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Sunday, November 19, 2017
Samsung Galaxy S8 Review: The Ultimate Smartphone?
In this vedeo you will see a full review of Samsung Galaxy S8 , so have a nice watch :) ...
sourece; https://www.youtube.com
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Razer Blade Stealth (Late 2017)
Editors' Rating:
Sharp As a Knife
For the first time since its debut, the Blade Stealth sees a noticeable exterior design change. The screen has increased from 12.5 inches to 13.3 inches, but the body size has stayed the same. The bigger screen is achieved through thinner bezels, an aspect Razer had been somewhat reluctant to change. Although they're more slender, they don't quite match the edge-to-edge display of the XPS 13 Touch$799.99 at Dell.
The touch display is gorgeous. A 0.8-inch diagonal increase isn't a big number on its own, but it makes a difference at this size, and the laptop is better for it, especially since it doesn't increase the chassis size. The resolution is QHD+ (3,200 by 1,800), and like many Razer systems, uses IGZO technology for brighter and more vibrant colors, and it shows. The display is extremely crisp and colorful, making it a joy to use. It's a little reflective under bright lighting, but I prefer that to a duller matte finish, and it has fairly wide viewing angles. A 4K option is available as well, but only at the 12.5-inch size.
Other than screen size, our Stealth looks about identical to the last model, though it's now also available in a new gunmetal color. The chassis is made of the same high-quality CNC aluminum that Razer machines have become known for, and the laptop is as portable as ever. Though it's nicely made all around, I'd say the XPS 13 feels more premium. It weighs 2.93 pounds and measures 0.52 by 12.6 by 8.1 inches (HWD), easy to carry under one arm or toss into your bag for a commute. It's not the absolute lightest out there (especially if you look at some entry or midrange options), but it's as thin as the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro and within less than a pound of the slim, convertible HP Spectre x360 13 (2017)$1,583.99 at Amazon.
Shine Bright
It's hard to miss the lighting on many Razer products—whether on peripherals or computers, multi-colored LEDs dubbed Chroma have in many ways become the company's calling card. The color is provided here in spades by the keyboard, with each key once again individually backlit. That means you can have them all glow and shift in unison, select a wave or ripple effect, or make each key (or groups of keys) separate changing or static colors. All of this is easily accessible through Razer's Synapse software, which is among the better free lighting customization applications out there for keys and peripherals. Somewhat curiously, it should be noted the gunmetal model only comes with white backlighting.
As for the keys themselves, the typing experience is comfortable. It feels like there's a bit more travel this time around (I dinged the last model for somewhat shallow-feeling keys), so typing on this laptop for an extended period is a breeze. The metal touchpad is smooth and responsive, one of my favorites around. The speakers produce clear sound and don't distort at the highest levels, though their maximum volume is hardly booming (unlikely a problem since you probably won't sit too far from a 13.3-inch display).
Port options aren't too numerous, but most bases are covered. The left side holds a USB 3.0 port, the headphone jack, and a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3, which also serves as the charging port. On the right, there's another USB 3.0 port and an HDMI port for connecting to other displays. That's enough to get file transfer and multi-screen done, and the USB-C functionality is there, albeit not while charging at the same time. It is helpful, though, that the Stealth doesn't inconveniently opt for only USB-C, like we see on some of the slimmer ultraportables, including the 2017 Apple MacBook$1,299.00 at Apple Store. The laptop also includes Killer wireless (dual-band 802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.1, and is covered by a one-year warranty.
Watch: Razer Blade Stealth (Late 2017) Review
The USB-C port has added functionality when combined with the Razer Core, an external graphics enclosure. You can install a desktop graphics card of your choice into the Core and connnect it to the Stealth via USB-C, turning your ultraportable into a gaming system when it's docked at home. The Core isn't really meant to be taken with you (though nothing's technically stopping you), but rather, allow you to come home from a commute and turn the same laptop you use for daily tasks into a gaming system. Whether or not you want to play on a 13.3-inch screen is another question, though with the HDMI port, you could also connect another monitor if you wish. This is a purely optional use of the Blade Stealth, and another added expense, but if you don't have a gaming or media system at home, the cost of the Core ($499.99) and a graphics card is still less than everything needed for a desktop.
