering with local
Indian manufacturers to produce a series
of entry-level devices that come with the
latest version of Android: KitKat 4.4.
Android One forms part of a new strategy
for Google that sees it targeting so-called
emerging markets, such as India, in a bid to
further push its operating system.
Although cheap Android devices are
already available in markets such as India,
Google is promising to be more hands-on.
Consequently, Android One handsets
like the new Karbonn Sparkle V Red will
benefit from regular updates.
Comparing the $100 (62) Karbonn
Sparkle V Red to a standard entry-level
Android smartphone, such as the slightly

pricier Motorola Moto E, shows that its specs


arent radically different to the type of lowcost phones were used to in the West.
The handset has the same 1GB of RAM
as the Moto E, a 5-megapixel camera, and
comes with Android KitKat 4.4 out of the box.
It also has a good-sized 4.5-inch display
with a 480 x 854-pixel resolution although
this is less than the Moto Es impressive
540 x 960 pixels.
Aside from the Karbonn Sparkle V Red,
Google has also unveiled the Spice
Dream Uno (63) and the Micromax
Canvas A1 (65), which come with virtually
identical specs.
The Android One programme is thought
to be the brainchild of Chennai-born Google
exec Sundar Pichai, who first revealed
plans for its rollout at his companys I/O
conference in June.

LG G3 Stylus
LG has announced another handset as part of its core range of devices in 2014:
the G3 Stylus. Were used to seeing bigger-screened versions of top-of-therange devices being offered to accommodate a stylus. But as the original G3
has a larger-than-average 5.5-inch screen, LG has opted not to boost the size of
the G3 Stylus. That means the new device gets the same wonderfully compact,
slim-bezelled body.
Despite the same screen size, though, the resolution has been cut. One of the
G3s main selling points QHD resolution of 1,440 x 2,560 pixels has been
sacrificed in the name of cost. As such, you get a display with a meagre
540 x 960 pixels. On a handset with such a large screen, thats a real worry.
Just about every spec comes off worse when compared to the original G3.
The processor has been reduced from 2.5GHz to 1.3GHz; theres only 1GB of
RAM compared to 3GB; and the front-facing camera is 1.3 megapixels instead
of 2.1MP. LG has stuck with the G3s 13MP rear-facing camera, though, which
is hopefully as capable and clear as its original incarnation.
But the stylus is the main selling point, and the handset will come preloaded
with a suite of pen-optimised apps to make use of it.
The LG G3 Stylus went on sale in markets including Brazil, east Asia, the
Middle East and Africa in September. With any luck, it will make its way to
these shores soon.

8 www.whatmobile.net

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Huawei Ascend P7 Sapphire


Looks like the Huawei Ascend P7 has beaten the Apple iPhone 6 in at least one
department. The Chinese manufacturer has announced that it will release a
limited number of Ascend P7 handsets with a scratch-proof sapphire screen.
Sapphire is thought to be the worlds second hardest material after diamond.
Apple had reportedly been planning to use it on its latest iPhone.
The original Huawei Ascend P7 comes with a screen made of Gorilla Glass 3.
The new Huawei Ascend P7 will be available in the companys Chinese online
store in a limited quantity. The first batch of Sapphire handsets launched in
September, with a second batch to follow in November.
If all goes to plan, the new Ascend P7 will be the first sapphire-screen handset
from a Chinese manufacturer, although the rumour mill is rife with speculation
that Huaweis competitors Xiaomi and Vivo are also planning similar displays
for their devices.
Its likely that the device will be sold in a one-off online flash sale, as is
the custom in Asia. The practice has been extremely successful for the likes
of Xiaomi.
Aside from incorporating the new display, the Ascend P7wont undergo any
further changes; we thought Huaweis group selfie phone was a solid handset,
and the device comes with a 1080p resolution 5-inch display, as well as a
1.8GHz quad core-processor.
Huawei has not revealed whether the Sapphire will be rolled out globally.

Lava Iris X5
Selfie phones are currently all the rage. Sony, Huawei and Nokia have all
unveiled handsets with powerful front-facing cameras in recent months. Not to
mention the fact that selfie devices with unique designs, such as the perfume
bottle-shaped selfie camera from Sony, as featured in the October issue of What
Mobile, are becoming increasingly popular.
Indian smartphone makers have thus far resisted the trend. With the launch
of the Lava Iris X5, however, India finally has its very own selfie smartphone
at the kind of affordable price youd expect from the region. The device, which
was launched exclusively through Amazon India in September, comes with
a 5-megapixel front-facing camera with an LED flash perfect for low-light
selfies. On the back of the device is a standard 8MP camera.
The handset has a 5-inch display with 720 x 1,280 pixels, allowing users to
view those images in HD. Inside the device is a 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM
and 8GB of built-in storage, which can be expanded up to 32GB via a microSD
card. All this is pretty low-end, compared to its surprisingly mid-range display.
The Lava Iris X5 costs just 90, which makes it much cheaper compared to
handsets released by Sony and Huawei. The 175 Nokia 735, which will also
be debuting in the UK in October, should give it a run for its money, though
especially if Microsoft modifies the price to compete in emerging markets. For
now, Lava has the upper hand and in the words of company chairman Hari
Om Rai it has a shot at capitalising on that selfie crazy generation of young
smartphone users.

10 www.whatmobile.net

10-11_International_November14.indd 10

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Untitled

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11:00

futurology

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Patently Obvious
This month sees Google making its Glass eyewear into a projector and thankfully less geeky-looking; passwords become pass as
Apple tracks your walking stride-length as a security check; and Samsung adds a new twist in the shape of truly bendable tech

Behaviour-based security
Apple

Subtler Google Glass


Google

Passwords are easy to crack.


Its a simple fact of life, and
its the reason why to log into
your email you now need
to remember a string of 22
letters, nine numbers, eight
Russian Cyrillic characters,
three punctuation marks and
the Batman symbol. It doesnt
matter how complicated you
make them a computer will
crack them.
So how about a phone that
can actually recognise you? Thats what Apple has in store. And were not just
talking about a fingerprint scanner, although that was a fine start. This patent
shows how an iPhone might learn to recognise your behaviour in order to block
out thieves or intruders.
We all have our everyday routines, be it checking Twitter on the train on
the way to work or calling our partner after leaving the office. Your iPhone
would be able to learn those patterns to better identify when someone else
is in possession of it. It could even use the accelerometer to recognise when
someone with a different stride length to you is walking with the phone.

If you asked the average


person on the street what
they find most off-putting
about Google Glass, theyd
most likely tell you the looks
both the design of these
souped-up spectacles and
the looks you will attract
while wearing them.
While decades of sci-fi may
have convinced some that
it would be super-cool to
look like Star Trek: The Next
Generations Geordi La Forge, what we really want is our wearable tech to
look like regular old wearables. Its the reason why the Motorola Moto 360
a smartwatch that looks like a regular watch has attracted fans.
Perhaps aware of this, Google has filed a recent patent for a much more
subtle-looking set of smart-specs. This theoretical edition of Google Glass
would hide more of the technical components within the frame itself, rather
than have them sitting on the outside.
With the current trend for thick-rimmed glasses, these wouldnt only be
more subtle, but more fashionable than Glass current offering, too.

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Touch-sensitive rear panels for gaming Apple


One of the key differences between Sonys PS Vita handheld gaming
console and the original PlayStation Portable was the inclusion of a rear
touch panel. The first of its kind in mainstream gaming, the touch panel
hasnt had as much of an impact as it could have; with two analogue sticks
on the Vita as well as a wealth of other input methods the feature just
isnt really needed.
One device where such a technology could be of greater use is Apples
iPad. Its massive screen has made it extremely popular for gaming, to the
point where certain games are being released exclusively on it, bypassing
the iPhone altogether. Despite that, though, it suffers a lack of versatility
when it comes to input; for example, on-screen virtual joysticks dont really
work with, say, first-person shooters. Could touch-sensitive panels on the
rear of the iPad help remedy that?
Apple thinks so, and a new patent granted to it by the US Patent and
Trademark Office shows just how it would be implemented. According
to the patent, those panels could even be split into different sections to
function more like buttons than trackpads. Either way, its a gamers dream,
and something wed love to see on any future Apple tablets.

Off
the

12 www.whatmobile.net

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futurology

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A truly flexible smartphone Samsung


Earlier this year LG released the Flex. Its unique selling point was that
it was a flexible smartphone. In reality, what we got was a smartphone
with a display permanently curved by a few degrees, which wouldnt snap
should you sit on it. Flexible, it was not.
This patent from Samsung, however, seems to have taken the concept to a
whole new level. Here, we see sketches of a device so flexible it can literally
be folded in half.
Not only that, but it holds a bend, meaning you could flex it into an arc
shape and stand it up on your bedside table as an alarm clock. It could also
be bent lengthways, meaning you could practically roll it into a tube.
The device seems to be able to hold its bent form no matter where it is
folded from, allowing for an intriguing array of possibilities for shapes and
functions. Apps would be encouraged to make use of the possible exotic
poses. Whether we ever see something this extreme produced is dubious,
but the recent revelation of the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge with its
curved AMOLED display has us more hopeful than we would have been a
few months ago.

Hand-projected keyboard
Google

Indoor location beacon


technology Google

Google Glass smarteyewear has not quite


taken off yet, and one
reason for that might not
just be about how daft it
makes you look, but how
silly it makes you sound;
no-one wants to have to
sit talking to themselves
on the train or in a coffee
shop just to send a tweet.
But how can you type
instead using Google
Glass? Impossible, right?
No is the answer offered forth by this patent, in which Google has
looked into the possibilities of a projected keyboard. These arent strictly
a new creation head to your favourite online retailer and you could pick
one up today. What is new is the idea of embedding one within Glass.
It would work by projecting a keyboard from your Glass eyewear onto
your open palm. From there you could use gestures and tap onto your
own hand as a form of input. The patent shows a number pad projected,
but theres no reason why it couldnt be used for letters too.
In short, the technology turns your body into a touchscreen. Google
could, in theory, have that same keyboard projected onto any flat surface
for you to type on. All of a sudden, Glass doesnt seem quite so limited.

With 4G connectivity
and GPS coverage
so comprehensive
nowadays, its pretty
much impossible to get
lost outdoors as long as
you have your smartphone
on you, that is. The irony
is that were probably
more likely now to get lost
indoors. Shopping centres,
museums, airports any of these sprawling labyrinths and their innumerable
attractions can be more difficult to navigate than a simple road. Google has
recognised this first-world problem and is endeavouring to fix it.
This patent, no doubt set to be the first of many, aims to improve location
services while indoors.
This is how Google envisages it could work: a survey of magnetic data is
taken throughout an indoor location. Magnetic data is emitted by any sort of
electronic device; no special beacons or antennae are needed. This data is then
uploaded to a central database, much like Google Maps. The mapped data is
then sent to your mobile device as you approach it/walk through it. The result is
drastically increased accuracy indoors.
The patent depicts a user walking through an art gallery as an example. As
the mobile device knows which painting its stood in front of, it can then offer
up relevant information.

T
c

14 www.whatmobile.net

12-14_Patents_November14.indd 14

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Gadgets, Gifts and accessories

iPhone 6 cases
The iPhone 6 is the sleekest version yet, so youll want to protect it with a brand new case

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Ins Date: November 2014

Proof no: 1

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Gadgets, Gifts and accessories

03 /
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OtterBox has a wealth of experience creating


rugged phone cases, and it first started its
relationship with Apple in 2004 making wraps for
the iPod, so its a name you can trust. Since then,
its gone on to make what might be the most
durable range of cases on the market.

Renowned British fashion giant Ted Baker


hasnt missed the opportunity to get on the
iPhone 6 bandwagon. Its released its own range
of womens iPhone 6 cases, if youre into
traditional gender distinctions. Do feel free to
use one if youre a man they look lovely.

Another extremely rugged protector, Element


Case features a back-plate made of aerospacegrade carbon fibre. Its also got a lanyard loop
and slots for credit cards. A soft inside lining will
make sure your device stays scuff-free when
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Gadgets, Gifts and accessories

06 /
Urban Armour Gear
26
Hold on to your hats, were getting even more
rugged with Urban Armour Gear. It has an HD
screen protector, an impact-resistant core, waterresistant frog-skin exterior, and it even meets
military drop-test standards.

08

07 /
Spigen
16.99
Spigen has done such a fine job crafting its
case that you might be just as worried about
scratching it as the phone itself. Its comfortably
one of the best looking out there, thanks to a
combination of aluminium and polycarbonate,
with a design style reminiscent of the back of the
iPhone 5 and 5s.

08 /
EXOvault
61
EXOvaults line of cases takes a different tack
to most rugged cases. Conceptualised by
professional designers and finished by hand, a
case from EXOvault is as much a work of art as it
is practical. If youve always been hesitant about
covering up the gorgeous looks of your iPhone
with a cheap case, then this considerably more
luxurious offering is for you.

06

07

20 www.whatmobile.net

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Touch Brighter

Liquid E3
Unique front LED flash
for amazing selfies
13 MP

4.7

4Cores

get in touch with the new Liquid e3 at acer.com and


All pictures are intended to show the product for marketing purposes and do not
show any technical feature of the product. Acer and the Acer logo are registered
trademarks of Acer, Inc. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their
respective owners. Images are for reference only. SAR: 0.29W/kg

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reviews

In case you hadnt noticed the queues around the


block, its that time of year when all other phones
must play second fiddle to the latest iPhone launch.
Read our seven-page special to find out whats new

Despite hardware upgrades, its the


iPhone 6s new features that set it apart
24 / iPhone 6 & 6 Plus
32 / Microsoft
Surface Pro 3
36 / BlackBerry
Passport
40 / Motorola Moto G

How we review
To show you where a device
succeeds or fails, we grade
each device in five key areas.

Design

Performance

Features

Usability

Final verdict

First we fully test the speed


and power of each device.
Next we find out how well the
device functions in daily use.

Then we rate the style and


quality of the overall design.
What kind of unique features
and add-ons does it have?
A rating out of five, balancing
cost versus performance

Editors choice
Only the very best devices
will win our What Mobile
Editors Choice award.

editors choice

HHHHH

www.whatmobile.net 23

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iPhone 6 and 6 Plus


The hype machine rolled into town and queues once more snaked around the block to greet the
annual iPhone jamboree. Apples served up twice the excitement with two new handsets
Price: iPhone 6 from 539; iPhone 6 Plus from 619 Reviewer: Saqib Shah

e all knew it was coming and


when it would launch. The
queues started forming outside
Apple stores in the US and UK long before
its release, in anticipation of the most
hyped device of the year. No other phone
elicits the kind of cult fandom that the
iPhone does, and this year was
no exception.
A lot of time has passed since the launch
of the original iPhone in 2007. Apple,
for its part, has done a great job of
upgrading its flagship handset
over the years, and Android
and Windows Phone devices
have often played catch up.
Unlike previous years though,
in 2014 we can safely say that
there are a number of great
smartphones that truly rival
the new iPhone (see p28). But
before we begin comparing
devices, lets take a look at
what Apples updated.

4.7-inch iPhone 6 is
bigger than the 5s

iPhone 6 Plus has


a 5.5-inch display

Performance

Design
As usual, the pressure
was on Apple to deliver
something unique with
the iPhone 6. That hasnt
happened, and its
becoming ever-harder to
pull a rabbit out of the hat
in a smartphone market
saturated with innovative
tech manufacturers
relentlessly releasing new
handsets. Instead, the
iPhone 6 launch event was
all about offering greater
variety and marked the first
time Apple has revealed two
new iPhones at once. Not to
mention three editions of its
new Apple Watch (see p6).
The iPhone 6 has a 4.7-inch
display thats 0.7 inches larger than the iPhone 5s.
There will also be an even bigger model: the iPhone

6 Plus will sport a 5.5-inch display. The iPhone 6


has a resolution of 750 x 1,334 pixels, packing in
326 pixels per inch for a more than 720p Retina
HD display. The iPhone 6 Plus has a resolution of
1,080 x 1,920 pixels, with 401 pixels per inch.
Thats 1080p Full HD resolution.
The handset is thinner than ever
before and the iPhone 5s was
already the slimmest top-ofthe-range phone on the market.
The iPhone 6 is just 6.9mm
thick; the iPhone 6 Plus, 7.1mm.
Both devices are available
in three colours white, gold
and space grey as well as
three internal storage options:
16GB, 64GB and 128GB.
Thats something fans have
clamoured for for ages, given
the iPhones lack of expandable
memory. Unfortunately, theres
still no microSD card slot here.

6 is the thinnest
iPhone ever

401 pixels per inch


on the 6 Plus

The new iPhone is


more powerful than its
predecessors. It uses Apples
latest A8 chip, which results
in 25% faster performance
from the processor and 50%
quicker graphics compared
to the iPhone 5s.
Metal, the new GPU housed
inside the device which we
first got a glimpse of at the iOS
8 reveal in June will provide
the best-looking games youve
ever seen on a mobile.
Benchmarking tests
analysing the new iPhones
power and battery life found
that both the new handsets
beat their competitors; the
iPhone 6 has a 13% increase
in performance due to its new
A8 chip, which also boosts GPU
performance. Whats even more impressive is
that the 1,810mAh battery is also reported to be a

24 www.whatmobile.net

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review

Camera comparison
Although its specs match those of its
predecessor, the iPhone 6 camera is still far
superior to the 5s.
New features include faster autofocus, the
ability to record Full HD 1080p video on the
rear camera at 60fps, a faster f/2.2 aperture
on the front FaceTime camera (meaning
better selfies) and slo-mo video at up to
240fps, compared to 120fps on the 5s.

Side by side The 6 (bottom) adds some much-needed screen real estate to the 5s (top)

step above almost all Android handsets currently


available. This despite the fact that other devices
carry larger batteries, proving once again that
Apples hardware matches its hype.

Features
The iPhone 6 is a feature-packed phone.
Despite offering design and hardware upgrades,
its the handsets new features that really set it
apart. Just like Apple has done elsewhere, it has
tweaked the device by adding and improving
essential functions.
On top of the standard accelerometer, gyroscope
and compass, the iPhone 6 has a barometer. This
allows it to measure relative elevation. Naturally,
this ties in with iOS 8s health and fitness features,
so that it can accurately track when you, say, climb
a flight of stairs.
As iPhone owners will already know, iMessage
lets you send texts over wi-fi no mobile network
signal required. With iPhone 6, you can do the same
with phone calls. In signal blackspots, the iPhone 6

will switch over to any connected wi-fi networks to


make calls. Wi-fi speeds are also up to three times
faster than the iPhone 5s.
The iPhone 5s already has one of the best mobile
cameras on the market. Apple is evidently aware
of this, as its not actually made any huge changes
to it on the iPhone 6. What is different is the sensor,
which it claims to be all-new. The camera is still
the 8-megapixel iSight model with 1.5 pixels and
/2.2 aperture.
Video recording is improved, too, with 60 frames
per second and 1080p Full HD resolution recording
available, compared to 30fps on the iPhone 5s.
The slow-mo video has been upped from 120fps
to 240fps. Pretty slow, in other words.
Theres time-lapse photography and burst-shot
selfies on offer, too.
One thing the iPhone has been lacking is near
field communication (NFC) payments. The mobile
technology, which allows you to pay in a shop by
tapping your phone at an NFC-enabled terminal,
has been available on Android devices for a while,

How they stack up At just 6.9mm in depth, the 6 (bottom) is the thinnest iPhone yet

but most people have yet to take advantage of


it. Apple intends to change all that with its own
mobile wallet, available for the first time on the
iPhone 6, which comes with NFC capability.
Entitled Apple Pay, it allows you to input your
desired debit or credit cards information into your
iPhone, where it is stored securely encrypted. You
can even use the camera to scan in those details
and theyre added to your passbook.
Now, when youre at the checkout, you simply
whip out your iPhone, select a payment card
and then hold your requisite digit on the finger/
thumbprint scanner to enable payment. Its slick,
its effortless, and its not come a moment too soon.
If you lose your mobile, you can use Find My
iPhone to wipe the cards from the device, without
having to call your bank to cancel them.

Conclusion
With the inclusion of iOS 8 software and the
release of two larger iPhones, Apple is spoiling us.
It has beaten Android out the gates with its new
operating system, which itself boasts plenty of new
features, and has added two handsets to its line-up
that look to match their hype with superior specs.
If youre an iPhone owner but are still unsure
about whether the new Apple devices are for you,
check out our guide to upgrading (see p30) and our
round-up of all the best iPhone 6 deals currently
available (see p31).

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Getting in line: we asked why do queuers


camp overnight just to buy an iPhone?

Javad, 26, London

Akim, 30, Durham

Isabella, 28, London

I took the last two


days off work to come
here. Im going to
keep one myself and
then the second one
Im probably going to
sell for profit. Ill sell it
here if I find someone,
and if not, I will still
sell it. Anyone will want to have this phone.
It is gorgeous, its thin and its quite big. I was in
two minds about coming but its very nice. Weve
made a lot of friends, its a nice environment, we
know everybody now and its been fun. My friend
and I have been switching around to go for meals.

It will be the first


time that I have
had an iPhone. I
waited because I
just needed a phone,
it was just practical.
I was in London, I
wanted the latest
phone, I had the
money, so I thought why not?
It has been interesting, you meet different
people, different characters. I havent really slept, I
tried to but the rain starting coming down.
Its a cool phone, the marketing is good and I
wanted to experience what it was like.

Im queueing for
a private client. Its
been alright the
last few hours have
been a bit trying,
people do get a
bit pushy.
There was
thunder and
lightning and we all had to leg it into Citibank.
When we returned, people were trying to queue
jump. Luckily there was a guard assigned to each
section and he recognised us.
The park looks mental they have been putting
people into pens.

Zak, 22, London

Zak, 22, London

Shafiq, 39, London

Im feeling good
because Im one of
the first people to get
the phone. I havent
opened it yet, so lets
see how it goes.
There are people
who have been
waiting for days. I
didnt have to because I reserved my place online. I
spent hours researching it, found the reservation link
and managed to reserve my place last Friday.
I wanted it because Im a big iPhone fan. I got the
6; the 6 Plus is too big more like a Samsung.

I came at midnight
and Ive been here
for eight hours.
Theyve told us
we need to wait a
couple more hours
but its worth it for
the new iPhone.
Its great
because its got new software. I need to see
how it is when I get it in my hands but Im very
happy about it. Thats why Ive been waiting
eight hours. It was raining at night but were all
waiting here for the phone.

It feels really
exciting to get
it first. Ive been
waiting for the
new iPhone for a
long time because
it is a bigger one
than previously.
I went for the 6
because, before, I used the Samsung Galaxy
S5 for the bigger screen but Im a fan of Apple.
The big screen is fantastic; my contract
was up about two months ago and I have
waited for this phone.

