o v e r s t o r y What if you can navigate your way through any dire location without really burning your pockets? If you one, then this is it

— S. Aadeetya

and the cover has some creaks on the edges which feel prominent while holding it. Ticks all the boxes: With a HD display at 4.3 inches, the colors are really bright and vibrant but then you do come through some really poor viewing angles aspect with Moto E. The company has managed to keep physical buttons off the phone that works in offering better display real estate with slim bezels. With 1.2 GHz dual-core Snapdragon 200 CPU and 1 GB RAM, the phone offers performance that matches any device in the mid-range. No lags, no heating and stability that have been beyond phone makers in this space have Price: `6,999 become a reality. We tried basic as well big- sized demanding games like Subway Surfer and Asphalt 8; Airborne and the results were more than encouraging. Motorola claims, Moto E is meant to last the mile or day if we can rephrase that and it sure seems like they have put their coins in the right hat. We ran our usual video playback test on the device and it lasted us for over 8 hours and with normal usage we managed to take the phone over the day’s mark without any major concessions. otorola can be regarded as one of Clunky camera, the sore sight: After all the legends in the industry and it the boasting, you might want to consider some Mwas heartening to see the company of the chinks that Moto E does manage to Key Specs: having another go in the mobile space. With facilitate which at this price hardly comes as a 4.3 inch HD display, the company managed to resurface in surprise. The phone is fitted with a 5 MP rear Android 4.4 KitKat OS, the market and with Moto E the company has camera sans flash and no front camera either. 1.2 GHz dual-core Snapdragon 200 CPU, made connectivity affordable, thereby giving it The snapper features touch-focus option only 1 GB RAM, 5 MP rear camera, a wider reach. and in our experience the resulting pictures dual-SIM, 1800 mAh battery It may be affordable but not at all cheap: from such devices are not worth talking Motorola has done its homework before about. Same is the case with the Moto E’s Pros: bringing out the Moto E to India before any camera that is nowhere near its competition Bright HD display, other market. The company has managed to but we might want to cut some slack on that. Android 4.4 KitKat at this price, pack all the necessary features at an attractive No focus, no clarity, high-level noise are the Smooth performer, priced well price point without compromising on its quality images that Moto E offers. The phone comes and experience. The phone sports a 4.3 inch with 4 GB internal storage (with limited app 1280x720 pixels HD display and runs on the storage), expandable up to 32 GB and even 64 Cons: latest Android 4.4 KitKat OS with promised GB as well. Connectivity wise, you get Wi-Fi, No USB OTG, mediocre camera, regular updates in the future, something GPS and dual-SIM support. Motorola has limited app installation space that not many offer. The phone has all the added some of its features like Moto Alert and ingredients to become a regular phone for any other voice-control capabilities. consumer and with options like Corning Glass Bottomline: Motorola has managed to Write to: 3 display, it can weather all kinds of conditions replicate its Moto G formula at a lower price Motorola unscathed. The phone’s built with minimal fuss point. Quality display, smooth performance and Ph:1-800-102-2344 and with its round edges, it might feel slightly long battery make it a compelling buy but if bulkier but it’s fairly easy to handle thanks to clicking photos is also part of your profile then its size. The rear panel is made of matte finish this is not the one.

Price Performance Features Overall

40 PCQuest JULY 2014 pcquest.com .com/pcquest .com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] JULY 2014 PCQuest 41 c o v e r s t o r y Lava Iris X1 BSNL Champion DM6513 Iris X1 does not compromise on performance even at a low A giant with massive battery, but disappoints with price-point poor camera and display quality – Rohit Arora – Ashok Pandey

