LG G4 Smartphone Review – The Phone for Mobile Photographers

The LG G4 has been talked about a lot lately. I reviewed the LG G3 last year (check out the review here), and I honestly didn’t think it could get better as most usually think of a manufacturer’s flagship at the time. It was hard to find something wrong with the G3, unless you were nitpicking. As rumors for the LG G4 started flying around, I was hype to see that it indeed could get better. The phone looked the same for the most part, but the camera specs were enticing. I was initially impressed.  You can check the specs for yourself below. After finally getting a good month with it, here are my thoughts on the LG G4.

 

LG G4 Android Smartphone Review - Body - Design - Genuine Leather Back - Analie Cruz (5)

 

LG G4 Specs

Display: 5.5 inch Quantum 2K IPS (2560 × 1440 resolution 534 PPI) – Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Cameras: 16 Megapixel rear-facing camera (with OIS 2.0) / 8 megapixel front-facing camera
Processor / RAM:  Qualcomm Snapdragon 808  / 3 GB RAM
Memory: 32GB  Internal Memory (with expansion slot )
Battery: 3,000 mAh removable battery  /
Connectivity : Bluetooth 4.1/ Wi-Fi /  NFC / USB 2.0 / micro SIM
OS: Android Lollipop 5.1 with LG’s UX 4.0 skin
Features: Leather backs, smart notice, Quick Shot, 100GB of Google Drive

Design and Build

Like I said before, the LG G4 looks familiar to its predecessor. LG kept the rear button placement. The G4 is slightly curved. The curve is fixed (the phone is NOT flexible). The curve seems fitting and helps this phone not feel too large for your hand. On the front you have the 5.5 inch screen, speaker grill, and the 8 mp front-facing camera. The back looks similar to the G3, with an upgraded 16 megapixel rear-cam, flash, and laser auto focus. Nothing on the side borders. The bottom side has the micro USB charging port, and 3.5mm headphone jack. The top border has the IR blaster and the microphone.

 

LG G4 Android Smartphone Review - Body - Design - Analie Cruz (1)

On the inside, the LG G4 has the Snapdragon 808 chip, 3 GB RAM and a 3,000 mah removable battery (note that the T-Mobile version has a 2,900 battery). It’s running Android Lollipop 5.1 with LG’s UX skin over it.

The G4 has sharper corners than the G3 and it’s also slightly bigger and heavier. The difference is barely noticeable. The back cover is available in a metallic plastic (feels more plasticky to me though), or in leather. So while it’s not a new innovative design, it’s not exactly dull either. Even though the G4 is slightly large for my hand, I found it easier to use with the leather back. It’s smooth, but not slippery. Taking screenshot on the G4 is a little tricky (you have to hold the power button and the volume down button). Believe it or not, due to the genuine leather backing, the G4 is the first phone I used without a case.

Experience

Display and Software

LG G4 Android Smartphone Review - Smart Lock - Analie Cruz

 

I had a great experience with the G3. It looked like I would be able to get the hang of the G4 rather quickly. The buttons seem to be spaced out better. It felt a bit easier to maneuver when clicking. As usual the screen is beautiful The colors don’t seem too saturated to me, and the animations are rather cute.The screen does very well in sunlight. I love the display on it, not hurtful to the eyes at all.

 

Even though the LG G4 is rocking the Snapdragon 808 chip, the phone still works fine. There was no lag on my end when opening apps and switching between them. Downloading and installing apps went smoothly as well.

 

Features

There are a few things I like about the G4 that have made using the phone a lot more fun. The overall UX 4.0 seems to be more toned down. It’s not overbearing over Android like before. It’s not congested, and transitioning is smooth. I still love KnockOn. I love that you can put your “KnockCode” with the screen still off.

 

Another one of my fave features is “Smart Lock”. It allows you to have your phone unlocked in places you set up. For example, when you’re home there’s no need to keep putting your pin / code in; so why not set up the Smart Lock to keep it unlocked at home? You can even set the Smart Lock to keep the phone unlocked when it’s paired to your Android Wear watch.

LG G4 Android Smartphone Review - Smart Cards Notice- Analie Cruz  LG G4 Android Smartphone Review - Notifications - Smart Notice - Analie Cruz

“Smart Settings” is another favorite feature. For some things it’s similar to “Profiles”. Changing from sound to silent when arriving to work. A cool one is what to do when headphones are plugged or paired, which app should open.

“Dual Window” is also a good feature. While I rarely use it, it has come in handy a few times. I use it more for entertainment than for work, but as long as the feature is used I guess.

