Introduction

I usually start with a brief review of devices chapeau, but now it is not required. The site already has materials about OnePlus One, after reading that, you can see where all undertook this project and what expectations he had in the first hours after the announcement.

Looking ahead a bit, I would say that the work done within the company PR work paid off – about OnePlus One today the whole world knows. And sometimes even people who are not closely tracking the market of smartphones. Previews and reviews on all major platforms, as well as heated discussions – all indicator of popularity. Pete Lau, founder of the project, or “start-up”, also known as OnePlus One, along with his team worked perfectly at run time, and prior to this event months, and initial sales by invitation only fueled interest in the device. Perhaps in another situation such steps, in contrast, would alienate people from your smartphone is not enough that he Chinese, but still can not buy just because. But in favor OnePlus One played two factors combined together – very low cost at great characteristics. Hence the name “killer flagships.”

In this review I will try to explain all the features of the new smartphone, noting its strengths and weaknesses and still share my subjective opinion about the new product. From time to time I will call smartphone abbreviated – OPO (OnePlus One).Come on.

Supplied

Just note that if you buy a Chinese version of the smartphone, the kit will see two boxes – the main, with the device and accessories, and more, with charging unit. Difference between international and Chinese version, at first glance, no.Although initially the Chinese version comes with ColorOS on board in Russia it is sold, as a rule, with CyanogenMod 11. At least, the online store where I took smartphone test samples already patched, in fact, we obtain the same international version with CM.

So, an additional box – it’s the only thing where we can find fault in the package. Yes, there are no headphones, but today manufacturers are less likely to put them in the set of top-end smartphones, so personally I do not consider this point disadvantage.

The smartphone comes in a chic white box within which – the second box red one “enters” in another.

The device is in the red box, just like the main complete accessories. Making your own boxes and accessories – above all praise. If you sometimes order something from China, you probably caught yourself thinking that opening a box of crumpled colorless simple cardboard difficult to expect a good device inside, even if you already know that it’s really good. There are exceptions, this packaging companies such as Oppo, Meizu and Xiaomi, where everything is made simple and tasteful, but the packaging OnePlus One – a completely different level.

Each element of the box, every accessory inside literally screaming about how a quality product in their hands. I say is serious, if the rule applies to smartphones’ meeting on registration of packaging and decoration accessories supplied », OnePlus One would have been among the leaders.

Inside, in addition to the smartphone you will find:

• Charging unit (in a separate box)


• Set of paper instructions


• Flat Cable USB-microUSB


• Clip for seizures SIM-cards (rubber boots)

Each element of the careful attention to detail and features as well. Paper instructions hidden in a neat red envelope.

Clip to squeeze chute with microSIM-cards packed in a neat rubber cheholchik red, so it will not lose as simple as a paper clip in any other unit.

USB-microUSB cable is thin, so it will not be twisted, and it can quickly be twisted together into a small “sausage” on the right there is a small cable homutok for easy fixing it in a twisted state.

About a single cardboard box with charging unit I said above. Framed as the box itself, and the charger for five points.

Personally for me OnePlus One – one of the first smartphones, a positive experience which begins to form before switching the device itself, just a cursory acquaintance with the packaging. And this despite the fact that there is a separate box for the charger and headphones not included.

Design

Describe the appearance OnePlus One can short phrase – simple and unpretentious. If even shorter – laconic. There are no original solutions, except, perhaps, a small recess between the protective glass screen and metal frame around it. The photo shows this feature is difficult, but I tried to find the angle:

Hull shape is simple, with a barely noticeable bend the upper and lower ends, the back is also a bit bent, but the convenience of the grip is not affected.

I can not say that I look OnePlus One is something like “wow”, not just decent, not scary smart appearance. I think most users will be similar opinion – OnePlus One can not be called a freak or ugly, rather it just does not cause any emotions, and even someone like because of its brevity in design.

Body Materials

Smartphone made of plastic. More precisely, in the magnesium alloy used (something like a chassis on which an item is located), but a large part of the visible body – plastic. Also there is a safety glass and thin metal frame around.

Plastic white OnePlus One smooth, matte, pleasant to the touch and practical – and traces of fingerprints on it invisible, scratch, even if there will be, too, will not be evident. Black OnePlus One is made of rough to the touch plastic, but the rest of the material is also practical, so choose between colors is worth thoughtfully cover texture will be different.

Assembly

Smartphone felt monolithic, although in practice the cap is removed, even at home, but it is assumed that just because the user will not do it, and how to cover removable. Of mobile elements here only keys and tray microSIM-cards. To build quality no complaints – all at a high level, there is no gap between the elements, buttons fit tightly, no squeaks.

Dimensions

A year ago OnePlus One can be attributed to the marginal category of so-called “fabletov” (very bad word), but today, a smartphone with a screen diagonal of 5.5”-normal, some like it or not. I personally until recently could not quite take the trend of increasing diagonals, but now, perhaps, resigned. Anyway, OnePlus One – one of the largest smartphones on the market.

OPO comparable dimensions and some other large vehicles:

• Apple iPhone 5S - 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm, 112 grams


• HTC One (M8) (5”) - 146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4 mm, 160 grams


• LG G3 (5.5”) – 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm, 149 grams


• Nokia Lumia 930 (5”) – 137 x 71 x 9.8 mm, 167 grams


• Samsung Galaxy S5 (5.1”) – 142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm, 145 grams


• Sony Xperia Z2 (5.2”) – 146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm, 163 grams


• OnePlus One (5.5”) – 153 x 76 x 9 mm, 162 grams

When you take your hands OnePlus One after any other smartphone, it seems huge. There is no sense to invent something or smooth – huge dimensions of the device are seen as “on paper”, and in reality. Even LG G3, the machine with the same screen size 5.5”, is markedly smaller than OnePlus One.