Price: `6,999

Price: `7,999

he giant phablet boasts several features to please first time buyers who are looking for a device with large screen ava understood it very well that there is an appetite for a low Tand longer battery back-up. The phone design follows a flat pat- range phone in the market that can deliver good performance tern, from both front and rear with rounded corners. The flat form factor Land does not sacrifice on the features. Lava Iris X1 packs all the enhances its overall look, but big screen size makes it a giant device to features of a high-end smartphone at a fairly low price-point. With manage with one hand. The glossy back panel attracts smudges, but Android 4.4.2- KitKat out of the box, Iris X1 succeeds in providing an thankfully not the scratches. The phablet packs 1.3 GHz dual-core proc- enriched experience with no such lags while multitasking. essor which is common nowadays as most of the devices in this range Lava deserves a thumbs-up in the design department of Iris X1. The come with quad-core processor. It lacks at the memory as well with 512 well-engineered, smartly crafted handset feels sturdy in hands and MB of RAM and only 2.5 GB of internal storage capacity, thankfully, it offers a premium feel. Due to its sleek design with square edges it can boasts microSD slot that supports up to 32 GB card. easily be mistaken for an Apple’s iPhone 4 or 5. It is built of good quality The 6.5-inch giant display is an ordinary performer. You need to hold the plastic with chrome plating surrounding the sides that certainly gives it device perfectly to see every detail of the image or video. It’s therefore not a solid feel. Iris X1 is perfectly weighted with buttons rightly placed that meant for sharing the screen with lots of people to enjoy the movie on such offers a good tactile feedback. a huge device. It is equipped with 5 MP camera at the rear and 2 MP at the Iris X1 boasts an 8 MP rear camera equipped with Sony’s BSI sen- front. Both are average performers that can click images in daylight only, sor that gave us some good shots in proper daylight condition. Indoor while in low light it may not be able to recognize the subject, as flash is pictures were blurry sometimes though. The 2MP front-facing camera missing. Capturing video with the camera is satisfactory, but it wasn’t able performs well for video calling and selfies. to record the sound properly. Front camera also falls in the same category The phone has a 4.5 inch IPS display that offers vibrant colors offering daylight capturing capabilities. with good viewing angles, however an element of sharpness feels The phablet runs on Android 4.2.2 Jellybean OS and supports 3G missing sometimes but considering the price-point, its digestible. connectivity. This can run light games The 1.2GHz Broadcom quad-core and apps smoothly and wont lag until chipset with 1GB RAM performed more than fours apps are running Key Specs: Key Specs: well with browsing, playing media 1.3 GHz dual core processor, 512 simultaneously. It also supports APK Android 4.4.2 KitKat, 4.5 inch display, files, games and other regular tasks. MB RAM, microSD slot up to 32 GB files that makes it different from other 1.2 GHz quad-core Broadcom CPU, 1 The 1800 mAh battery delivered support, 3500 mAh battery, 6.5-inch devices in the range. The phablet GB RAM, 8 MP rear camera with Sony an eight hours back-up with a fair display, 5 MP rear and 2 MP front comes with 3500 mAh non-removable BSI sensor, Time lapse video mode, camera, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean 1800 mAh battery, Dual Sim usage of day-to-day tasks and ran battery that keeps it running for about for three hours twenty minutes Pros: 8 hours with normal usage. During Pros: on HD video playback with full Battery back-up, build quality, the video playback it lasted for 3 Latest Android KitKat OS, Camera, APK file support build quality brightness at Wi-Fi. hours and 50 minutes. Cons: Bottomline: Iris X1 is a well- Cons: Bottomline: It could be a choice of Display sharpness, engineered, smartly crafted handset Camera, Display people looking for large display and Average battery backup that feels sturdy in hands. Its amaz- moving from smart feature phones to Write to: Write to: ing build quality and Android 4.4.2 Champion Computers Pvt Ltd , but they can look for LAVA International Ltd. KitKat out of the box make it a tough Ph: 011 40401213 other options as well that can change Ph: 120 463 7100 contender in the Sub 10K range. Email: [email protected] their minds.