 

Camera

LG G4‘s camera has been the most talked about upgrade. It has the awesome laser auto focus we came to love in the G3, but now with a 16 megapixel shooter with a f/1.8 shooter, and the ability to shoot manual. There’s a color spectrum sensor (located by the flash), is supposed to help retain color accuracy when snapping pics. The OIS 2.0 is supposed to be very effective as well. When in manual mode you can control white balance, ISO, and shutter speed for shooting still images. There isn’t a manual mode for shooting video though. With all this build-up I was hype on trying the cameras (the front-facing camera was good on paper as well.) 8 megapixel front facing camera? Yes please! You can even capture in Raw mode to edit pictures with software such as Adobe Lightroom.

LG G4 Review - Screenshot - Analie Cruz (5)

As some of you already know I’m not the greatest when it comes to shooting in manual mode on cameras. I’m simple enough to trust the auto mode. But LG was boasting about the camera so much that I got in board.

LG G4 Review - Camera Samples - Auto Mode - LGG4 - #ExploreLGG4 - Analie Cruz (7) LG G4 Review - Camera Samples - Auto Mode - LGG4 - #ExploreLGG4 - Analie Cruz (26)

In manual mode you can adjust a variety of things (like I mentioned earlier). It’s a good thing that you can tweak them because sometimes the pictures taken in auto mode come out a over saturated. In some cases the oversaturation compliments the pic, but sometimes it was way too overbearing. The following slideshow is auto shots

 

LG G4 Android Smartphone Review - Battery Use - Analie Cruz

 

Battery life

 

LG kept the removable battery on their flagship. I’ve had a great experience with the G4’s battery life. I can make it through a busy workday with 20% battery to spare. On a very busy day I’ve made it through to 8pm with 4% left. The smart notices do a great job of letting you know of running apps that may be slowing down your device. I’m sure turning them off helps battery life. There is also a power saving mode to help save your battery in extreme cases.

 

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and availability is varying by carrier. But there is a sweet deal for those who get the phone early. LG is offering a bundle with the purchase. The bundle includes an extra battery and a 128GB microSD card. There are also some bundles that offer an LG tablet at a discounted price with purchase. Look up your carrier for details (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless).

When purchasing the leather backs, the phone will cost about $40 more. The estimated price with a 2-year contract is $199.99, $629.99 without contract (for the metallic/plastic back). For the genuine leather back $239.99 with a 2-year contract, $669.99 off contract. Pricing of the phone and bundle will vary with time and carrier.

 

 

Overall

You will definitely be hearing about the LG G4. LG is making sure that consumers know there’s an option for everyone out there. Camera lovers will definitely enjoy using the G4 with both cameras being pretty great for to be in your pocket. While the phone is not stunning, it definitely looks a lot more polished. The rear buttons feel a bit better than last year’s G3. It’s also great for those who still want a removable battery, and expanded memory since many flagships are moving away from that.

While the G4 is great, I don’t see it as a necessary upgrade from the G3, unless you HAVE to have the camera. If you’re on the LG G2, you’ll definitely enjoy this upgrade. The improvement of the fit, comfort, and the design of LG’s flagship is definitely noticeable after 2 generations. It’s a beautiful phone, definitely worth exploring.

This article appeared on TechWeLike (check out my other reviews there also)

Introducing Project Fi, Google’s Mobile Phone Service

We have been anticipating Google’s mobile phone service for a while now.  Today they finally made it official with Project Fi. Google isn’t creating a network with that includes towers and new network providers. Instead Project Fi, will be using Sprint and T-Mobile service along with Wifi to provide (seamless) coverage . It will jump from service to service to give you the best signal

Project Fi is a program to deliver a fast, easy wireless experience in close partnership with leading carriers, hardware makers, and our users.

 

Pricing and Availability

  • When the program launches, Project Fi will work with Motorola’s Nexus 6 smartphone (you can check that review HERE). You need a special Fi SIM for it to work. Starts at $649 for 32GB)
  • Base price of $20 a month you get all the basics (talk, text, Wi-Fi tethering, and international coverage in 120+ countries), and then it’s a flat $10 per GB for cellular data while in the U.S. and abroad. 1GB is $10/month, 2GB is $20/month, 3GB is $30/month, and so on.
  • Google will refund you for data you don’t use.

  • Project Fi’s Early Access Program: “If you live where we have coverage in the U.S., request an invite at google.com/fi to get started.”

