Why Samsung is Pushing its new Tizen Smartphone

Mobile phones have come a long way today. In fact, people get offended when they’re told they own a mobile phone and instead, correct you by reminding you that it’s a smartphone, what they’re holding in their hand. Yes, a competitive market, coupled with informed youth who do detailed mobile phone comparisons before zeroing in on a specific one, has put new found pressure on brands to innovate and release handsets that provide excellent value for money.

One such brand that has never shied away from innovating is Samsung. The Asian giant has borne multiple failures and yet, it has managed to stay afloat due its strategy to always innovate. Recently, Samsung had released its Samsung Z1, which was a smartphone that was powered by Samsung’s own developed software, Tizen. This smartphone was launched quietly earlier this year, after Samsung had initially reserved its Tizen software only for its select smartwatches. However, Samsung was pleasantly surprised to find that when prospective buyers opted to compare mobile phones specifications, they were happy with the Z1 and eventually, in six months, around a million Z1 handsets were sold. Encouraged by this figure, Samsung is now releasing its sequel, the Z3, which not only comes with some interesting hardware specs but also tons of goodies clubbed with Samsung’s own software. There are exclusive deals available for users of Z3, including rewarding platforms which Samsung has designed to lure customers towards this device. Launched in India first, this handset will eventually find its way to other parts of the globe later.

There are many reasons for brands to try and push their own software. This shows not just exclusivity of the brand but also highlights the immense confidence that the brand has in itself, as people buying a device with a dedicated software shows that they are willing to accept the entire package of the brand’s hardware and software. However, Samsung also needs to ensure that it is constantly looking out for reactions and keeping a tab on how well this operating system is being accepted. This lesson can best be learnt from BlackBerry, who was once a force to reckon with in the smartphone industry. Many in the business class, once upon a time, didn’t even compare mobile phones specifications but instead blindly and exclusively owned and opted for BlackBerry devices.

However, during mobile phone comparisons, with Android’s popularity soaring, BlackBerry ended up finding fewer takers over time and eventually, there was a threat that BlackBerry could end up going the Nokia way. Now, BlackBerry is reinventing and is even releasing an Android powered smartphone, all in a bid to increase sales. Thus, this flexibility of BlackBerry and its willingness to ditch its own software in favour of a more widely used and liked one may just be what saves its downfall. Let’s hope Samsung is also smart enough to keep a tab on how its Tizen smartphones are doing, so that it doesn’t end up letting its pride lead to its fall.

Are on-Paper Specs Everything?

There are many factors that go into buying a smartphone. A smartphone is a very personal choice and so, it comes as no surprise that a smartphone often reflects people’s personal choices. There are some that are loyal to a certain brand (like the legion of archaic Blackberry fans) and there are some who won’t compromise on a certain trait, such as a specific screen size or processor. Either way, many people are still often open to buying a device if it comes with the latest mobile specifications.

However, critics and tech pundits are questioning today whether on paper specifications can always match up to expectations in experience. For example, there was a time when dual core processors were the rage but then along came quad core processors. These were then bettered by octa core processors. However, after tons of studies and experiences, people realized that quad core processors were indeed enough and the entire ideology of octa core processors often rode on the dependence of two quad core processors. Thus, people realized that the latest mobile specifications don’t always mean that they’re the best you can get.

Similarly, on paper, a Samsung phone with an 8MP camera is still considered superior to a, say Micromax phone with a 13MP camera. This is because, even the basic specs are often adapted by each company and brand differently and in its own way.In fact, with the increasing competition in the field of smartphones, many brands have now resorted to talking about price to specs ratio, a new concept that speaks of the basic value for money that a device offers. This in fact proved to be one of the key selling factors for Motorola, as it launched the Moto G and Moto E, both phones which became synonymous with being great value for money.

If you actually were to compare mobile phones specifications you will realise that many handsets falling in similar price range, offer similar specs. Yet, some brands and handsets sell way more than others. There are many reasons behind this, one of the key reasons being the experience that a specific brand has to offer. Everyone knows that Apple’s camera is one of the best in terms of clarity and picture quality, yet at no Apple launch, will you find Tim Cook gloating about the mega pixel count of the camera of Apple’s smartphones. Somehow, it’s just implied that the camera is fantastic and that no one will regret owning an Apple device for its camera.

This is what makes certain brands stand out indeed, when they know they don’t need to harp on specific specifications of their devices. Hence, rather than sitting down to compare mobile phones specifications in depth, rather than relying on the specifications, it’ time to start looking at the smartphone experience of a brand.

What makes Lava Pixel V1 a good buy?

The Android One project in India was introduced last September by Google to make easy to use and affordable smartphones available to people who are not that tech inclined or updated with the latest mobile phone news. Since then, Android One smartphones have been launched in various other markets experiencing transition towards smartphones. Though the first set of Android One handsets came with a minimalist design, the second generation of it introduced recently in India by home grown brand Lava Mobiles, is appealing enough both in terms of looks and features if you compare mobile phones specifications.