Price Performance FeatureS Overall Price Performance FeatureS Overall

40 PCQuest JULY 2014 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] JULY 2014 PCQuest 41 c o v e r s t o r y Datawind Pocketsurfer 3G5 Karbonn Titanium S1 Plus A pretty smartphone with slate form factor is among the The handy smartphone packed with a slew of features cheapest 5-inch devices – Ashok Pandey – Ashok Pandey

Price: `6,990 Price: `6,499

he market is flooded with several smartphones in the entry- he 5-inch smartphone looks pretty and fits comfortably in hands level segment, but Karbonn has its own reputation among because of its slate form factor. The sturdy smartphone is made Tbuyers. The Titanium S1 Plus smartphone is smaller than other Tof glossy plastic and wrapped around with chrome plating that available devices in the segment, yet it is an attractive device. The enhances its look. It offers a sturdy grip so you can operate it with bright 4-inch display with 480X800 pixels resolution offers a decent one hand as well. viewing experience with loud and clear sound. The dual-SIM phone runs on Android 4.2, but you would miss the Titanium S1 Plus boasts 1.2 GHz quad core processor and has 1 ‘ Play Store’ as it comes with ‘slideME’ app that enables to add GB of RAM for seamless performance. It runs smoothly and rarely lags new apps and games after a quick registration. The app works like ‘Play while playing games and doing multitasking, yet it’s not really meant Store’ but doesn’t support most of the popular apps and games. Thank- for gaming-freaks. Heavy apps and games can make it a slow-per- fully, it supports APK files that enables you to run several apps developed former. The device has 4 GB of internal memory that can be expanded on the file system. up to 32 GB using microSD card. The phone packs 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 512 MB RAM The 5 MP rear camera produces pleasant images in daylight. It has which makes it a decent performer while playing light games and using an LED flash at the rear that allows to capture memories even in low apps. It has 4 GB internal memory expandable up to 32 GB using the light condition, but attracts noise. Capturing video with the camera is microSD card. The 5 MP camera at the rear with flash is an average not so pleasing. The front VGA camera is decent to capture images in performer. Daylight images are fine, daylight. The Android 4.3 Jelly Bean powered device packs 1500 mAh but the quality is lacking in low light battery that can last for 9 hours with images. It attracts lots of noise in the fair usage and during our video test it lasted for 3 hours and 18 minutes. Key Specs: snaps clicked in low light, even after Key Specs: 5-inch display, 1.2 GHz dual core using the flash. Front VGA camera 4-inch display, 1.2 GHz quad core This smartphone is small in size processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB can be used in daylight only, in low CPU, 4 GB internal and up to 32 only but not in features than its internal memory expandable up GB expandable, 5 MP rear and VGA competitors in this range. The GPS is to 32 GB, Android 4.2, 1600 mAh light it wont recognize face even. front camera, Android 4.3 Jelly battery The 5-inch display is decent to Bean, 1500 mAh battery quite responsive, and 3G and Wi-Fi watch movies and the speakers are connectivities work well. Pros: Pros: Bottomline: The device is a Slate form factor, sturdy body quite audible and loud. It packs 1600 Processor, battery, build quality, design, APK support mAh battery that can last for 5 hours, lightweight tough competitor in this price seg- ment with small yet bright screen Cons: depending on the usage. While Cons: Camera, battery, display watching videos, it lasted for about 1 Small display, front camera and day long battery back-up. The hours and 20 minutes. biggest rival of the device in the seg- Write to: Write to: ment is Moto E and Micromax Unite Datawind Innovations Bottomline: A cheap 5-inch Ph: +91 (0) 1832581330 smartphone, lacks battery, display, Ph: 080 40894888 2, which are larger in size as well as Email: [email protected] camera and app support. Email: [email protected] better in performance.