Google Project Fi - simple plan - Analie Cruz

Learn more HERE

 

From the Google’s press release:

Helping you get the highest-quality connection

Project Fi aims to put you on the best network wherever you go. As you move around, the best network for you might be a Wi-Fi hotspot or a specific 4G LTE network. We developed new technology that gives you better coverage by intelligently connecting you to the fastest available network at your location whether it’s Wi-Fi or one of our two partner LTE networks. As you go about your day, Project Fi automatically connects you to more than a million free, open Wi-Fi hotspots we’ve verified as fast and reliable. Once you’re connected, we help secure your data through encryption. When you’re not on Wi-Fi, we move you between whichever of our partner networks is delivering the fastest speed, so you get 4G LTE in more places. Learn more about our network of networks.

Enabling easy communication across networks and devices

Project Fi works to get technology out of the way so you can communicate through whichever network type and device you’re using. Wherever you’re connected to Wi-Fi—whether that’s at home, your favorite coffee shop or your Batcave—you can talk and text like you normally do. If you leave an area of Wi-Fi coverage, your call will seamlessly transition from Wi-Fi to cell networks so your conversation doesn’t skip a beat. We also want to help phone numbers adapt to a multi-screen world. With Project Fi, your phone number lives in the cloud, so you can talk and text with your number on just about any phone, tablet or laptop. So the next time you misplace your phone, you can stay connected using another screen. Check out how it works.

Google Project Fi - service- Analie Cruz

Making the service experience as simple as possible

Project Fi takes a fresh approach to how you pay for wireless, manage your service, and get in touch when you need help. We offer one simple plan at one price with 24/7 support. Here’s how it works: for $20 a month you get all the basics (talk, text, Wi-Fi tethering, and international coverage in 120+ countries), and then it’s a flat $10 per GB for cellular data while in the U.S. and abroad. 1GB is $10/month, 2GB is $20/month, 3GB is $30/month, and so on. Since it’s hard to predict your data usage, you’ll get credit for the full value of your unused data. Let’s say you go with 3GB for $30 and only use 1.4GB one month. You’ll get $16 back, so you only pay for what you use. Get all the details about our plan.

Be part of the project from the start

We’re beginning Project Fi’s Early Access Program to invite people to sign up for the service. Project Fi will be available on the Nexus 6, which we developed with Motorola and is the first smartphone that supports the hardware and software to work with our service. If you live where we have coverage in the U.S., request an invite atgoogle.com/fi to get started.

If you need a new Nexus 6 to use with Project Fi, you can buy one direct from us when you sign up. You can select the “Midnight Blue” Nexus 6 in two storage sizes—32GB ($649) and 64GB ($699), plus applicable taxes, with two ways to pay: all at once or over 24 months.

If you choose to pay for your Nexus 6 over 24 months, it is $27.04/month for the 32GB option and $29.12/month for the 64GB option. There’s no interest or fees. However, a credit check is required to be eligible for this pricing.

Fitbit Charge HR Review – Tracking More Than Activity

Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker Review - Analie Cruz - Black (8)I am familiar with Fitbit products. You may have read my review of the Fitbit Charge I did a few months ago.  You saw how I enjoyed the product and what I thought about it for the features that it offered. I was excited for Fitbit to release the Charge HR because I knew that heart-rate tracking was the next step up in helping keep track of activity. (You can check TechWeLike.com for my reviews of various gadgets).

 

This is the third activity tracker  from Fitbit (I reviewed the Fitbit Flex and the Fitbit Charge before), so I am pretty familiar with the way Fitbit works. I’ve had the app (and a Fitbit tracker) for over a year now, and it’s one of my daily things to do/ and check on

 

 

 

Charge HR Build and Design

Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker Review - Heart Rate Monitor - Analie Cruz - BlackThe Fitbit Charge HR and Charge look similar to one another. You have to get a little close to the trackers to see the minor differences. The pattern is different on both bands.   The closure on the Charge HR band is a buckle, while on the Charge, the closure is a metal clasp (similar to the Fitbit Flex). The main and obvious difference between the two is the heart rate monitor on the backside of the Charge HR band. The heart rate monitor two blinking green lights. It makes the Charge HR a little bit thicker.

 

The Charge HR is slightly heavier than the Charge, not a noticeable difference. You’d notice only if wearing them at the same time. I lThe Charge HR has a display that looks identical to the Charge’s display.

 

 

Experience

Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker Review - Display - Analie Cruz - Black (7)By now I am used to having an activity tracker, but for those who are not familiar with Fitbit, I suggest you check my previous review as well. Just a quick list of what the display shows, the Charge HR has a display (some trackers don’t have a display). I find the display useful, you won’t have to keep looking into the app for your activity information. The display shows the time, date, steps taken, your heart rate, distance walked (miles), and stairs climbed.