26 www.whatmobile.net

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Vote now to win one of four great smartphones


provided by
The What Mobile Awards 2014 are here. Tell us which products and services have impressed you most over
the past 12 months and be in to win one of the worlds top smartphones. Weve got an Apple iPhone 5s, HTC
M8, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia Z2 to give away to say thank you to five lucky voters.

AWARDS CATEGORIES
Best network

Customer service

Camera phone

Best Mvno

High-street retailer

Budget phone

Best online retailer

service and repair

specialist phone

Best accessory retailer

Readers Choice

Tablet

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Accessories

Best manufacturer

insurance provider

Fitness wearables

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To voTe now visiT

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review

Comparison: iPhone 6

Apple
iPhone 6

Nokia
Lumia 930

HTC
One M8

Samsung
Galaxy S5

Processor

Dual-core Apple A8

2.2GHz quad-core

2.3GHz quad-core

2.5GHz quad-core

Storage

16GB, 64GB, 128GB

32GB

16GB, 32GB

16GB, 32GB

OS

iOS 8

Windows 8.1

Android 4.4 KitKat

Android 4.4 KitKat

RAM

1GB

2GB

2GB

2GB

Screen size

4.7 inches

5 inches

5 inches

5.1 inches

Resolution

750 x 1,334 pixels

1,920 x 1,080 pixels

1,920 x 1,080 pixels

1,920 x 1,080 pixels

Camera

8MP, 1.2MP

20MP, 1.2MP

4MP UltraPixel, 5MP

16MP, 2MP

Price

From 539

420

530

530

138.1 x 67 x 6.9mm

137 x 71 x 9.8mm

146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35mm

142 x 72.5 x 8.1mm

129g

167g

160g

145g

Dimensions
Weight

Best processor
The iPhone 6 comes with Apples improved
A8 processor, which boosts speed,
performance and battery life. It beat the
competitors in benchmark tests, therefore it
gets the thumbs up from us.

WINNER:
iPhone 6

Best camera
Although the iPhone 6 camera is definitely
an upgrade from its predecessor, Microsoft
wins out here as the Lumia 930 is definitely
more powerful and continues the great
functions weve come to expect from its
flagship Lumia models.

winner:
930

Best value
Although it costs over 100 more than the
Lumia 930, it also beats it in terms of speed
and usability not to mention Apples
superior app store. Apples competitively
priced new device is worth a look for
all consumers upgrading to a high-end
smartphone.

WINNER:
iPhone 6

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review

Comparison: iPhone 6 Plus

Apple
iPhone 6

Sony
Xperia Z2

LG
G3

Samsung
Galaxy Note 4

Processor

Dual-core Apple A8

2.3GHz quad-core

2.5GHz quad-core

2.7GHz quad-core

Storage

16GB, 64GB, 128GB

16GB

16GB, 32GB

32GB

OS

iOS 8

Android 4.4 KitKat

Android 4.4 KitKat

Android 4.4 KitKat

RAM

1GB

3GB

2GB

3GB

Screen size

5.5 inches

5.2 inches

5.5 inches

5.7 inches

Resolution

1,920 x 1,080 pixels

1,920 x 1,080 pixels

2,560 x 1,440 pixels

2,560 x 1,440 pixels

Camera

8MP, 1.2MP

20.7MP, 2.2MP

13MP, 2.1MP

16MP, 3.7MP

Price

From 619

579

From 499

TBC (550-600)

158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1mm

146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2mm

146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9mm

153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5mm

172g

163g

149g

176g

Dimensions
Weight

Best processor
It will probably be a close competition
between the iPhones A8 and the Galaxy
Note 4, which is the best in its Android class.
However, weve yet to try out Android L, so
for now well give it to the iPhone 6 Plus.

WINNER:
iPhone 6

Best camera
The powerful camera on the Z2 is one
of its best features. Not only will the
20.7-megapixel camera help you capture
beautiful images, but it also boasts a
range of practical and fun editing tools.

winner:
Xperia z2

Best value
The G3 is cheaper than the other large
phones featured here and it matches them
in almost every department. It might lose
out slightly on speed but its price tag makes
it an all-round winner.

WINNER:
LGG3

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DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO


UPGRADE TO THE 6TH FORM?
iPhone 4s
First things first, unless youve done it already, do not upgrade to iOS 8 if you own an iPhone 4s.
It will slow down your iPhone substantially, in the same way that previous upgrades did to older
iPhone handsets. With that in mind, we would recommend Apple fans make the jump to the
iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. Not only do they offer more variety, but in the new phones, you also have a
couple of genuinely powerful high-end handsets.
The iPhone 4s wasnt the biggest improvement on the 4 and it now seems particularly outdated.
Youll definitely notice a big difference when using the new iPhones A8 processor and improved
camera. Youll also be able to take advantage of iOS 8 with its modified apps and new health
features on the best Apple device on the market.
If youre really strapped for cash but desperate for a temporary upgrade, then you should look into
the 5c. We actually like its bright design, although it doesnt have the premium metal aesthetic of
the high-end iPhones; that way you can also utilise iOS 8. If you have the cash, however, and youre
intent on purchasing an iPhone, then go straight for the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus.

iPhone 5 / 5c
The 5 and 5c are very similar in terms of hardware but different in terms of design. The latter will
ultimately be your biggest concern if youre thinking of upgrading. If its a larger phone youre after,
then you should skip the 5s, as its the same size.
If youre interested in the iPhone 6 purely because its a fancy new iPhone, and who doesnt find
that appealing? keep in mind that you can get iOS 8 on your 5 and 5c, meaning your user interface
will be the same. You will also have access to the new Health app but no barometer to track your
movement so you can use third-party fitness tracking apps to collect your data in one place.
Your camera will also get an upgrade, in the form of a new time-lapse mode and super slo-mo
video capture at 120 frames per second two very useful additions for photography fans.
Nonetheless, the iPhone 6 is undoubtedly faster than the 5 due to its new chipset. Its improved
resolution also looks magnificent on the larger display. Combine that with its wealth of exclusive
new features and you have a massive upgrade over the 5 and 5c.

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iPhone 5s
The 64-bit A7 processor within the iPhone 5s makes it a formidable device. Dont be put off by its
small size, which is currently dwarfed by every high-end handset on the market; the 5s is a superior
small smartphone.
It will be tempting to upgrade to the iPhone 6 regardless, what with Apple Pay and its new health
features, but the 5s can still compete with the best of them. Therefore, you shouldnt worry too much
if youre still stuck on a long-term contract and tied down to your 5s for another few months.
The upgraded A8 processor on the iPhone 6, and its Metal GPU, will certainly offer better gaming
capabilities and faster speeds, but well have to wait for developers to release new titles to truly
test those functions. Also, the value of the NFC payments capability on the iPhone 6 is open to
debate and its chances of success are questionable; after all, the tech has been around for a while on
Android and consumers have pretty much ignored it.
What it all boils down to is whether you want a larger device. Both the new iPhones are bigger
than the 5s, and the 6 Plus is a whopping 1.5 inches larger. This time, Apple has caved under
pressure and followed industry trends by launching a phablet-sized device. However, as consumer
behaviour shows, thats what the public wants. It also narrows the gap between a smartphone and a
tablet, so if you have a 5s and an iPad, then an iPhone Plus could render them both redundant.
However, with iOS 8 and one of the best app stores around which, need we remind you, offers
plenty of third-party fitness tracking apps the iPhone 5s will serve you well for a while still.
The 6 and 6 Plus are faster and offer better screen resolutions, but the 5s can still hold its own
against rival Android and Windows Phone devices.

CONTRACT OR SIM-FREE?
If youve decided to purchase the iPhone 6
or 6 Plus, then your next step is to weigh up
all the options available to you on contract
via a mobile network operator. In terms of
standalone prices, the two models start from
539 and 619 respectively for the 16GB
versions. The next iPhone 6 model is a big
jump up to 64GB, which costs 619, and 699
for the 128GB version. The iPhone 6 Plus on
the other hand costs 699 for the 64GB version
and 789 for 128GB. Its a steep jump in terms
of price, but remember that this amount of
storage has never before been offered on an
iPhone and, as usual, theres no microSD card
slot for expandable storage.
However, most buyers will be seeking
out a pay-monthly contract for an ongoing
payment option. As is the norm for high-end
handsets, all contracts will last for a minimum
of 24 months and offer 4G data allowance. To
save you from trawling through the options
available online and on the high street, we
went ahead and found the best deals for the
16GB iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (see right).

iPhone 6
Cheapest plan: EE
4G 20 per month,
380 upfront, 1GB data
Best value: EE
4G 28 p/m, 310
upfront, 4GB data
iPhone 6 Plus
Cheapest plan: EE
4G 15 p/m, 480
upfront, 500MB data
Best value: EE
4G 23 p/m, 480
upfront, 2GB data

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review

Microsoft Surface Pro 3


Microsoft reckons its Surface Pro 3 can replace your laptop. It certainly has the software for it,
but it needs to convince you to pay extra for the essential, but not included, keyboard
Price: from 640 (plus 110 for Type Cover) Reviewer: Callum Tennent

Screen has a
QHD resolution

Great trackpad but


keyboard is spongy

Stylus is accurate
brilliant for drawing

Spec sheet
OS Windows 8.1
Processor 1.5GHz Intel core i3/2.9GHz
Intel core i5/3.7GHz Intel core i7
Screen 12 inches
Resolution 2,160 x 1,440 pixels
Memory 4GB/8GB RAM
Storage 64GB/128GB/256GB/512GB

at a glance
Micro SD compatible? Yes, up to 128GB
Camera 5MP rear-facing, 5MP front-facing
Video 1080p
Connectivity Wi-fi only
Dimensions 292.1mm x 201.4mm x 9.1mm
Weight 800g
Battery 42Wh

speed
60

55

display

battery

60
45

50

15

10

30

45

15
60

60

40

45

35

45

15

15

20

25

30

3.5

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review

or a company like Microsoft, the rise


of the tablet was bad news. Here
was a business, one of the worlds
biggest, that made its name dominating the
home PC and laptop market. The explosion
in popularity of Apple MacBooks was bad
enough, but then tablets came along and
stole even more casual PC users.
It didnt help that Microsofts first mobile
operating system, Windows Phone, in 2010 came
three years after the launch of the first iPhone.
The company was doomed to play catch-up to
Apples iOS and Android and it is still doing so
in many respects.
Microsoft actually pioneered the tablet long
before then-Apple boss Steve Jobs unleashed the
iPad upon the world in 2010. Around the turn of
the millennium Microsoft released the Tablet PC,
but by modern standards it was a poor attempt. It
ran an untouched version of Windows XP, meaning
operating it with a stylus was tricky at best.

operating system
Just as Windows Phone has evolved, so has
Microsofts vision for its tablets.
If you want an example of just how seriously
Microsoft takes touchscreens, you need look no
further than Windows 8.
Lambasted by traditional desktop users for its
clumsy interface, the whole OS was designed
specifically for touch usage. The company, which
had built its empire on desktops, had sacrificed its

Windows 8 The tablet version of the software really is the same as the grown-up PC version

user base to advance its tablet cause.


Windows 8 was designed to be the operating
system that would unify the desktop and
tablet experiences.
Its clear that Microsoft firmly believes tablets
are the future, plugging the new Surface Pro 3 as
the tablet to replace the laptop. Microsoft hopes
youll ditch your laptop to buy one. Thats a mighty
high ambition.
Weve never reviewed an Android tablet that has
come close to matching all the many applications
a PC can turn its hand to; the same is true even

of the latest iPad. But this is where Microsofts


unification plan comes into play. The OS on the
Surface Pro 3 is not Android, its not iOS its fully
fledged Windows.
When its operating in desktop mode, it
resembles just that: a desktop PC. You can use
any program you would on your old tower
computer or laptop, from Microsoft Word to Adobe
Photoshop to Steam.
Gaming is the same if its compatible with
Windows 8, then itll run.
Then you also have the Live Tiles view that you

Stand, raise or fold


One of the biggest areas of improvement
for the Surface is its foldout kickstand, which
can be set to any angle. Its stiff enough to
hold position, too, even when typing.

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review

normally get on Windows Phone tablets. Its a


simple interface geared towards touch, and from
here you can run all the apps that you would on,
say, your Nokia Lumia 930.
The breadth and versatility of apps and programs
is by far the biggest strength of the Surface Pro 3.
Whether youre out and about and need to perform
some quick tasks, or are sat at your desk in full-on
work mode, it can be tailored to your needs.

design
The device has a fold-out stand built in, so you can
sit it at any angle you choose. Its suitably stiff, so it
can be folded to any degree and remain rigid, even
bending back on itself for a near-flat angle.
The level of stiffness does feel a little unnatural,
though, and the fact that two small tabs are the
only part of it you can actually pull or push on
when the stand is closed can make it a little tricky
to unfold quickly.
Overall, the form factor of the Surface Pro 3 is
fantastic. It feels like a premium device, with a body
thats entirely matte silver metal and glass.
At 800g, its far from dainty and nearly twice as
heavy as an iPad Air but the weight adds to the
premium feel. Its also a consequence wed accept
for a quality build, any day of the week.
Its vents are placed evenly around the edge of
the top of the device for effective dispersion of heat,
which is clever.
Plenty of laptops and tablets suffer from poorly
placed exhausts, meaning you cant lay them flat

Without the Type Cover, the Surface Pro 3


just doesnt make sense it is insane that
you have to buy it as a separate accessory
on a bed without them overheating, or on your legs
without scorching yourself.
If you didnt notice they were there at first, you
certainly will once the device gets going. Its a
powerful machine, and it sounds like one too. The
fans are noticeably loud when running demanding
apps and programs, more so than any other tablet
weve handled.
If Microsoft wanted to make a tablet on par with
a laptop, its certainly come up with the noise levels
to match. Its a good thing the fans are there, as the
Surface Pro 3 is awfully quick to heat up when put
under duress, even if youre just watching a fiveminute YouTube video.
Again, though, the noise and temperature is
tolerable for a device this powerful.

processor
Theres a wide number of specifications available
to you when purchasing a Surface Pro 3, meaning
you can choose between a fourth-generation Intel
Core i3, i5 or i7 processor.
With speeds of either 1.5GHz, 2.9GHz or a
mammoth 3.3GHz, its capable of handling just
about anything you could throw at it.

GAMing
Even PC gaming is possible, although dont
expect to be maxing out the settings on Crysis 3.
But Windows 8 games such as Hearthstone and
Worms will run just fine.
You can even play demanding titles like Diablo
III or Titanfall just dont expect it to be a pleasant
experience.
Needless to say, any app you care to download
from the Windows games store will fly. The most
processor-hungry mobile-designed games have
never looked, or played, better.

screen
Thats not to say that the Surface Pro 3s display
is immaculate. Despite a quad-HD resolution of
2,160 x 1,440 pixels, when you spread it out over
a 12-inch screen, youre left with 216 pixels per
inch. It looks great 99% of the time, but you might
be slightly disappointed when watching video. It
doesnt hold up to the same standards as a highend laptop or the Retina display on Apples iPads.
Handily, though, youre not confined to watching
videos via the tablet itself. Theres a mini display
port for outputting video up to 4K in resolution,
providing you have a monitor or television that can
handle it.
This makes watching movies you have
downloaded to your tablet on the big screen
a breeze.

keyboard

Best mobile gaming


weve ever seen

Chip speeds of up
to a huge 3.3GHz

As made clear by Microsoft though, the whole


point of the Surface Pro 3 is that you dont need
any other bits of home electronics in your life. The
Surface Pro 3 should be your work, creative and
media hub. To help facilitate all this is the Surface
Pro Type Cover.
As the name suggests, this is a detachable
keyboard and trackpad that can fold up to protect
the tablets screen. Its a wonderful idea, executed
surprisingly well.
The wafer-thin keyboard snaps onto the
bottom of the Surface Pro 3 magnetically,
so theres no fiddling around with hard
connections. Once attached, you can
operate the Surface Pro 3 however
you like, swapping back and forth
between swiping, typing and using an
on-screen mouse.
One of the most important features of the Type

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Apps Services such as Next Issue allow access to a full newsstand

Cover is that it can be elevated slightly where it


connects to the Surface, and then magnetically
stick to the bottom bezel. This provides you with a
raised keyboard akin to a desktop keyboard.
This might sound like a minor thing, but it goes
a huge way to making you feel like youre using a
real laptop, particularly if you have the device on
your lap.
The trackpad is also brilliant better than most
integrated Windows laptop trackpads weve come
across. The left and right click have a satisfying
amount of feedback and travel, and it even
supports multi-touch gestures.
The same cant be said of the keyboard,
unfortunately. While Microsoft has done well
to improve it over the version it released with
the Surface Pro 2, the keys still have far too little
travel, making them feel spongy. Expect many an
unintended keystroke.
Mechanical keyboard fans may well prefer to
cut off their hands than use it, though its still a
whole lot better than using an on-screen keyboard.
Its also great that it supports the full range of
Microsoft shortcuts such as Ctrl+C, Alt+Tab and
Ctrl+Alt+Del.
The addition of the Type Cover allows the
Surface Pro 3 to bridge the divide between tablet
and laptop which, after all, is the cornerstone of
Microsofts vision without it the Surface Pro 3 just
doesnt make sense. Given this point, it is insane
that you have to buy it as a separate accessory.

review

Video You can output films, such as from Netflix, onto a large TV

Just to reiterate: the Surface Pro 3s raison dtre


is not packaged along with it.
The Surface Pro 3 costs enough to begin with
ranging from 640 to 1,650 so its bordering on
insulting that Microsoft expects you to cough up a
further 110 to get full functionality out of the thing.
Not to mention the fact that 110 for a keyboard is
an exorbitant amount of money.

stylus
Its not all bad news, though. The Surface Pen
comes packaged with the device, and its just as
impressive as the Type Cover. Its a stylus in all
but name, as Microsoft wants you to think of it
more as a legitimate writing tool than a simple
pointing stick.
The Surface Pen is made of metal and has
the right weight and size to make it feel like an
actual pen.
It also has a clickable top, which performs some
neat functions. If the Surface Pro 3 is lying dormant
on the table and you need to quickly take a note,
you can simply pick up the Surface Pen and click
the top button. This wakes your device and opens
up the One Note app. Then, when youre done
note-taking/sketching/doodling, you can click
it again and itll instantly save to your Microsoft
OneDrive cloud storage account.
When the Surface Pen combines with the One
Note app, it offers one of the best experiences a
tablet user can have. The Surface Pen is probably

the best stylus going, and with over 1,000 levels


of pressure in its textured tip, ink on the page
changes in weight like your natural handwriting
would. Combine that with the slight drag and
resistance it offers on the screen and it almost feels
like writing on paper. Almost.

conclusion
Theres no denying that the Surface Pro 3 is a very
well-featured device. From software to hardware,
and even design, it is a wonderful piece of kit. For
once, its nice to review a Microsoft device without
having to mention the Windows operating system
as a drawback. Yes, the app selection is still a little
limited, but when you have the entire Windows
desktop program catalogue available, who cares?
Its refreshing to have a tablet aspiring to be what
we all hoped tablets would be when they burst
onto the scene nearly five years ago. Whats most
impressive of all is that the Surface Pro 3 barely falls
short of these aspirations.
For most people, this device could conceivably
replace their laptop. If youre big on gaming, editing
or OS X, then you might find it a little wanting. But
for the casual user, this device is capable enough.
If you already own both a decent laptop and a
tablet, then youll probably be in no hurry to trade
them both in for this one device. But shy of the
audacious price and the baffling decision not to
include the Surface Pro Type Cover, theres little
wrong with the Surface Pro 3.

Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 may well be the most
advanced tablet weve yet seen, to the point where
calling it a tablet doesnt really do it justice.
Microsoft want it to replace your laptop and, for most
casual users, theres no real reason why it couldnt. It
can do it all if youve got the large amount of money
needed to buy one.

+ Premium build
+ Outstanding listt of features
+ Practically a laptop
Very, very expensive
Its key accessory costs extra
Loud and hot

OVERALL HHHHH
Performance

Usability

HHHHH

HHHHH

design

features

HHHHH

HHHHH
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BlackBerry Passport
BlackBerry hopes its latest device can help it to soar high again, but will the Passports odd
design ground this flight of fancy before its even taken off?
Price: 530 Reviewer: Saqib Shah

he importance of the BlackBerry


Passport cannot be downplayed. It
comes at a tumultuous time for the
Canadian manufacturer, which currently
faces an uncertain future as its profits
dwindle and its position in the smartphone
market continues to decline.
A year after the release of the underwhelming
BlackBerry Z30, the Passport sees it treading new
ground aesthetically, while also attempting to
retain its core user base.
The result is a premium device with a perfectly
square display and the best specs ever seen on
a BlackBerry handset. As usual, productivity
features come first, but can the Passport appeal to
users beyond the boardroom?

4.5 x 4.5-inch
screen looks odd

Phone is about the


size of a passport

Design
The first thing that most onlookers will be struck
by is the Passports square display and large
dimensions approximately the size of an actual
passport. This makes it heavy and virtually
impossible to navigate with one hand. Although
BlackBerry envisions it for office use, we are still
in the camp that believes a mobile phone should
offer mobility. After all, productivity-oriented
tablets are also available if you need something
bigger than a mobile.
The Passports square screen is 4.5 x 4.5 inches,
making it 0.5 inches bigger than that of the
iPhone 5s in both width and height. Underneath
it you will find a classic and compact QWERTY
keyboard. It might stand out from the crowd,
but its form factor just looks odd like a resizing
exercise gone horribly wrong.
However, if its a premium device you want,
then the Passport delivers. Its stainless steel
frame and matte black finish not only mean it

Great keyboard, as
you would expect

Spec sheet
OS BlackBerry 10.3
Processor 2.2GHz quad-core
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution 1,440 x 1,440 pixels
Memory 3GB RAM
Storage 32GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes

at a glance
Camera 13MP rear-facing,
2MP front-facing
Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 128 x 90.3 x 9.3mm
Weight 194g
Battery 3,450mAh

speed
60

55

display

battery

60
45

50

15

10

30

45

15
60

60

40

45

35

45

15

15

20

25

30

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BlackBerry Hub
Synching between
devices here is better
than anything offered
on iOS or Android

review

appears in a widescreen format with large black


blocks on the top and bottom cutting off the extra
space. The likes of Twitter and Facebook, on the
other hand, have been optimised for the handset
and benefit from the larger display. As, too, does
web browsing. The display also offers a stunning
453 pixels per inch.
Apps inevitably perform well considering
the premium specs BlackBerry brings
to the table. These include a 2.2GHz
Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor,
3GB of RAM and a 13-megapixel camera.
The non-removable battery is extremely
powerful and can last for up to 30 hours
on a single charge.
All of these specs are a first for
BlackBerry and outdo every other device
in its line-up.

