Android Magazine UK - Issue No. 49

Buyer’s Guide

1

Moto X (2014)

While the previous Moto X had been something of a flagship underdog, the second-gen model has

emergedasamust-havedevice.Aslightlylargerscreensizeat5.2inches,metalchassisandthe

option to personalise your handset before you buy with the Moto Maker program, while remaining

cheaperthanitsrivalsandwithanearstockexperience,enablesMotorolatostealourtopslot.The

only downside is that the new Moto X still lacks a microSD slot to expand the memory.

£325

See issue 45

2

Sony Xperia Z3

Despitebeingmadeofreinforcedglassandaluminium,andbeingwaterproof,theXperiaZ3isavery

stylishall-terraindeviceandweighslittleinthehand.The20.7MPcamera(alsowaterproof)isoneof

thebestwe’veseenonaphoneandthePlayStationRemotePlayfeaturewillappealtogamers.

£383.33

See issue 44

3

LG G3

PippingSamsung,HTCandSonytotheposttolaunchthefirstnext-gendevice,theLGG3haswonus

over with its pin-sharp QHD screen, laser-focused 13MP camera and lightning-fast processor.

However, its faux metal plastic casing is disappointing, as is its mono speaker.

£325

See issue 41

4

HTC ONE (M8)

Acomboofacompletelychromeunibodyandabig,brightscreenmakesHTC’sflagshipphoneoneof

the best-looking on the market. A pair of BoomSound speakers, FM radio, infrared TV remote and

quick media-casting options result in a powerful and portable entertainment system.

£391

See issue 37

5

Samsung Galaxy Alpha

Mimicking the iPhone’s chamfered metal case, there is no denying the slim and sleek Alpha is

Samsung’s best-looking phone ever. Overall performance is strong and the advanced HDR Live

camerafeatureisaplus.Butevenwithanewsetofpower-savingtools,thebatteryisabitsmall.

£249

See issue 43

6

SamsungGalaxyNote4

Tolookat,theNote4isamodestupdateontheNote3,withasame-sizedisplayandcontinued

emphasis on using the S Pen stylus. However, it has been revamped in almost every area. The

TouchWiz interface handles better than ever, it has a 16MP camera and has an extra-long battery life.

£458.33

See issue 45

7

Nexus 6

Google’s first phablet, the Nexus 6 is larger than either a Galaxy Note 4 or OnePlus One. This makes it

an awkward fit for one-handed use but the gigantic 5.9-inch QHD display looks fantastic. It also has a

super-fastprocessorand3GBRAMforzippyuse,alongwithacommendable13MPcamera.

£415.83

See issue 47

8

Samsung Galaxy S5

WiththelaunchoftheS6,theGalaxyS5isnowalast-gendevice.It’sspecsarebehindthoseofthe

newbreedliketheNexus6andXperiaZ3,butitsrangeoffitnessfeaturesandthumbprintscanner

mean that it is still an impressive handset, despite its disappointing plastic chassis.

£336.33

See issue 38

9

Google Nexus 5

AsaGoogleproduct,theNexus5isalong-terminvestmentasitisguaranteedtohavefirstpickof

future updates to the Android OS. However, though it still performs well, in terms of specs – in

particular the processor, camera and battery life – it’s a lot less competitive than it used to be.

From £299

See issue 32

10

Xiaomi Mi4

While OnePlus is the bigger name in Chinese exports, Xiaomi is selling millions of units in its home

country.TheMi4managestoundercuttheOnePlusOneonpricewhilemaintainingimpressivebuild

quality.LikeOnePlus,Xiaomiusesanon-standardOSbutit’sequaltoKitKat4.4.

From £200

See issue 44

In case you missed it...Selfie essentials Read more in issue 48

Olloclip 4-in-1 photo lens

»Price£59.99/$69.99

»Websiteolloclip.com

Clipping onto the top of

your phone camera, you

can use the Olloclip to

switch lenses to add

effects to your photos.

This includes a fish-eye

and a wide-angle lens that magnifies

theimageupto10xand15x.

Selfie Pods selfie stick Eye-FiMobiSDcard

»Price£34.99/$TBC

»Websiteselfiepods.co.uk

Part selfie stick, part tripod, the

stick extends to one

metre for better

self-portraits. The

retractable tripod is

handy for photo

shoots and also watc

videos hands-free.

THE BEST FLAGSHIP AND MID-RANGE

TOP 10 SUPER SMARTPHONES ANDROID PHONES ON THE MARKET

Selfy camera shutter case
» Price £29.99/$39.99
» Website iluv.com

This Galaxy S5 case
includes a removable
remote control that can
activate your camera
shutter for improved
selfi es. Unfortunately, it
does add quite a bulky look when
it’s on your handset.

» Price^ £33.33/$49.99

» Website http://www.eyefi .com

Notsomuch a phone

accessory, as one for your

camera, plug this SD card

into your old digital camera

to give it its on Wi-Fi fi eld.

Then you can access your

camera’s photos easily on

your phone and upload them online.

WINNER