WHICH IS THE BEST SMARTPHONE?
Smartphones have become so revolutionised, they can be used to do just about anything from changing television channels to updating lists on your computer. With that in mind and the recent releases of new high-end smartphones, we compare the top players in the smartphone market to decide which really provides the best value for money.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S5 – Rs. 45,000 (EXPECTED)
FEATURES
Display: 5-inch, 2560×1440 resolution at 560 ppi
* Operating system: Android 4.4 (KitKat)
* RAM: 3 GB
* Storage: 32 GB and 64 GB variants with micro SD slot
* Processor: 64-bit Samsung Exynos chipset or Exynos 5420 Octa- core processor
* Camera: 16 megapixel rear facing main camera. 2.1 megapixel front facing secondary camera
* Battery: 16 to 18 hours
GOOGLE NEXUS 5 – Rs. 29,000
FEATURES
* Display: 4.95-inch, 1920×1080 resolution at 445 ppi
* Operating system: Android 4.4 (KitKat)
* RAM: 2 GB
* Storage: 16 GB and 32 GB
* Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, 2.3GHz
* Camera: 8 megapixel rear facing main camera and 1.3 megapixel front facing secondary camera
* Battery: 14 to 16 hours
* Dimensions: 5.43 x 2.64 x 0.34 inches
* Weight: 130 grams
APPLE iPHONE 5S – Rs. 53,000
FEATURES
* Display: 4-inch 1136 x 640 resolution at 326 ppi
* Operating system: iOS 7
* RAM: 1 GB
* Storage: 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB
* Processor: Apple A7 (64-bit), M7 Motion Coprocessor
*Camera: 8 megapixel rear facing main camera and 1.2 megapixel front facing secondary camera
* Battery: 16 to 18 hours
* Dimension: 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 inches
* Weight: 112 grams
FINAL VERDICT: The rumoured Galaxy S5 seems to beat its competition hands down. But since there is no official confirmation on the specifications, we are inclined to give the title to the Nexus 5 which has a good performance level across apps, games and network usage
NEW GADGETS
SONY PLAYSTAION 4 – Rs. 39,990
After 7 years, Sony has finally launched an update to its flagship gaming console design which is much desired by most.
FEATURES
* Gaming performance is excellent
* DualShock 4 controller is much improved from previous version
* Visibly positive graphical improvements compared to predecessor
* Limited video sharing options from gameplay
* Simple interface which is moderately inconvenient to use
FINAL VERDICT: The PlayStation 4 is the best gaming console designed by Sony till date. The console puts together an excellent gaming experience and is probably the best gaming device available in the market
GOOGLE NEXUS 7 – Rs. 27,999
The Nexus 7 is the latest addition to Google’s range of tablets. It has a sturdy body and unique design.
FEATURES
* 7.02 inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200
* Internal storage of 32 GB; 2 GB RAM
* Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor works quite fast
* Android 4.4 (KitKat) operating system
* 5 megapixel main rear camera and 1.2 megapixel secondary front camera
* Bluetooth 4.0 enabled and 3G LTE enabled
FINAL VERDICT: At the price it is selling for, the new Nexus 7 is not worth the money. A better option would be to pick up the older model with 3G.
FREE APPS of the MONTH
HONE YOU ENGLISH SKILLS
Improve your vocabulary, grammar and speech
OXFORD A-Z OF GRAMMAR & PUNCTUATION
Platform: Android, iOS
Description: One of the most reliable and easy to use grammar and punctuation apps, you can never go wrong with an Oxford. Covering everything under the sun about grammar and punctuation, this app includes descriptions, usage and examples in grammar and puncuations.
ENGLISH IDIOMS FREE
Platform: Android
Description: Consisting of about 3500 idioms, the English Idioms Free app is perfect to transform your speech and writing into something more colourful and interesting. The app provides a list of idioms and phrases and also covers its meaning, usage and derivation.
VOCAB PICTIONARY GRE
Platform: Android
Description: It is believed that an image lasts in a person’s mind for a considerable amount of time. Dwelling on that thought, Vocab Pictionary Gre is an app that uses pictures to describe words. It caters to vocabulary needs of anyone looking to learn new words, and also those that are in the preparatory phases of competitive exams like GRE, MBA and CAT etc.
WORD SEARCH PUZZLES
Platform: Android, iOS
Description: The Word Search Puzzle app is a fun and very addictive way of acquainting yourself with new and existing words in the form of puzzles and crosswords. Ditch books and newspapers for your fix of puzzles and crosswords by downloading this fun app.
MERRIAM WEBSTER
Platform: Android, iOS
Description: Dubbed as being the Holy Grail in the world of English, a dictionary is the best and most important reference point when aiming at perfecting this language. Keeping one handy, even if it is on your phone, is always a good idea.
Volume 3 Issue 7