Software
looks professional, but combine that with its bulky
dimensions and you have a durable device. The
Passport looks tough; we wouldnt be surprised
if it survived the hands of even the clumsiest of
users. Comparatively speaking, that sets it apart
from some of its rivals; we certainly couldnt say
the same about the iPhone 6 Plus, especially in
light of the recent bendgate controversy, which
saw Apple on the back foot for once, as consumers
took to online forums and social media to deride
its easily bendable phablet.
At 194g, the Passport wont appeal to fans of
lightweight handsets. It is heavier than every
major flagship smartphone on the market.
Despite containing a classic physical keyboard,
which is easy and perfectly satisfying to use, you
have to resort to touch controls when entering
symbols and numbers. Additionally, users must

also navigate the user interface using touch


controls on the screen.
However, you can also swipe up and down on
the keyboard to scroll through web pages and
selected apps. This may sound problematic on
paper but it works relatively well on the device.
Scrolling via the keyboard in particular is sensitive
and easy to use. Once you get the hang of it,
switching back and forth is not a hassle either.

The Passports defining and divisive factor


is its display. Depending on how you use the
handset, youll either love or hate it. Although it
offers a solid resolution of 1,440 x 1,440 pixels,
it is more useful for viewing documents than
video. The latter, such as YouTube clips, suffer at
the hands of the screens odd aspect ratio; video

The Passport comes with an updated operating


system: BlackBerry 10.3. This finds the company
playing catch-up with the likes of Apple,
Google and Windows by introducing its own
voice-operated BlackBerry Assistant think of
it as a simple Siri or casual Cortana which is
nonetheless a useful feature on a bigger device
like the Passport.
To its credit, the BlackBerry Passport manages
to cram in a lot of information on its display and
its obsessed with notifications. The lock screen
contains icons for email, events, Facebook, Twitter
and LinkedIn. It also displays your most recent
alert. The larger display means that despite this
information overload, the screen avoids looking
even remotely cluttered.
The BlackBerry Hub is your one-stop shop for all
your notifications. Simply swipe to the centre of
the display from the right to access it. There, you
will find your emails, BBM messages and social

BlackBerry Apps Get access to Amazons


apps for the first time on a BlackBerry device

BlackBerry Assistant This voice-operated


helper is a simpler take on the iPhones Siri

BlackBerry Hub Notifications addicts will


love the way it brings all your alerts together

screen & specs

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network notifications all arranged in a single


timeline. For those looking for some order to the
chaos, it also allows you to archive messages in
custom folders, search through the timeline for
specific entries and filter results according to the
type of notification you wish to view. You can also
preview the calendar and upcoming events
by swiping down from the top of the
screen when in the Hub. Think of
it as a more comprehensive
version of the iOS
Notification Center.
Taking that one
step further, BlackBerry
has also introduced a new
standout feature called BlackBerry
Blend, which allows you to access your
notifications across devices and platforms.
Blend is the bridge between your Blackberry,
laptop, PC and tablet. Once installed on one or
more of those systems, Blend lets you get BBM
messages, texts, and emails on that device, while
also allowing you to access files, calendars and
contacts on that platform.
Furthermore, it works across operating systems
including Mac OS X, Windows, and Android
and iOS tablets. Apple has aimed for this type of
synchronicity on its own devices and Android
users can achieve it via third-party apps such
as PushBullet, but BlackBerry has outdone
them both with the scale and breadth of Blend.
We wouldnt be surprised if the Passport is
remembered for this feature alone.
Aside from the innovative keyboard, the feature
that casual users will appreciate most is the
Amazon Appstore. Although the BlackBerry World
store is still intact, users now have access to an
additional 200,000 apps, thanks to the inclusion
of Amazons app library. As a result, popular apps
and games such as Pinterest, Candy Crush Saga
and Minecraft have made it onto BlackBerry
devices for the first time. The option to access two
stores rather than one is definitely a plus, but even
with their combined libraries, they still do not offer
the staggering amount of content available on the
Google Play store and iOS App Store, which boast
around 1.3 million apps respectively.

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Metallic frame
feels premium

Business users will


love its features

about its future. Design


innovation often comes
through risk-taking and learning
from your mistakes. For now, however,
well take the conventional likes of the HTC
One M8 and iPhone 6 over the Passport any day.

Conclusion
Usability
The BlackBerry Passports large width means it
is impractical to use on the go. Unless you have
huge fingers, you will have a hard time navigating
its large frame single-handed. Add to that its other
dimensions and you have a bulky device that is
better suited to the boardroom or office desk than
the commute to work. Its as though BlackBerry
forgot the definition of mobile.
However, we must add that we did not have
a great deal of time with the device, as it was
launched so late in the month.
We expect even ardent BlackBerry fans will be
bemused by its appearance. But we must admit
that once you begin using the device, it does grow
on you mainly due to its functionality.
Perhaps when you overcome the initial learning
(and handling) curve, you will never want to go
back to rectangular phones again it boils down
to preference. If the risk pays off, BlackBerry could
build upon the Passport to create a better device
and maybe even a square range or, if it is indeed
a hit, it may stick with and improve the device.
Either way, we remain cautiously optimistic

If you can overlook its odd design, the BlackBerry


Passport is a premium device by anyones
standards. It has the best specs the manufacturer
has ever delivered, and top-of-the-range materials
make up its metallic aesthetic. Were not the
biggest fans of its operating system from a design
perspective, but theres so much on offer here, and
the Passport handles each and every task so well,
that even we were won over.
The focus on productivity, on the other hand,
is less progressive and more of a bid toward its
core enterprise crowd, which was under threat,
seeing as productivity apps and features are now
available on Android devices and iPhones, not to
mention superior tablets such as the Microsoft
Surface Pro 3 (see p32).
While it could have potentially been great, when
faced with the final product a weirdly distorted
device the result is a little baffling. We agree
that BlackBerry urgently needed a change or
some sort of catalyst to make it relevant again,
but the Passport wont bring it the new fans it so
desperately needs. It could, though, help retain
business users that may have been swayed to
consider rival products, meaning BlackBerry
might live to fight another day.

Verdict
If youre a business user, BlackBerry has just
delivered the phone of your dreams in terms of
functionality. For everyone else, the Passport is far
too impractical and productivity-oriented to use on a
daily basis.

+ Premium build offers more durability


+ BB 10.3 spoils you with new features
+ Hybrid keyboard is truly innovative
Bulky dimensions
Odd square-shaped display
Hugely lacking in apps

OVERALL HHHHH
Performance

Usability

HHHHH

HHHHH

design

features

HHHHH

HHHHH

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review

Motorola Moto G
Motorolas second iteration of its best-selling smartphone continues to offer amazing value
Price: 150 Reviewer: Saqib Shah

t may seem confusing at first, but


Motorola has refrained from renaming
its entry-level bestseller for this
updated and improved version. You might
find it named elsewhere as the Moto G
(2nd gen) or the Moto G2. As William
Shakespeare wrote, A rose by any other
name would smell as sweet; in the case
of the Moto G, that could be modified
to, A device by any other name would
perform as well.
The label doesnt matter. Its whats on the inside
that counts. And boy, does Motorola have another
winner on its hands.
Theres no 4G LTE capability here. So if its 4G
youre after, youll need to seek out the 130 4G
variant, which is a different model to the one
reviewed here, and which has the same specs as
the first Moto G.
The screen resolution, battery and processor on
the latest model remain unchanged from the first
Moto G.
One of the most obvious upgrades is its size 5
inches compared to 4.5 inches, in line with the
trend towards bigger smartphones.
There is also a beefed-up 8-megapixel rear
camera on board.
The new specs might not seem like a huge
change on paper, but they make a visible difference
when using the device.

Screen size has


grown to 5 inches

Rear camera up
from 5MP to 8MP

The lack of physical control buttons on the front


of the Moto G make it harder to discern the
top and bottom of the phone. We reviewed the
white handset with its curved, bulging back;
it looks rather bland, but fortunately there is
the option to customise it with one of seven
coloured back covers, as is usually the case
with Moto handsets. Since the launch of its
e-store in September, you can now purchase
individual covers, priced at 11 each, directly
from Motorola.
Aside from the size, the Moto G remains largely
the same. Three physical control buttons (lock
and volume controls) can still be found on the
right-hand side, and the back contains the larger
8-megapixel rear camera. Also on the rear is the
small Motorola M logo, which thankfully looks
better than the logos of some rival brands.
Placing the headphone port at the top of the
device and in the middle isnt easy on the eye,
and only makes it that more visible, but its a small
complaint. You wont hear us moaning about the
bezels, however, which have been slimmed down
to fit in the larger display.

Performance
As mentioned above, the 1.2GHz quad-core
processor on the new Moto G is not an upgrade.
It still handles general tasks well, though.

The new specs might not seem like a huge


change on paper, but they make a visible
difference when using the device

Spec sheet
OSAndroid 4.4 KitKat
Processor1.2GHz quad-core
Screen5 inches
Resolution1,280 x 720 pixels
Memory1GB RAM
Storage8GB, 16GB
Micro SD compatible?Yes

Design

at a glance
Camera8MP rear-facing,
2MP front-facing
Video720p
Connectivity3G
Dimensions141.5 x 70.7 x 11mm
Weight149g
Battery2,070mAh

speed
60

55

Camera

battery

60
45

50

15

10

30

45

15
60

60

40

45

35

45

15

15

20

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Camera The 3-megapixel hike in resolution is a welcome upgrade

As was the case with the previous Moto G, its


display is bright and the user interface extremely
smooth for an entry-level handset. There might be
cheaper devices out there, but they dont perform
this well or look this good.
In regard to performance when running apps,
Twitter opens quickly but switching between
the image-heavy Discovery tab and our personal
profile took a second longer to load. Facebook on
the other hand was faster, and a breeze to browse
through. The same cant be said for web browsing
via Google Chrome; web pages took a few seconds
longer to fully load than apps. Still, it was hardly a
long wait and its unlikely to be noticed by anyone
coming to the Moto G having previously owned
another entry-level handset.
Next up, we tried some of the games available on
the Google Play store. The powerful, open-world
western shooter Six Guns ran smoothly after some
initial lag affected the gameplay. We also loaded up
the DC Comics beat-em-up Injustice, which had
incredibly smooth gameplay. Both titles demand a
lot from the processor, but ran well here, with very
little lag and short loading times.
We must also add that gaming on the larger
5-inch display certainly increases the visual impact.
The 0.5-inch screen size jump makes a difference
when doing anything visual on the Moto G such as
video playback. However, as its not a mid-range
or premium device, Motorola has not upgraded the
Moto G to Full HD and it remains 720p resolution.
This will certainly be a setback for those in

review

Detail The improved camera makes for clearer, sharper images

possession of the first-gen handset but, believe us,


the larger screen is worth the price of admission
alone. YouTube videos load quickly over wi-fi and
still look sharp on 720p.
For the pixel purists looking for better resolutions,
the only option is a pricier device, such as the 500
LG G3, with its 1,440 x 2,560-pixel QHD resolution.
For its class, though, the Moto G still offers an
unbeatable visual experience.

Features
The camera functionality on the Moto G is as
simple as they come on Android handsets.
Naturally, the upgrade from 5 megapixels to 8
megapixels leads to clearer, sharper images.
Video recording remains unchanged, at 720p.
The cameras toolbar could have done with more
of an update. The lack of options and simple touch
controls (tap anywhere on the screen to shoot) are
fine for no-nonsense users, but more camera modes
would certainly have helped.
Still, if its more tools youre after, you can
download third-party apps, such as Hyperlapse for
time-lapse videos, and the Google Camera or Photo
Sphere for more capture modes.
The HDR and panorama modes are useful and
add some options, at least. The ability to switch
from auto-focus to manual focus (drag the square
to the part of the screen you wish to focus on), and
from 6-megapixel widescreen (16:9) to 8-megapixel
standard (4:3) aspect ratio will also appeal to more
confident users.

So, Motorola has taken a practical approach to


upgrading the camera by simply beefing up its
pixel count; after all, thats what affects images
directly. If its better editing tools youre after, then
spend some time getting acquainted with the
photography apps on the Google Play store, some
of which you may have to spend money on.

Conclusion
Following the launch of the Moto E earlier this
year, the original Moto G was no longer the
cheapest device in Motorolas line-up. And the
Moto E has solid specs, so the Moto G required
an upgrade to justify its higher price.
Motorola got itself in a twist by releasing one
too many devices when it launched the Moto
G 4G recently to capitalise on the Moto Gs
success, but it makes the launch of a secondgen Moto G all the more confusing. Can we
really call a device second-gen when it doesnt
even boast 4G technology?
To its credit, Motorola has improved the specs
that really matter. The larger display is a welcome
addition and gives the phone a more premium look
compared to its compact counterparts.
The first-gens 5-megapixel camera also needed
improving and, thankfully, Motorola held off from
adding any pricey gimmicks such as a selfie cam.
The Moto G is worth a look if youre after an
entry-level Android handset. The addition of 4G
and perhaps a slightly faster processor would have
been the icing on the cake.

Verdict
Motorolas unwillingness to change the name of
the upgraded Moto G means this isnt the type
of upgrade were accustomed to. Still, the device
benefits from a larger screen, and photography
enthusiasts will be pleased to find a better camera on
the back. The price is still affordable, but a lack of 4G
connectivity is disappointing.

+ One of the best entry-level phones


money can buy
+ Bigger size aids visuals
+ Improved camera

Lack of 4G
Processor hasnt been upgraded

OVERALL HHHHH
Performance

Usability

HHHHH

HHHHH

design

features

HHHHH

HHHHH
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,
r
e
d
r
a
H
better,

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feature

faster,
Stronger
Apple was the first to equip smartphones with a 64-bit processor on its iPhone 5s. Now, 64-bit
tech is on the rise among Android devices. Saqib Shah explains what 64-bit means for you

midst the hustle and bustle of this years IFA expo


in Berlin which saw blockbuster launches from
Samsung and major new phones from the likes of
Nokia and Sony two unique, new Android handsets went
under the radar.
The HTC Desire 820 and Lenovo Vibe Z2 are among a handful
of Android devices to be the first to carry a powerful new 64-bit
processor. The tech, which has been available to Apple fans since the
release of the iPhone 5s, is thought to improve performance, speed and
usability. So why arent Android device manufacturers making more of
a song and dance about 64-bit handsets?
The muted reception that greeted the Desire 820 and Vibe Z2
wasnt about lousy promotion or marketing; Google, Android and
processor makers such as Qualcomm have all played a part in the
cautiously slow adoption of the tech. Also, launching the products in
the cacophonous bubble of a blockbuster September, which saw the
unveiling of the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy Note 4, helped relegate
them to little more than a footnote.
However, with analysts predicting that 64-bit processors will
become an industry standard by 2016, it is likely that the Desire 820
and Vibe Z2 will one day be remembered as trailblazers for future
Android devices.
The two handsets join an exclusive club of Android smartphones
that carry 64-bit chipsets. (For a comparative rundown of the specs
of the current crop of 64-bit Android phones, see p44.)

Seeing double
Firstly, lets take a look at 64-bit smartphone technology and why it
will grow in importance over the coming years.
The tech relates to the amount of memory (RAM) a processor a CPU
in the case of a PC can handle. The more RAM available to it, the
faster it can perform general tasks.
With a 32-bit chip, you limit the amount of RAM you can access to
4GB. The step up to a 64-bit processor brings with it a massive jump
to a maximum of 16 exabytes (or 16 billion gigabytes). Thats a huge
amount of memory.
The 64-bit Android phenomenon is a new one. Up until 2013, only
Apple products such as the iPhone 5s and iPad Air carried the
supposedly superior processors.

Google wakes up
As mentioned above, the main factor here is RAM, which aids the
processor in performing general tasks quickly. In the case of a
smartphone, this affects the speed at which it opens apps or how
smoothly the user interface runs.

Analysts predict that by 2016 all


smartphones will contain 64-bit
processors and upgraded RAM
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Qualcomm Snapdragon 801


The 64-bit processor is said to
boost Android devices power

In a league of their own


Currently only three 64-bit Android devices
have been unveiled; HTC is leading the charge
with two mid-range phones and Lenovo is
getting behind the tech with the Vibe Z2.
The HTC Desire 510 was the first 64-bit
Android device to hit the shelves in August.
But aside from its historic status as a worldfirst, the Desire 510 is just another mid-tier
handset. The phone comes with a 1.2GHz
Snapdragon 410 processor, 1GB of RAM, a
low-res 4.7-inch display and 4G capability.
Meanwhile, The HTC Desire 820 and Lenovo
Vibe Z2 phones offer little more in terms
of memory, with 2GB of RAM in both. The
same applies to their other specs. The Desire
820 comes with a 5.5-inch 720p display,
a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera and a
suitably trendy 8-megapixel selfie cam on the
front. It also packs a 2,600mAh battery.
The Lenovo Vibe Z2 is the better-looking
device, mainly due to its metallic sheen and
slightly smaller 5.2-inch screen making for
a better pixels-per-inch count on its similar
720p display.
Dual SIM slots, 32GB of internal storage, a
3,000mAh battery and a 13-megapixel rear

camera with a backlit sensor round things out.


Given the so-so specs, the phones risk being overshadowed by
the companys other high-profile product launches. The
HTC One M8 Windows Phone edition, Lenovo
Vibe X2 (unveiled alongside the Z2 at IFA), and
the upcoming Lenovo flagship, the Vibe Z2 Pro,
all have superior specs compared to their midrange counterparts.
Although the devices may not appeal greatly
at first glance, their potential will be put to the
test when Android L Googles upgrade to its
popular operating system drops later this
year. Tech insiders, hardware manufacturers
and industry analysts are all predicting big
things for 64-bit phones on Android L. The
only concern is that the mid-range specs on
these three phones may not unleash the full
capability of Googles updated OS.
Although better flagship 64-bit Android
devices will inevitably emerge, owners of the
HTC Desire 510, 820 and Lenovo Vibe Z2 may
be the first to harness the power of Android L.
Not bad for a bunch of sub-200 phones.
Lenovo Vibe Z2 Could be one of the first
handsets to get the most out of Android L

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Android takes a byte out of apple


Apple was the first company to launch a 64-bit smartphone in the form of
the iPhone 5s, in September 2013. Almost two years later, Android device
makers and processor manufacturers have finally got the message and
gone down the same route.
Google and its partners have arrived fashionably late to
the 64-bit party. Whether they will outshine Apple in the
long run boils down to the different processors in
Android and Apple devices, and how they work
with the respective operating systems and
specs of their handsets.
Although Google and Apple may finally
be on the same page as to future-proofing
their new devices with the chips, their
respective strategies have been wildly
different. Apple started the trend by
creating the A7 64-bit ARMv8-A for
the iPhone 5s the major difference
being that Apple creates its processors
in-house, whereas Android handsets are
open to third-party chipsets from the likes
of Qualcomm
and Nvidia.
This also means that we know a lot more about
Android processors than Apples infamously secretive
hardware.
The companies also differ in the type of smartphones that carry the
chip; it would be an unfavourable comparison pitting the top-end iPhone
5s against the mid-range HTC Desire 820.

Android is an open OS and often falls prey to the differing opinions of


the individual parts makers, which goes a long way to explaining why
it took so long to embrace 64-bit technology. In the face of a lack of
compatibility with Android KitKat, its no wonder Android smartphone
manufacturers didnt push for the tech in the wake of the
iPhone 5s although Samsung was an early vocal
advocate of 64-bit processors, it has yet to
produce a 64-bit smartphone.
The recently launched iPhone 6 continues
Apples commitment to 64-bit tech. In it
you will find the companys new Apple
A8 chipset, which analysts have termed
a 64-bit beast. As a result, the new
iPhone is 25% faster and 50% more
efficient, according to Apple.
In the words of Apples senior vice
president Phil Schiller, the A8 also
boasts better sustained performance,
which means it wont overheat when
carrying out demanding tasks over a long
period.
Android is no stranger to the power game
either high-end handsets such as the LG G3
and Samsung Galaxy Note 4 come packing robust
quad-core 32-bit processors. Therefore, fans of Googles
OS have a lot to look forward to in the new year, when the rise of
flagship Android machines with upgraded 64-bit processors is set to
begin.

The initial scepticism from influential processor manufacturers such as


Qualcomm was grounded in the lack of support for the tech within Googles
operating system.
Google changed all that when it announced that its upcoming Android L
OS had been tuned to work with 64-bit devices.
Intel, which has been testing 64-bit chips with Android in its labs, says
the tech brings with it performance benefits in graphics, data encryption
and decryption, decompression and running large applications.

32-bit Android application in the market today.


Commentators have gone as far as to claim that the new 64-bit ARM v8
processors will bring smartphones even closer to delivering a desktop-class
computer experience that can last even longer on a single charge.
According to regulator Ofcom, consumers are thought to value battery
life more than any other smartphone function. Therefore, 64-bit devices that
boast powerful performance on top of robust battery life should be music to
your ears.

Android architecture

Making history

It is difficult to discuss 64-bit processors without examining their


architecture, though we appreciate that most people dont want to be
bogged down with tech jargon about transistors and reduced instruction
set computing (RISC). Still with us? Good, we were afraid wed lose you
with the technobabble.
One thing you should be aware of is that most contemporary
64-bit processors for Android devices will be built on the ARM AArch64
architecture. But we know what youre really interested in is how this
will improve performance. Simply put, the new ARM v8 architecture
coming soon to Android and already on the new iPhone 6 will do two
things: optimise performance and use less battery when carrying out
general tasks.
Processor maker Nvidia had the following to say about the new tech:
ARMv8 brings a host of improvements in power efficiency, as well as
performance, that have a direct and significant impact on nearly every

Debuting 64-bit tech on mid-range phones is a cautiously optimistic


strategy from HTC and Lenovo. Both smartphone makers have witnessed
their fair share of success recently HTC with its blockbuster One M8 and
Lenovo from the entry-level dominance of Motorola, which the company
owns. Their faith in 64-bit processors signals that they arent afraid to take
risks in order to future-proof their devices.
Although 64-bit tech has, in some ways, already proven itself to be the
future standard for smartphone processors, new hardware improvements
will rely on the experiments currently taking place. Thats where these two
mid-range smartphones come in. Their exclusivity, however, will be shortlived, as analysts predict that by 2016 all smartphones will contain 64-bit
processors and upgraded RAM.
Consequently, the HTC Desire 820 and Lenovo Vibe Z2 may one day be
viewed as touchstones in the move towards 64-bit Android functionality.
Their specs may be forgettable, but their processor is here to stay.