In his hand is a smartphone, respectively, so convenient, how big you are or how you’re hands are accustomed to dimensional devices. In the pocket of his trousers and jeans fit, but in the summer wearing shorts OnePlus One will not be so convenient.

Dimensions – one of the main shortcomings and few OnePlus One. If you have never previously enjoyed smartphones with large displays, before selecting OPO worth hold it in your hands in the store (if you live in Moscow, you can do it, even if you buy the machine gray), or hold the same LG G3, Samsung Galaxy Note 3. So you have at least some representatives dimensions OnePlus One.

Controls

Controls at least – short volume key on the left side, the power button on the right block and touch buttons below the screen.

Hardware volume buttons and power are not the most comfortable, because thin and small. Moreover, the keys protrude slightly above the surface of the housing. However, you quickly get used to them, and the power button and not used – a smartphone can unlock double tap of the screen.

On the left edge is also a slot for microSIM-cards. To remove the tray card, you must use the complete clip.

At the top end – additional microphone (“denoising”) and 3.5 mm mini jack for headphones. At the bottom – the lattice stereo speakers and microUSB-socket, as well as the main microphone.

Buttons below the display are illuminated by a light blue from left to right here are the keys Menu, Home, Back. Backlight can be set for the duration of the work, from 1 to 30 seconds, or mode, “Do not stop.” For Home and Menu keys, you can specify additional actions to longer retention button or double-clicking. Accordingly, we obtain the two keys of the six operations, three each. However, the choice of actions designated small, it can be action from the following list: launch the application menu, launch manager of public programs, search, voice search, search applications and camera activation.

For the volume button when the tap is turned off, you can activate the music controls when long press the up or down keys to switch tracks. In the settings you can enable onscreen buttons (suddenly come in handy?).

On the front side, above the screen, located earpiece, light sensors and proximity, as well as 5-megapixel front camera (autofocus is not) and the light.

On indicator light to talk in more detail. The fact that today are less often used this method of notification of new developments in smartphones, but it does not OnePlus One just realized, but it is implemented on a powerful level. In the settings you can set a base indication for missed calls and voice mail, as well as add an indication for any installed application. This means that you can set the flashing LED when you receive new messages, mail, notifications Twitter, Instagram, and other calendar events. At the same time separately for each application, you can choose the color of the flashing LED, and the duration and rate of blinking.

Screen

In OnePlus One uses LTPS LCD screen technology TOL (glass and sensor without air gap). Display size 5.5”, resolution 1920×1080 pixels, density of 401 ppi. Screen covered with protective glass Gorilla Glass 3. According to the main characteristics of brightness, viewing angles, color reproduction display can be called good. Maximum viewing angles, brightness stock is above average, close to the natural color rendition, there is no obvious bias in too warm or too cold tone.

However, if the base color rendition OnePlus One you do not like, you can change all the settings of its display. There are two available modes, normal and bright, as well as user mode with manual override on four scales: hue, saturation, contrast and intensity. If you choose bright mode, warm tone will prevail, I personally use during its OPO to write a review used the standard mode.

Online discussions have problems yellowing screens in some individual samples smartphone while someone yellowness seen clearly, someone, on the contrary, almost not visible. I tried to find this flaw in the sample, for which he wrote the review, there downloading application Display Tester and expelling pictures of different flowers. To be honest, I do not know, I found the problem in the end or not, after reading the first couple of dozen pages discussing the problem, and then run on a smartphone image in black and looking at her a couple of minutes involuntarily begin to see in some areas yellowness. Or do not start, I do not know. I want to say that if you turn on your smartphone, went into the menu, settings, changed a couple of times and the desktop image returned to him after all these manipulations do not see any obvious yellow spots, probably, with the sample still okay as in my case.

I decided to compare the display OnePlus One (right / top) screen LG G3. It is clear that the comparison is not entirely correct, yet G3 higher resolution, but both display the same diagonal, so that it is appropriate to compare.

If judged by the eye color, then the screen shots LG G3 seems preferable, calm, in reality OnePlus One bit nicer to the eye due to a small shift to warm tones, while the image on the LG G3 seems a bit cold and therefore less saturated, but the difference this is barely noticeable.

In general, the display OnePlus One, in my opinion, very good. Here, the most suitable for the diagonal resolution (I believe the transition to more than Quad HD), the maximum angles Obora, stock brightness, manual setting.

Camera

Main camera OnePlus One – 13-megapixel sensor Sony Exmor IMX 214, six lenses, aperture f/2.0. Maximum image resolution – 4208×3120 pixels.

Located near the main camera dual LED flash, which can be used as a flashlight.

Settings are collected in three tabs: camera, video, shared. In the camera selects the resolution, image quality, focus mode, the value of ISO, metering type and a few other parameters. In the video resolution, video and audio codecs (MPEG-4 are available, H.263, H.264 video and AAC, AMR-NB audio), as well as accelerated survey, 60 or 120 frames per second. In the “General” tab you can enable shooting button volume control volume keys zoom, mode and left-hander to all keys in the viewfinder located on the left of the center of the screen rather than on the right.

