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Sony Xperia C review: Cash and carry

The China-bound Sony Xperia C could be the right opportunity to smuggle some big-screened, quad-core goodness into markets where those things usually fetch a high price. It's certainly the right size too. Five-inchers don't necessarily have to come with high-end price tags. There's demand for affordable options too, which the Xperia C isn't the first to address. Sony has obviously been watching the Samsung Galaxy Grand, while HTC and LG aren't indifferent either.

So, the Sony Xperia C has dual-SIM support, which is almost a must-have in the markets Sony's interested in, a massive 5-inch display and a quad-core processor. So far, so good.

It is the company's first smartphone powered by a MediaTek chipset. Sony has so far always opted for either Snapdragons or (when the company still existed) ST Ericsson but, with China being the primary target market, it had little choice really. The latest MediaTek chips support both dual-SIM and quad-core processors, and they are light on the wallet too.

Affordability is, of course, an important reason, considering Asian markets are teeming with sub-$200 quad-core droids and competition is fierce. The likes of Lenovo, Micromax, Xolo, and many more, are ready to offer a big enough screen and decent feature set on a bargain.

What this means is the Sony Xperia C should be preparing for a full-scale war. Let's check the ammo:

Key features

• Tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and dual-band HSPA support
• Dual SIM, dual stand-by support
• 42.2 Mbps HSDPA and 11.5 Mbps HSUPA
• 5.0" 16M-color TFT capacitive touchscreen of qHD resolution (540 x 960 pixels) at 220ppi
• Android OS v4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, PowerVR SGX544 GPU, MTK MT6589 chipset
• 1 GB of RAM
• 4 GB of built-in storage (2 GB user available)
• microSD slot (cards up to 32GB supported)
• 8 MP autofocus camera, single LED flashlight, geo-tagging, touch focus, HDR, hardware shutter key; VGA front-facing camera
• 1080p @ 30fps video capture
• Wi-Fi b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot
• Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP
• GPS with A-GPS
• Accelerometer, ambient light and proximity sensor
• Standard 3.5 mm audio jack; Walkman music player with many audio enhancements
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
• microUSB port (charging)
• Built-in LED strip provides a breathing light and notification light
• 2,390mAh Li-Ion battery, non-replaceable

Main disadvantages

• Low pixel-per-inch ratio
• No Mobile BRAVIA engine
• No scratch protection for the screen, Gorilla Glass or otherwise
• Limited internal storage for installing apps

The Xperia C obviously didn't remain confined within Asian boundaries as various European retailers are already shipping it at very attractive prices. It sure isn't the fastest or the most feature-rich of phones, but it sounds like a great bang for your hard-earned buck. Will that be enough to probably forgive the lower resolution screen and the other potential deal breakers?

Microsoft Surface 2 review: Sink or swim

Introduction

There is a tall task ahead of the Microsoft Surface 2. The first generation of the Microsoft tablet arrived with much fanfare but had little success, and the newcomer has to entice new customers, proving along the way that Redmond can be a factor in the consumer tablet marketplace and, more importantly, that Windows RT has a future as a platform.

To make a case for itself, the Microsoft Surface 2 comes with an OS update. Windows RT 8.1 is a notable improvement over its predecessor, which includes welcome UI tweaks, better integration of Microsoft services, as well as a broader choice of third-party apps compared to a year ago.

In addition to the updated OS, the Surface 2 comes packed with some seriously capable hardware, including an NVIDIA Tegra 4 SoC, a 10.6" FullHD display, a 5MP camera, and a long list of connectivity and storage expansion options. Here goes its full list of talents.

Key features

• 10.6" FullHD LCD touchscreen, 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
• NVIDIA Tegra 4 T40 SoC with Quad-core 1.7GHz Cortex-A15 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, ULP GeForce 72-core GPU
• Windows 8.1 RT with deep Microsoft service integration
• 32/64GB of in-built storage; 200GB of free SkyDrive for 2 years
• Micro SD card slot, up to 64GB supported
• Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity with Wi-Fi Direct
• Standard USB port, USB 3.0 host functionality
• Bluetooth 4.0
• HD video out
• Accelerometer, compass and three-axis gyro-sensor
• 5MP main camera capable of recording 1080p@30fps video
• 3.5MP front-facing camera capable of recording 1080p@30fps videoSuperb build quality and finish
• Built-in two-stage kickstand
• Built-in stereo speakers
• Full version of Microsoft Office available out of the box
• A year's worth of free Skype Out calls to sixty destinations worldwide
• Duo of available keyboard covers (sold additionally)
• Impressive battery life

Main disadvantages

• Windows RT app availability is still confined to the Windows Store
• Limited amount of good-quality apps available
• Heavy compared to most other 10" tablets
• Awkward to use in portrait mode
• Display resolution falls below the competition in the same price range
• There're options with the full-blown Windows 8.1, some at a lower price

At a quick glance, the Microsoft Surface 2 is a worthy successor of the original. It boasts beefed up specs and slightly improved ergonomics, while retaining the same signature design and dimensions, which have become a family staple. The same goes for its additional Touch and Type covers - they offer better experience and ergonomics than their respective predecessors.

