BolehVPN: Freedom Through Security

It’s been a while since I last did a phone review, mainly because I’ve been so busy, but those of you who followed BolehVPN since its early days know that I’m an avid phone switcher. This year, I switched from a Galaxy Note 2 to a HTC Butterfly and then to a Sony Xperia Z and now finally the HTC One which has landed in Singapore just this weekend on Saturday! In fact, when I bought it, the sales people at Challenger at Funan, weren’t even sure they had it in stock.

For your information, there hasn’t been any official announcement date for Malaysians though it is expected to come before the end of April.

There are a lot of reviews out there on the HTC One so I won’t go too much into the specifications but more on the general feel and impressions and how it stacks up against the competition.

LOOK AND FEEL

The HTC One is definitely a looker though the uninitiated, (aka my girlfriend and her housemate) thinks that it looks like an iPhone 5 because of its chrome edges. I beg to differ and HTC has managed to come up with a unique and differentiating design in a very signature HTC look building on the previous awesome designs of the HTC One X and the Butterfly. The curved back and the dual speakers definitely make it a looker and will illicit envious stares. I’m a bit concerned at the silver back as to how it would fare against scratches though and I’m not generally a fan of smooth surfaces as opposed to a matte grooved backing ala Galaxy S2 which gives better grip and is more scratch resistant. In fact, the HTC One, feels a bit slippery and I keep on worrying about dropping it. Though other reviews indicate that the metal backing is tougher than it looks without the metal chipping problems of the iPhone 5.

Compared to the Sony Xperia Z which exudes grunt and is great for fans of square-ishness and Borg-like looks, the One looks like a refined and sleek device, albeit it does admittedly has some Apple-ish design elements. This is pretty important considering the Galaxy S4 looks very similar to a Galaxy S3 and tips the scales into the One’s favour in terms of looks and design. It is a little big to hold in the hand though and I feel that the Xperia ZL (not the Z), has a better grip feel than the HTC One.

CAMERA AND ZOE

No quick review would be complete without the much hyped 4 ultrapixel camera and I’m pleasantly surprised.  I was concerned that it was marketing hype and how it would stand up against a Lumia 920, and it fared pretty well.

For a good comparison, you can view TechnoBuffalo’s pretty comprehensive review here and you can see how well the HTC One fares. Where it shines are the low light scenarios where noise levels are significantly less. It just seemed like an improved version of the HTC Butterfly’s camera with better low light capabilities. It also trounced the Xperia Z, that despite its 13 megapixel EXMOR RS sensor, introduced noise into everything, a problem that has been expressed in XDA Developers as well. The drawback is that with the lower megapixel count, digital zooming becomes kinda pointless. However, it is a pretty competent holiday snapper and it goes to show that megapixels aren’t the be all and end all spec! In fact, the smaller file sizes generated make them that much easier to upload on social media (the destination of most phone snaps anyway).

I attach some of my own photos here for comparison.

Zoe is pretty cute! I was a bit skeptical of how it worked at first as it just seems to take a short little video, but it’s how it’s being implemented that makes it functional being more like short snippets of something happening and then bringing them together in a automatically created slideshow with video and background music. I’m still coming to grips with it but the functionality is a bit limited with only a few song choices and it’s not immediately clear how to create a Zoe out of several different days together. The best part are the Gallery previews which bring your photos to life ala Harry Potter newspaper style.

You can view the Zoe I created here.

SCREEN

I really love the screen. While the Xperia Z lacks punch and looks muted (unless playing movies and pictures (where the Bravia Engine helps), the HTC One’s screen is fantastic much like the HTC Butterfly’s. It may not be as punchy as an AMOLED screen, but colours are vivid with great viewing angles and good readability in daylight. I would take this screen over an AMOLED any day though that may be a matter of preference. Whatever it is, no one can doubt the quality of the screen. Also for the PPI addicts out there, yes it beats the iPhone 5 Retina (326 PPI) and yes it beats the S4 (441 PPI) as well. It’s 468 PPI and takes the pixel density crown (though arguably you won’t see that much difference at that level of density).

BOOMSOUND SPEAKERS

Ok, this is a pretty bad name for it but it’s what really makes the HTC One a great media playing device. No longer do you need to rely on external speakers as the sound coming out from the dual speakers in front are pretty decent, much like a good set of laptop inbuilt speakers which is pretty decent for showing videos to your friends or for watching while on the go. This is a pretty killer feature for me that sets the One apart from its rivals rather than just pure specs alone. It’s a functional addition that adds a lot to the experience.

BLINKFEED AND INTERFACE

I was also a bit skeptical on BlinkFeed since it just appears glorified newsfeed much like FlipBoard except it’s on your homescreen. But it’s beginning to grow on me. We mostly whip out our phone for some thing to do and BlinkFeed facilitates this very well. A big gripe is that there are only limited feeds to pick from and you other options just include picking entire categories (eg technology and science, politics) without control of which sources appear. We understand this will be rectified in a software update. There’s also no clear way on how to disable BlinkFeed though you can just simply not use it and it will not drain data etc and set a different homescreen. On my phone at least, it will remain as the homescreen and especially so when more fine tuned controls for managing those 1400 + news sources that BlinkFeed uses… Kudos to HTC trying to be different.