The quality of images, in my opinion, above average, although when compared with machine LG G3, in which the camera is one of the best, the lag can be seen. When comparing cameras OPO with Sony and HTC smartphones such you will not notice the difference, and certainly in OnePlus One camera can not be called typical for the Chinese smartphone device for image quality comparable to other flagships, though not all.

The smartphone has a built-in photo editor standard system Android. It can be made automatic enhancement of the image and change it manually. Among other things available cropping, image rotation, and a plurality of filters. You can also change the brightness, contrast, saturation, shadows, the color temperature of the entire image or selected areas. Moreover, in the frame can be any number of individual sections of the chosen radius, for each of which you are free to select the individual settings. You can still change the sharpness of the frame and add to it one of the effects: vintage, drama, black and white, the effect of HDR, retrolux, frame shift and tilt. Within each effect available dozens of options and settings for each of them.

Video. Maximum recording quality – 4K DCI (4096 by 2160 pixels), the standard – FullHD (1920×1080), has video recording modes at 60 and 120 frames per second. Tracking AF in the current firmware versions on the OPO is not provided, just plain, which can be changed tap of the screen. Video quality is generally good, in my opinion, but you can evaluate it yourself.

Front camera with a resolution of 5 megapixels smartphone without autofocus very ordinary. You can take pictures of a loved one, or use it for video calls on Skype, for example. As typical for the front camera, more than usual, the resolution does not matter.

Autonomy

The smartphone is set Li-Pol battery capacity of 3100 mAh. The average charge is enough for the whole day, even with active use smartphone with many hours of listening to music and taking pictures on digital camera unit does not sit in the middle of the day, which often happened with the flagship of different companies for two or three years ago.

With my usage scenarios OnePlus One survives to 20-21 hours, being removed from the charging 9-10 am. Load is roughly as follows: 1 hour of talks, 10-20 text messages, gmail, 3-4 hours of music playback, 1-2 hours of active use of mobile Internet (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, browser), constant throughout the day in correspondence WhatsApp and Facebook messenger (not total less than an hour), shooting on a built-in camera (in about 50 shots per day). I think the work of the unit in this mode until the evening – a good indicator.

Platform, memory

The smartphone is based on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon platform 801 with a quad-core 2.5 GHz, the graphics subsystem (GPU) – Adreno 330 processor with a frequency of 578 MHz. The unit 3 GB of RAM and 16/64 GB of internal memory. MicroSD card slot is provided, so you need to determine in advance (if you decide to take the smartphone), enough to your 16 GB or worth watching aside 64 GB version. In the 16 GB model is available for user data storage about 12 GB, this point must also be considered in the 64 GB version will be available for a little less than 60 GB.

Performance tests

To speed OnePlus One two weeks smartphone usage I have not had a single criticism. Interface running smoothly and without lag, switching between programs is fast, clear and without jerks, smartphone is not particularly strongly heated, even if you use it very actively.

Software features and software

One of the chips OnePlus One – CyanogenMod. This is one of the “assemblies» Android with advanced features for short. In OPO used CyanogenMod 11S with shell Trebuchet 1.0. In terms of basic capabilities CM11 – this is the same Android 4.4 with all of its functionality, but beyond that, CyanogenMod offers the user a lot more chips.

You can modify the format that displays the current battery level and network reception: a circle, stick with interest, without, the options are many. You can remove the search bar on the desktop and icon label icons themselves can be oversized. In the status bar, you can hide the clock display. Themes can be combined with each other by choosing, for example, desktop wallpapers and fonts of the same themes, styles and icons sockets from another, and animations and sounds – from the third.

Music player originally OnePlus One is used as a base for Android – Google Play. Yet there is a utility sound settings for headphones and speakers, equalizer presets, and more.

For OnePlus One promised removable cover of atypical smartphone materials – wood of different breeds and texture jeans of several colors, Kevlar and others. Details have not been announced, but if the opportunity (book cover and change it yourself) will appear, and without an excellent device will become even more attractive.

Conclusion

The quality of reception for the two weeks of use OnePlus One I have not had any complaints. Volume ring dynamics slightly above average in most situations it is well heard. The speaker volume is also at a good level, there is little margin for conversations in noisy environments. Vibrating alert is average. Also, the smartphone has a few handy “bell” options. Can vibrate in response to your call (when you call, do not need to listen to the beeps as soon as the person answers, the machine vibrates), similarly adjusted for vibration reject calls, and can be set to vibrate for 45 seconds of each minute.

Official rates OnePlus One – $ 300 for the 16GB version (currently sold only white model) and $ 350 for the 64GB version (only black). Problem one – buy a smart phone for the money is very difficult to get an invitation, and only after that you will be available for buying. As for the invitation and how to get? This, according to the creators of the project, each user needs to understand himself. In Russia OnePlus One 16GB sold an average of 14 000-16 000, senior, 64 GB version can be found in 18 000, but the average for her asking about 20,000.

If you look at prices similar to OnePlus One characteristics of devices, we obtain an average price tag in the region of twenty-odd thousand. The most recent examples – LG G3 with the official price of 30 000 rubles, Sony Xperia Z2 (30,000), Samsung Galaxy S5 (30,000), HTC One M8 (30,000). In this OnePlus One loses some of these models and the lack of quality of the camera memory card slot, the rest – all the same, but for less money twice. Even if you compare prices only on the gray deliveries, including those listed flagship, the price difference between the OPO and any competitor from the list will still be impressive 5 000-10 000.