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Facing up to life
after Facebook
If your social networking experience begins with Facebook
and ends with Twitter, youre missing out. Heres our top 20
alternatives for your mobile. By Callum Tennent

en years ago, sites like Friendster, Bebo and Friends


Reunited reigned supreme in social networking. Today, they
stand as grave testament to the ever-changing landscape of
social media.
Just like the technologies we use to access such services, social networks
have had to adapt to the needs of their users; those that fail to do so face a
sad fate, destined to decay into virtual ghost towns.
Not even the biggest of them all, the monolithic Facebook, is safe; while

nothing is likely to come close to matching the latter-day dominance of


Zuckerbergs behemoth again, cracks have already begun to show. In the last
three years, 25% of Facebooks teenage population have left the site and
they have not been replaced. Growth of the service is at an all time low, too.
Why? Because of the wealth of social networking options out there.
Facebook has become the jack-of-all-trades and master of none.
So, if Stockholm Syndrome has a tight hold of you, and youre reluctant to
leave the social site that holds you hostage, allow us to help.
Weve compiled a list of our top 20 alternative
social networks. Some have user bases in the
millions, some in the thousands, but the idea is to
find one that better suits your interests. Maybe one
or two will take your fancy. Who knows, you might
never log in to Facebook again

There is a wealth of social networking


options Facebook has become the
jack-of-all-trades and master of none

Photography
Instagram

The undisputed king of food pics, selfies and


ugly pets, Instagram is one of the biggest
social networks in the world and with good
reason. There are enough filters to make
even the most cack-handed amateur
photographer look like David Bailey. Hell,
it can even make photographs of other
peoples dinner look halfway decent.

Flickr

Recently acquired by Yahoo!, the Flickr


mobile experience is now better than ever.
A little more geared towards professionals
than Instagram, Flickr will appeal to genuine
amateur photographers. In-app retouching
is a joy, as is the ability to see the full specs of
the camera used by the photographer. You
can check out other peoples albums and
curate your own, and even follow some of
the worlds best photographers.

Imgur

At the opposite end of the scale sits Imgur.


Part image host, part forum, its a seemingly
infinite image bank for everything from
memes to gifs to selfies of people youll
never meet. It gained popularity through
its no-strings-attached format, but now
has its own ranked commenting section, a
random image mode and, yes, an image
macro creator.

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feature

Music
MySpace

Is there a greater tale of demise in the internet


age than Myspace? The one-time king of social
networking has recently been rebranded as a music
network, as thats one feature the original Myspace
did better than sites such as Facebook. Not only
can you listen to the latest tracks from your favourite
artists, but you can also follow them, chat with them
and communicate with other fans.

Rdio

Wouldnt Facebook be better if instead of showing


you baby photos from a girl you went to middle
school with, it exposed you to new music from artists
who sound like your favourite band? Thats the
idea behind Rdio, and its excellent. You build up
a personal radio station simply through listening to
music you like, and your friends do the same. You
can then follow your friends and hear the music they
enjoy. Tracks are recommended to you, and the
cycle continues.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud is unique in that it encourages content


creation just as much as it does content sharing.
Not only can you listen to the latest mixtapes and
unreleased singles from some seriously big names,
but you can also upload your own stuff mixes,
remixes, original tracks, podcasts anything, as long
as it sounds good.

lifestyle
Pinterest

Pinterest is your mums favourite social network. If


shes heard of it, that is. Rather than a written profile,
you have a sort of virtual pinboard upon which you
can pin anything interesting you see around the site
such as a recipe, outfit or craft creation. Not only
that, but you can take any image you find on the
internet and turn it into a pin, too. Albums can be
assembled and the pics therein tagged to make
it easier for other Pinterest users to find the things
youve created or pinned. Pinterest is rare in that its
a social network that might actually teach you a
thing or two, or get you motivated to get up and do
something creative or crafty.

Hypebeast

If Pinterest is the stay-at-home mum of social media,


Hypebeast is her twentysomething son who left
their desolate satellite town for the big city. Part
newsfeed, part forum, part store, entirely insane,
Hypebeast catches a lot of flack for its total lack of
self-awareness, but theres no denying its always on
the bleeding edge of urban culture. Its a fantastic
place to read and talk about everything from
1,000 sneakers to wall-hangings or the state of the
Japanese design industry.

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feature

Sport
Sportlobster

Sportlobster offers you all the fun of


watching the big match in a busy pub, but
with zero chance of having a pint spilled
down you, being beaten up or getting
wee on your shoes from a leaky urinal.
The app allows you to not only chat with
others watching the game/fight/test in a
live match centre, but also within forums,
and even via your own blog. Theres guest
contributions from stars including Cristiano
Ronaldo and George Groves, and every
team from every major sport is featured.
Its a hell of a step up from reading Piers
Morgan whining about Arsenal on Twitter.

Reddit

Reddit is the internets most popular content


aggregator and while it may have subforums dedicated to every conceivable
topic under the sun, sport is something it
does extraordinarily well. The soccer, NFL,
NBA, NHL and Formula 1 sub-Reddits are
among the busiest on the web; they are
informative, inclusive and fun places for
beginners and experts alike. Its a top source
for breaking news, as well as in-depth or
irreverent discussion, and its system for up or
down voting comments ensures the quality
of conversation is always high. Theres also
sub-Reddits for individual teams, so you
dont have to suffer alone.

Video games

Raptr

What happens when you


combine Twitch with Twitter?
Surprisingly, the result isnt
completely terrible. Rather,
Raptr combines the best of
both with a dash of oldschool videogame forum
vibe. You can subscribe
to your favourite gaming
communities, watch live
streams, chat about the big
topics at hand, and even post
your own clips.

humour

Duxter

Unlike most other entries


on this list, Duxter follows
the Facebook mould
almost to a tee. The key
difference, of course, is that
the service is dedicated to
gaming. You can use status
updates to brag about
your achievements, express
thoughts on your latest
purchase or find someone
to game with.

9GAG

This is simple, dumb fun for the


internet generation. Image
macros, memes, GIFs 9GAG
has it all, and itll never fail
to keep you occupied on a
quick bus journey. Anyone can
post, anyone can comment
and theres even a forum.

Cracked

Cracked is to blame for the


rise to prominence of the

listicle numerical, list-based


articles with big, brazen
headlines that now pervade
even high-brow news sites.
Cracked makes no apologies
for that, either, mainly because
it does it so much better
than most. Its probably the
most acceptable form of
edutainment of all time,
with hysterical articles that
can teach you something
at the same time as keeping
you amused.

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blogging
LiveJournal

Remember what the internet was like before


the turn of the millennium? We should hope not,
because it was dreadful. That said, now that weve
been blessed with access to the largest bank of
information in human history, it can leave you pining
for how simple it used to be. LiveJournal takes all the
best bits of the old blogging communities and brings
them into the 21st century.

FanFiction

Fan fiction is a bizarre universe, equal parts


fascinating and baffling. But when you consider
that EL James 50 Shades series began life as Twilight
fan fiction, suddenly the medium looks a lot more
credible. FanFiction.net and its corresponding app is
the largest community of such writers on the internet.
Between the top 20 intellectual properties alone
are more than two million works of fan fiction, with
countless others hosted too.

Tumblr

Much like Instagram, Tumblr is a phenomenon in


and of itself, capable of going toe-to-toe with any
other social network out there. In 2013, Yahoo!
purchased the site for over $1.1 billion (723m), and
the site houses more than 92.1bn blog posts. Tumblrs
essence is so unique, its almost impossible to boil
down. Despite its intangibility, it could perhaps be
described as Twitter meets Pinterest.

Food and drink


Zomato

Along with the rise of the internet has come the rise
of the foodie. Theres no such thing as a hidden
gem any more, nor can restaurants afford to charge
high prices while offering sub-par food. If you have
even a passing interest in dining out, Zomato could
change your life. Learn about the eateries around
you, follow your friends on their culinary adventures,
and even subscribe to updates from renowned
critics and gourmets.

Foodie

If youre more of a budding chef than a


restauranteur, then Foodie might be to your taste.
It turns cooking into a social experience, and its
a lot more accessible than traditional tome-like
cooking books. Recipes are shared and rated by
other users, so you know youre not about to make
something awful (if you know what youre doing).
Theres also recipes contributed from more than 20
published cooks.

Welovegoodfood

Welovegoodfood aims to focus on all thats good in


the culinary world. Critics can be harsh, and weve
all had a bad meal before, so negativity is strictly
forbidden; this app is only for sharing and discussing
the best of the best. Take a snap of a great meal,
share a recipe or tag a top restaurant. Talk with
other users who are into the same cuisine as you or
chat with other foodies around the world.

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apps and games

worldmags.net
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Lapse it up
Getting Hyper-active with Instagrams latest service, plus a new typewriter app from... Tom Hanks?
Reviewers: Saqib Shah and Callum Tennent for full reviews, check out WhatMobile.net

Hyperlapse
Free (iOS)
Instagram has been allowed to operate independently since its
$1 billion (629m) acquisition by Facebook in 2012. The fruits of
its creative independence are now starting to emerge in the form
of new apps that bear its name but take its popular approach to
image-sharing even further.
Aside from Bolt (see last months apps round-up), which rightly
fell prey to Snapchat clone criticisms, Hyperlapse is the jewel in
Instagrams crown.
The app allows users to speed up videos captured in-app. By
using a devices built-in camera gyroscope (which may not be
available on low-end snappers), and removing any jolts within
a frame, the result is a smoother picture overall. Once you have
created your masterpiece, you can share it via Instagram or save it
to your phone to share elsewhere.
Hyperlapse provides a great way to speed up and miniaturise
long-form videos. It also produces professional-looking content
without the need for additional camera accessories.
In short, it could turn out to be the visual app you end up using
the most.

Hanx Writer
Free (iOS)
Hanx Writer is the first app from Tom Hanks. Yes, you read that
right, Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks is now in the business
of making apps.
Hanx Writer turns your iPad into an old-school typewriter,
going so far as replicating the sounds of the antiquated device.
Hit the keys and youll hear that familiar depending on your
age clank-clank sound, and reach the end of a line and a ring
will sound.
Additionally, the app works with a Bluetooth keyboard, has a
delete and auto-correct key and the ability to share the work
you create.
Hanx Writer is free on the App Store, though Mr Hanks has
chosen to go down the route of in-app purchases, with optional
fonts and sounds offered for a small price.
Hanks himself had the following to say about his new
venture: I suppose some people who get the app may just
be looking for a different sound, but really its for people
searching for a more personalised experience when writing
on an iPad.

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apps and games

OneStart

TechNoParental Control Photo Sphere

Free (Windows Phone)

99p (Android)

Free (iOS)

We like the way the Windows Phone live tile home


screen shows interactive updates for the apps
stored within it, but it offers little customisation.
With OneStart, Windows Phone users can change
a number of things about their home screen. A
number of colour options are available for live tiles,
which range from simple block colours to rainbowlike palettes. The blank tile options also allow you
to place an image as your background.

This app is for parents who are looking to further


secure (or control) their childs smartphone or
tablet. In extreme cases you can use the app to
lock your childs device until you decide to unlock
it. If you just want to limit the amount of time your
child spends on their device, TechNo lets you set
a time limit on the lock. To get started, simply
download the app to the desired device and sign
up on TechNos website.

Until now, 360-degree images could not be


captured using an iPhone. Googles Photo Sphere
just about beat Apple to the punch by bringing
the technology to iOS devices for the first time,
although the iPhone 6 has it built-in. If you dont
have Apples latest phone, then this is your best
bet for wide-angle shots. Use the in-app camera to
slowly track the environment you want to capture
for a near-seamless panoramic shot.

BBM for Windows

Star Walk 2

Google News & Weather

Free (Windows Phone)

1.99 (iOS)

Free (Android)

BlackBerrys hallowed instant messaging app


with its user-friendly interface and useful functions
is now out of beta for Windows Phone devices.
Contacts, chats and feeds are all available, as are
group chats, which also include the ability to share
images, voice memos and contacts. On this version
you can also pin your favourite contacts to your
start screen. BBM will have few competitors on the
Windows Phone store, making this a solid addition
for fans of instant messaging.

For all you stargazers out there, the second


generation version of Star Walk improves upon
what was already a great app. The app has added
a clean interface in vibrant new colours, which will
look great on a Retina display. It is also the first app
to introduce 3D models of planetary nebulae. Star
Walk 2 uses the gyroscope in your iPhone or iPads
camera to find constellation maps all you have
to do is turn on the app and point it at the sky to
begin your journey.

The convenient place to find all your news and


weather updates, Google News and Weather
is a major resource. With coverage from 65,000
publications and trending stories categorised by
subject such as Top Stories, Technology and Sports,
as well as 60 country-specific sections, this app
will satisfy even the most restless media junky. You
can sign in with your Google account details for a
more customised experience, too. The addition of a
weather forecast is a nice touch.

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Shock and awe


One of the all-time classics, BioShock, gets an iPhone port plus the best of the rest rounded up
Reviewers: Saqib Shah and Callum Tennent for full reviews, check out WhatMobile.net

BioShock
10.49 (iOS)
If you wanted an example of exactly how far
mobile gaming has progressed, consider this:
the original BioShock was first released on the
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC nearly seven
years ago. On the iOS here, were looking at a
straight port of the seminal shooter.
This is the full game, in all its untouched
greatness. The graphics arent quite on the
same level as its console sibling (this is still
the iPhone were talking about, not a PS Vita),
but thats not what BioShock is about. The
atmosphere is as tense and gripping as ever,
and the plot will shake you with every twist
and turn.
Its expensive, and theres no denying that
the gameplay suffers a little having been
converted to touchscreen, but this is still one
of the best games of a generation on your
phone. Thats undeniably cool.

The King of Fighters 98


69p (Android & iOS)
The King of Fighters is a staple of the beatem-up landscape. Its a game as historically
important to the genre as Street Fighter or
Mortal Kombat.
If you havent heard of it before, well, The
King of Fighters 98 on mobile probably isnt
for you. What you get is the pure, original KoF
98 experience. Developer SNK Playmore has
essentially ripped the game straight from the
arcade cabinet and slapped it inside your iOS
or Android handset. It wont teach you how to
play it, and it wont take mercy on you if you
cant work out how to.
You dont need to have had experience with
the franchise before, but youll probably need
to be a beat-em-up fan to enjoy it to its fullest.
If that sounds like you, though, youre in for
a treat.

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apps and games

80 Days

Dragon Quest IV

2.99 (iOS)

10.49 (Android & iOS)

If you grew up attending school in Britain, then youll almost certainly be


familiar with Jules Vernes tale Around the World in Eighty Days, in which
protagonist Phileas Fogg wagers 20,000 that he can circumnavigate the
globe in the titular time frame. Its a classic adventure, and one that you can
now rewrite yourself. 80 Days puts you in the shoes of Foggs French valet,
Passepartout. Youre tasked with pathfinding, fundraising, keeping Fogg alive
and getting back to London before time expires. Its an interactive choose your
own adventure of sorts, and its as enthralling as it is challenging.

Its been 24 years since Dragon Quest IVs initial release on the NES, so
theres a good chance you might not have played it. It has had numerous
incarnations since, but the mobile platform is the logical conclusion.
It hasnt lost much in the transition either the only really noticeable
difference being that the game is now played in portrait, not landscape.
Other than that, its still a quintessential, classic JRPG experience, with
some nice new HD pixel art visuals. Random battles, turn-based combat
and plenty of loot and exploration abound.

Bik - A Space Adventure

Rules!

1.20 (Android), 1.49 (iOS)

1.49 (iOS)

Retro is in vogue right now, and they dont come much more retro than Bik.
Its delightfully old-fashioned unwaveringly so not just in terms of its 16bit visuals and mono synth soundtrack, but also its gameplay. Bik is classic
point-and-click fare, and it makes no apologies for it. If you cant work out what
needs to be done on your own, then dont expect any help. The result, as any
older, wiser gamer will tell you, is a much more satisfying experience. Its got a
great story, too one that youll be keen to see through to the finish if you can
handle the gameplay.

Every few months an addictive puzzle title comes along that grabs every
smartphone owner. Bejeweled Blitz was followed by Peggle, then Candy Crush
Saga, then Threes! Now Rules! is the latest addition. In Rules! youre presented
with a 4 x 4 grid of cute, coloured animals, each assigned a number. For your
first rule, you might be told to tap each one in descending numerical order
within 20 seconds. Then a second rule comes in, like tap all the green ones. It
continues in such a way up to a total of 10 rules. Its just the right combination
of quick, silly, cute and addictive to make it an instant smash hit.

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mobile gaming

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Nintendo 3DS

Fifas footie favourite gets a nip and tuck, plus all the best and oddest titles from Japan
Reviewer: Callum Tennent for full reviews, check out WhatMobile.net

FIFA 15
24.99
Another year, another FIFA title. Its as great an annual
certainty as the changing of the seasons, but football fans
will still line up in their droves to pick up the latest edition.
Thats not a jab at EA Sports, but a testament to how
superb its footballing series is.
Its available on just about every platform there is,
Nintendo 3DS included.
Buyers should be warned, though the 3DS version
carries the Legacy Edition disclaimer on the box. This
means that the changes over FIFA 14 are purely aesthetic
and clerical.
Everything looks a little nicer, the kits are updated, and
players are playing for their correct teams.
Shy of that, this is the exact same game as last year. If
youre a die-hard fan, you likely wont care, but theres no
denying that the 3DS isnt the best platform to experience
the game on.
*not 3DS graphics PS4 shown

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy:


Curtain Call
29.99
Do you like Final Fantasy? Do you like rhythm games? If
your answer to either of those was no or whats that?
then the mealy-mouthed Theatrhythm Final Fantasy:
Curtain Call is almost certainly not for you.
For the small sliver on the Venn diagram containing
those who do enjoy both of those, though, weve got one
heck of a treat for you.
Curtain Call is the sequel to the surprisingly great
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, this time bringing you more
than 120 iconic scores and 50 characters from every game
in the Final Fantasy universe.
These characters put on a stage show by recreating
memorable battles from throughout the series in the form
of a musical tap em up. Think Dance Dance Revolution,
but with buttons and a 3DS stylus.
It sounds silly, and it is. Its also pretty adorable and
remarkably addictive.

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mobile gaming

Fantasy Life
29.99
With the sheer number of JRPGs that come out of
the Far East, on the 3DS especially, it can be hard to
keep up. Theres simply so many options to choose
from, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff?
Allow us to do so for you: Fantasy Life is really,
really good. Its Harvest Moon with swords. Or
Secret of Mana with crafting. How you interpret
it is up to you, and it can be as action-oriented as
you want it to be. Theres a soundtrack by Nobuo
Uematsu of Final Fantasy fame, and an art style very
reminiscent of Animal Crossing. It all combines
to create a wonderfully open, yet tailored, RPG
experience. You should jump on Fantasy Life.

Cooking Mama 5
29.99
Speaking of Japan, they dont come much more
Japanese than Cooking Mama. A thoroughly quirky
experience that somehow found relatively large
success in the West on the original Nintendo Wii, its
back for its fifth iteration in handheld 3D. If youve
never been exposed to its oddness before, the
concept is simple. You help Mama, a wide-eyed,
happy-clappy chef, prepare a variety of dishes
everything from gingerbread cookies to sushi. To do
so you have to perform adequately in a series of mini
games, like peeling lettuce and chopping onions.
They usually involve tapping and swiping with the
stylus, or pressing buttons in order or rhythm. Its
clean, simple fun that knows no ages, and theres
even wi-fi multiplayer in this latest addition.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal World


Duel Carnival
29.99
Yes, Yu-Gi-Oh is still going strong. Zexal is the suffix
of the latest TV card-duelling TV series, so of course
a video game tie-in was inevitable. Just as the
Pokmon TV series was simply a means to a card
game-selling end in the 90s, the same can be said of
Yu-Gi-Oh. It cant be denied that as far as collectible
card games go, though, its a rather excellent one.
The game now features a ludicrous 5,700+ cards
to be collected and battled, all of which feature in
the game. Theres 12 playable characters with their
own unique stories, a free battle mode, and of course
multiplayer the real hook.

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PlayStation Vita

Velocity 2X is the pick of the bunch this month, and youll love the Tim Burton-esque Dont Starve
Reviewer: Saqib Shah for full reviews, check out WhatMobile.net

Velocity 2X
12.99
This colourful 2D sci-fi shooter offers the best of both world;
on the one hand, you can blast your way through space-set
levels in a manner reminiscent of R-Type, or you can take to
foot as the games female protagonist, which is where the
Metroid influence can be felt. Definitely one for those into
classic titles then. Unlike its predecessor, Velocity Ultra, the
gameplay in Velocity 2X is more varied, but just as fast-paced
and dazzlingly colourful.
Despite the narrative continuing from Ultra,you neednt have
played the first game as the back-story is told in a series of
flashbacks that bring you up to date. The sprawling levels will
require you to check the map when on foot and a time limit
albeit generous adds to the quick gameplay.
Thankfully, Velocity 2X retains all the best features of the first
game but adds even more detailed visuals, which you may not
have time to admire as you rush through the levels. The use of
lens flare in the graphics mostly when there are exposures of
light or large explosions adds to the contemporary sci-fi feel
and is no doubt indebted to the films of JJ Abrams.

Dont Starve: Giant Edition


19.99
The PS Vita port of this comedy-horror survival SIM comes
bundled with its Reign of Giants expansion pack. The
gothic look of the main character and crudely drawn 2D
characters are reminiscent of the animated films of Tim
Burton, in particular Corpse Bride, but the survival aspect is
more akin to the current trend in indie games, such as Rust
and Day Z.
Dont Starve, on the other hand, is a smaller title with a
comic tone that sees its gloomy protagonist wandering a
barren environment trying to stay alive.
The harsh world of Dont Starve is populated with spiders,
bats and bears, all looking for their next human meal. Your
mission is to explore this world, collect items and build
bigger and better tools, while trying to keep your hunger
and sanity meters topped up at all times. Like other survival
games, the main way to progress is to collect and craft; the
better you get at this, the longer youll stay alive. The Reign
of Giants DLC brings with it more playable characters, a
changing seasonal environment, new creatures and giants.

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mobile gaming

Danganronpa 2
19.99
The difficult task of translating Japanese hits for western
audiences can often leave the games feeling incomplete or hard to
navigate. Sometimes, however, a title comes along that is worthy
of everyones attention. Danganronpa 2 is one such title.
This murder mystery has cute manga-style graphics, but its
narrative is very adult and definitely not for children, despite its
array of colourful young characters. It sees a group of talented
students relocating to a desert island, where they are challenged
to commit murders and stand trial by a menacing antagonist.
If you and your classmates cant figure out who committed the
crimes, the murderer is allowed to go free. Your job is to interact
with your fellow students to find out the culprit. Needless to say,
the game has some pretty dark themes.