Dubbed as Lava Pixel V1, the device rocks a 5.5 inch display, which is a big thing for a mid-range category phone, keeping in mind the present desire of smartphone users to enjoy large displays to watch videos and play games. Design wise, the phone is a winner as well with its metallic finish on its white plastic chassis. In fact, in terms of looks it is quite reminiscent of the Vivo V1 with the same kind of sleek and smooth matte metal combo. It is a big device but the rounded edges and corners enable for a good grip.

Pixel V1 runs a very bloat free vanilla version of Android’s latest 5.1 Lollipop with an interface similar to the Nexus devices. This means it does not have unnecessary tweaks and redundant customizations or those flashy looking icons added by smartphone manufacturers which tend to make the device pretty tardy in the long run. And with Lollipop on board, the device runs smooth and seamless. So, this is a huge plus point for users who stick to basic usage like calling, messaging, sending mails or maybe a bit of playing YouTube videos.

As a matter of fact, the internal specs of the device would allow you to do only that much lag free. To power up functions, the CPU has four cores with a clock speed of 1.3GHz with a surprising 2GB of RAM. And the memory is good enough at 32GB along with an additional 32GB which can be added with MicroSD storage card, which means plenty of space to install apps and media files, however, the speed of the device may have to be compromised there in.

The 13 megapixel camera with F2.0 Aperture ensures decent shots though it takes time to adjust the focus. And the 8 Megapixel front camera is a satisfying leap over the 2 Megapixel snapper offered by the first generation Android One smartphone.

To sum up, Lava Pixel V1, priced at Rs. 11,349 (around $177) is definitely a smart looking Android One device which has taken a commendable leap from its earlier generation with rather unimpressive specs. Not to forget the other contenders in the same price range namely Lenovo K3 Note, Yu Yureka and the more recent Moto G 3^rd Gen, all of which can give tough competition to the Pixel V1. And also there are other phones in the market at a much lower price. However, Lava Pixel V1 scors points on the vanilla software, even more with Google’s promise to update with latest builds till two years from the date of purchase.

What makes Canvas Knight 2 better than the previous one?

Though Micromax, the popular Indian smartphone manufacturer started getting mass attention with its economical android smartphones, but the launch of Canvas devices gave it a new platform in the smartphone market.

Micromax introduced Micromax Canvas Knight last year, August, where it has featured 4.7 inch screen with good memory, camera and powerful processor support in a budget friendly price. This newly launched Knight Smartphone has attracted the smartphone buyers and has received a great many complement from some of the notable names of Indian tech media, at the same time.

Now, in June, 2015, Micromax has launched the next generation of the Knight. Micromax Canvas Knight 2 is the newest addition in its Canvas list and has appeared in a greater mobile case with the newest version of Android. If you want to know that which one is better amongst these two then you have to compare mobile phones specifications.

 

Micromax Canvas Knight: Micromax Canvas Knight is the first Knight Smartphone from this Gurgaon based smartphone hub. This device is featuring a 4.7 inch HD IPS display with 1280×720 megapixel display resolution. This device has appeared with the Android 4.4.2 KitKat and gets support of MT6592M 1.4GHz Octa core CPU. Along with these supports, Canvas Knight also features 1GB RAM with 8GB inbuilt memory and let you expand the memory space up to 32GB. With a 2000mAh battery Canvas Knight assures up to 180 hours of power support, at the same time.

Micromax Canvas Knight 2: As it is the next generation of its predecessor, hence, it is quite evident that, the version is more developed and efficient, not only by specification but also in work. This Android Lollipop device is featuring the most demanding 5 inch display of present time with HD screen and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, a specialist display protector in the market, which keep devices scratch, dust and drop resistant. Micromax Canvas Knight 2 is powered with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, 64 Bit octa-core CPU with Adreno 405, which make this device faster and smoother and also a powerful GPU makes it an efficient gaming smartphone.

Apart from it, 2GB RAM has been offered with Knight 2, that the device can save more short term data, that you can check out more things in a better and faster way. Along with 16GB in-built memory support, this smartphone users will get the access to install external memory card, up to 32GB. Knight 2 is offering 2260mAh battery with up to 335 hours of battery backup, which is undoubtedly more powerful than the previous one.

What makes the new one better?

In every aspect Canvas Knight 2 is an advanced smartphone than Canvas Knight and it is quite clear from the above mobile phone comparison. Not only because a powerful CPU and battery support, the pre-loaded latest and most developed Operating System, improved memory support, strong display glass and more over a better sleek look with elegant color combination. So, the buyers have to decide now, that they will buy a mobile with lesser specs to save a little amount or, would like to get a far better device in a bit of extra price.