For storage, this model comes with a 256GB SSD, which is the lowest amount you can order. Both color models are available at 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, but the price skyrockets to $1,999.99 for the highest capacity. 256GB is decent for a non-gaming system, but think carefully if you're someone who will save a lot of large media files and other projects as it may fill up faster than you think. That said, 256GB is somewhat surprisingly standard at this price point—the XPS 13 Touch and others offer the same amount (the base MacBook Pro only offers 128GB).
Trusted Travel Companion
This version of the Blade Stealth is equipped with a 2.7GHz Intel Core i7-7500U processor (same as the late 2016 model), 16GB of memory, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 620. Unsurprisingly, because of the shared processor, this unit put up about the same numbers in general productivity and multimedia testing as the 2016 i7 version. A year has passed since then, so while there have been newer machines out in that time, there haven't really been any CPU jumps. Coffee Lake (the name of Intel's newest processor generation) desktops are just now starting to launch, and a more expensive Kaby Lake R (refreshed seventh-generation CPUs) Stealth is coming, but laptops have generally stayed put in that time. The performance for multi-tasking and lighter media projects was perfectly acceptable for this laptop, and it's a good companion for light-load work and travel. It also ran quietly during testing, a bonus as it won't bother you or those around you with revving fans.
Since the Stealth is the rare non-gaming computer in Razer's lineup, its integrated graphics-driven 3D performance was lackluster. That's par for the course for ultraportables, which forgo discrete graphics cards (and their requisite cooling components) to be the lightest and thinnest around. As such, you can expect to play low-lift or simpler 2D games moderately well, but any high-end 3D games are mostly out of the question. Any video or rendering work that benefits from a graphics card will be slower and frustrating, so don't look to this laptop as a workstation.
Battery life is solid, if not spectacular. It lasted for 8 hours and 3 minutes on our rundown test, which is certainly enough to get through a work day, even if it's not on the higher end for ultraportables. The previous model (with its smaller screen) lasted for 9:20, the XPS 13 Touch for 10:42, and the 2017 MacBook Pro for a leading 16:26, while the 4K Spectre 13 x360 was more similar to the Stealth at 8:18.
Pick of the Pack
The newest Razer Blade Stealth is undoubtedly one of the most attractive options on the market, and for less money than other premium laptops. The 13.3-inch screen size looks stunning and elevates an already-great metal design, the keyboard is customizable, and it's a quick performer. The Dell XPS 13 Touch (Rose Gold Edition) arguably has a bit more premium of a build, and avoids some of the small complaints I have with the Stealth (slightly longer battery, you don't have to unplug the charger to use USB-C) but it's also $250 more as tested. Given that the Stealth offers a brilliant screen at the same resolution and many shared features, it's unparalleled for value in the high-end price tier, earning our Editors' Choice.
Take 24-megapixel selfies with the Vivo V7+
You may not know much about Chinese manufacturer Vivo, but the Vivo V7+ is a great example of what the company does well.
Vivo is doing remarkably well in the developing world with its line of lower-spec midrange phones. It was reported to be fifth in the world in the first quarter of this year, though the company has slipped out of the top five in the third quarter.
Sporting a full metal body, a large 6-inch display with a 18:9 ratio (though at a lower 1,440x720-pixel resolution compared to higher-end devices), the V7+ is an affordable phone with plenty to like. It's powered by a not-so-impressive octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor. But it comes loaded with 4GB RAM and 64GB of onboard storage, which isn't too shabby.
The phone's claim to fame isn't its modest specs, but the 24-megapixel front camera with LED flash that aims to help you take the perfect selfie with a Face Beauty mode. The mode lets you smoothen out your face and change your skin tone. But be warned: You may end up looking a bit too plastic.
The LED flash also acts as a fill light, which is great, if you find yourself wanting to take a selfie in a low-light location, like a pub perhaps. And if you need to take a group picture, the phone has a mode where you rotate the phone to capture a wider shot.