Natural Doctrine
19.99
Simultaneously released for PS4, PS3 and PS Vita, this fantasy
strategy game is more in-depth than some of the recent, more
popular, entries in the genre. Firstly, this is a big game with
plenty of customisation options to help players change the
experience and adapt to survive. Furthermore, its exceptionally
difficult but not unbeatable. Chances are youll make it to the
end if youre a hardcore strategy gamer, but youll die a lot along
the way. Its no wonder Natural Doctrine has been called the
Dark Souls of tactical RPGs.
You can customise the characters in your team, including their
weapons and skills. As the latter increases, you can completely
change the way you tackle a level. Natural Doctrine is set in a
world filled with forts and dungeons populated with demons and
monsters. It uses a card-battling system, which allows you to
choose an optimised team to take on your foes.

Frozen Synapse Tactics


19.99
A turn-based PC strategy game by developer Mode 7 that has
now received a PS Vita port, Frozen Synapse Tactics will appeal
to fans of Xcom: Enemy Unknown and Metal Gear Solid: Portable
Ops. Players control a team of futuristic soldiers made up of
different classes from snipers to machine-gunners as they take
on opponents in procedurally generated environments.
Additionally, players can create their own custom levels and all
the areas are fully destructible. The turn-based action sees players
plotting paths and issuing orders to their squads as they try and
predict the oppositions tactics. The results, depending on your
strategy, can include everything from explosive firefights to stealth
combat. Gameplay options include a campaign mode and the
decidedly more fun multiplayer death-match mode.

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Buyers guide

59

58_BuyersGuide_Intro_October14.indd 66

Phone reviews

Buying a new device can be a difficult


decision. Our comprehensive buyers
guide is here to help you.

89

Tablet reviews

30/09/2014 12:32

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worldmags.net

buyers guide

Acer Liquid E2

Acer Liquid Z3

Alcatel One Touch Pop S3

Reviewed: January 2014, price: 189.99


http://www.acer.co.uk

Reviewed: December 2013, price: 99


http://www.acer.co.uk

Reviewed: September 2014, price: 80


www.alcatelonetouch.com/uk

Stacked up against recent entries in the


budget market, the Acer Liquid E2 is simply
outdated. Its a functional Android handset
but the clunky, thick design makes it feel
like youre holding a toy and the software
doesnt have any standout features. Acer
will have to seriously raise its game if its to
be a contender in the phone market.

While the Z3s tiny size has immediate


benefits, youll soon tire of cramping your
thumbs on too small a screen. Everywhere
else its simply an underwhelming phone,
even with the sub-100 price tag. Even
with the customisation options for different
audiences, wed recommend opting for
a normal-sized phone over this fidgety
gadget.

The Alcatel One Touch POP S3 has its


merits, especially taking into account
the sub-100 price of the device. The
problem here is that by making room for
4G capability Alcatel has been forced to
make cutbacks in crucial areas. However,
if you are simply after the option to access
faster web browsing and app speeds on the
go, then the POP S3 offers you that at the
cheapest price possible.

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor Quad-core 1.2
GHz
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution 540 x 960 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8 MP rear-facing,
2MP front-facing

OS Android v4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor Dual-core 1GHz
Screen 3.5 inches
Resolution 320 x 480 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 3 MP rear-facing
Video Yes
Connectivity 3G

OS Android 4.3 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.2GHz quad-core
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 4GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
VGA front-facing
Video 1080p

Video 1080p
Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 131 x 68 x
9.9mm
Weight 140g
Battery 2000 mAh

Dimensions 109 x 60 x
10.4mm
Weight 120g
Battery Li-Ion 1500 mAh

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 123 x 64.4 x
9.9mm
Weight 130g
Battery 2,000mAh

VERDICT: A dated, bulky phone saved by its

VERDICT: Its far too small to be used for

VERDICT: Cheap, sure, but its poor quality

reasonable price.

most apps and is uncomfortable to hold.

renders its 4G capability near pointless.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
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HHHHH
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HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

editors choice

editors choice

HHHHH

HHHHH

Alcatel One Touch Idol X+

Apple iPhone 5c

Apple iPhone 5s

Reviewed: June 2014, price: TBC


www.alcatelonetouch.com/uk

Reviewed: December 2013, price: 469


(16GB) 549 (32GB)

Reviewed: December 2013, price: 549


(16GB) 629 (32GB) 709 (64GB)

We usually greet lesser-known brands with


open arms, but never has one disappointed
as much as Alcatel with its One Touch
Idol X+. Despite decent specs, its the
handsets flaws that hog the limelight. Its
outperformed by other handsets in its price
bracket in just about every respect. Its
hard to envisage anyone patient enough to
waste their time with it.

If you need a splash of colour in your life


and youre already a massive fan of the
iOS operating system, then the iPhone 5c
is much the same as the previous iPhone
5. Theres a slightly upgraded front-facing
camera and 4G will work on any UK
network, but other than that youre getting
the exact same thing. The iPhone 5c is
simply around for those of you who love
great design without breaking the bank.

With fingerprint identity, 64-bit A7 64-bit


chip delivers up to twice the perfomance of
the iPhone 4 and 5c, many people will opt to
pay the extra 80 or so over the 5c. Theyll
also get an improved camera with 15 per
cent larger sensor and improved low-light
capabilies. The True Tone flash incorporates
two flashes each matched to different
light temperatures so flesh tones are more
natural with flash pictures.

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor Octa-core 2GHz
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 1080 x 1920
pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB or 32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 13 MP rear-facing,
2 MP front-facing

OS iOS 7
Processor Dual-core 1.3GHz
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 640 x 1136 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16/32GB
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera 8 MP rear-facing,
1.2 MP front-facing
Video 1080

Video 1080p
Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 140.4 x 69.1 x
7.9mm
Weight 130g
Battery 2,500mAh

Connectivity 4G
Size 12.4 x 59.2 x 9 mm
Weight 132g
Battery 1,510 mAh

OS iOS 7
Processor Dual-core 1.3GHz
ARM V8
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 1136 x 640 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB, 32GB or 64GB
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera 8 MP rear-facing,
1.2 MP front-facing

Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 123.8 x 58.6 x
7.6mm
Weight 112g
Battery 1,560 mAh

VERDICT: With such great competition the

VERDICT: Its the most colourful iPhone to

VERDICT: The gold standard in user-friendly

One Touch Idol X+ simply looks irrelevant.

date, but its identical to the iPhone 5.

smartphones, with a ton of power to boot.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
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HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH

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editors choice

buyers guide

editors choice

HHHHH

HHHHH

Apple iPhone 6

Apple iPhone 6 Plus

Archos 50 Oxygen

Reviewed: November 2014, price: 539

Reviewed: November 2014, price: 619

Reviewed: March 2014, price: 300


archos.com

Calling it the best iPhone ever almost


seems a little redundant. Of course its
better - its more powerful, has a better
camera, and NFC could soon become a
huge deal. Were not quite as keen on the
aesthetics of it versus older iPhone designs,
but its still got a wonderful premium build
and a beautifully sharp display. The option
for greatly expanded storage sizes shouldnt
be undervalued, either.

Its the iPhone 6, but bigger. Thats the


only difference, and it comes with all of
the ups and downs that you would expect
from a phablet. Youll either love or hate the
larger screen which, whilst still beautiful, is
slightly less sharp than its little brothers.
Similarly it might be tough for smaller
hands to hold. But then you do get to see
more things on screen at once. Its still a
remarkable phone though, make no mistake.

With its large, high-definition screen and


powerful hardware, the Archos 50 Oxygen
is a solid mid-priced smartphone. Its great
for movies with its five-inch screen and can
run demanding games without crashing.
16GB of storage is rather generous too.
Theres nothing unique here, but for 300
its worth a look.

OS iOS8
Processor Apple A8 1.4GHz
Screen 4.7 inches
Resolution 1334 x 750 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB/64GB/128GB
Micro SD compatible? No
Camera 8 MP iSight rearfacing, 1.2 MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS iOS8
Processor Apple A8 1.4GHz
Screen 5.5 inches
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB/64GB/128GB
Micro SD compatible? No
Camera 8 MP iSight rearfacing, 1.2 MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor Quad-core 1.5GHz
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 13 MP rear-facing,
5.3 MP front-facing
Dimensions 143 x 70.5 x

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 138.1 x 67 x
6.9 mm
Weight 129g
Battery 1,810 mAh

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 158.1 x 77.8 x
7.1 mm
Weight 172g
Battery 1,810 mAh

9.9mm
Connectivity 3G
Weight 130g
Battery 2,300 mAh

VERDICT: Bigger and better than ever, just

VERDICT: A bigger iPhone 6 - its really that

as youd expect. The definitive iPhone.

simple. Prefer it or not, its great regardless.

VERDICT: A solid entry, but a lack of standout features sees it blend into the pack.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH
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buyers guide

Archos 50 Helium

Asus FonePad

Asus PadFone 2

Reviewed: July 2014, price: 199


archos.com

Reviewed: November 2013, price: 190


www.asus.com/uk

Reviewed: November 2013, price: 500


www.asus.com/uk

If the Moto G and Moto E are the gold


standard of entry-level and low-cost
smartphones, then the 50 Helium is
certainly worthy of silver. Its got a nice big
screen as well as invaluable 4G capability.
It wont set the world alight, but its a
standout in a market awasg with cheap,
limited handsets.

The FonePad is a lot larger than most


phones, so youre unlikely to want to use
it as your main phone. It does have a great
battery life though, so its an ideal backup. The large screen makes watching
movies ideal, although its resolution is
unimpressive. The lack of a camera on a
modern smartphone would mean this is
definitely not your main smartphone.

The PadFone 2 offers two devices for


around the price of one but you wont be
able to use the tablet independently of
the phone. An ideal situation in which to
use the PadFone 2 is if you want to use
the same data allowance for both devices,
and not shell out for a more expensive
3G-enabled tablet. This could almost be
perfect if it had a better screen.

OS Android 4.3 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.2GHz quad-core
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 1280 x 720 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP
Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G LTE

OS Android v4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor Intel Atom 1.2GHz
Screen 7 inches
Resolution 800 x 1280 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB or 16GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 3 MP rear-facing,
1.2 MP front-facing
Video 720p

Dimensions 145 x 71.5 x


8.95mm
Weight 160g
Battery 2,000mAh

VERDICT: A capable alternative to the


market-leading Moto G.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 196.4 x 120.1 x
10.4 mm
Weight 340g
Battery 4,270 mAh

OS Android v4.0 Ice Cream


Sandwich
Processor 1.5GHz quad-core
Screen 720 x 1280 pixels,
4.7 inches
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16, 32 or 64GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 13 MP rear-facing,
1.3 MP front-facing

Video 1080p
Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 137.9 x 68.9
x 9mm
Weight 135g
Battery 2,140 mAh

VERDICT: A large screen is great for films


but a lack of camera is a let-down.

VERDICT: An almost perfect two-for-one


device if only it had a better screen.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
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HHHHH
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HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

BlackBerry Q5

BlackBerry Z30

BWC Stealth V2

Reviewed: September 2013, price: 329.99


uk.blackberry.com

Reviewed: June 2014, price: 500


uk.blackberry.com

Reviewed: August 2014, price: 300


www.bwcdevices.com

Despite 200 being knocked off the price


of the Blackberry Q10, you dont really feel
that this is a bargain device. If youre in
need of a QWERTY device then Q5 may be
one to consider. When compared against
its competition this is woefully overpriced,
especially considering a similar Nokia
ASHA device will set back only 47. The
build quality on the Q5 also leaves much to
be desired, with a creaking plastic.

Perhaps if BlackBerry had focused on its


efforts on making a phone like this five
years ago we would be looking at a very
different picture now. As it stands, a barren
app store, odd features and a monster
price tag may kill what could have been
a competitive device. Its still surprisingly
easy on the eyes though, and its display
doesnt look too bad either.

With good specs available at low prices


theres never been a better time to pick up
a rugged smartphone (if thats what you
need). The Stealth V2 lives up to both the
rugged and smart tags, with surprisingly
capable insides. It also passed all of our
stress tests, with countless drops, bashes
and drownings failing to leave so much as
a mark.

OS BlackBerry 10
Processor 1.2GHz dualcore
Screen 3.1 inches
Resolution 720 x 720 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
2MP front-facing

OS BlackBerry 10
Processor 1.7GHz dual-core
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 1280 x 720 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-racing,
2MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.2GHz quad-core
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 854 x 480 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 1GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing,
1.3MP front-facing
Video 720p

Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 120 x 66 x
10.8mm
Weight 120g
Battery 2,180 mAh

VERDICT: The Q5 is a device for Blackberry


QWERTY fanatics who cant afford the Q10.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 140.7 x 72 x 9.4
Weight 170g
Battery 2,880 mAh

VERDICT: Possibly the best BlackBerry yet,

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 133 x 69 x 20mm
Weight 230g
Battery 2,800mAh

VERDICT: As smart and tough as it promises.

but thats not saying an awful lot.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

CAT B100

CAT B15

Doro Liberto 810

Reviewed: March 2014, price: 380


www.catphones.com

Reviewed: June 2013, price: 299


www.catphones.com

Reviewed: April 2014, price: 145


www.doro.co.uk

The CAT B100 withstands harsh conditions


and jarring blows with a tough outer
shell that absorbs the impact of falls, and
impressive waterproofing. Beyond that, the
phone lacks features games and apps - but
chances are thats not why youre buying
this phone. If you need a rugged handset
to take adventuring, though, its more than
tough enough.

While it will never be a mass market phone,


the B15 most certainly has a place in the
market for anyone who wants a device they
can rely on, whatever the environment;
aimed at builders and construction workers,
this phone stood up to our strength and
durability tests and has decent specs to
boot. Its let downs include a cumbersome
size and a weak camera and video
capabilities.

The Liberto 810 has a comfortable design


and a user interface thats ideal for firsttime smartphone users and impaired
customers. From there, things start to slip.
The screen is buried into the handset,
making it hard to accurately press smaller
buttons, the camera software has some
strange issues and we ran into a few bugs.
Its a starting point for Doro, but its hard to
recommend it.

OS Nucleus 2.1
Processor 1GHz dual-core
Screen 2.2 inches
Resolution 240 x 320 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 50MB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 3 MP rear-facing,
QVGA front-facing
Video QVGA

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor 1GHz dual-core
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5 MP rear-facing,
QVGA front-facing
Video 720p

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor 1GHz
Screen 3.9 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 500MB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5 MP
Video 480p
Connectivity 3G

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 122.94 x 55.88
x 7.6mm
Weight 136g
Battery 1,150 mAh

Connectivity 3G
Size 125 x 69.5 x 14.95mm
Weight 170g
Battery 2,000 mAh

Dimensions 126 x 66 x
12.5mm
Weight 132g
Battery 1,500 mAh

VERDICT: Tough enough to take into a

VERDICT: A rugged phone for those who

VERDICT: Seniors may be demanding a

warzone, if a little light on actual function.

need to rely on it in any environment.

tailored smartphone, but this isnt it.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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worldmags.net

buyers guide

Doro PhoneEasy 506

Doro PhoneEasy 622

EE Kestrel

Reviewed: July 2013, price: 45


www.doro.co.uk

Reviewed: October 2013, price: 110


www.doro.co.uk

Reviewed: September 2014, price: 99


www.doro.co.uk

Not a phone for tech-addicts, the Doro


PhoneEasy 506 is great for vulnerable or
elderly people who need a foolproof device
and may need reliable means to summon
help or simply keep in touch. It features
loud and clear ring tones and volume, call
assistance SOS button and stays charged
for three weeks or more. It wont win any
beauty contests, however, and has no data
connectivity or basic camera.

The Doro PhoneEasy 622 could easily be


considered a museum piece if you have the
slightest understanding of modern mobile
technologies. That said if youre a complete
novice or want a back-up phone, then this
could be the ideal device. Battery life is
exemplary and ring volume is a lot louder
than youll see on modern smartphones, but
the design looks dated and the camera is
only capable of a two megapixel resolution.

The EE Kestrel is the best entry-level 4G


handset on the market and this is in no
small part due to Huawei. The manufacturer
has built a solid handset that consumers
will use beyond its 4G-LTE capability.
Although, its weak resolution is a major
flaw, it has plenty of other positive
attributes including a smooth UI, the ability
to handle a vast range of games and decent
web and app browsing speeds.

OS Doro OS
Processor N/A
Screen 1.8 inches
Resolution 128 x 160 pixels
Memory N/A
Storage N/A
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera No
Video N/A
Connectivity 3G

OS Doro OS
Processor N/A
Screen 2.4 inches
Resolution 320 x 240 pixels
Memory N/A
Storage N/A
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera 2MP rear-facing
Video 3gp
Connectivity 3G

OS Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)


Processor 1.2GHz quad-core
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution 540 x 960 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
1MP front-facing
Video 1080p

Dimensions 125.5 x 51 x
15.5 mm
Weight 81g
Battery 800mAh

Dimensions 102 x 52 x 19 mm
Weight 104g
Battery 800mAh

Connectivity 4G, 3G
Dimensions 131 x 65.3 x
7.85mm
Weight 145g
Battery 2,000mAh

VERDICT: A reliable handset that boasts

VERDICT: An affordable phone for

VERDICT: The PhoneEasy 622 has a lot to

vulnerable or elderly people to call for help.

offer for technophobes, but not for all of us.

good usability, if underwhelming specs.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

Google Nexus 4

HTC Desire 500

HTC Desire 601

Reviewed: February 2013, price: 239


www.google.com/nexus/4/

Reviewed: January 2014, price: 199.99


www.htc.com/uk

Reviewed: March 2014, price: 244


www.htc.com/uk

It looks a bit dull and devoid of personality,


plus storage is limited to 4GB... but thats
hardly the point. The Nexus 4 is a tight bit of
kit designed to show off Googles latest version
of Android. With a terrific quad-core 1.5Ghz
processor and 2GB of RAM - there is nothing
out there that will stump this smartphone. The
lack of 4G is a disappointment, but the phone
is an absolute steal at just 239. One of the best
Android handsets available.

The HTC Desire 500 is a respectable budget


offering from the Taiwanese manufacturer
but its been undercut by cheaper phones
with better specifications. Youll struggle
with limited storage space but it earns
points for a unique design.

4G at an affordable price is the Desire 601s


big claim (if you regard 240 as affordable).
Thats not enough of a reason alone to buy
it, though. 4G is currently not worth the
premium, nor the price hike over a similarly
specced 3G handset. The trademark HTC
Beats audio still sounds great though, and
its on-board photo editor is handy - if you
can put up with the low-resolution screen.

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.2GHz quad-core
Screen 4.3 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8 MP rear-facing,
1.6 MP front-facing
Video 720

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.4GHz dual-core
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution 540 x 960 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5 MP rear-facing,
0.3 MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.5Ghz quad-core
Screen 4.7 inch
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5 MP rear-facing,
1.3MP front-facing
Video 1080p

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 107 x 61 x 12mm
Weight 100g
Battery 2,100 mAh

Dimensions 131.8 x 66.9 x


9.9mm
Weight 123g
Battery 1,800 mAh

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 134.5 x 66.7
x 9.88mm
Weight 130g
Battery 2,100 mAH

VERDICT: Dull and devoid of personality, but

VERDICT: A solid phone with a price tag on

VERDICT: A decent phone, but the extra

high powered and super, super cheap.

the wrong side of that of the Moto G.

100 is not justified by 4G capability alone.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

editors choice

HHHHH

HTC Desire 816

HTC One M8

HTC One Max

Reviewed: October 2014, price: 300


www.htc.com/uk

Reviewed: May 2014, price: 530


www.htc.com/uk

Reviewed: January 2014, price: 599


www.htc.com/uk

In a market lacking a viable midrange


phablet the HTC Desire 816 stands out. It
might have its flaws, but for the price you
can certainly look past them. If you cant,
then a midrange device probably isnt for
you. For the rest of us, theres no better
option for getting your hands on a jumbo
screen on the cheap.

The HTC One M8 is, in all probability, the


best smartphone ever made. It both looks
and performs better than almost everything
else out there. Features like Blinkfeed and
knock-to-wake are a joy to use. If Apple,
Sony and Samsung werent paying attention
before, they certainly are now.

The HTC One Max piggybacks the


reputation of the HTC One, although
nothing much has improved. The highquality display is present but HTC has
failed to add processing power and the
fingerprint sensor implementation is very
disappointing.

OS Android 4.4 KitKat


Processor 1.6GHz quad-core
Screen 5.5 inches
Resolution 1280 x 720 pixels
Memory 1.5GB RAM
Storage 8GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 13MP rear-facing,
5MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.4 KitKat


Processor 2.3GHz quad-core
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB or 32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 4 MP UltraPixel
rear-facing, 5 MP frontfacing

OS Android 4.3 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.7GHz quad-core
Screen 5.9 inches
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Memory 2GB
Storage 16GB or 32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 4 MP UlatraPixel
rear-facing, 2.1 MP frontfacing

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 156.6 x 78.7 x
7.9mm
Weight 165g
Battery 2,600mAh

Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 146.36 x 70.6 x
9.35 mm
Weight 160g
Battery 2,600 mAH

Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 164.5 x 82.5 x
10.3mm
Weight 217g
Battery 3,300mAh

VERDICT: A triumphant, large addition to a

VERDICT: If you can afford it, buy it. Theres

VERDICT: The HTC Ones design is still a

fantastic 2014 product line for HTC.

no better Android handset on the market.

standout but theres nothing new here.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

HTC One Mini

HTC One Mini 2

HTC Windows 8S

Reviewed: October 2013, price: 300


www.htc.com/uk

Reviewed: August 2014, price: 360


www.htc.com/uk

Reviewed: February 2013, price: 239


www.htc.com/uk

The lite version of HTCs flagship phone


proves to be a big deal, with a high quality
camera, great audio, fast processing speeds
and a unique, refreshing take on Android
4.2. Its only let down by its lack of internal
memory and short battery life.

Your opinion of the One Mini 2 will come


down to what you mostly use your phone
for. If you dont put too much strain on its
struggling processor then you should be
fine. Its got a magnificent pair of cameras,
and that trademark HTC metal unibody
build cant be beat. Day-to-day users will
be more than satisfied - hardcore techheads should stick with the One M8.

The odd thing about this phone is that we


actually rate it higher than its big brother,
the 8X. It is a bit lighter, has a nicer body
and fits much easier in the hand. It still
has enough grunt under the hood to get all
the same tasks done (although has a lower
res screen), and its 160 quid cheaper. It
doesnt have a front facing camera (so
no proper Skype-ing) and the App store
remains limited...