Price Performance FeatureS Overall Price Performance FeatureS Overall

42 PCQuest JULY 2014 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] JULY 2014 PCQuest 43 c o v e r s t o r y Maxx MSD7 3G AX46 Micromax Unite 2 The 3G compatible smartphone has a form factor but lags The seamless performer has a slew of features that help it in performance stand above the crowd – Ashok Pandey – Ashok Pandey

Price: `8,888

Price: `6,999

icromax Unite 2 is the answer to Moto E which has become the benchmark for entry-level smartphones. Micromax kept Meverything in the mind before designing the device. It has a 4.7-inch IPS screen, which is neither large nor small in size, a fairly decent size for entry level smartphones. With the gracious build qual- he entry level smartphone from Maxx has a quite sharp 4.5-inch ity, the body gets round shape at the corners and the rubberized back IPS display with good viewing angles. The rear cover has a glossy cover for better grip. Tfinish that attracts smudges, but not the scratches. The smart Unite 2 packs 1.3 GHz quad core processor coupled with 1 GB of RAM dimension and not so big screen makes it quite comfortable that provides seamless performance. It offers smooth performance even in hands. when running multiple apps or games simultaneously. Only with heavy The MSD7 3G packs 1.3 GHz dual core processor coupled with 512 games and apps, we were able to see stuttering in the phone. It boasts MB RAM enabling multitasking up to an extent. Playing light games and 4 GB internal memory coupled with microSD slot with capacity of up to running apps would not affect its performance, however, using multiple 32 GB, which surprisingly didn’t show up in our tests. We got the device apps simultaneously, reminds you about the lower 512 MB RAM. It has replaced but the problem remained, might the problem with our devices 4 GB internal memory and sports 32 GB microSD card. The Android 4.2 only. The 5 MP rear camera is a real shooter with features available only Jelly Bean operated phone comes with several preloaded apps, in addi- with some expensive phones including live photo mode, HDR function tion Maxx integrated its own Maxxworld app store and MaxxLifeBox app and time lapse mode etc. It produces detailed images in daylight, and to deliver a rich out of the box experience. even in low light, images are clear with a little noise. Front 2 MP camera At the rear, it has a 3.2 MP camera with fixed focus, which captures is a decent performer for selfies and video chats. The device supports decent quality images in sunlight. Though, it is equipped with LED flash, 21 languages making it familiar to users. One can setup their own it still attracts lots of noise in low light conditions and is not made for regional language to access phonebook and keyboard. The 4.7-inch IPS dark lighting conditions. The front VGA (0.3 MP) camera is again good display would please your eyes while only for daylight. playing games and watching videos. Maxx MSD7’s sharp display offers The speaker is quite loud, offering nice video watching experience with satisfactory performance, but not Key Specs: a loud and clear sound. It is coupled Key Specs: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, 1.3 4.7-inch IPS display, 1.3Ghz quad core very clear. GHz dual core, 4.5-inch IPS with a 1300 mAh battery that can processor, 1GB RAM, 4GB internal and It runs on the latest Android 4.4.2 display, 3.2 MP rear and 0.3 MP last about 7 hours with normal microSD up to 32 GB, 5 MP rear and 2 KitKat OS, offering seamless perform- front camera, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB usage, while using 3G and other MP front camera, Android 4.4.2 KitKat, internal and expandable up to 32 2,000mAh battery ance and multi-tasking. It has 2000 GB, 1300 mAh battery services you may need to recharge mAh that keep it on for one long day the device twice in a day. In our Pros: Pros: Android 4.4.2 KitKat, fairly large (9 hours). And during our video test, it Display, sound, battery video tests, it lasted for 3 hours and screen, seamless performer, camera lasted for about 4 hours and 10 min- 15 minutes. utes with full brightness and volume. Cons: Bottomline: At this price range, Cons: Build quality, camera Average battery life, loudspeaker Bottomline: The Indian brand other impressive performers are proved that it has the capability to Write to: available in the market such as Write to: Maxx Moblink Pvt Ltd Micromax House produce international quality devices. Ph: 022-33662222 Micromax Unite 2, Moto E and Lava Ph: +91-124-4811000 The budget smartphone, Unite 2 is a Email: [email protected] Irish X1. Email: [email protected] strong competitor to Moto E.