Even without the 24-megapixel front camera, the Vivo V7+ would still be a decent lower-end phone. Sure the Snapdragon 450 may not be as powerful as the Snapdragon 600 and 800 range of chips, but it gets the job done. Gaming may be trickier however if you want the best graphics and fast loading times.
The Vivo V7+ isn't the best phone out there, but its selfie prowess may find it an audience. It is available in India, Pakistan, Bangladash and most of Southeast Asia (though not Singapore) for around $350, which converts to about £265 and AU$460 respectively.
Quick specs
OnePlus 5 camera review
Introduction:
The OnePlus 5 is the Chinese manufacturer's flagship smartphone, replacing last year's OnePlus 3T. The new model is the first OnePlus to feature a dual-camera setup and offers some enticing imaging specifications: a main camera with a 1/2.8" 16MP Sony IMX 398 sensor and fast F1.7 aperture is supported by a 2x tele-module featuring a 20MP 1/2.8" Sony IMX 350 sensor and F2.6 aperture.
The dual-camera design allows for an iPhone 8 Plus-like background-blurring portrait mode and the Smart Capture feature combines optical zoom with multi-
frame technology for improved zoom quality. The OnePlus 5 camera also comes with 4K video, a 720p/120 fps slow-motion mode and a dual-LED flash. The camera app's new Pro mode provides manual control over the most important shooting parameters and DNG Raw capture.
frame technology for improved zoom quality. The OnePlus 5 camera also comes with 4K video, a 720p/120 fps slow-motion mode and a dual-LED flash. The camera app's new Pro mode provides manual control over the most important shooting parameters and DNG Raw capture.
The OnePlus 5 uses Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 835 flagship chipset. Offering 8GB RAM/128GB or 6GB RAM/64GB memory options and a 3300mAh battery that supports the OnePlus Dash Charge quick charging system, the rest of the device's specifications are firmly top-shelf as well.
Key Photographic / Video Specifications
- Dual-camera
- 16MP 1/2.8" Sony IMX 398 sensor and F1.7 lens
- 20MP 1/2.8" Sony IMX 350 sensor and F2.6 lens
- Dual-LED flash
- 4K video
- 720p/120fps slow-motion
- Portrait Mode
- Manual controls
- DNG-Raw support
- 16MP / F2.0 front camera
Other Specifications
- 5.5" AMOLED 1080p display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset
- 6GB RAM/64GB storage or 8GB RAM/128GB storage
- USB Type-C
- Fingerprint reader
- 3.5mm audio jack
- 3300 mAh battery with Dash Charge
DPReview smartphone reviews are written with the needs of photographers in mind. We focus on camera features, performance, and image quality.
Design and camera operation
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| The OnePlus 5's 5.5" AMOLED 1080p display is bright and clear. |
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| The dual-cam module is located in the top left corner of the device's back. |
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| The Apple-style mute switch is uncommon in the Android world. | Headphone-jack and USB Type-C port can be found at the bottom. |
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| You can set the focus point by tapping on the preview image. A zoom button allows for quick switching between the 1x and 2x settings. |
In photo mode you switch between wide angle and 2x lenses by hitting the zoom button or zoom in up to a 8x magnification using the pinch-gesture. You can tap anywhere on the preview image to set the focus target manually. Next to the latter you'll see an exposure compensation slider which lets you fine-tune image brightness, but exposure is not linked to the focus point.
Pro mode allows for manual modification of a range of shooting parameters, such as shutter speed, white balance and ISO. Here you can also select to shoot DNG Raw images.
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| In Pro mode shooting parameters can be set using a virtual dial. A histogram is available, too. |
Features
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| Panorama and portrait modes are accessible through the mode screen. |
The OnePlus comes with a good imaging feature set. There are no filter options but manual camera controls, panorama mode and a background-blurring portrait/depth mode are all on board. On this page we take a closer look at some of the more useful functions.