However, what I don’t like about the interface is that HTC has removed the menu button which necessitates a virtual menu key in programs that need it that would takes up valuable screen estate. They could have replaced the HTC logo with an additional key.

BATTERY LIFE AND PERFORMANCE

Thus far, it performs beautifully and benchmark shows that it’s the most powerful phone out today which is based on the Snapdragon 600. Granted that crown appears to be only short lived once the Galaxy S4 (without LTE version) comes out based on benchmarks done on the unreleased handset. The LTE Galaxy S4 version would also use the Snapdragon 600. However, there’s no lag in usual operation and it’s snappy and responds well despite the heavier UI in the form of Sense 5.

Battery life is mediocre and about on par with the HTC Butterfly/Droid DNA though better than the Xperia Z. It’s average battery life and for normal use would last you a full day but for me would die in about 14 hours of use and need a top-up.

PRICE

The HTC One is at the high end of the scale in terms of price at RM2,299.00 in Malaysia for the 32 gigabyte version. In Singapore, it’s SGD986.00 for the 32 gb and SGD1,068.00 for the 64 gb. The 64 gb version will only be available later in May. This should be more or less comparable to a Galaxy S4.

VERDICT

This is really the definitive Android phone to own right now even with the S4 coming out. The Galaxy S4 may beat it in raw processing power but in terms of design and features, the HTC, arguably has the lead here. Samsung’s additions seem more like gimmicks (Smart Stay, Air Gestures) rather than actual functionality compared to HTC’s camera and BoomSound features which can be used everyday. The same in a way can be said for the Xperia Z which all it boasts is its waterproof capability (though I do admit enjoying to use it while showering).

It’s a pity that with delays in manufacturing due to parts delay connected to the UltraPixel camera, the HTC One was launched so close to the Galaxy S4 and as a result a lot of its thunder was stolen. HTC cannot compete with Samsung on specs relying on third party vendors such as Qualcomm and also cannot complete on a marketing standpoint with a much smaller budget than Samsung. Samsung’s advantage lies in the hardware side being able to control most if not all of the components in their phones hence better adherence to shipping dates and a wide distribution and production network, able to launch its phones quickly globally. Which is a pity since this phone, despite not being the most powerful phone out there, really shines in trying to be different and doing it well.

Despite its stunning design, unique features and all around great performance, most people don’t even know what the HTC One is nor know what the difference is between a One X and a One (bad marketing choice in my opinion). There was hardly any hype leading to it compared to the much fanfared S4. When I posted a picture on Facebook of the One, people thought it was a Blackberry Z10 and had no idea what it was! Even the aunties and uncles know what a S4 is and that is a real marketing triumph for Samsung.

HTC One embodies all that is good about HTC and also highlights its weaknesses. “Quietly brilliant” is the tagline of the Taiwanese company but unfortunately…a bit too quiet for HTC’s liking and hopefully it won’t be the last hurrah for a company in desperate need of a bestseller despite all its hard efforts. It’s only a matter of time until Samsung catches on as this rumour indicates.

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Being a smartphone addict and a HTC One X owner, I’ve been following the Samsung Galaxy S3 very closely to see how it stands up. There’s so many crappy spam articles out there with a mere spec comparison. I’ve also taken a look at several video comparisons but they’re often heavily biased. However, I finally found the ultimate Galaxy S3 and HTC One X comparison video made by Ava of HeelsandTech which I have included below with their kind permission! Amazing detail and unbiased.

In short, the S3 in terms of performance and functions is superior than the HTC One X with

• a significantly better battery life,
• a slightly better UI (TouchWiz has matured!)
• better sound quality in terms of audio playback (psh Beats)
• and an unlocked bootloader.

The HTC One X excels in its

• unique unibody design,
• accurate representation of colors on its screen,
• slightly better call quality and
• a camera that performs slightly better in low light.

If you asked me which phone I would get if I had to get a new one, it would be the S3 simply because of the better battery life despite its more standard looks.

Without further delay, here are the video comparisons courtesy of HeelsandTech.

Part 1

Part 2

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Since opening GeekZen, it has always been a policy of ours to make sure we all test our products out. I chose to take the Urbanears Plattan a whirl since I needed a more portable headset than my Siberia and I didn’t quite like the ‘in the ear feel’ of my otherwise awesome Sennheiser CX880. I got an indigo colored one.

Coming from a Steelseries Siberia v2 headset that costs about RM399 for the regular version and RM449 for the USB version, getting a nicely designed headset for RM289 (even less after discount!), I was slightly skeptical. Let’s see how it pans out!

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Plattans is impressive. The use of durable woven fabric both on the headstrap and the cables not only gives the Plattan a unique look but keeps the cables tangle free and the headband padded. Form meets function. The matte plastic used on the cans and the adjustment clip also has a velvet feel to it and doesn’t feel or look cheap. In fact it looks more premium than the Siberias that cost almost double.