The biggest question mark hanging upon the Microsoft Surface 2 concerns its OS. Windows RT has been abandoned by most major players in the industry, with Microsoft and Nokia left as the only manufacturers to go forward making devices to boot the OS. As a result, developers aren't exactly gushing over the prospect of creating cool apps for the platform, thus putting its very future in question.

There is also the matter of the competition which the Microsoft Surface 2 has to face. In addition to a duo of brand new iPad models and a host of premium Android offerings, the tablet has to deal with a few lower-priced Intel-powered tablets running full Windows 8.1.

We will kick off our Surface 2 review with the usual unboxing session, followed by a look at the design and build

Apple iPad mini 2 review: Moving up the ranks

Introduction

The iPad mini with Retina screen is everything the little tablet deserved to be - a more compact equal of the bigger iPad with no compromises made. And unfortunately, it's just one thing short of what we all thought a compact tablet should be - cheap. Well, Apple isn't exactly known for selling cheap, it's quite on the contrary.

Last year's iPad mini was more of a byproduct of the iPad lineup - with a significantly cheaper price, a different design and somewhat inferior hardware, the baby iPad was quite different to its full size sibling. This year marks a shift in Apple's product strategy. Now, the two new iPads are equals - with the mini being merely a scaled down version of the same spectacular screen tech and the same high-performance internals.

There's been no corner cutting this time and the new iPad mini is more expensive as a result. We guess the price hike comes only to highlight the iPad mini's new standing in the pecking order - it's no longer the budget option - it's the more portable version of the same flagship product. A lower price point would have also hurt the big iPad sales because the two tablets are not at all that different.

You would actually be amazed how identical the two look. But that's a good thing in a sense. Users no longer have to pick one of the two based on feature set or design, or bezel size for that matter. Now, you can just pick the size that's right for you. The high-end user experience is all there without any give or take.Comparing it to its predecessor, the Apple iPad mini with Retina screen looks no different either, but that's until you turn it on. The new screen is impressively sharp and the new chipset is blazing fast, meaning loading times in most apps are noticeably faster now. The Wi-Fi speeds have doubled, there is a seriously bigger battery inside, there is a second mic for noise cancellation and now you have a brand new 128GB version, if you've got the money to burn - the last generation iPad mini maxed out at 64GB.

                                                             Key features

• 7.9" LED-backlit IPS LCD touchscreen, 1536 x 2048 pixels, ~ 324 ppi, oleophobic coating
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity with MIMO dual antennas
• Optional 2G/3G GSM, CDMA, LTE connectivity (data only, separate models)
• Optional GPS with A-GPS support (for the Wi-Fi+Cellular model only)
• Dual-core A7 64-bit 1.3 GHz Cyclone (ARM v8-based) chip with M7 motion coprocessor
• PowerVR G6430 quad-core GPU
• 1GB of RAM
• iOS 7 with gesture support and a premium set of free Apple apps - iLife, iMovie, iPhoto, etc.
• 16/32/64/128GB of inbuilt storage
• Weight of 331g (341g for the Wi-Fi + Cellular option)
• Bluetooth 4.0
• Lightning USB port
• Stereo speakers
• Accelerometer, compass and three-axis gyro-sensor
• 5MP auto-focus camera
• 1080p video recording at 30fps
• 1.2MP 720p secondary camera capable of FaceTime calls
• 23.8 Wh Li-Po battery
• 1080p TV-output with the Apple Digital AV Adapter (purchased separately for $49), 1080p video streaming or separate audio streaming via AirPlay
• Supports magnetic cases

Main disadvantages

• Expensive for a compact tablet
• Non expandable memory, extra storage is largely overpriced
• Tied into iTunes for uploading most of the content
• No standard USB port
• No GPS receiver in the Wi-Fi-only version

The new iPad mini is exactly the same size like last year's with a mere .3mm difference in thickness. You wouldn't feel that sort of difference even if you had both in your hands. What you may notice is the difference in weight. The new iPad mini is 23g heavier to accommodate the larger battery, which should deliver the same endurance despite the quadrupled resolution.

The new dual-core 64-bit A7 chipset inside the new mini jumps two generations ahead of the A5 processor in the original. It's not that the older mini was sluggish, but the new device is notably faster and more responsive in almost all apps we tried.

Last season's bigger iPad at least had the luxury of being more powerful but those days are gone. Now the two size of iPads have equally good specs, which kinda puts the iPad Air in a sticky position. It's true that the bigger Air is easier to carry than any other full-size iPad and the slimmer frame helps single-handed operation but there's no avoiding the fact that the iPad mini is the friendlier form factor.