Therefore visible to competitors OnePlus One can call cheaper Xiaomi Mi3 (smaller screen, less memory, no 4G) and more expensive Oppo Find 7, which, incidentally, is the basis for OnePlus One. However, this now remembered less and blame in this situation, in a good sense, it is a team OnePlus One, managed to promote, in fact, similar to Find 7 smartphone so quickly and efficiently that it eclipsed the original.

As a result, we can say the following – even if you close your eyes to the very complicated procedure of buying a smartphone at a stated price and take it from the online store 50 percent more expensive, OnePlus One is still incredibly attractive option, if you choose a new leader. This is the rare case when a catchy headline and even insolent «Flagship Killer» in an advertising company OnePlus One and almost all the promises of its founders were true.

The author expresses his gratitude to the online store pixelphone.ru for the provided test smartphone OnePlus One.

Features:

Operating system: Android 4.4 (CyanogenMod 11S)

Network: GSM, HSDPA, LTE (microSIM)

Processor: Quad, 2.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon platform 801

Graphic subsystem: Adreno 330

Memory: 3 GB

Data Memory: 16/64 GB

Card Slot: no

Connectivity: Wi-Fi (b / g / n / ac) Dual-Band, Bluetooth 4.0 (A2DP), microUSB (USB 2.0, MHL, OTG) for charging / synchronization, 3.5 mm headset jack

Display: LTPS LCD, diagonal 5.5 “, 1920×1080 pixels, density 401 ppi, automatic backlight adjustment

Camera: 13 MP with autofocus, dual LED flash, video recording is in 4k, 1080p, front-facing camera 5 MP

Navigation: GPS (Support A-GPS), Glonass

Extras: accelerometer, light sensor, proximity sensor

Battery: Li-Pol 3100 mAh capacity

Dimensions: 153 x 76 x 9 mm

Weight: 162 grams

Review smartphone OnePlus One

Review budget smartphone Blackberry Z3

Positioning

It is no secret that sales of sensor devices Blackberry 10 failed miserably, and the first device Z10 sold for $ 200, realizing residues. For the money the model proved to be more than interesting, that does not invalidate its birth and at most childhood diseases. Its too hurried to market, as a result, it was not too exciting for most buyers. Trap, which hit the company Blackberry, is not new, similar problems experienced in the past a lot of manufacturers. Surprisingly, the traditional buyers Blackberry products do not perceive it as the preferred package, switch to products of other companies. In this situation, little can be done, attempts to actively promote their proposals provide only a minor reprieve epilogue is always the same.

Package Includes:

• Phone


• Charger with USB-cable


• Wired Headset


• Instruction

But the example of other companies shows that if the time to quickly shift to new market segments, it is possible to achieve relatively good results. Main segment is selected with the budget, it is always a guaranteed win – because there are consumers who do not have any experience with previous models, and for their novelty can become the first major unit of a large company, in the past there were Palm, Motorola and several other players . Therefore, when Blackberry went off the beaten track, I was not a surprise it. Pictures looked device, read specifications – not inspired at all. But when my hands got this device, completely changed my mind – the modified OS, which got rid of the children’s problems, good performance for its price segment plus the redesigned virtual machine that allows you to run Android-application. This unit became curious for anyone who loves to explore new platforms, read for technology enthusiasts. But also it has quite a verified audience those seeking a balanced solution, and it is desirable that it be from a company with a name. For such people Blackberry – it’s a known brand, which they never had, and it’s a real opportunity to buy inexpensive product company. Moreover, the negativity associated with previous failures, these people are also absent. Blackberry Z3 success would mean a reprieve for the company, and if it is correct to play a card, it can and does go into a new market segment, gradually restoring the sales from the bottom up, that is, from low-end models in the middle and upper price segments.

I can not say that the Blackberry Z3 - it’s the perfect phone, the more so in Russia it is not sold officially. But this is a model that is uniquely interesting, and one of the first touchscreen Blackberry, devoid of serious shortcomings of the box, that is, after a few years in the company were able to overcome childhood diseases and release pretty interesting device.

Design, size, controls

Perhaps the main difference of the weight of this unit is not Chinese models in the design and Blackberry large inscription on the front panel. Can be arbitrarily long laugh, but it’s a real advantage for low-cost devices – the brand is always more expensive than something unknown. And if the brand is sold in one cost with conventional telephones, customers prefer it. I hope that no one will argue that the Blackberry – it’s a known brand. In the budget segment, it is almost unknown.

On the left side are on / off button, volume keys, and branded button that changes the value depending on the menu, it is context-sensitive.

On the right side, with the flap attached to the body, is the memory card slot, as well as the microSIM. Occupies the lower end of the connector microUSB, but the 3.5 mm jack – at the upper end.

The rear of the unit is made of velvety plastic, and it flyspecked. Very practical solution, no finger prints, no scratches. Molded body, replace the battery will not work. On the rear surface – LED flash and 5 megapixel camera.

Above the screen is a front facing camera, and proximity sensor. Glass is made from edge to edge, quite convenient.

The phone – 140h72.8h9.26 mm, weight – 164 grams. In the hand unit is not bad, it’s pretty thin. Build an excellent, no complaints. Used a system of two microphones that provides a decent connection even in noisy environments.