Something I enjoy about the Fitbit Charge HR is that you can track individual exercises. You do that by holding down the button (that’s on the left hand side of the screen) to start and stop the timer which will track the stats for that time / workout. Fitbit really tries to help you with all around features.

 

Features

Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker Review - Workout Data - Analie CruzThe stats are also synced to your Fitbit app via Bluetooth. The point of the stats syncing to the app is to create an activity log (you create an account on www.Fitbit.com). With the log you can see your habits and patterns over time. You can log your food intake to give you a better idea of your calorie burn vs your calorie intake. You can also log how much water you drink. The Fitbit app has definitely gotten better over time.

The Caller ID feature is pretty cool, especially when I’m at the office or around the house. I don’t carry my phone around with me and if I get the vibration on my wrist, I know to look for my phone. Would be cool if they had the notification for texts as well. The alert for a call is quick though, you might miss it.

 

Heart Rate Monitor

Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker Review - HR BPM -Analie-Cruz (11)

The main feature of the Charge HR is obviously the heart-rate monitor. The heart rate monitor is supposed to help give you an idea of your workout intensity. Fitbit calculates your heart rate by using the formula of 220 minus your age. You’re supposed to use this information to optimize your workout The Fitbit app chooses the level of the heart rate zones based on your age and weight that you put in your profile. But you can also set your custom heart rate zones in the settings. I stuck with the settings the Fitbit app gave me.

When clicking in the heart rate tab of the Fitbit app, you get a line graph detailing your resting heart rate for the past 30 days. Fitbit suggests wearing your tracker to bed to get the most accurate resting (when you are still and/or calm) heart rate. below the line graph, the weeks are then broken down by days, starting with the most recent and working your way backward. You see a color-coded line graph letting you know your average resting heart rate and it changes color for the times that it was in the heart rate zones (fat burn, cardio, and peak zones). If you swipe left on the line graph, you get multi-color bar graph detailing the “Minutes in the Heart Rate Zones” in the past 30 days.

 

Stats and Progress

Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker Review - HR BPM -Analie-Cruz (11)

Just like the Fitbit Charge and the Fitbit Flex, you can view your stats via the Fitbit app. It’s available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. Fitbit recently updated the app, and now you can have multiple Fitbits synced to the app at once. The tracker syncs with the app wirelessly (as long as the Bluetooth on your phone is on). It comes with the USB dongle that syncs the data as well.

Battery Life

The Charge HR has to be charged every 5 days. Thar’s actually not bad considering the constant monitoring. I  would always play it safe and charge it every 4 days. Unfortunately, the Charge HR has a different charging cable than the Charge, and the Fitbit Flex. Be careful not to lose it. I’m not a fan of the different charging cables.

 

Pricing and Availability

The Fitbit Charge HR is available in two colors; plum and black. It is available in 3 sizes: small, large, and X-Large. I have the large and it fits pretty good. I have to use one of the first slots, but it ranges pretty well. Right now its $20 more than the Fitbit Charge at $149.99. If the price a selling point, you have to figure if the $20 is worth it for the heart rate monitor (I think it is). If features are the the deal breakers, take this into consideration: The Charge has a display and it does everything the Charge HR does except heart rate monitoring. The Charge HR does it all (and has a buckle closure). Last but not least, the Fitbit Flex doesn’t count steps up (elevation), heart rate, nor does it have a display. You have to measure your level of activity, what you need to track and price all in one.

YOU CAN BUY THE FITBIT CHARGE HR FROM FITBIT.COM OR AMAZON.COM

 Overall

Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker Review - Analie Cruz - Black (9)

I’ve grown used to the Fitbit activity trackers and have enjoyed the growth in specs and quality. The Fitbit Charge HR is so far my fave Fitbit tracker. It has a great display, stats at a glance, and the heart rate monitor for a deeper level of training.

The heart rate monitor is not going to be as accurate as one with a chest strap. So if it’s that important to you, I suggest testing it out for a bit to see if you can deal with the stats the Fitbit gives you. I don’t depend on the heart rate on such a serious level so I am okay with the information it gives me. I enjoy having the Fitbit on and doing challenges with friends. It’s a good form of motivation to just get up on your feet.

 

 

 

 

 

This article appeared on TechWeLike (check out my other reviews there also)

Samsung NX Mini Review – Are Small Digital Cameras Still Useful?