OS Android OS 4.2. Jelly Bean


Processor 1.4 GHz dual-core
Screen 4.3 inches
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 1 GB RAM
Storage 16GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 4 MP UltraPixel rearfacing, 1.6 MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.4 KitKat


Processor 1.2GHz quad-core
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution 720 x 1,280 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 13 MP rear-facing,
5MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 1GHz dual-core
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Cameras 5 MP rear-facing
Video 720p
Connectivity 3G

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 132 x 63.2 x 9.3
mm
Weight 122 g
Battery 1,800 mAh

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 137.4 x 64 x
10.6mm
Weight 137g
Battery 2,110mAh

Dimensions 120.5 x 63 x
10.3 mm
Weight 113 g
Battery 1,700mAh

VERDICT: A worthwhile alternative to the

VERDICT: Powered to match its stature, but

VERDICT: The Windows Phone 8S may well

bigger model.

still a very polished, attractive device.

be better than the 8X flagship model.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

Huawei Ascend G510

Huawei Ascend P2

Huawei Ascend P6

Reviewed: June 2013, price: 130


www.huaweidevice.co.uk

Reviewed: September 2013, price: 340


www.huaweidevice.co.uk

Reviewed: October 2013, price: 309.95


www.huaweidevice.co.uk

A somewhat sludgier Samsung Galaxy S2


for half the price and with a bigger screen,
the Ascend G510 was the phone of 2011.
More than enough for those who dont have
to have the latest thing, the Ascend will
handle your casual web browsing, the odd
game and photos well. It can feel a little
slow however and doesnt look like much;
there are also cheaper phones out there
which do much the same.

Huawei has delivered a reasonably cheap


device given youre receiving blazing fast
4G speeds when web browsing. Theres
no microSD card slot and the processor
had a little trouble whilst gaming and
opening apps, but the camera optics were
outstanding. The P2 is capable of recording
video at a resolution of 1080p. For a phone
of this price, that is incredibly impressive.
All-in-all a great budget - mid-range device.

It suffers from poor software


implementation and a slow-charging
battery, but at least the P6 looks the part,
with a slim design that makes it more
attractive than many of its rivals. Elsewhere
this is a capable mid-to-high-tier handset
for anyone looking.

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.2GHz dual-core
Screen 4.5-inch
Resolution 480 x 854 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5 MP rear-facing,
VGA front-facing
Video 720p

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.5 GHz quadcore
Screen 4.7 inches
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera 13 MP rear-facing,
1.3 MP front-facing

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.5 GHz quadcore
Screen 4.7 inches
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8 MP rear-facing,
5 MP front-facing

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 134 x 67 x
9.9 mm
Weight 150g
Battery 1,750mAh

Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 136.2 x 66.7 x
8.4mm
Weight 122g
Battery 2,420 mAh

Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 132.7 x 65.5 x
6.2 mm
Weight 120g
Battery 2,000 mAh

VERDICT: A large budget smartphone which


can run slow and doesnt look like much.

VERDICT: The price speaks for itself, giving


you one of the cheapest 4G devices today.

VERDICT: It trips up on software and battery


but the slim look is appealing.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

Huawei Ascend P7

Huawei Ascend Y300

Kazam Thunder Q4.5

Reviewed: July 2014, price: 3695


www.huaweidevice.co.uk

Reviewed: September 2013, price: 119


www.huaweidevice.co.uk

Reviewed: April 2014, price: TBC


www.kazam.mobi

The Ascend P7 feels like a missed


opportunity. Huawei should have put their
full weight into creating a top-level flagship
handset. However, its underpowered
processor is its only real flaw. It looks
premium, and its front-facing camera is
the best on the market. Its price could be a
sticking point, but its by no means a bad
device.

The Y300 isnt going to blow you away


when looking at the spec sheet, but if
youre considering dipping your toes into
the smartphone world it could be the
perfect purchase. At less than 70 on payas-you-go youre getting a pretty fast and
fluid device, which should be able to cope
with most of the things you throw at it. The
feature set is very basic and the cameras
low-light performance is dismal though.

The Thunder Q4.5 is a sure case of style


over substance, but in the lower-cost
end of the market youd usually be lucky
to get either. While the phone lacks
standout features it wont let you down
when it comes to everyday smartphone
functionality. If youre in the market and
want to try something new, you could
certainly do an awful lot worse.

OS Android 4.4 KitKat


Processor 1.8GHz quad-core
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 1980 x 1020 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 13MP rear-facing,
8MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor 1 GHz dual-core
Screen 4.0 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5 MP rear-facing,
VGA front-facing
Video 480p

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.3GHz quad-core
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution 854 x 480 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 1.74GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8 MP rear-facing, 2
MP front-facing
Video 720p

Connectivity 4G LTE
Dimensions 139.8 x 68.8 x
6.5mm
Weight 124g
Battery 2,500mAh

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 124.5 x 63.8 x
11.2 mm
Weight 130g
Battery 1,730 mAh

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 136 x 64.6 x
8.9 mm
Weight 137g
Battery 1,800 mAh

VERDICT: Its not quite a market-leading


flagship, but at least it looks the part.

VERDICT: If youre dipping your toes into


the smartphone world, this could be perfect.

VERDICT: It may be flawed, but at this price

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

point youd be hard pushed to beat it.

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

LG G2

LG G3

LG G Flex

Reviewed: November 2013, price: 500


www.lg.com/uk

Reviewed: August 2014, price: 499


www.lg.com/uk

Reviewed: April 2014, price: 570


www.lg.com/uk

Despite its impressive performance,


long-lasting battery and excellent screen,
the G2 doesnt quite hold up next to its
competition. It doesnt lag behind in
any one area, but it doesnt truly excel
anywhere else either. It wont give you any
hassle aside from its heating issues but this
isnt a best-in-class phone, and thats what
a flagship from a company like this really
should be.

Only minor detractions stop the LG G3


from being the perfect smartphone. That
said, theres no such thing as the perfect
smartphone just yet, so the G3 is still a
wonderful piece of kit. It has outstanding
features, hardware, and form to boot. The
best display around, a monstrous processor
and a variety of little touches all make the
G3 is a special smartphone.

The curved display may add very little, but


with a state-of-the-art spec sheet and a
fantastic display, the LG G Flex nails the
basics of a high-end smartphone. However
the 570 price and so-so camera make
it difficult to recommend - at least when
compared to its cheaper, better rivals. The
Flex just isnt the innovation LG believe it
to be.

OS Android 4.4 (KitKat)


Processor 2.5GHz quad-core
Screen 5.5 inches
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB or 32GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 13MP rear-facing,
2.1MP front-facing
Video 2160p

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 2.2GHz quad-core
Screen 6 inches
Resolution 1280 x 720 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 32GB
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera 13 MP rear-facing,
2.1 MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 2.2GHz quad-core
Screen 5.2 inches
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB or 32GB
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera 13MP rear-facing,
2.1MP front-facing
Video 1080p

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 138.5 x 70.9 x
8.9 mm
Weight 143g
Battery 3,000 mAh

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 146.3 x 74.6 x
8.9mm
Weight 149g
Battery 3,000mAh

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 160.5 x 81.6 x
7.9 mm
Weight 177g
Battery 3,500 mAh

VERDICT: The G2 is a powerhouse with a

VERDICT: Want the best? The G3 is

VERDICT: A powerful phone held back by a

great screen and impressive battery life.

absolutely deserving of your consideration.

steep price for an unnecessary gimmick.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

LG Optimus L5 II

Motorola Moto E

Motorola Moto G

Reviewed: August 2013, price: 129.99


www.lg.com/uk

Reviewed: July 2014, price: 90


www.motorola.co.uk

Reviewed: January 2014, price: 135


www.motorola.co.uk

A disappointing processor lets down an


otherwise decent mid-tier device. The
option to personalise app icons is a nice
touch and the 5MP megapixel camera
does a good job. However, with other
handsets available with similar features
and a lower price tag, the L5 II isnt doing
anything to stand out from the crowd. The
underwhelming design and lack of internal
storage doesnt help matters either.

Despite a lack of features and some gaming


constraints due to its processor, the Moto E
works well for most tasks. Its OS interface
is as smooth as you will find on any highend device and it only lags behind those
same handsets very slightly when it comes
to aspps and web browsing. Its so smooth
and usable that even more experiences
Android users should consider it.

The Moto G is a budget smartphone done


right. It makes smart and sensible sacrifices
to slash its price to a point that puts its
rivals to shame. For people who dont
demand the highest specs and best camera
from a phone, the Moto Gs easy-to-use
system and fast speeds make it an ideal
choice.

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor 1GHz Cortex A9
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Cameras 5 MP rear-facing,
Video VGA
Connectivity 3G

OS Android 4.4 KitKat


Processor 1.2GHz dual-core
Screen 4.3 inches
Resolution 540 x 960 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 4GB storage
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing
Video 854 x 480 pixels
Connectivity 3G

OS Android 4.3 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.2GHz quad-core
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB/16GB
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
1.3MP front-facing
Video 720p

Dimensions 117.5 x 62.2 x


9.2 mm
Weight 103g
Battery life 1,700 mAh

Dimensions 124.8 x 64.8 x


12.3mm
Weight 142g
Battery 1,980mAh

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 129.9 x 65.9 x
11.6mm
Weight 143g
Battery 2,070 mAh

VERDICT: An OK handset for the price, but a

VERDICT: Unrivalled at its price, the Moto E

VERDICT: The best option for customers on

slow processor undermines performance.

is near faultless. A joy to use.

a budget.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
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HHHHH

HHHHH
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buyers guide

Motorola Moto X

Motorola RAZR HD

Nokia Asha 205

Reviewed: March 2014, price: 380


www.motorola.co.uk

Reviewed: April 2013, price: 399


www.motorola.co.uk

Reviewed: April 2013, price: 65


www.nokia.com

The Moto X is a rock-solid handset with


unique, helpful features. This is the best
place to experience Google Now, making
voice operation genuinely useful. MIx in a
sleek design, great camera and long battery
life and the 380 price tag is justified. If
you can afford the extra 150 then it makes
for a sterling upper-mid tier upgrade to the
Motorola Moto G.

Starting to show signs of its Google


led revival, the Motorola Razr HD has a
stunning industrial design and 4G support,
but is a victim of its delayed UK release (it
came out in the US in September) meaning
its specs are out of date, its screen is low
resolution and its camera is poor. It doesnt
help that Motorola have priced it so high
- otherwise this would be an excellent midrange phone.

An interesting enough device that blurs


the lines between a feature phone and a
low end smartphone, the Asha 205 is let
down by its very small on board memory
and lack of connectivity options. It
remains functional for a low end device,
but definitely should not be considered a
full blown replacement for a smartphone.
Probably destined for third world and
budget users.

OS Android 4.4 KitKat


Processor 1.7GHz dual-core
Screen 4.7 inches
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB/32GB
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera 10MP rearfacing, 2MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.5GHz dual-core
Screen 4.7 inches
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB
MicroSD Compatible? No
Camera 8MP rear-facing,
1.3MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Nokia Series 40
Processor N/A
Screen 2.4 inches
Resolution 320 x 240 pixels
Memory 16MB RAM
Storage 10MB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 2MP rear-facing
Video VGA
Connectivity 3G

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 129.3 x 65.3
x 10.4mm
Weight 130g
Battery 2,200 mAh

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 131.9 x 67.9 x
8.4 mm, 146g
Weight 146g
Battery 2,530 mAh

Dimensions 116 x 61 x 14mm


Weight 105g
Battery 1,020 mAh

VERDICT: For those looking to step up from

VERDICT: A lovely design, but the internals

VERDICT: A pretty basic, functional feature

the budget tier: your search is over.

are six months out of date.

phone with a few extra goodies.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
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HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
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HHHHH

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buyers guide

Nokia Asha 302

Nokia Asha 311

Nokia Asha 503

Reviewed:November 2012, price: 95


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: November 2012, price: 110


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: February 2014, price: 70


www.nokia.com

While the Nokia Asha 302 wont win any


awards for originality or features, its great
build quality, battery life and usability
make it ideal for social networking. If youre
looking for a decent feature-phone for
easy all-day typing, the Asha 302 could be
right for you. And while you can pick up a
good smartphone for around this price, the
handy QWERTY keyboard is ideal if youre
frequently typing texts and emails.

The Asha 311 is a high-quality featurephone which packs style, usability and
a decent screen. But you can buy a
much better smartphone for less. With
the excellent Huawei Ascend G300 and
Vodafone Smart 2 available for less, the
Asha 311 struggles slightly, as while it is
a good feature-phone it is crippled by an
unrealistically high price tag. Make sure
to consider your needs before buying.

Nokias Asha 503 is a brilliantly tiny


handset that stays usable despite the
smaller screen. If you want a dirt-cheap
phone then you might be better off with a
sub-50 handset and its design is a little
spiky. But anyone looking for a phone to
keep them busy for five minutes on a bus
will find plenty to love here.

OS Nokia Series 40
Processor 1GHz single-core
Screen 2.4 inches
Resolution 240 x 320 pixels
Memory 128MB RAM
Storage 100MB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 3.2MP rear-facing
Video 480p
Connectivity 3G

OS Nokia Series 40
Processor 1GHz single-core
Screen 2.4 inches
Resolution 240 x 320 pixels
Memory 128MB
Storage 140MB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 3.2MP rear-facing
Video 480p
Connectivity 3G

OS Nokia Asha platform 1.2


Processor N/A
Screen 3 inches
Resolution 240 x 320 pixels
Memory 128MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5 MP rear-facing
Video QVGA
Connectivity 3G

Dimensions 117 x 56 x 14mm


Weight 99g
Battery 1,430 mAh

Dimensions 106 x 52 x 13mm


Weight 95g
Battery 1,110 mAh

Dimensions 102.6 x 60.6 x


12.7mm
Weight 110.2g
Battery 1,200 mAh

VERDICT: Great QWERTY usability and an

VERDICT: A satisfying feature-phone but

impressive battery life at a decent price.

the high price is a little bit unrealistic.

market that offers more than the basics.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
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HHHHH
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VERDICT: A good entry into the budget

HHHHH
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buyers guide

Nokia Lumia 520

Nokia Lumia 625

Nokia Lumia 630

Reviewed: June 2013, price: 99.95


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: October 2013, price: 180


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: August 2014, price: 110


www.nokia.com

A good budget offering from Nokia which


is let down by its struggles to handle the
tasks required of it. Cheaper than the 620
which nevertheless had less performance
issues. The 520 packs a good camera and
battery life, however there are both cheaper
phones which perform better and more
expensive phones which dont.

The sizeable 4.7-inch screen saves the 625


from its disappointingly short battery life
and lack of HD viewing. Its plagued further
by the Lumia ranges other issues like a
limited app store, but fights back with a
decent camera. As a result it stands as a
viable budget-range phone.

The Lumia 630 offers many positives.


Its bright, smooth interface is eyecatching and capable, and it can perform
most tasks well. It even beats its rival,
the Moto E, in terms of apps browsing,
gaming and photography. It is let down
by some shortcomings though, such as a
narrow selection of apps and unnecessary
bloatware.

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 1GHz dual-core
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 800 x 480
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Cameras 5 MP
Video 720p
Connectivity 3G

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 1.2GHz dual-core
Screen 4.7 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 512 MB RAM
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5 MP rear-facing,
VGA front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 1.2GHz quad-core
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution 480 x 854 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 8GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes,
up to 128GB
Camera 5MP rear-facing
Video 720p

Dimensions 119.9 x 64 x
9.9mm
Weight 124g
Battery 1,430mAh

VERDICT: A good camera, battery and price

Connectivity 4G-LTE
Dimensions 133.3 x 72.3 x
9.2 mm
Weight 159g
Battery 2,000mAh

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 129.5 x 66.7 x
9.2mm
Weight 134g
Battery 1,830mAh

VERDICT: A decent budget smartphone with


its fair share of shortcomings.

VERDICT: Looks good and performs well

but the phone can struggle with tasks.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
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HHHHH
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HHHHH
HHHHH

enough to beat out some of its budget rivals

HHHHH
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buyers guide

Nokia Lumia 720

Nokia Lumia 820

Nokia Lumia 920

Reviewed: July 2013, price: 299


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: March 2013, price: 380


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: January 2013, price: 36p/m


www.nokia.com

A fairly solid mid-tier offering which


suffered some setbacks at start up, the 720
features a Carl Zeiss lens and a slightly
better looking screen and performing
processor. Aside from this, the Lumia 720
isnt wonderfully different from its lower
priced siblings and showed signs of wear
and tear after a week, although its camera
lives up to the Lumia name. Microsofts app
store is still fairly limited, however.

The 920s pragmatic little brother, the 820


runs the same processor and RAM. It lacks
some of the high end photography options
but still takes good quality pictures and
also runs Windows Phone 8. It has the full
complement of Nokia apps like Music and
Maps (although the Windows Store still
struggles for quality in the app department).
Battery can be disappointing, however, and
some apps only work with WP8 devices.

A fantastic looking phone with a great


interface, grunt under the hood and the
best camera phone in the business. A bit
heavy and bulky, but outstanding design
- a real eye catcher. Like all WP8 devices,
the app store is a problem, but this
deserves to do well.

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 1GHz dual-core
Screen 4.3 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Cameras 6.7MP front-facing,
1.3MP front-facing
Video 720p

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 1.5GHz dual-core
Screen 4.3 inches
Resolution 800 x 480 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera: 8.0MP rear-facing,
VGA front-facing
Video: 1080p

OS: Windows Phone 8.0


Processor: 1.5GHz dual-core
Screen: 4.5 inches
Resolution: 1280 x 768
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8.7MP rear-facing,
1.3MP front-facing
Video: 1080p

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 127.9 x 67.5 x
9mm
Weight 128g
Battery 2,000mAh

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 123.8 x 68.5
x 9.9mm
Weight: 160g
Battery: 1,650 mAh

VERDICT: A fairly solid mid-tier device but

VERDICT: Arguably superior to the 920, a

not too different from lower priced siblings.

few niggles hold it back from greatness.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
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HHHHH
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Connectivity 4G
Dimensions: 130 x 70.8 x
10.7mm
Weight: 185g
Battery: 2,000 mAh

VERDICT: An fantastic device technically, its


success relies on Microsofts app store.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
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buyers guide

Nokia Lumia 925

Nokia Lumia 930

Nokia Lumia 1020

Reviewed: August 2013, price: 479


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: September 2014, price: 420


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: November 2013, price: 639.99


www.nokia.com

With the Lumia 925 Nokia havent set


out to reinvent the wheel, theyve just
built on their past achievements to put
together a brilliant phone. A gorgeous
slimmed-down design, high performance
camera and responsive user interface
all set this handset apart from the rest
of the Lumia range and make it a top
level device in the high-end smartphone
market. One of the best out there.

The plus side for those looking for


something different is that Windows
Phone has come along enough now that
its mere presence on a handset isnt
enough to relegate it completely. The
Lumia 930 is the flagship that the range
has been crying out for for far too long
now, and if you dont mind having a
relatively restricted ecosystem then you
should have very few issues with it.

The Lumia 1020 is an ideal smartphone for


those of you who dont care about apps
and its perfect if you love to take great
pictures. It might not be the slimmest
device you can get your hands on but the
1020s powerful camera is well worth the
extra bulk.

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 1.5GHz dual-core
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution: 1280 x 760
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB/32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing,
1.3MP front-facing
Video: 1080p

OS Windows Phone 8.1


Processor 2.2GHz quad-core
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 1920 x 1080
pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 32GB
Micro SD compatible? No
Camera 20MP rear-facing,
1.2MP front-facing

os Windows Phone 8
Processor 1.5GHz dual-core
Screen 4.5 inches
Resolution: 1280 x 760
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 41MP rear-facing,
1.2MP front-facing
Video: 1080p

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 129 x 70.6 x
8.5 mm
Weight: 139g
Battery 2,000 mAh

Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G LTE
Dimensions 137 x 71 x
9.8mm
Weight 167g
Battery 2,420mAh

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 130.4 x 71.4 x
10.4 mm
Weight: 158g
Battery 2,000 mAh battery

VERDICT: A fantastic camera, slick design

VERDICT: The closest to rivalling Android

VERDICT: A top smartphone with an

and great user interface make this top dog.

and iOS that Windows Phone has ever come.

astounding camera one of the best.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

Nokia Lumia 1320

Nokia Lumia 1520

Prestigio MultiPhone 5430

Reviewed: April 2014, price: 280


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: February 2014, price: 550


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: November 2013, price: 190


www.prestigio.com

The Lumia 925 and 1020 were large


enough, and the lack of software taking
advantage of the big display, unlike with
the Samsung Galaxy Note, means those
extra inches just leave you looking faintly
ridiculous when answering a call. Youre
better off spending your money on an
Android phablet or Googles Nexus 5.

Although the Nokia Lumia 1520 weighs


in at a whopping 550 (SIM-free), it could
cost you considerably more to purchase
a standalone camera, camcorder, satnav,
tablet and a laptop computer that can run
Microsoft Office.

The Prestigio MultiPhone 5430 is a bland


piece of kit that lacks any real highlights,
but is undoubtedly a capable and efficient
smartphone. Perhaps its best feature is
that it gets the core experience right, if not
groundbreakingly so. The very basics of
what you expect from a smartphone in 2013
are here but there isnt much else.

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 1.7GHz dual-core
Screen 6 inches
Resolution 1280 x 720 pixels
Memory 1GB
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
VGA front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 2.2GHz quad-core
Screen 6 inches
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 20MP rear-facing,
1.2MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.0 Ice Cream


Sandwich
Processor Intel Atom 1.2GHz
Screen 4.3 inches
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing,
0.3MP front-facing

Connectivity 4G-LTE
Dimensions 164.2 x 85.9 x
9.8mm
Weight 220g
Battery 3,400 mAh

Connectivity 4G-LTE
Dimensions 162.8 x 85.4 x
8.7mm
Weight 209g
Battery 3,200 mAh

Video 1080p
Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 126 x 64.7 x
10mm
Weight 140g
Battery 2,000 mAh

VERDICT: A good phone, but the Nexus 5

VERDICT: A great all-in-one device that

VERDICT: Perfectly ordinary but its

simply undercuts the competition too well.

mashes the best of Nokia together.

positioned as an everyday smartphone.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
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buyers guide

Prestigio 4500 DUO

Samsung Ativ S

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2

Reviewed: June 2013, price: 179


www.prestigio.com

Reviewed: March 2013, price: 439.99


www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: October 2012, price: 240


www.samsung.com/uk

The Prestigio fails to dazzle, offering


nothing fresh, but it is a user friendly, well
featured and well priced device that ticks
all the right boxes for a smartphone. It
offers a smooth Android experience in a
classic design with a competitive price tag
and could go up against the likes of Huawei
or HTCs budget brands. A solid offering
from a lesser known brand.

Possibly the best looking Windows Phone


8 physically with a good display, and a
very usable Windows Phone 8 device, the
software is lazy, with a poor selection of
apps and what apps there are, can appear
less than appealing. However, the user
interface is easy to use and the processor
can handle whatever is required of it. The
phone looks and feels good - its just a pity
theres not much to look at, app-wise.