Display

Surprise buyer a 5-inch screen is not possible and not necessary – displays of this size can be found even in low-cost smartphones. Screen resolution – 540×960 pixels, which can not be considered something special, its geometry – 16:9. In my opinion, the screen image a bit flabby, fonts, compared with the older models look different. But it is compared, in individual units more than good. And if you compare with classmates in terms of price, here the display becomes one of the best and quite on the level. It fades in the sun, but still readable.

I screen in this model seemed comfortable and quite reasonable for a budget model. It does not cause complaints.

Battery

Capacity Li-Ion Battery – 2500 mAh, according to the manufacturer, it allows you to view up to 10 hours video, listen to the player to 84 hours to 15.5 hours of talk and standby unit can hold up to 16 days. Given that previous models with similar batteries worked much less, I treated these statements cool. Let me remind you that the main problem of previous devices were third-party applications (not Android, and started to BB10). They planted the battery instantly, often enough on the phone 5-6 hours at best on a light day.

I was third on the unit version of BB10, she unofficially available online. This version had a lot of work to optimize all applications, so it was interesting to see its capabilities. What can I say – the machine is at least two times longer than the previous model. We’re not talking in his stuffing, which is close and similar, namely to optimize the OS. If earlier it was possible to talk about the loss of work time on the same class of Android-based smartphones, the Blackberry now comes forward, providing a winning time 1.5-2 times. And this is a very big advantage.

When quite noticeable load – about an hour of talking, checking e-mail, social networking to a couple of hours, a dozen SMS – this unit lives about two days. Battery charging time – about 2.5 hours. In my opinion, this is the first touchscreen Blackberry, which again differs a great time work, just like old times.

Hardware platform, memory, performance

Traditionally used chipset from Qualcomm, here is MSM8230, pretty old dual core processor with a maximum frequency of 1.2 GHz. By the standards of the world Android is not too efficient solution, but it is enough BB10, it works quickly and is very fast, no slow downs no.

Unlike older models, there is not 2 GB of RAM, but only 1.5 GB. Can only be glad that the budget model did not skimp on one of the most important parameters and provide good performance.

8 GB built-in memory, it is available to you almost everything. You can install memory cards up to 32 GB.

The bottom line is I want to say – for a budget machine, this model more than the performance, no complaints. For obvious reasons, the speed of the Android-applications lower than on Android devices in the same price bracket. But this is easily explainable and understandable.

Communication features

When you connect your phone to the PC automatically detects the operating system (MacOS / Windows) and prompts you to install Blackberry Link, which is downloaded from the company website. Only after installing the program will be installed drivers that will see the phone memory as removable media. Memory card such dances with a tambourine do not need it immediately visible as removable media.

In my opinion, this is a very stupid idea, because it limits the connection Blackberry Z3 only places where you can install the synchronization software (if you do not use the card, and built-in memory only). When connecting the visible virtual disk with drivers and installation file, you can put the driver manually.

Version Bluetooth 4.0, there is support for NFC, as well as dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n and a hardware GPS. There’s nothing to say – it works, and thanks for that.

Camera

Low-end models have always been distinguished by the fact that the picture quality is mediocre with them for Chinese phones this problem altogether, there is no resolution plays a role, regardless of his pictures are of poor quality. And then the question of a picture in 5, 8 or 13 megapixels, it is not necessary – it still stupid.

Traditionally, Blackberry cameras were of average quality, not the best. But Blackberry Z3 camera for a budget machine unexpectedly good, it produces very high quality images that are uniquely superior to most Android-smartphone in this class. Indoors it starts slowly, very noisy.But the sun it gives a very, very good picture quality. Video recording standard, everything is good. In short, for the camera in Blackberry Z3 company should be commended.

Software features – radio, music, and Android-App

Full description of the operating system, how it works, you can find on our website, I will not be repeated, focusing on the most important points.

To begin with, that I was on the phone version of the BB 10.3 (10.3.0.700 Gold SDK), which accidentally leaked to the network. The box comes with Blackberry Z3 version 10.2.1. In 10.3 cosmetic changes undergone UI system, change the background, design individual menus – is the work on the bugs, plus giving a fresh new version of the form – turned out bad.

The interface main menu button is now highlighted as a blue circle, it is clearly visible. Innovation at first did not like, but when using the phone changed his opinion, turned out bad.

In previous versions of the OS if you closed all applications that will open them it was impossible, because they are not in the device memory. Now one and the same gesture opens the same list of icons, regardless of whether the application is in the memory or not. If they do not, you will be the last application you were working, they would appear on a transparent background.

Changed search app – now it’s Intelligent Assistant. You can ask in English or dictate orders – for example, set an alarm clock or something like that. For English, it works for the Russian support is not there.

The system also appeared many small changes, the new settings in the mail and other sections, dwell on them will not, they are not of a fundamental nature.

Integrated FM-radio only works with headset sounds good. As well as the multimedia capabilities of the device is not satisfactory, it’s okay.

Now let’s focus on the most controversial features in previous devices – Android-supported applications. Since this function is a traversal of what makes Google, and then wait for the full operation was impossible, running slower, bad, banal, many applications are not run. To v10.3 much reinterpreted – a virtual machine began to support more applications, you can also set the application to work with the Play Store (bypassing the official store) or third-party stores from different companies, I was on the phone Amazon and Yandex. When installing an application loads the machine, then it appears in the menu. Startup takes longer than on Android-smartphone, as performance suffers.But most of the typical applications, the ones that do not involve complex graphics work tolerably well. Moreover, they are able to work in the background, which is quite an achievement. And as already stated above, then worked on energy efficiency, even Android-applications are not planted battery.