Dual camera
The OnePlus 5's stand-out feature is arguably the dual-camera that provides a 2x zoom capability. That said, this zoom factor is not entirely achieved by optical engineering. The 20MP Sony IMX350 sensor in the secondary camera on the back only uses a 1.6x optical zoom. Digital zoom is then used to reach the claimed 2x zoom factor. In a final step the cropped image is then upscaled to achieve the specified 20MP image size.
Considering that the main camera only captures 16MP images the latter is a strange decision by the OnePlus engineers. Not only do the two cameras produce different images sizes, as you can see in the samples below, the zoom images also show very obvious digital artifacts which would be less noticeable at a 16MP image size.
Overall the OnePlus zoom function is a bit of a disappointment. Yes, the ability to change your angle of capture at the press of a button is nice and very useful in many situations. However, even in good light the resulting image quality isn't quite what you would expect from an optical system.
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| 1x zoom, ISO 125, 16MP |
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| 2x zoom, ISO 125, 20MP |
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| 4x zoom, ISO 125, 20MP |
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| 6x zoom, ISO 125, 20MP |
Depth effect
Like most dual-cam smartphones the OnePlus 5 offers a background-blurring portrait mode that aims to simulate the shallow depth-of-field of a fast lens on a DSLR. The OnePlus version of the function doesn't offer any adjustment over blur intensity but overall the mode works very well.
Under close inspection you'll find some minor imprecision in terms of background separation but the OnePlus does a better job than many other devices. In addition the blur factor results in fairly realistic looking results and exposure is good, even in lower light scenes.
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| ISO 1600, 1/50 sec |
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| ISO 125, 1/2317 |
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| ISO 1000, 1/50 sec |
Panorama mode
Panorama feature is selected on the mode screen and works in the same way as on many smartphones. A panorama is captured by slowly panning the camera in portrait orientation and staying within the framing target that appears on the screen. The OnePlus 5 captures full 360-degree panoramas, but you can stop anytime by hitting the shutter button.
The 360 degree panorama files are very large at over 25,000 pixels wide. In good light they show very good detail but moving subjects can lead to ghosting artifacts. The mode also has trouble dealing with brightness differences within a scene, like in the third sample image below.
In lower light, panorama mode struggles to capture good exposures and stitching errors are becoming very obvious, as you can see in the third image below. You cannot use the tele-camera for panorama capture.
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| 12098 x 3589 pixels |
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| 25398 x 3406 pixels |
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| 25392 x 3632 pixels |
Front camera
The OnePlus 5 front camera combines a 16MP sensor with an F2.0 lens. In good light this combination is capable of recording well-exposed images with good exposure and decent dynamic range.
As with the main camera, detail gets noticeably softer when auto HDR mode kicks in but the camera still captures good exposure and tonality in lower light and a display-flash function helps in very dim conditions.
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| ISO 125, 1/1129 sec |
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| ISO 640, 1/25 sec |
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| ISO 800, 1/25 sec, flash on |
Raw
When shooting in Pro mode you can activate DNG Raw capture via a button on the main screen. The app will then save a DNG file in addition to a JPEG in the camera roll. As usual, this allows you to apply your own image processing parameters and achieve image results that might be closer to your personal preference than what the camera produces by default.
For the sample below we have slightly reduced exposure and lifted the shadows to minimize highlight clipping. We also opted for more muted and natural colors. Sharpening had to be cranked up quite a bit in order to get crispy detail out the DNG file. However, by doing so you also noticeably increase fine luminance noise in the blue sky.
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| ISO 125, 1/825 sec, out-of-camera JPEG |
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| ISO 125, 1/825 sec, DNG file converted in Adobe ACR |
Gallery & editing
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| In the individual image view you get the options to share, rate, edit or delete your images. |
Like its predecessor 3T, the OnePlus 5 comes with a fairly basic gallery app. However, it provides all the features you are likely to use and Google Photos is pre-installed as well, just in case you prefer the Android default photo app.
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The app offers a basic thumbnail view and images are sorted in folders. Editing options include a range of tonal corrections, image filters, rotation and cropping and an auto enhancement function. If you want more functionality there is thankfully an abundance of editing apps available on the Google Play Store.