In a year where Samsung crafted one of


the worlds best smartphones with the
Galaxy S III, it has also created a fantastic
mid-level device with its affordably-priced
Galaxy Ace 2. Offering a stunning screen,
great usability and a strong set of features
it packs all that the average smartphone
buyer will need. And while its a shame that
the latest version of Android isnt installed,
you still get unbeatable value or money.

OS Windows Phone 8
Processor 1.5GHz dual-core
Screen 4.8-inch
Resolution 720 x 1280
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB/32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Cameras 8.0MP rear-facing,
1.9MP front-facing
Video 1080p

os Android 2.3 Gingerbread


Processor 800MHz dual-core
Screen 3.8-inch
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 768MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
0.3MP front-facing
Video 720p HD

OS Android 2.3 Gingerbread


Processor 1.2GHz dual-core
Screen 3.5 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
VGA front-facing
Video 480p

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 117 x 59 x 11mm
Weight 120g
Battery 1,850 mAh

VERDICT: Nothing new but this is a user

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 137 x 70.5 x
8.7 mm
Weight 135g
Battery 2,300 mAh

VERDICT: Great WP8 hardware, but the lack

friendly, well priced well featured device.

of apps means Nokia and HTC still rule.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

HHHHH
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HHHHH
HHHHH

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 118 x 62 x 11mm
Weight 119g
Battery 1,500 mAh

VERDICT: In terms of sheer bang for your


buck, this great phone is one of the best.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
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HHHHH
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buyers guide

Samsung Galaxy Ace 3

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom

Samsung Galaxy Mega

Reviewed: March 2014, price: 180


www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: October 2014, price: 400


www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: October 2013, price: 440


www.samsung.com/uk

The Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 is a good


handset thats been made irrelevant by
cheaper competition. Whilst it packs a
vibrant display and solid specs, similar
phones sit well below the 180 benchmark
set here. Samsung will have to rethink its
pricing. If it werent for the Moto Gs release
this would be an emphatic recommendation
- unfortunately Samsung will have to settle
for the silver medal.

We can see what Samsung set out to


achieve with the Galaxy K zoom, and
creating a solid Android smartphone with
an optical zoom is no small feat. However,
it looks like a dated digital camera at best
- newer devices are much more compact.
If youre after a smartphone with a solid
snapper, wed advise you to seek out the LG
G3 or Sony Xperia Z2 instead.

With a 6.3-inch screen, the Galaxy Mega


falls into phablet territory, but that doesnt
change the fact that said screen is
hypnotically vibrant. As such, its a great
video player and has room for a sizeable
battery. Its resolution, however, is a minor
issue and it doesnt have enough internal
storage to meet our needs. It will stick out
like a sore thumb but you might just fall in
love with it.

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.2GHz dual-core
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB/16GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
VGA front-facing
Video 720p

OS Android 4.4 (KitKat)


Processor Hexa-core: 1.3GHz
quad-core + 1.7GHz dual-core
Screen 4.8 inches
Resolution 1,280 x 720 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 8GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 20.7MP rear-facing,
2MP front

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.7GHz quad-core
Screen 6.3 inches
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 8GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8 MP rear-facing,
1.9 MP front-facing
Video 1080p

Connectivity 4G LTE
Dimensions 121.2 x 62.7
x 9.8mm
Weight 115g
Battery 1,500 mAh

Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 137.5 x 70.8 x
16.6mm
Weight 200g
Battery 2,430mAh

Connectivity 4G LTE
Dimensions 167.6 x 88 x
8 mm
Weight 199g
Battery 3,200 mAh

VERDICT: Premium build quality and visuals

VERDICT: A decent smartphone and an

VERDICT: For better or worse its all about

at a good price - just not a great one.

excellent camera in a hideous body.

the big, vibrant screen with this handset.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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buyers guide

Samsung Galaxy Mini 2

Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Reviewed: August 2012, price: 150


www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: December 2012, price: 409


www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: December 2013, price: 649


www.samsung.com/uk

With its eye-catching design, decent


performance and comfortable usability, the
Galaxy Mini 2 is well worth a look for firsttime smartphone buyers on a budget. There
are some incredibly high-quality rivals on
the market, though, from brands such as
HTC and Huawei, among others. So you
might want to shop around and check out
the competition before handing over your
cash, as there are great deals to be had.

The size of Samsungs Galaxy Note range


is a hate it or love it prospect - is it too
big to be a phone, or too small to be a
tablet? Does a stylus have any place on
a smartphone? Either way, it is a brilliant
piece of technology, with a whopping great
16 hours of talk time. Its only main flaws are
a dull screen and a poor camera - otherwise
it comes down to personal preference.
Definitely one to try out in store.

The Note 3 steps over the competition with


its large, engulfing display and great battery
life. But its the stylus thats the star of
the show here, with great integration that
makes it an ideal Note-keeping device. This
makes it ideal for business people on the
move, although theyll have to make sure
they keep an eye on the easy-to-lose pen at
all times.

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.6GHz quad-core
Screen 5.5 inches
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16/32/64GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing,
1.9MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.3 Jelly Bean


Processor 2.3GHz quad-core
Screen 5.7 inches
Resolution1080 x 1920 pixels
Memory 3GB RAM
Storage 16/32/64GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 13 MP front-facing,
2MP rear-facing
Video 4K

OS Android 2.3 Gingerbread


Processor 800 MHz
Cortex-A5
Screen 3.27 inches
Resolution 320 x 480 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 4GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 3.15MP rear-facing
Video 480p

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 109 x 59 x
12mm
Weight 105g
Battery 1,300 mAh

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 151 x 81 x 9 mm
Weight 183g
Battery 1,300 mAh

Dimensions 151.2 x 79.2 x


8.3 mm
Weight 168g
Battery 3,200 mAh

VERDICT: A good entry-level handset, but

VERDICT: The king of the big screen phone/

VERDICT: A fantastic portable business

there are plenty of better deals to be found.

tablets, youll either love it or hate it.

device with helpful, unique features.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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worldmags.net

buyers guide

editors choice

editors choice

HHHHH

HHHHH

Samsung Galaxy S2

Samsung Galaxy S3

Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini

330 SIM-free
www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: July 2012, price: 485


www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: January 2013, price: 300


www.samsung.com/uk

The Galaxy S II is one of Samsungs top-end


smartphones and was your Phone of the
Year 2011, according to reader votes for the
What Mobile Awards. It offers blisteringly
fast performance, a decent camera, strong
battery life and a great screen. Alongside
the newer Galaxy S III, its the biggest
threat Apple has seen since the iPhone
launched, and with good reason. Few
phones offer such a good user experience.

Matching up to the mighty Galaxy S II was


always going to be a tall order, but with
the release of the Galaxy S III Samsung has
clearly surpassed expectations. With its
stunning design, amazing usability, highpowered performance and cutting-edge
features, it measures up to the best of the
competition and sets a new benchmark for
its rivals. If youre looking for one of the
best smartphones you can buy, this is it.

Something of a misnomer, this is no relation


to its bigger brother, the S III,despite the
design similarities. The Mini is little more
than a shrunk down Galaxy S II. If users
want a budget Galaxy, they are better off
pursuring that (former) flagship on a budget
plan - this is extortionately expensive for
what you get.

OS Android 2.3 Gingerbread


Processor 1.2GHz ARM
Cortex-A9
Screen 4.3-inch+
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16/32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing,
2MP front-facing

OS Android 4.0 Ice Cream


Sandwich
Processor 1.4GHz ARM
Cortex-A9
Screen 4.8 inches
Resolution 720 x 1280 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16/32/64GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing,

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor 1GHz dual-core
Screen 4 inches
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels
Memory 1GHz RAM
Storage 8/16GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
0.3MP front-facing
Video 720p

Video 1080p
Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 125 x 66 x 9mm
Weight 116g
Battery 1,650 mAh

1.9MP front-facing
Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G LTE
Size 137 x 71 x 9mm
Weight 133g
Battery 2,100 mAh

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions: 121.6 x 63 x
9.9 mm
Weight 111.5g
Battery 1,500 mAh

VERDICT: An award-winning Android phone

VERDICT: A masterpiece of design and

VERDICT: A cheeky move by Samsung to

that effortlessly impresses across the board.

usability. This is the benchmark to beat.

pass this off as a premium device. Its not.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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worldmags.net

buyers guide

editors choice

HHHHH

Samsung Galaxy S4

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Samsung Galaxy S5

Reviewed: July 2012, price: 550


www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: November 2013, price: 400


www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: June 2014, price: 530


www.samsung.com/uk

An impressive hardware offering with


intriguing new software and camera
features but these need to be perfected
and integrated into the device as a whole
before the S4 can really be called a knock
out. While the phones processor seemed
to struggle with games and the design
is pretty similar to the S3, this is a solid
offering from Samsung in the flagship race.

The Active S4 is ideal for people looking


for a more protected smartphone, although
it does make some sacrifices. Its design is
too rugged for mainstream appeal and its
display and camera arent great. But its a
great hybrid for an underwater camera and
is perfect for adventurous lifestyles.

The thing about Galaxy handsets is that


their flaws are often matters of personal
opinion. If you dont mind the samey
design, plasticky build and irksome user
interface, then the Galaxy S5 could be
the best smartphone going. Its insanely
powerful, has a blinding display and is even
waterproof. If you care about substance
over style then the Galaxy S5 is as good as
it gets.

OS Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean


Processor 1.9 GHz quad-core
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing,
2MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.4 KitKat


Processor 2.5GHz quad-core
Screen 5.1 inches
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16/32GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 16MP rear-facing,
2MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


CPU 1.6 GHz quad-core
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Storage 16/32/64GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Cameras 13MP front-facing,
2MP front-facing
Video 1080p

Connectivity 4G LTE
Dimensions 136.6 x 69.8 x
7.9 mm
Weight 130g
Battery 2,600 mAh

Connectivity 4G LTE
Dimensions 139.7 x 71.3 x
9.1 mm
Weight 151g
Battery 2,600 mAh

Connectivity 4G LTE
Dimensions 142 mm x 72.5
mm x 8.1 mm
Weight 145g
Battery 2,800mAh

VERDICT: An impressive offering with

VERDICT: It may not be quite as good as its

VERDICT: Behind a cheap-looking build lies

interesting but not integrated new software.

big brother, but it certainly has its purpose.

the beastliest smartphone around.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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buyers guide

Sony Xperia Go

Sony Xperia L

Sony Xperia J

Reviewed: October 2012, price: 200


www.sonymobile.com

Reviewed: August 2013, price: 249


www.sonymobile.com

Reviewed: February 2013, price: 149


www.sonymobile.com

When weve tested semi-rugged phones


before, theyve often put function firmly
over form. But Sonys Xperia Go blends
style and resilience to create a tough device
thats also great to look at. Its waterproof,
dust-resistant design keeps it protected
against the elements and its a fast and
pleasingly usable device. And while the old
Android 2.3 OS is a disappointment, this is
still a good phone for busy outdoor use.

This device includes some higher end


specs for a low cost handset as well as a
snappy camera, a high quality screen and
impressive battery life. However, the odd
design choices are a distraction and the
screen does suffer from lag issues. Lower
cost devices like the Nokia 620 offer more
at a cheaper price. Access to the Google
Play store potentially gives it an edge over
the 620, if thats what youre after.

The Xperia J is expensive for what you get


- no small feat considering it costs 149.
This is a severely stripped down version of
its big brothers, the Xperia P, T and S. Its
performance is poor, the camera and screen
is poor. Youd do much better buying last
gens flagship phones on a contract, rather
than buying this weak cut price performer.
Avoid.

os Android 2.3 Gingerbread


Screen 3.5-inch TFT
Resolution 320 x 480 pixels
Input Capacitive touchscreen
Processor 1GHz dual-core
Memory 512MB
Storage 8GB internal,
MicroSD up to 32GB
Camera 5MP rear-facing
Flash LED

Dimensions 128.7x 65 x
9.7mm, 137g
Display 4.3 inch, TFT
capacitive touchscreen,
480x854 pixels, 228 ppi
OS Android 4.1
CPU Qualcomm MSM8230
Snapdragon
dual core 1GHz
GPU Adreno 305

Dimensions 120.5 x 63 x
10.28 mm
OS Windows Phone 8
Screen 4.0-inch S-LCD
Resolution 480x800
Processor Qualcomm
Snapdragon S4 1GHz
dual-core
GPU Adreno 305
RAM 512MB

Video 720p HD at 30fps


Wireless 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth 3.0
Ports 3.5mm audio jack,
Micro USB 2.0
Standby time 520 hours
Talk time 6 hours
Size 111 x 60 x 10mm
Weight 110g

Memory 1GB RAM


Storage 8GB, microSD up
to 32GB
Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11
a/b/g/n
Camera 8MP, autofocus,
LED flash
Battery Up to 9 hours (3G)
- accurate

Storage 4GB expandable


via microSD
Cameras 5MP rear, LED
flash / 720p HD video
Wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
3.1, a-GPS and GLONASS
Ports Micro USB, 3.5mm
audio
Battery life 1,700mAh

VERDICT: If you need a stylish and tough

VERDICT: Not a bad choice for gamers on a

VERDICT: A bit of a rip off for a low spec,

phone for outdoor use, theres a lot to like.

budget, but for others there are better handsets.

poor performing phone.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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buyers guide

Sony Xperia SP

Sony Xperia T3

Sony Xperia Z

Reviewed: July 2013, price: 290


www.sonymobile.com

Reviewed: July 2013, price: 290


www.sonymobile.com

Reviewed: April 2013, price: 499


www.sonymobile.com

The Xperia SP has an excellent high


definition screen, a fairly solid battery life
and an interesting notification system
involving a panel at the bottom of the
phone which lights up with customisable
colours when you get a message. However
the phones not as powerful as last years
flagships, is slightly bulky and there are
rival phones to be had for less money,
particularly if youre not fussed about 4G.

If it werent for the existence of the Sony


Xperia T2 Ultra, released less than nine
months prior, the T3 would be a solid
recommendation. Its a highly satisfactory
smartphone with a premium build - but
without anybody who would really need to
buy it.

Sonys smartphone is a powerhouse in


every way, let down only by some unusual
design decisions. Water, dust and shock
resistant, its giant screen size will come
down to personal preference, as will its
unusual design. Otherwise it has all of
Sonys bells and whistles, including some
clever use of NFC with NFCs stereos, TVs
and laptops.

OS Android 4.1
Screen 4.6inch / 720x1280
pixels
Input Capacitive
touchscreen
Camera 8MP, VGA front
Video Record / Playback
Audio Music player / Stereo
Bluetooth / 3.5mm jack
Memory 8GB expandable via

OS Android 4.4 Kit Kat


Processor 1.4GHz quad-core
Screen 5.3 inches
Resolution 1,280 x 720 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing, 1.1MP
front-facing
Video 720p

Dimensions 139 x 71 x 7.9 mm


and 146g
OS Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean).
Screen 5 inch, Capacitive
touchscreen,1080 x 1920
Processor Qualcomm Krait
quad-core 1.5 GHz
RAM 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB, microSD (to
32GB)

micro SD card
Battery 2370mAh

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 150.7 x 77 x 7mm
Weight 148g
Battery 2,500mAh

Cameras Main 13.1 MP,


4128x3096 pixels, autofocus,
LED flash. Front - 2.2 MP,
1080p@30fps
Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11,
Bluetooth 4.0, NFC enabled
Ports MicroUSB v2.0,
MicroSD, 3.5mm audio jack.
Battery Li-Ion 2330 mAh
battery

VERDICT: If 4G LTE isnt for you, the Xperia

VERDICT: A solid effort makes it a viable

VERDICT: A powerhouse phone, let down

SP isnt quite the bargain it first seems.

mid-range phablet choice.

only by some design niggles.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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buyers guide

editors choice

HHHHH

Sony Xperia Z1

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

Sony Xperia Z2

Reviewed: December 2013, price: 475


www.sonymobile.com

Reviewed: March 2014, price: 449


www.sonymobile.com

Reviewed: July 14, price: 579


www.sonymobile.com

Its a little on the large side, but Sonys


latest handset is rock solid, with powerful
hardware and a unique design. Fans of
the company will be right at home with
the software that stores movies, music
and games youve bought across other
platforms. Add in a great camera and
youve got a phone that stops just short of
best in class.

If you hate giant displays and dont


have the patience for Apples iOS and its
restrictive App Store, the Sony Xperia Z1
Compact your only choice, and a great one
at that. Sony have done well to make a
phone with the power to rival the mighty
iPhone in an equally small package. In-built
Sony-branded apps such as Walkman and
PlayStation is an inherent plus, too. Fingers
crossed for a KitKat 4.4 upgrade soon.

The Z2 matches its rivals power and


usability. A lack of design innovation and
similar specs might deter Z1 owners from
upgrading, though, and the large size
might not appeal to fans of smaller devices.
That said, superior imagin and a powerful
processor and CPU means it excels in the
right places.

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor Snapdragon 800
quad-core 2.2GHz
Screen 1080 x 1920 pixels,
5 inches
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB expandable
up to 64GB via micro SD
Camera 20.7 MP rearfacing, 2 MP front-facing

OS Android 4.3
Processor Qualcomm
Snapdragon 800
Screen 4.3-inch HD
Triluminos
Resolution 720 x 1,280
pixels
Memory 2GB
Storage 16GB, expandable
to 64GB

OS Android 4.4 KitKat


Processor 2.3GHz quad-core
Screen 5.2 inches
Resolution 1080 x 1920
pixels
Memory 3GB RAM
Storage 16GB
MicroSD Compatible? Yes
Camera 20.7MP rear-facing,
2.2MP front-facing

Video 1080p
Wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
4.0
Ports micro SD, microUSB
Battery 3000 mAh
Dimensions 144 x 74 x
8.5mm
Weight 170g

Camera 20.7MP Exmor RS


Video 720p
Connectivity Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G,
Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
Dimensions 127 x 64.9 x
9.5mm
Weight 137g
Battery 2,300 mAh

Video 720p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 146.8 x 73.3 x
8.2mm
Weight 163g
Battery 3,200mAh

VERDICT: Software makes it great for Sony

VERDICT: The most powerful, best looking

VERDICT: An immaculate smartphone, if

fans, hardware makes it good for the rest

compact Android available. Simple.

only a small step up from its predecessor.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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buyers guide

Sony Xperia Z Ultra

Vodafone Smart 3

Vodafone Smart Mini

Reviewed: December 2013, price: 559


www.sonymobile.com

Reviewed: August 2013, price: 90


www.vodafone.co.uk

Reviewed: September 2013, price: 50


www.vodafone.co.uk

Sonys phablet is a powerful and sleek


piece of kit. The vivid, full HD display is
the perfect place to watch movies and
play games thanks to its gigantic size
and incredible clarity. The camera leaves
something to be desired, and its impossible
to use with just one hand, but this is a fine
choice for phablet fans looking for a new
purchase.

While the Vodafone Smart 3 manages


to offer a good 5-megapixel camera and
Android Jelly Bean at a bargain price of
just 90, its slow processor, appalling
screen and poor build quality mean that
that its unlikely to be a first choice even
for budget handset shoppers. The screen is
too reflective to use in direct sunlight and
the low spec processor means the device is
sluggish at the best of times.

The Smart Mini is almost as cheap as chips,


and it shows. Whilst its not a bad device,
its not a particularly good one either. The
size is great and for the price you couldnt
go wrong but you could also spend an
extra tenner and get a whole lot more. The
performance was very sluggish and the
screen had dismal quality, but the battery
just kept on lasting, going several days on a
single charge a rarity these days.

OS Android 4.2,
upgradeable to Android 4.3
Processor 2.2GHz
Qualcomm Snapdragon
800
Screen 1080 x 1920 pixels,
6.4 inches
Memory 2GB
Storage 16GB
Camera 8 MP rear-facing,

Dimensions 123.2 x 64.4 x


10.9 mm
Weight 136g
Screen TFT capacitive
touchscreen
Processor 1 GHz Cortex-A9
RAM 512MB
Storage 4GB, expandable up
to 32GB
Cameras 5 MP, autofocus,

Dimensions 115 x 62.3 x


12.2mm
Weight 118
OS Android 4.1.1 Jelly
Bean
Screen 3.5-inch TFT
capacitive touchscreen,
320 x 480 pixels, 165 ppi
Processor 1 GHz
RAM 512MB

2 MP front-facing
Video 1080p@30fps
Wireless Bluetooth 4.0,
wi-fi, NFC
Ports MicroSD, Micro-USB
Dimensions 179.4 x 92.2 x
6.5 mm
Weight 212g
Battery 3050 mAh

VERDICT: A powerful handset thats great

LED flash
Video Yes
Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11
a/b/g/n, dual-band,
Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
Ports USB 2.0, MicroSD,
3.5mm audio jack
Battery life Li-Ion 1700 mAh,
9h (3G) accurate

Storage 4GB, micro SD slot


Camera 2MP, 1600 x 1200
pixels
Video VGA @ 30 fps
Audio MP3, WMA,
Battery 300h standby, 7h
talktime (3G)

for viewing but poor for photo shooting.

VERDICT: The price doesnt alleviate issues


of low screen quality and processing speed.

VERDICT: Extremely cheap which shows


through the sluggish performance.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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buyers guide

Yezz Andy A5

ZTE Blade III

ZTE Blade V

Reviewed: June 2014, price: 207


www.sayyezz.com

Reviewed: May 2013, price: 69.99


www.ztedevices.co.uk

Reviewed: February 2014, price: 99.99


www.ztedevices.co.uk

Camera phone fans on a tight budget should


definitely seek out the Andy A5 for its
affordable price and high-quality camera. If
taking photos is not that important to you
then youll probably have seen the uninspired
design and bland features a million times
before.

Its hard to argue with a smartphone that


can compete with its betters, yet can be
purchased for a fraction of the cost. Yes
there are flaws and cutbacks to meet the
price point, but this is an excellent entry
level device for smartphone newbies and
pragmatic users who dont need the latest
and greatest.

A fantastic price makes the ZTE Blade V


easy to recommend for first-time buyers.
Anyone hoping to get the most out of a
smartphones apps and snaps should look
elsewhere, but if you dont want to worry
about a phone for the kids being broken or
stolen, then this is your guy.

OS Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)


Processor Quad-core
1.2GHz
Screen 5 inches
Resolution 540 x 960 pixels
Memory 512MB RAM
Camera 13MP rear-facing,
2MP front-facing
Connectivity 3G, wi-fi
Dimensions 144.1 x 73.5 x

Dimensions 123 x 63.5 x


10mm, 130g
OS Android 4.0 Ice Cream
Sandwich
Screen TFT capacitive
touchscreen, 256K colors,
480 x 800 pixels, 4.0 inches
(233 PPI)
Processor Qualcomm single
core 1GHz

OS Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)


Processor Snapdragon
S4 Play
Screen 480 x 800, 4 inches
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 4GB
Camera 5 MP
Video Yes
Wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
4.0

8.6mm
Weight 106g
Battery 2,000mAh

RAM 512MB
Storage 4GB internal,
expandable to 32GB via
MicroSD
Camera 5MP
Wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
2.1.
Ports Micro USB, MicroSD,
3.5mm audio jack.
Battery life 1600mAh

Ports microUSB, microSD


Dimensions 126 x 64 x 10.9
mm
Weight 130g
Battery Li-Ion 1800 mAh

VERDICT: A great camera, but the rest


struggles against more bullish counterparts.