Taken seriously as an advantage of Android-supported applications can not, something may work, some do not. But, let’s say, another reason, however small, in favor of this model as a budget machine. Let’s see how everything will work well for the official release 10.3 on different machines.

Impressions

Quality communication apparatus decent call loud, vibration tangible pockets. In Asia, this unit is offered at $ 180, surprisingly little for phone Blackberry. In Russia dealers sell it for 9-10 thousand rubles, which does not look so interesting, although it should be noted that the margin is not huge.

Surprisingly, but got lucky Blackberry budget unit. Its not specifically for that fault, that in the flagship company looked like a definite minus in comparison with competitors (not enough high-quality camera, less memory, etc.), it’s not seen as a disadvantage. Plus, it happened that a few years later the company’s developers were able to overcome childhood diseases operating system, made it more licked, provided the gain in energy efficiency. The final result came in the face of all decent Blackberry Z3 – the device for its price segment spectacular worthy.

In Russia, the Blackberry is not popular Blackberry Z3 model will not be sold officially, so the only possibility – buy it from dealers or at your own risk and order in western stores. The second method, taking into account began to struggle with the gray market is questionable, since the risks are quite high.

For me, interest will be the next Blackberry device 10.3, not niche fablet Passport, and the replacement model Blackberry Z3 and the middle segment. They can get interesting and relevant, but here it is difficult to guess, as long as the company has only made the first timid step and to improve the situation. I really hope that they can get out of the pit where found themselves, and become a major player again.Hope ghostly, but still want to believe in it.

Review budget smartphone Blackberry Z3

For several years until recently unknown in the world of Chinese brands Meizu and Xiaomi, and Oppo, became recognizable. In about the same period, two or three years, major Chinese manufacturers, Lenovo, Huawei and ZTE, also seriously improved its position in the global smartphone market, but in general, this situation means one thing – Chinese companies are confident steadily gaining momentum in the smartphone market . And if just three years ago it was believed that the Chinese smartphone – it’s just a misunderstanding, over which you can laugh, especially on the translation of the menu, but today the situation is completely different. Due to small businesses, again Meizu and Xiaomi, as well as a new project OnePlus, users around the world can buy a top-end smartphone for approximately one and a half times lower than the one asking for the flagships of the major manufacturers. Especially in policy sales top devices at very low prices is the company succeeded Xiaomi. A new smartphone, Xiaomi Mi4, and I want to tell you briefly.

July 21 in Beijing, China, the company unveiled its new Xiaomi flagship – Mi4. Very interesting characteristics, and some other parameters of the device on a good budget-priced.

I will begin, as usual, with characteristics.

Features Xiaomi Mi4:

• Materials: plastic, metal, glass


• Operating system: Android 4.4, MIUI V6


• Network: GSM / EDGE, UMTS / HSDPA, LTE


• Processor: Quad, 2.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon platform 801


• Graphics: Adreno 330


• Memory: 3 GB


• Flash memory for data storage: 16/64 GB


• Card Slot: no


• Connectivity: Wi-Fi (a / b / g / n / ac) Dual-Band, Bluetooth 4.0, jack microUSB (USB 2.0, MHL, USB-OTG) for charging / synchronization, 3.5 mm headset jack, NFC


• Display: IPS LCD (Sharp), diagonal 5 “, 1920×1080 pixels, 441 ppi, automatic backlight adjustment


• Main camera 13 megapixel with autofocus and flash, f/1.8 video is recorded at 1080p


• Front camera 8 MP, f/1.8, Wide (80 degrees)


• Navigation: GPS (Support A-GPS), Glonass


• Extras: accelerometer, light sensor, proximity sensor


• Battery: 3080 mAh


• Dimensions: 139 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm


• Weight: 149 grams

If you are familiar with the Chinese market from a popular brand of smartphones, to which Xiaomi, certainly true, you probably have already compare the features of last year’s flagship, Mi3, with the characteristics of the flagship fresh, Mi4. And most likely, too, thought that it was from the point of view of technical progress is not bright, at first glance, breakthroughs. On the one hand, the break is nowhere in particular, on the other – there is still scope for increasing the amount of RAM, screen resolution, and cameras, as well as many other features. And no matter what the end user has the characteristics of this race is invisible, invisible to the eye as the difference between FullHD and QuadHD screen resolutions.

Fortunately for us, the users. Xiaomi decided to focus on the new flagship in the secondary, as it seems at first, the details. And personally, I am sincerely grateful to the company for this step!

But still want to start with a small criticism. Xiaomi company has never hidden that Apple tries to follow and imitate them in many ways, they do not hide it in numerous interviews, a competing brand, Meizu. In China, like Apple, and that people’s love for the American production company applies not only to users, but also for business executives. This year Xiaomi love for Apple and the desire to follow them came to some, in my opinion, absurd-MiPad, new tablet Xiaomi, appeared outwardly literal copy Apple iPhone 5C, larger in size.Interesting move, because you can not say that Xiaomi blatantly copied its tablet design for tablet Apple, not at all, they took the design of the smartphone, is also not the main, and, say, resize it, thus obtaining MiPad. But the final result is still secondary to design completely, and the fact of such an obvious copy, without a gram of their ideas, I personally seemed too primitive for the company level Xiaomi.