Still Image Quality
Daylight, Low ISO
In bright light the OnePlus 5 camera captures images with good exposure and dynamic range, nice colors and decent detail. On the downside is that some luminance noise is quite noticeable in areas of plain color. For example, the blue sky in the sample below and low-contrast detail like grass or distant foliage look pretty smeared when viewed at 100%.
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| ISO 200, 1/2015 sec |
By default the OnePlus 5 comes with the HDR mode set to Auto. In high-contrast scenes, like in the sample below, the function is capable of maintaining a lot of highlight and shadow detail. However, that comes at a cost. When doing its HDR magic the camera sometimes increases ISO sensitivity, which pushes noise levels up. In addition HDR processing can result in noticeable softness. In combination this makes for slightly unpleasant viewing at pixel-level.
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| ISO 320, 1/589 sec |
In the sample below the OnePlus 5 camera records very good detail in the focus plane. Exposure is spot-on and a very slight warm touch in the colors makes for pleasant viewing.
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| ISO 200, 1/4336 sec |
For the scene below the camera kept ISO low at 125, but again there is more noise than we'd like in the sky and some shadow areas. There is also some noticeable softness around the edges. Exposure and colors are excellent though.
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| ISO 125, 1/1426 sec |
The camera's tele lens works in an unusual way. Images are captured with a 20MP sensor and a lens with a 1.6x longer focal length than the main camera. Digital zoom is then used to achieve a 2x zoom factor. So far that makes sense. However, rather than putting out a 16MP image to match the image size of the main camera, the tele image – which at some point during processing is cropped for digital zooming – is then blown up to 20MP again.
As a result the tele images look quite soft, with little fine detail when viewed at 100%. At a 70% magnification, which would not be too far off the main camera's 16MP image size, the photos actually look much sharper. Strange processing decisions aside, the images captured with the tele lens generally show good color and exposure and are fine viewed at smaller sizes. Although image quality leaves room for improvement, the tele lens is a great option to have if you can't get close enough to your subject.
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| ISO 100, 1/622 sec |
For high-contrast scenes the tele lens applies the same HDR methodology as the main camera. The image below is nice to look at on the phone screen but when examined up-close a lot of noise and softness become visible.
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| ISO 320, 1/1060 sec |
Low light, High ISO
When shooting indoors in lower light the OnePlus 5 main camera does a very good job at getting color and exposure right. The sample below shows some luminance noise and loss of detail in shadow and mid-tone areas but hard edges in the frame are well defined and brighter areas of the image still show good fine detail.
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| ISO 400, 1/100 sec |
Luminance noise is a little more intrusive in the brighter indoor scene below, but you'd only notice when viewing at 100%. Chroma noise is very well under control. At 1/50 sec the OnePlus also keeps the shutter speed quite fast which helps reduce blur through camera-shake in lower light.
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| ISO 500, 1/50 sec |
The shot below was captured just before nightfall and the camera has done a very good job. Exposure is very good and the white balance system deals very well with the warm street lighting. Luminance noise is finely grained and there is still a lot of detail in this image.
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| ISO 2500, 1/17 sec |
Like in bright light the tele lens again does its job using a mixture of optical and digital zoom. Pixel-level image quality does not look too pretty, with a lot of large-grained noise and some artifacts. However, in lower light the tele lens still produces results that are still usable at smaller viewing sizes, making it a useful emergency tool at events and similar situations, as you can see in the sample below.
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| ISO 800, 1/50 sec |
The tele lens has to crank up ISO a lot for indoor shots, so noise does become an issue. That said, the portrait below has very good exposure and color and is nice to look at typical social media size.
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| ISO 2500, 1/33 sec |
Video mode
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In video mode you can record up to 4K video resolution with both lenses. You can set the focus and exposure target but otherwise there's no control over the recording process. Overall video mode produces very good results. Only the 720/120fps slow-motion mode is a little disappointing, with low levels of detail and constant refocusing.
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