VERDICT: A real surprise package -

VERDICT: A great prices makes this

excellent for the money.

worthwhile for first-time buyers.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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buyers guide

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 Acer Aspire P3

Advent Vega Tegra Note 7

Reviewed: May 2013, price: 229/259


www.amazon.co.uk

Reviewed: October 2013, price: 550


www.amazon.co.uk

Reviewed: April 2014, price: 140


www.nvidia.co.uk

A good looking e-reader with tablet


capabilities, limited by Amazons annoying
operating system and app eco-system, and
an annoyingly slow browser. This device
will doubtless be a commercial success,
with its branding and ease of use, but for
the more serious user there are much better
tablets out there.

The P3 suffers from an identity crisis in


trying to be both a tablet and a laptop.
Its thick build makes it an uncomfortable,
bulky slate while the specs fail to live up
to some of its rivals. Still, its about as
powerful as the current Windows 8 tablets
get and available at a great price for this
kind of device.

Its a contender, alright. Aside from some


clunky desing issues, the Advent Vega
Tegra Note 7 is a powerful and punchy
little machine. If youre after a compact and
affordable tablet its speed sets it aside from
its rivals as a device thats great for gaming,
customising images and browsing the web.

Dimensions 240 x 164 x


8.8 mm
OS Customized Android
4.0
Screen 8.9 inch IPS LCD
capacitive touchscreen
Resolution 1920 x 1200,
254 ppi
Processor TI OMAP
4470 dual-core 1.5 GHz

Processor Intel Core


i5-3339Y processor
(1.5 GHz, 2.0 GHz with
TurboBoost, 3 MB cache)
Operating System
Windows 8
Memory 4GB DDR3
Storage 120 GB SSD
Graphics Intel HD
Graphics 4000

OS Android Jelly Bean 4.3


Processor Nvidia Tegra 4
Screen 7 inches
Resolution 1,280 x 800 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB
Connectivity Wi-fi,
Bluetooth 4.0
Dimensions 119 x 199 x
9.6mm

Cortex-A9
GPU PowerVR SGX544
RAM 1 GB RAM
Storage 16 GB/32 GB
Cameras front facing
1.3MP with 720p video
Wireless 802.11 a/b/g/n,
dual-band
Ports USB 2.0, 3.5mm
audio jacks, Bluetooth

Screen Size 11.6


Screen Resolution
1366x768
Dimensions 295 x 190 x
10 mm
Weight 790g

Weight 320g
Battery 8 hours

VERDICT: A solid, functional tablet which is

VERDICT: Too thick to be a tablet but

VERDICT: Its speed sets it apart from its

limited by its Amazon associations.

available at a good price.

competition. A cheap and capable device.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
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buyers guide

editors choice

HHHHH

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX

Apple iPad Mini

Apple iPad 3

Reviewed: January 2014, price: 199-329


www.amazon.co.uk/kindle

Reviewed: December 2012, price: 269


www.apple.com/uk

Reviewed: April 2012, price: 399


www.apple.com/uk

The Kindle Fire HDX is around 100 more


than the Fire but the improved screen and
processor justifies the extra cost. The real
human Help feature will be a boon to tablet
newbies; experienced users will regard it as
a gimmick. The HDX is a top-rate device
but if youre not a regular Amazon customer
youre better off with a Nexus.

The iPad Mini represents Apple playing it


safe, which is to say:, disappointing. This
is little more than an iPad 2, with all its
limitations - a low res screen and weak
processor power - shrunk down to an odd
7.9-inch size. It is also overpriced, the
Google Nexus 7 offers superior performance
for 100 less. Despite its luxurious design,
you really are paying for little more than 4G
support, and Apples App Store. Average.

The new iPad boasts the highest-resolution


display of any tablet, as well as an improved
5MP camera and better connectivity. Not
to mention a high-powered new processor
which makes it the most powerful iPad ever,
too. Though some may resist the upgrade
path, the unrivalled Retina display is a
subtle but deeply appealing feature which
will become more and more desirable. The
new iPad is by far the best tablet around

OS Amazon customised
Android OS, v4.1.2
Processor Snapdragon
800 2.2GHz quad-core
Screen 1902 x 1200 pixels,
7 inches
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 16GB, 32GB,
64GB versions available
Camera 8MP front-facing

OS iOS 6.0.1
Screen 7.9-inch LED-backlit
IPS LCD
Resolution 768 x 1024 pixels
at 162 pixels per inch
Input Capacitive touchscreen
CPU Apple A5 1GHz dual core
GPU PowerVR SGX543MP2
Memory 512MB
Storage 16/32/64GB

OS iOS 5
Screen 9.7-inch TFT
Resolution 1536 x 2048
pixels
Input Capacitive touchscreen
Processor 1GHz Cortex-A9
Memory 1GB
Storage 16/32/64GB
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
0.3MP front-facing

Video 720HD
Wireless Wi-fi (optional
Vodafone 4G version)
Ports microUSB
Dimensions 131.8 x 66.9
x 9.9 mm
Weight 302g

Camera 5MP rear facing,


1.2MP front facing
Video 1920x1080 (1080P HD)
at 30fps. Video stabilised
Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n,
dual-band, Bluetooth 4.0
Ports 3.5mm audio jack,
Apple Lightning port (USB 2.0)
Size 200 x 134.7 x 7.2mm
Weight 308g

Flash No
Video 1080p HD
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
Ports 3.5mm audio jack,
proprietary Apple connector
Standby time 720 hours
Use time 9 hours
Size 241 x 186 x 9mm
Weight 662g

VERDICT: A significant update to the Fire

VERDICT: Little more than a shrunken iPad

VERDICT: Theres simply no contest - the

and ideal for Amazon users.

2 with 4G. Disappointing.

new iPad is the best tablet in the world.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

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worldmags.net

buyers guide

editors choice

HHHHH

Apple iPad 4

Archos 79 Platinum

Archos 101 XS 2

Reviewed: January 2013, price: 399


www.apple.com/uk

Reviewed: April 2014, price: 150


www.archos.com

Reviewed: February 2014, price: 250


www.archos.com

A rather cheeky move by Apple to release


the iPad 4 (or iPad with Retina Display)
just months after the iPad 3. All it really
adds is a new processor (the iPhone 5s
A6X) and Apples new lightning connector.
However, this means it remains as the best
tablet money can buy - and Apples App
Store and its 300,000 dedicated tablet apps
only make the proposition more enticing.

With so many budget tablets to choose


from the Archos 79 Platinum has no
features or unique selling points to attract
the consumer in a saturated market. Its
hardware is woefully underpowered, its
features are bog standard and it is at least
10 too expensive. Its attractive looks are
not enough to redeem it. The bottom line is
that it should have never been conceived.

A couple of years ago, the 101 XS would


have has us singing Archos praises, but by
todays standards its processing power and
screen quality fall short. It might, though,
find a home with users limited to spending
250 on a 10-inch tablet

OS iOS 6.0.1,
Screen 9.7 inch LED
Resolution 1536 x 2048
pixels at 264 ppi pixel density
CPU Apple A6X, Dual-core
GPU PowerVR SGX554MP4,
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16/32/64 GB storage
Camera 5MP rear facing,
1.2MP front facing

OS Android 4.2 Jelly Bean


Processor Quad-core A9
1.6GHz
Screen 7.85 inches
Resolution 1,024 x 768 pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB
Camera 2MP rear-facing
Connectivity Wi-fi,
Bluetooth

OS Android 4.2.2
SCREEN 10.1-inch/1,280 x
800 pixels
CAMERA 2MP rear, 2MP
front
VIDEO Record/playback
AUDIO Music player/3.5mm
jack
MEMORY 16GB expandable
via microSD

Video 1080P HD at 30fps


Wireless Wi-Fi 802.11
a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
Cellular 4G, 3G, 2G
Ports Lightning Connector
(USB2.0) and 3.5mm audio
jack,
Dimensions 241.2 x 185.7 x
9.4 mm
Weight 662 g

VERDICT: The best tablet money can buy.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

Dimensions 201 x 137 x 8mm


Weight 366g
Battery Lithium Polymer

DIMENSIONS 273 x 169 x


10.1mm (tablet),
273 x 169 x 5mm (keyboard)
WEIGHT 636g (tablet), 200g
(keyboard)

VERDICT: There is no reason you ever

VERDICT: A great price is let down by a

would, or should, buy it. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

poor screen and cheap build.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
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buyers guide

editors choice

editors choice

HHHHH

Asus Transformer
Pad TF701T
Reviewed: February 2014, price: 429
www.asus.com
The Asus Transformer Pad TF701T packs a
beautiful screen and the keyboard dock is
well thought out. But dated software and
the threat of a Google Nexus 10 sequel
make this a niche device. Do you really
need a keyboard? The iPad mini begs to
differ.
OS Android 4.3 (via an overthe-air update)
SCREEN 10.1-inch/2,560 x
1,600 pixels
INPUT Capacitive
touchscreen
CAMERA 5MP rear, 1.2MP
front
VIDEO Record/playback
AUDIO Music player/3.5mm

jack
MEMORY 32/64GB
BATTERY Tablet 31Wh, dock
16Wh

HHHHH

Google Nexus 7

Google Nexus 10

Reviewed: September 2012, price: 159


www.google.co.uk/nexus

Reviewed: February 2013, price: 319


www.google.co.uk/nexus

Googles Nexus 7 is a high-quality media


consumption device built for gaming,
watching videos, browsing the internet
and catching up on TV shows that youve
missed. What it isnt is an Apple iPad, but
at this price it doesnt need to be. Google
has picked what it wanted to do and done
it very well - and all at a great price. This
excellent device is sure to take tablets to a
whole new audience of consumers.

Finally, the Android tablet everyones been


waiting for - except Apple. This is a tablet
that can go head to head with the best in
the Apple iPad stable - it has a powerful
processor, a Retina Display quality screen,
the latest version of Android. Along with
the Nexus 7, this is the best tablet Android
users can buy. The only flaws are an
uninspired body, and a dearth of tablet
specific apps.

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Screen 7-inch LED-backlit
IPS LCD
Resolution 800 x 1280 pixels
Input Capacitive touchscreen
Processor 1.3GHz Cortex-A9
Memory 1GB
Storage 8GB/16GB internal
Camera 1.2MP front-facing
Flash No

OS Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)


Dimensions 263.9 x 177.6 x
8.9 mm, 603g
Screen 10-inches, Gorilla
Glass 2,
Resolution 2560 x 1600p
Input Super PLS TFT
capacitive touch-screen
CPU Exynos 5, Dual-core
ARM Cortex-A15

Video 720p HD
Wireless 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 4.0
Ports 3.5mm audio jack,
Micro USB 2.0
Battery 10 hours use,
300 hours standby
Size 199 x 120 x 10mm
Weight 340g

RAM 2 GB
Cameras 5 MP (main), 1.9
MP (front)
Wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
NFC Android Beam
Storage 16 GB/32 GB
Connectivity Micro USB,
Micro HDMI, 3.5mm
headphone jack
Battery 9000 mAh

VERDICT: A fantastic device that delivers all

VERDICT: The best Android tablet available,

compete with the iPad Air or Nexus range

youd want from a tablet, at a great price.

slips behind the iPad 4 only due to apps.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

VERDICT: It packs fast hardware but cant

HHHHH
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buyers guide

editors choice

HHHHH

HP Slate 7

Lenovo ThinkPad 8

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S

Reviewed: October 2013, price: 125


www.hp.com

Reviewed: September 2014, price: 424


www.lenovo.com

Reviewed: October 2013, price: 399


www.lenovo.com

The steel frame makes the Slate 7 an


impressive sight and its audio uses Beats
technology to great effect. The fantastic
price will help it to undercut some of its
rivals, though the slow processor and low
quality camera keep it from besting them
elsewhere.

If you just want a device for general tasks


then you can find better alternatives within
Lenovos Yoga range of Android slates, and
elsewhere. If youre a fan of Windows and in
search of a bulkier device that offers plenty
of productivity tools, then the ThinkPad is
an (almost) viable option.

The IdeaPad might have a cheesy name but


it excels in almost every other area, with a
fun, quirky design, amazing performance
thats ideal for gaming and a slew of ports
for accessibility. This comes at the price of
the battery, which wont make it through a
full day of use, and its sometimes awkward
to hold. But if its raw performance youre
looking for, this delivers.

OS Android 4.1 Jelly Bean


Processor Dual-core 1.6
GHz Cortex-A9
Screen 600 x 1024 pixels,
7.0 inches
Memory 1 GB RAM
Storage 8 GB expandable
to 32GB via SD card
Camera 3.15 MP pixel rear
facing, VGA front facing

OS Windows 8.1
Processor 2.4GHz quad-core
Screen 8.3 inches
Resolution 1,200 x 1,920
pixels
Memory 2GB RAM
Storage 32GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing,
2.2MP front-facing

OS Windows 8
Processor Intel Core i73689Y 1.5GHz
Graphics Intel HD
Graphics 4000
Screen 11.6-inches (1366x
768 pixels) IPS
Memory 8GB DDR3 RAM
Storage 256GB SSD
Connectivity Wi-Fi,

Video 720p
Dimensions 197.1 x 116.1 x
10.7 mm
Weight 372 g
Battery non-removable, 5h
media time

Video 1080p
Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 8.83 x 5.2 x
0.35 inches
Weight 439g

Bluetooth 4.0
Keyboard Full-sized
QWERTY
Ports USB 3.0, USB 2.0, 2x1
card reader,
HDMI-out
Dimensions 297.94 x 203.96
x 17 mm
Weight 1.39 kg

VERDICT: Great audio and build, but corners

VERDICT: Even with so few Windows tablets

VERDICT: A fantastic device that offers you

have been cut to keep costs down.

available the ThinkPad still fails to stand out.

all the power you could ask for in a hybrid.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
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HHHHH
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HHHHH
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HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH


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buyers guide

Lenovo Miix 2

Microsoft Surface 2 Pro

Nokia Lumia 2520

Reviewed: July 2014, price: 255


www.microsoft.com/surface

Reviewed: February 2014, price: 720


www.microsoft.com/surface

Reviewed: February 2014, price: 399


www.nokia.com

With solid performance across the board,


frequently usable built-in apps and compact
size the Miix 2 is a small but surprisingly
versatile slate. Despite the limitations that
come with the Windows OS, it performs
general tasks well and, for the price, wont
let you down. With 3G capability you can
even connect to the internet on the move.
Overall, it offers plenty of pleasant surprises
to combat the weaknesses of its OS.

We cant fault Microsofts ambition for


the powerful Surface Pro 2 to become
your all-in-one portable work and play
device. Its got a great display and solid
hardware but a lack of dedicated apps,
software compromises and stiff - cheapercompetition make it a tough sell.

The Windows-run Lumia 2520 is a decent


first effort from Nokia - and its certainly
one of the more attractive and solid pieces
of tablet hardware on the market. It has a
few issues with the weight and a lackluster
camera but overall we have no trouble
recommending this to Windows 8.1 and
Lumia fans.

OS Windows 8.1
Processor 1.3GHz quad-core
Screen 8 inches
Resolution 1280 x 800 pixels
Memory 2GB
Storage 32GB
MicroSD compatible? Yes
Camera 5MP rear-facing,
2MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Windows 8.1
SCREEN 10.6
inches/1,920x1,080 pixels
INPUT Capacitive
touchscreen
CAMERA 720p-resolution
front and rear
VIDEO Record/playback
AUDIO Music player/3.5mm
jack

OS Windows 8.1
SCREEN 10.1 inches, 1,920 x
1,080 pixels, 218PPI
processor Qualcomm
Snapdragon 800
MEMORY 2GB
CAMERA 6.7MP with Carl
Zeiss lens
AUDIO Music player/3.5mm
jack

Connectivity 3G
Dimensions 8.3 x 215.6 x
131mm
Weight 350g
Battery 4,730mAh

MEMORY
64GB/128GB/256GB/512GB,
expandable
BATTERY 48Wh

DIMENSIONS 168 x 267 x


8.9mm, 615g
BATTERY 8120 mAh

VERDICT: A small but substantial Windows

VERDICT: Price holds back what is an

VERDICT: A rock solid first effort from Nokia

offering that still trails its Android rivals.

otherwise excellent work/play hybrid.

in this market with powerful specs.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
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HHHHH

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HHHHH
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HHHHH HHHHH

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buyers guide

editors choice

editors choice

HHHHH

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids Samsung Galaxy Tab S

HHHHH

Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2

Reviewed: February 2014, price: 250


www.nokia.com

Reviewed: October 2014, price: 319


www.samsung.com/uk

Reviewed: May 2014, price: 649


www.samsung.com/uk

The Tab 3 Kids is surprisingly robust, with


a solid camera, great battery, fantastic
educational apps and software to suit kids.
But the premium design doesnt feel like it
was meant to be enjoyed by young users
and wed suggest going with a company
that specialises in the market rather than
one thats testing it out.

While the Tab S may not be a radical


departure from other Android tablets, it
encompasses everything that is great
about a top-notch Samsung product. Its
enough to rebuild the Korean giants brand
image, and proof that the company can
still surprise us with a fantastic all-round
product.

One of the biggest displays ever seen


on a tablet - at no detriment to quality.
Combine that with solid design and a super
powerful processor to run loads of unique
applications and the NotePRO 12.2 is
arguably the best tablet on the market. Its
certainly the best Android slate, although
its definitely priced as such.

OS Android 4.1
Processor Dual-core
1.2GHz
Screen 600 x 1,024 pixels,
7 inches
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 8GB/16GB,
expandable up to 64GB
Camera 3.15MP (back),
1.3MP (front)

OS Android 4.4 Kit Kat


Processor 2.3GHz quad-core
Screen 8.4 inches
Resolution 2,560 x 1,600 pixels
Memory 3GB RAM
Storage 16GB, 32GB
Micro SD compatible? Yes
Camera 8MP rear-facing,
2.1MP front-facing
Video 1080p

OS Android 4.4 KitKat


Processor Octa-core
(1.9GHz + 1.3GHz quad)
Screen 12.2 inches
Resolution 2,560 x 1,600
pixels
Memory 3GB RAM
Storage 32GB/64GB
Camera 8MP rear/2MP
front-facing

Video 720p@30fps
Wireless WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0
Ports micro-USB, microSD
Dimensions 188 x 111.1 x
9.9mm
Weight 306g
Battery Li-Ion 4,000 mAh

VERDICT: A little too premium for the


market its aimed at.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
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HHHHH

Connectivity 4G
Dimensions 125.6 x 212.8 x
6.6mm
Weight 294g
Battery 4,900mAh

Video 1,080p Full HD


Connectivity Wi-fi only
Dimensions 295.6 x 204 x
7.95mm
Weight 750g
Battery 9,500mAh

VERDICT: Simply put, its the best Android


tablet on the market.

VERDICT: Big, beautiful, functional and

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH
HHHHH

priced to match. Androids finest.

HHHHH
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buyers guide

Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet

Tesco Hudl

Toshiba Excite Pure

Reviewed: June 2014, price: 399


www.sony.co.uk

Reviewed: March 2014, price: 119


www.tesco.com/direct/hudl

Reviewed: February 2014, price: 250


www.toshiba.co.uk

If looks could kill, Sony murdered the


competition. Add to that a powerful processor
and decent screen size and you have a great
new addition to the high-end tablet market.
Innovative features like dust and water
resistance are impressive too, and manage to
make up the expensive price tag.

No awards for specs or design, but we can


recommend the Hudl as a family-oriented
tablet. It lets you store pictures, browse
the web and watch movies: It may not be
groundbreaking, but its simplicity is its
greatest strength. That, and its incredible
119 price. Those looking for anything more
complicated should head elsewhere.

The Toshiba Excite Pures 250 price is


attractive but its display is far too faded.
It means apps and the like dont look very
good. It might appeal to families looking for
a cheap way to keep the kids entertained
but little else. Even so, the slow processor
and useless apps force us to recommend
you look elsewhere.

OS Android OS v4.4.2
(KitKat)
Screen 10.1 inches
Processor Quad-core 2.3
GHz
Memory 3GB
Storage 16GB, microSD up
to 64GB
Camera 8.1MP rear, 2.2MP
front

OS Android 4.2 (Jelly


Bean)
Processor Quad-core A9
Screen 7 inches
Resolution 1,440 x 900
pixels
Memory 1GB RAM
Storage 16GB
Connectivity Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth 4.0

OS Android v4.2 (Jelly Bean)


Processor Nvidia Tegra 3
Memory 1GB
Storage 16GB
Screen 1280 x 800 pixels,
10.1 inches
Video HD
Audio Stereo
Dimensions 261.6 x 177.8 x
10.2mm

Battery 6,000mAh
Network Wi-fi connectivity,
4G LTE

Dimensions 128.8 x 192.8


x 9.85 mm
Weight 370g
Battery 9 hours

VERDICT: A good all-round tablet, with looks

VERDICT: Cheap as cheap can be, with

VERDICT: Its got a cheap price tag but the

that set it apart from the rest of the flagships.

specs to match. It keeps things simple.

poor display and tech shows why.

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

Performance
Features
Usability
Design

HHHHH
HHHHH
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HHHHH
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power to life

The amazing new accessories range, coming soon from

vote now
The Carphone Warehouse's Geek Squad won last years
What Mobile Award for Best Service & Repair.
But how many of their customers buy them Jaffa Cakes
because theyre so happy with the service?
Strike a blow for the small guy and vote for us at www.whatmobileawards.co.uk

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30/09/2014 15:47

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BlackBerry 9720
HTC Desire 310

Samsung Galaxy S5
Sony Xperia Z2

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini

HTC M8
Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini

4
4

Data supplied by
GSM Exchange

Sony Xperia E

Whats hot and whats not (October November)

NEXT ISSUE ON SALE 13 november


Sony Xperia Z3

Amazon Fire Phone


Samsung
Galaxy Note 4

The biggest end of year releases

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Untitled-6 1

30/09/2014 11:10

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free portable wireless


charger and speaker
with the Nokia Lumia 930*

from just

19.99
a month

Choose your plan and order at

www.buymobiles.net/nokia930

Order up to 9pm weekdays for free next-day delivery!


Call 0800 008 7272 Open Mon to Fri 9am - 5:30pm
*Subject to availability and acceptance on contract. Charger and speaker redeemed from Nokia. Full contract and delivery terms apply.
199 upfront charge. Free phone from 30.99 a month. Prices accurate at press.

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