C new smartphone situation, fortunately, is not controversial, although a clear desire Xiaomi bring to his new Mi4 as much as possible “iPhone” is still clearly seen.

Xiaomi Mi4 made of plastic, glass and metal, if the materials used to describe briefly. In the heart device is stainless steel frame, so the perimeter of the smartphone turned metal. Front side – safety glass, the back of the smartphone is made of plastic.

If you look at the side of the machine, it is easy to see the similarities with Apple iPhone 5/5S, from the front or from the “back” – with models of Huawei and ZTE. However, all my thoughts about the design of subjective, and I do not claim any guarantee certain point of view. I personally design Mi4 seems a little unfinished, because I see in it a lot of other devices, but at the same time, it should be noted that Xiaomi Mi4 looks decent.

An important detail in a new Mi4 – removable panels. This is the first feature from the category of those “parts”, which focused in Xiaomi instead continue to race diagonals, permits, megapixels and other parameters. Within a few years the idea of ​​interchangeable sockets offered by Motorola smartphone Moto X, one of the largest producers and not supported. In fact, why provide users with removable panels, if you can make a cover-band-aid or non-removable glass zalyapyvaetsya after taking the first smartphone in hand? But supported the idea of ​​a new OnePlus One, review of which you may have read, as well as in Xiaomi Mi4.

Will be available for Mi4 many exchangeable sockets, some plan to make non-standard materials (wood of different breeds and invoices, for example), others will be simulated.

The second important part of the new Xiaomi Mi4 – diagonal and therefore size. After the huge five-inch screen with Mi3 (smartphone to this day remains one of the largest such display diagonal) I personally have been fears that if Xiaomi decide to make a device with a diagonal of 5.5”, it becomes more than a Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Fortunately, the new Xiaomi Mi4 display is still a five-inch, but the dimensions of the smartphone compared to Mi3 decreased. Most importantly, the reduced width, seriously affecting the ease of grip smartphone.

• HTC One (M8) (5”) - 146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4 mm, 160 grams


• Nokia Lumia 930 (5”) – 137 x 71 x 9.8 mm, 167 grams


• Samsung Galaxy S5 (5.1”) – 142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm, 145 grams


• Sony Xperia Z2 (5.2”) – 146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm, 163 grams


• Xiaomi Mi4 - 139.2 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm, 149 grams

Across the width of the housing Xiaomi Mi4 is one of the most “thin” smartphone with a screen diagonal of 5”, it can be compared only to that of other “Chinese» – ZTE Nubia 5S (width 68.8 mm) or Huawei Ascend P7 (68.8 mm).

The display itself is used in Xiaomi Mi4, typical of the flagships 2013-2014 – IPS matrix, 5” diagonal, 1920×1080 pixels, 441 ppi. Thickness frames left and right of the screen – 2.63 mm, according to the Xiaomi (check then ruler!).

Now about the characteristics. Used Platform Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-processor with a frequency of 2.5 GHz. Inside 3 GB of RAM and 16/64 GB of internal flash memory for data storage. Alas, but the memory card Xiaomi still despise, as in most other Chinese companies. That is, there is no slot. But there is Bluetooth, NFC, dual-band Wi-Fi and USB-enabled USB-Host and USB-OTG. There is support for fourth generation networks (LTE, 4G), there is no fear that when ordering the device from China, you can not use it in our networks 4G.Battery capacity in the new device – 3080 mAh.

The main camera with a resolution of 13 megapixels, autofocus and flash, aperture f/1.8, sensor Sony IMX214. The front camera has a resolution of 8 MP, f/1.8, here also used the sensor from Sony (Sony IMX219), to the same wide-angle front camera. With autofocus or not – is not yet clear.

Smartphone will run most likely running an updated version of the sixth MIUI, based on Android 4.4. While information on Xiaomi Mi4 official Chinese website is accompanied by references MIUI V5.

In addition to the smartphone, Xiaomi yet submitted and “intelligent bracelet” or “fitness bracelet”, as anyone familiar. Basis Xiaomi MiBand – small aluminum body with stuffing, dustproof and waterproof (certification standard IP67), and removable straps. The choice will be a large number of straps of different materials, different colors and sizes, and the base strap, as noted on the website, made of very good materials and will not cause skin sensitization (of course, where a stone flew).

Do bracelet has a minimum set of functions – counting activity (number of steps, distance, etc.), sleep mode when the device captures different phases of sleep and then wake up the owner at a specified time, a notification about new events (missed calls). For ligament «Xiaomi Mi4 + Xiaomi MiBand» provides the function quick release smartphone is enough to bring to the screen the hand while wearing a bracelet, and voila, the device is unlocked without a password or swipe.

Claimed battery life – up to 30 days, operating temperature range – from 70 to 20 degrees, of course, to be MiBand firmware application on Android. The cost of the bracelet – 79 yuan, translated into understandable us money is about 450 rubles.

Conclusion

Do Xiaomi turned once again shake the world? Probably still not. The new flagship of the company does not excite the imagination, does not cause feeling incredibly new and terribly tough product. But the paradox is that the time has come when it is the product of a steep feeling less interested not only users who are tired of yearly change flagships, but also manufacturers. Xiaomi company born as a “startup” (true, then this word has not been used as the name of any team friends doing another useless application or service), and the first time was necessary to attract the attention of users. Xiaomi and now it is perfectly possible, but the example Mi4 we see the progress of trying to be first in everything and surprise everyone there is a shift towards the development of the brand and products, and a new accessory – a glaring example. And he Xiaomi Mi4 – an example of a balanced leader. And shake the world Xiaomi no longer want, likely because it just showed the sales figures of previous devices.

