Specs that matter
CPU: Snapdragon 800 quadcore running at 2.3 GHz
Memory: 2GB RAM, choice of 16GB or 32GB version.
Display: 1920 x 1080 in-plane switching
Battery capacity: 2300mAh
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Design and ergonomics
++++ Impressive 1080p IPS monitor
++++ good in-hand feel
+++ good weight and slim profile
+++ build material is not the slippery kind
– no expandable storage
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Software and features
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+++++ No bloatware whatsoever
+++++ Android 4.4. UI is quite the improvement
+++ ART runtime (beta, has app incompatibilities)
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Camera
++++ big improvement over the Nexus 4 but
—- still only sufficient for snapshots
Photo samples:
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Performance and battery life
+++ fast bootup (under 10 seconds) and shutdown (2 seconds).
+ Sound quality ok, does a fair job in cancelling ambient noise in noisy areas
—— battery lasts around 8 hours of light to medium usage i.e. social media, emails, instant messaging, web browsing, 60mins of video and no gaming; during a day at the office.
– charging time averages around 2.5 hours
– minor app incompatibilities but easily fixable by developers
Benchmark results:
Bonus
+ Wireless charging works well with the nokia DT900 wireless charger. But charging time is further extended to aorund 3 hours compared to 2.5 with the original charger.
– no crappy earphones included in the box… perhaps a good thing.
Alternatives
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