Price Performance FeatureS Overall Price Performance FeatureS Overall

42 PCQuest JULY 2014 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] JULY 2014 PCQuest 43 c o v e r s t o r y Spice Stellar MI-506 Arise Czar AR44 The phone is a mix bag of electronics with good build qual- The cheapest smartphone for low budget users with ity, average battery backup and poor display attractive features – Rohit Arora – Ashok Pandey

Price: `8,499 Price: `4,899

pice has come up with Stellar MI-506 to further heat up the competition in sub 8k smartphone category. The phone comes Swith a brushed metallic finish on front, sides and back panel rise has not achieved any remarkable presence in the Indian which gives it a close resemblance to HTC One M7. It feels solid in market, but with Czar AR44 it can attract several low-budget hands but doesn’t offer a firm grip, and can therefore slip easily from AAndroid buyers. The low priced smartphone is a smart move from your hand. the company to increase their market presence. This small phone has a Stellar is powered by a dual-core Mediatek MT6572 processor 4-inch WVGA display with 480 X 800 pixels resolution. The bright display clocked at 1.3 GHz. Occasional lags are evident while multitasking as provides gracious movie watching and gaming experience, but lacks at phone is backed up by 512 MB RAM. It runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean good viewing angles. You need to hold the device in a particular posi- with some variations in icons and widgets by Spice. Surprisingly, the tion to enjoy movies. It is coupled with loud speaker, which is average phone does not include inbuilt multitasking manager and its effects performer. are visible in performance. You have to install a third party app to kill The Czar AR44 packs a 1.2 GHz dual core processor coupled with background apps. The 5-inch TFT capacitive display offers a resolution 512 MB RAM. It works smoothly with apps and games, but not made for of 480X854 that accounts to 196 PPI, which fails to impress. The glossy gaming-freaks. Only light apps and games can be operated easily, while display is hardly visible in sunlight, lacks details and is a disappointment heavy apps and games can affect the performance. You need to add a with its poor viewing angles. A big speaker at the back delivers loud but memory stick in it to add more apps, as it has only 512 MB of space. average quality sound. Thankfully company integrated microSD slot that supports up to 32 GB Spice has added some tweaks to enhance phone’s usability. There is card. The 3G compatible phone runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and an Auto call recorder, M tracker (to locate the phone in case of theft), sports dual-SIM. Flip to mute, intelligent answer and direct call feature which can be The pocket friendly device’s build quality is not up to the mark. The handy in day to day tasks. rear panel gets glossy finish that works like a magnet to smudges, but The phone will disappoint users who have a knack for photography as thankfully scratches are not visible. At the rear it has 2 MP camera the 8 MP rear camera is below aver- with flash, which is a decent age quality with no auto or touch fo- performer, but attracts lots of noise cus. It works fine in proper sunlight, in dark even after using the flash. Key Specs: but indoor Pictures are noisy and Key Specs: 1.3 GHz dual core processor, 1.2 GHz dual core processor, Front VGA camera can be used for 512 MB RAM, Android 4.2 lacks details. The front is equipped Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, 4-inch video chats in normal light. The Jelly Bean, 8 MP rear and with a 1.3 MP camera that is no WVGA Display, 512 MB RAM, 2 handy device packs 1500 mAh bat- 1.3 MP front camera, exception. Despite a large 5-inch MP rear and VGA front camera, tery that can last for more than 1800 mAh battery 1500mAh battery display, the 1800 mAh battery gave a 8 hours with fair usage. In our Pros: 3hrs 20 minute video playback with Pros: video tests, it lasted for 4 hours Build quality, battery life, speaker full brightness at Wi-Fi and can last Battery backup, rear camera and 15 minutes. Unfortunately Cons: for a day with medium usage. Cons: the low priced device doesn’t have Glossy display, poor multitasking, Bottomline: If you are tight on average camera Build quality, display GPS sensor. budget, can compromise on display Bottomline: Well designed Write to: and camera then Stellar MI-506 can Write to: handy smartphone has all the Spice Smartphones be a good option with good build Arise India ltd. Ph: 011 - 42921000 Ph: +91-011-45047166/ 67 basic features, but lacks at display Email: [email protected] quality and decent battery backup. Email: [email protected] and build quality.