Even if these data are seriously overstated, the very name of Xiaomi, flitting from one year to the world’s news media, is an indicator. And the company, apparently, feels good.

Xiaomi Mi4 16GB will be sold for about 320 dollars (11 000), Mi4 64GB – $ 400 (14 000). Preorders for the smartphone will start in late July, and when it will begin to sell and distribute through the network (dealers, of course), is still unknown.

In my opinion, Xiaomi Mi4 turned out the most successful of the entire line «Mi Phone». Excellent characteristics are combined here with low price, as usual, but the Xiaomi worked on size, did not increase the screen size and focus on minor, according to many other manufacturers, things: design, form, able to change the appearance of the product after purchase, and repeatedly.

Xiaomi Mi4 - Focusing on the details

Facebook has released an application Internet.org for developing countries

Facebook announced the launch of the application Internet.org for free access to certain services on the territory of countries with low internet penetration. At the moment it is only available in Zambia and for subscribers of Airtel.

Appendix Internet.org give access to some “basic” services within the country, in particular, to seek health information (on HIV disease, pregnancy, parenting and other), job search, weather, government information, the list of women’s rights, Wikipedia , search Google, Facebook and Facebook Messenger. Access to some services provided in a restricted mode (for example, Facebook does not lose video). For information outside service subscribers of the operator will have to pay for data transfer.

Internet.org application available for Android and the web version. In the future, it will appear in other countries. Previously, Facebook provides access to the mobile version of the social network subscribers about 150 operators around the world (mainly in developing countries). It is noted that the application Internet.org – the first time that Facebook provides free access to social networks, along with other services.

Internet.org – Mark Zuckerberg’s initiative to increase Internet penetration in countries with low internet penetration. In particular, it is supposed to be implemented through a high-altitude drone work that will “give away” the Internet. To do this, Facebook has acquired British Aerospace Companies Ascenta.

Facebook has released an application Internet.org for developing countries

iOS-app Wikipedia restart with a new design

In the App Store application will be updated online encyclopedia Wikipedia. The fourth version of Wikipedia Mobile updated design and added the ability to edit posts “on the fly.” This was reported in the company’s blog.

New application interface has become much “cleaner”. The developers claim that getting rid of unnecessary elements, focusing the reader on the content. The changes also affected the search section, which was “fast and intuitive.”

Wikipedia Mobile code has been rewritten from scratch. As a result of this application was run much faster. Among other innovations added editing feature articles on mobile devices and the ability to save reading materials offline.

Designers have repeatedly stated that Wikipedia «stuck in the ’90s.” In connection with this web periodically appear different variants site redesign. Nevertheless browser version of Wikipedia remains the same.

iOS-app Wikipedia restart with a new design

The explosion at a factory in Kunshan City China : 65 dead, 150 wounded

Powerful blast on Saturday morning at the Chinese factory, manufactured wheels: According to Xinhua , at least 65 people died and 150 were injured. Many of the victims in serious condition due to extensive burns.

The incident occurred in the Chinese city of Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province in the east at 7:37 am.According to Reuters , the company’s plant Zhongrong manufactures metal parts for the American company General Motors, as well as other customers.

On-site work police and rescue workers, the number of victims to be confirmed. China Central Television (SCTV) showed footage from the crash site: rise above the building of black smoke, dozens of victims are entered into ambulances.

Xinhua citing microblog city police reported that the preliminary cause of the explosion was the ignition of metal dust on the shop floor polishing.

At the moment of the explosion in the workshop, there were about 200 workers.According to CCTV, about 40 people were killed instantly.

Kunshan is located to the west of Shanghai and east of the city of Suzhou, ITAR-TASS reported.

The explosion at a factory in Kunshan City China : 65 dead, 150 wounded

Washington will give Ukraine $ 19 million for training and equipping Ukraine National Guard

U.S. intends to allocate $ 19 million for training and equipping the Ukraine National Guard. This was announced on Friday at a regular press briefing Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby.

As he said, these intentions have already notified the U.S. Congress. Notice he sent the Ministry of Defense and the State Department. It is the U.S. intention “to use $ 19 million to train and equip the four companies and one tactical headquarters Ukrainian National Guard,” Pentagon spokesman quoted by ITAR-TASS.

According to Kirby, the purpose of such activities will be building up the capabilities of the security forces of Ukraine in the field of “homeland defense.”Expected that the implementation of this program will start if the legislative branch of the U.S. government a “green light” in 2015, said the spokesman for the U.S. military. According to the stated them, training will have to go to the International Center for Peacemaking and security in Sycamores (Lviv region).Representatives will conduct its ground troops from the European Command, the U.S. Armed Forces and the National Guard State of California, which has a partnership with Ukraine, Kirby added.

Earlier in the day, the press office of the White House on the basis of a phone call the next U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden and President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko announced Washington’s intention to provide the Ukrainian Border Guard Service “new (financial) assistance in the order of $ 8 million.” According to the version of the White House, these funds will be used for the purchase of “engineering equipment for infrastructure improvements along the Ukrainian border trucks and patrol cars, observation equipment to increase visibility” Ukrainian border guards, “small boat designed for maritime patrol and interdiction operations.”

Washington will give Ukraine $ 19 million for training and equipping Ukraine National Guard