technology
Big, bigger, best
By Charles Boffard
Those huge, tablet-sized phones are popular for a reason.
It’s a hideous name, but we’ll have to get used to it: a phablet is a phone so big it’s nearly a tablet – say more than 5.5 inches – and
they’re getting bigger.
Suddenly, giant smartphones are everywhere, with Huawei, Sony, LG and others scrambling after Samsung’s success with the
Note and Note 2. Sony’s Xperia Z Ultra measures 6.4 inches. That leaves us just 0.6 of an inch – about four months, at this rate –
before we’re calling a Nexus 7 tablet a phone.
The big-screened phones have grown sleeker, the hardware and software better designed for one-handed use – and much,
much more powerful. In fact, we’re forced to admit it: phablets have become more efficient tools than smaller smartphones. Just
have a look at these…
Sony Xperia Z Ultra
Price TBC
sony.co.za
There’s no denying that it’s
lovely to behold this Xperia,
6.4-inch black glass, a
near-perfect Full HD screen and
only 6.5mm thick. Though it’s a little
overwhelming to hold at first, and onehanded operation is limited, its slim
frame makes it easy to handle. The
touchscreen has a protective coating
that allows you to tap and swipe with
any pen or pencil. And it’s waterresistant.
Specs
Display: 6.4-inch 1080p
OS: Android 4.2
Dimensions: 179x92x6.5mm, weighing 212g
CPU: 2.2 GHz quad-core
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 16GB internal + microSD
Cameras: 8MP, 2MP front-facing, Full HD video
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Price R9 000
samsung.co.za
The just-released Galaxy
Note 3 is slightly bigger, thinner
and lighter than the Note 2. Its
leather-like back is nicer to hold and
gives a premium look. The upgrades?
A bigger, super-sharp display, 13MP camera,
more battery life and most importantly, it’s turbocharged with a 1.9/2.3GHz processor and 3GB RAM.
So it’s a dazzling multitasker, aided by smart interface software that
makes controlling menus and windows with the stylus a real pleasure.
If you want a phablet, you have to check out the Note 3.
Specs
Display: 5.7-inch, 1080p Super AMOLED
OS: Android 4.3
Dimensions: 151x79x8.3mm, weighing 168g
CPU: 2.3 GHz quad-core (LTE) or 1.9 GHz octa-core (3G)
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 32/64GB
Cameras: 13MP, 2.1MP front-facing HD video
LG Optimus G Pro
Price R8 000
lg.com
Well done, LG! You created a device to challenge Samsung’s Note 2
and did a very good job of it. The Optimus G Pro has a higher-res 1080p
display, faster 1.7 GHz processor and some good proprietary apps.
Unfortunately, it will now compete with the Note 3, and the advantage will
pass back to Samsung.
Specs
Display: 5.5-inch 1080p
OS: Android 4.1.2
Dimensions: 150x76x9.4mm, weighing 160g
CPU: 1.7 GHz quad-core
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 600
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 16GB internal + microSD
Cameras: 13MP, 2.1MP front-facing, Full HD video
And coming soon…
The 2013 title fight is expected
to be between the Galaxy
Note 3 and the HTC One Max,
reportedly 5.9 inches and
powered by a Snapdragon
800. The Nokia Lumia
1520 should follow
with six inches of
screen and yes, a
Snapdragon 800.
Edition 7
Subbed Banker SA Technology.indd 49
BANKER SA
49
2013/10/15 10:35 AM