After blogging for a few years, I realized there were things I needed to work on. I was lucky enough to review tons of gadgets, but they were mostly in the mobile field.  I never really had much time with cameras, besides the cameras on smartphones. I  started with a DSLR which took great pictures. Then I upgraded to the Samsung NX30 mirrorless camera, which was smaller and had Wifi capabilities.

I enjoyed using the Samsung NX30 so much that I looked into their other cameras. I was intrigued by the NXMini. The NX Mini is a small digital camera with interchangeable lens. I’ve had it for a few weeks, check out what I thought about the Samsung NX Mini.

Samsung NX Mini Review -Analie Cruz - Gadget Girl (13)

Design

Samsung NX Mini Review -Analie Cruz - Gadget Girl (8)The NX Mini is an interchangeable lens 20 megapixel digital camera. It has a 3 inch flip-up touchscreen LED screen which allows you to take selfies (or us-sies) and allows you to navigate the settings easily.  The setup is pretty plain and direct, with most of the menu selections being on-screen and/or multiple clicks in.

The back of the NX Mini, has the 3 inch screen, directional pad with the usual menu buttons (timer, display, and focus settings), and the “OK” center button. Video recording, trash, and review all have separate buttons around the directional pad. The buttons are rather small, but fine for my thin fingers.

The ” Direct Link” (gets the camera ready to share over wifi) , power, and shutter buttons are on the top part of the camera. They are next to the port for an external flash.  The microSD card slot, the microUSB charging port, HDMI mini, and battery are on the right side (if you’re looking at the lens)  of the camera.

 

 

 

Fave Features

If you’ve read any of my smartphone reviews you know that I am not a professional photographer. This camera is great for those who want to try to learn about some of the things professional cameras can do without getting overwhelmed. I had to do a bit of research to get the hang of a few things, but these are some of the features I love about the NX Mini:

Samsung NX Mini Review -Analie Cruz - Gadget Girl (14)

 WiFi Sharing / Auto Share:

Let me start by saying that it’s highly unlikely that I’ll buy a small or mid-size camera without Wifi capabilities ever again. In the world we live in and the field that I am in, instant sharing is necessary. One of the main features of this camera is the sharing of pictures via the Samsung MobileLink app. It’s great when you’re with a group of friends, and don’t want to wait till later to share, or you got an awesome pic that you’d like to share ASAP.  The app is available for both iOS and Android.

Flip Up Touch Screen:

I admit that I love taking selfies. It’s a great way to say  “Look at where I am, wish you were here!”  It’s even more fun with friends.  The selfie cams (front-facing cameras) on most smartphones aren’t all that great (they save the good stuff for the rear cameras). The flip-up screen on the NX Mini allows you to clearly see who is in the picture and it’s wide enough for a great group pic.  The great thing about the flip-up screen is that it works well with the next feature I love!

Smile Shot / Wink Shot

Usually when taking selfies, you use the timer, or pose awkwardly to fit everyone in and get a good shot, with the wink or smile shot, any of the gestures will click the shutter and voila, you got your pic. Some may think it’s gimmicky but it works. I’m better at using smile shot than wink shot.

Samsung NX Mini Review -Analie Cruz - Gadget Girl (4)

Battery Life / Battery Port

The 2,330 mah battery on the NX Mini did pretty well.On separate days of testing I could take a few hundred pictures before the camera died on me. The battery charges inside the camera while connected via microUSB (yay). You know that I keep my battery packs around.

 

 

 

Pricing and Availability

There are different bundles you can buy for the NX Mini. The lowest I’ve seen it with the 9mm lens is $269.99, which is a lot lower than when it first came out at $449.99

YOU CAN LEARN MORE AND BUY IT FROM SAMSUNG.COM OR AMAZON.COM

 

Conclusion

The Samsung NX Mini is an excellent everyday shooter. Great for informal gatherings and good times. For more professional occasions I say upgrade to the Samsung NX30. I love how I can just throw my NXMini in my bag and take it anywhere (and be able to charge it nearly everywhere. In the occasion that the battery is dead, you can charge it with one of your phone cables. Sharing pics is quick and painless. The NX Mini is now at an affordable price range as well. The lenses used on other NX cameras won’t fit on the NX Mini, so you would need to buy a special lens adapter for that. I suggest getting the zoom lens versus the 9mm just for the option of zooming in. I won’t use this as a main camera. If you’re only getting one camera, go for a more professional model. But as a second or third camera, the NX Mini is great.

Samsung NX Mini Review -Analie Cruz - Gadget Girl (5)

 

This article appeared on TechWeLike (check out my other reviews there also)