The iPad mini's handling and portability could be the big decider for a lot of people who are eyeing a new iPad for Christmas. To be honest, we don't think Apple will mind no matter which one you pick.

Nokia 515 review: Time machine

They certainly don't make them like that anymore. Been a while though and we're not sure if this is a compliment. It's been long enough since speed dial was invented. And T9 predictive text. Or color displays. So, what's the Nokia 515 doing here?

No really, what's the story. Did someone press the wrong button on the time machine? And where the hell are the Sony Ericsson T-series or Samsung E590? The Motorola RAZR? Gone but not forgotten. Well, the Nokia 515 is here and now.

Finnish feature phones are rolling like clockwork but few make it to our homepage - be it a touchscreen-flaunting Asha or a bargain-basement offering with a couple of SIM slots and a flashlight. The Nokia 515 is obviously different, it looks like ten or so years late but it just couldn't care less.

Coming from an old-fashioned candybar phone in a market dominated by massive touchscreens and multi-core CPUs, this kind of confidence borders on arrogance. On the other hand, it's vintage Nokia at its best, with rock-solid build and heartwarming simplicity.

Key features

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
• dual-band 3G with HSDPA
• 2.4" 262K-color 240 x 320 TFT display
• Corning Gorilla Glass 2 display protection
• S40 6th edition
• 5MP camera with LED flash, face detection, panorama, QVGA video recording
• 256MB internal storage, 64MB RAM
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Bluetooth v3.0
• FM Radio
• Standard 3.5 mm audio jack
• Voice commands
• Social apps
• Accelerometer and proximity sensor
• Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
• 1200mAh Li-Ion battery

Main disadvantages

• More expensive than some smartphones
• No touchscreen
• No Wi-Fi
• No automatic screen brightness control
• No smart dialing

The Nokia 515 is a phone that seems out of place but one too that will make many people feel at home. What poses an even bigger contradiction is that it's actually expensive for what it is - an ordinary dumbphone with no touchscreen and less apps than the Ashas. At the same time, it's a premium design in the entry-level segment.

It's got features that more than justify the asking price - the aluminum build, Gorilla Glass 2 covered curved screen, a 5MP camera and LED flash. And it sure has the look and feel of a true classic.

Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 review

Introduction

The Galaxy Ace 3 arrives as Samsung's latest entry into the popular affordable Ace lineup, and targets cost conscious buyers with a competitive Android version and variants which include a vanilla 3G version and either dual SIM support or LTE connectivity.

The Ace lineup was never a bottom-of-the-barrel affair, user have always enjoyed adequately-sized screens and powerful enough processors alongside timely software updates from Samsung to make it an excellent value offering long after the initial release.

This was the exact strategy that Samsung successfully employed with the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2, which continues to be a very competitive Android package following its update to version 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. The Ace 2 continues to be a reasonable entry level droid more than a year and a half after its release, and even made it to our November 2013 shopping guide.

Let's see what the Ace 3 brings to the table, and whether it has the potential to continue the Ace legacy set forth by its predecessors.

Key features

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE; dual/quad-band 3G with HSPA
• Quad-band LTE support (for LTE version)
• 4" 16M-color WVGA capacitive touchscreen; 233ppi
• Android OS v4.2.2 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz UI
• Dual-core 1GHz (3G) / 1.2GHz (LTE) Cortex-A9 CPU, VideoCore IV GPU; Broadcom BCM21664 chipset
• 1GB of RAM
• 5 MP autofocus camera with LED flash, 720p video recording @ 30fps, continuous autofocus
• 0.3 MP front-facing camera, VGA video recording
• Dual-band Wi-Fi b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
• GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS
• 4GB (3G) / 8GB (LTE) of built-in storage
• microSD card slot
• microUSB v2.0
• Bluetooth v4.0
• NFC (LTE model only)
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
• Standard 3.5 mm audio jack
• Accelerometer and proximity sensor
• 1,500 (3G) / 1,800 (LTE) mAh battery; user replaceable

Main disadvantages

• Very minimal upgrades over predecessor
• Low internal storage
• Tired and exhausted design, no differentiation whatsoever
• No Air View, Air gestures or Multi-view

Whether the Galaxy Ace 3 can follow in the footsteps of its predecessor is a trick one to answer going by specs alone, seeing the incremental update in specs it represents - we have a bump in screen size and processor clock speed, and there's LTE connectivity if you get that specific version. We wish the Ace 3 came with the same price tag as the Ace 2, but that's not the case right now.

For now, let's focus on what the Ace 3 brings along without comparisons to its forbearers. It provides a wide range of connectivity options, including the aforementioned LTE variant that brings quad-band 4G support.

In terms of design, the Ace 3 is very similar to the Ace 2, although Samsung has been able to trim the weight down slightly. Unfortunately, if you've had enough of Samsung's design language, the Galaxy Ace 3 will leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth - it will only serve you with more of the same - there's hardly much novelty to go around here.