Price Performance FeatureS Overall Price Performance FeatureS Overall

44 PCQuest JULY 2014 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] JULY 2014 PCQuest 45 c o v e r s t o r y X The X series is Nokia’s way of telling people that Windows Phone is better than Android, but is it? Let’s find out.

— S. Aadeetya

obvious no-go for Google services (Chrome, come to mind) but you can definitely get those via other third-party app stores. The interface has no resemblance to your usual Android screen and in fact comes closer to Live Tile design on Windows Phone 8. Nokia has taken its Asha-style FastLane feature to the which enables you to get latest activities on the device by simple swipe to the left. The phone comes with a physical Back Price: `7,499 button only and unlike the Lumia devices; you do not get the Home button for some strange reasons. You also have a Notification Centre which can be accessed by sliding down from the top but its purpose is limited to getting notifications and acts as a hub to reach out to the main settings area on the device. On the hardware front, the X packs a dual-core CPU with 512 MB RAM that acts clunky, rather abysmal leading to an unpleasant usage experience. When the market has moved towards better usage products, Nokia has simply tried its hand on an ecosystem that they fail to understand. It sports a 3.15 MP rear camera sans flash, now who would really want he possibility of Nokia going the Android to go for something that entry-level and there’s was nigh impossible until the Finnish no auto-focus either! Thandset maker decided to change its Plethora of Android apps comes to Key Specs: market dynamics by taking Android under its Nokia: The one good thing about Nokia X is its 4 inch 800x480 display, helm and offering an experience that combines app-store portability feature. What this simply Nokia X platform 1.0, 1 GHz dual-core CPU, the effectiveness of Android with the services means is, you can sideload your favourite 512 MB RAM, 3.1 MP rear camera, of in the form of Nokia X. Android apps on the X or even download slew 1500 mAh battery Dream comes true?: Every smartphone of Android app stores like One Mobile, evangelist has dreamt about the possibility of etc and enjoy the experience. But then again, Pros: combining the hardware finesse of Nokia with you cannot really justify the usual Android Refreshing Android interface, the utilitarian aspect of Android which has some- behaviour on the X with its sub-standard sturdy body, Android app store what been fulfilled with Nokia X but it sure does hardware. You can install the apps and save side loading have its own shortcomings and there are many. them on the phone’s 4 GB internal storage The phone sports a 4 inch 800x480 pixels dis- which is expandable up to 32 GB. In terms of play that merely manages to make it in our list- battery life of the Nokia X, the phone managed Cons: ing owing to its price. The phone runs on Nokia X to last our video playback tests for over 5 Sub-standard hardware, platform which has been reformed from Android hours which usually translates into anywhere Mediocre camera, no support Open Source Project (AOSP) with services from between 8 to 10 hours on normal usage. for Google services Microsoft like OneDrive, Nokia Here Maps etc. Bottomline: It’s not the way we thought This is not how one envisaged a Nokia Android Android would look on a Nokia device. This device but then these things were never meant clearly feels like an experiment, with Microsoft Write to: to happen. One thing we do like about the Nokia looking to deviate user’s preference for Android Motorola X is its sturdy build quality revolving around and may be getting them to accept Windows Ph:1-800-102-2344 Nokia’s favourite polycarbonate finishing. Phone as the best alternative around. Sub Does it make sense in the market?: Nokia standard hardware and clunky software makes devices are now a part of Microsoft, hence the it hard to recommend for us.

Price Performance Features Overall

44 PCQuest JULY 2014 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] JULY 2014 PCQuest 45