The design also has a kind of retro-esque look mashed together with Ikea sort of minimalism which gives the headset a very unique style. When I wear them around, it turns heads (hopefully because it looks good and not cause I look like a dork). The headset folds to save a bit of space when carrying it around. The Plattan is also light which is great for carrying around and easy on the head and neck.

There’s also an additional extra AUX port (which they call the Zound port) in the right headcan which allows a friend to plug in and share the music you’re listening to. Perhaps this is something more useful for couples but it’s a nice touch nevertheless.

Comfort

I wore them for a couple of hours and didn’t feel any discomfort but I notice there were some reviewers perhaps with larger/wider heads that felt it was rather tight. It is noted that although the distance of the cans to the headband can be adjusted, the width is purely governed by the headband so the wider you go, the more the elasticity of the headband will press on your ears. So if you have an exceptionally wide face, it might be tight.

The ear pads do not surround your entire ear but rest lightly so there is some noise exclusion but you can still hear outside noise which may be a good or bad thing. Considering the Plattans were designed for ‘urban’ use and on the go, I felt that this was a good thing. You don’t want to get knocked down by a car that you didn’t hear cause you were too busy grooving to that funky tune.

Sound Quality

I have to admit I’m no audiophile. I can probably tell between poor, average, good and great sound but not tell you about the nuances so the following is just my own personal opinion.

I’ve put on a pair of Dr Dre Solo HD and felt they were good but not worth the RM1,180 price tag. In fact I felt that the Plattans were about the same as the Solo HD except that the Solo HD because of its design that cupped over the ears, had better noise exclusion. The Plattans have a thumping, rocking bass which was evident when I played World Order’s Machine Civilization (which you should totally watch the music video). But the Plattans’ sound was most importantly rich and vibrant and pretty damn good for its price range. Don’t be mistaken, it’s no Sennheiser HD800 (which costs about USD1550+), but it offers excellent value for money and a good day to day usage headset to go to.

I also really liked the mic which came across as clear to my friends where I used it for Skype calls and phone calls while hooked up to my mobile phone. I also found that I didn’t have to keep on adjusting the mic to make sure it was close to my mouth for myself to be heard clearly.

Conclusion and Where to Get It

I really like the Plattans. It’s trendy, it has good sound and doesn’t break the wallet. If you’re after a solid pair of portable headsets that look good, you can’t quite go wrong with the Plattans.

I am  therefore pleased to offer it on our partner website GeekZen and poses excellent value especially when used in conjunction with BolehVPN’s exclusive 10% discount code!  It comes in a wide variety of colors ranging from the standard colours like black, mocca to more outrageous colurs like tomato and raspberry.

You can grab it over here at GeekZen!

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If any of you buy stuff from Lowyat, you may wish to steer clear of the above shop located on 1st Floor @ Lowyat Plaza. They also go by the name of Asia Mobile. Also don’t buy any phones whereby they are the warranty provider.

I had sent my Atrix for a warranty return less than a month into use because of several touchscreen problems. The slight delay in returning it was due to me making sure it wasn’t a software problem. It’s been more than 2 months since they have received my phone from me and despite numerous promises that the matter is resolved and that they have shipped out, to date, I still have not received this item.

Note that I bought this in 14 March 2011 at RM2,600.00 and now the market price has dropped severely to about RM1800.00 or less while waiting for this phone to arrive back.

Full details in this trade dispute forum.

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Now the Motorola Atrix has been out for a while now and it’s still a relatively rare phone in Malaysia. It’s also been reviewed by many tech sites and I don’t wish to post another long rambling post repeating the same things.

However most reviews only concerned their initial experiences with it after a few days of use and didn’t address the many problems that cropped up upon further use of the phone.

Reviews:

Engadget Score: 9/10

CNet 4/5 Stars

Laptop 3.5/5 Stars

I will first go over the benefits as it is still an awesome phone.

Pros:

• As the date of writing, a Motorola Atrix can be had in Lowyat for about RM1980+ which is an awesome price considering its specs.
• Dual core processor means it’s really blazing fast even compared to my old Samsung Galaxy S
• Tegra 2 chip means lots of gorgeous games available for it
• QHD screen with higher resolution (as close as retina as you can get outside an IPhone 4).
• Fingerprint sensor is damn cool

Issues:

Now besides the laggy laptop dock with limited functionality (I have one and I have to say I feel it’s a waste of money), there are a couple of niggly bits of the Atrix that prevent me from making a wholehearted recommendation:

• Voice quality issues: This is a problem that has plagued many users of the Atrix with no fix in sight. Only some sets appear to be affected by this but it is by no means an isolated problem. View the whole support thread here which remains unanswered after 46,000+ views and 418 posts. Make sure you check yours if you decide to buy one!
• Locked bootloader: No custom ROMs for you and you’re stuck with MotoBlur. Motorola said they’re working on a bootloader solution on the 22 January but no news has been given for this and there’s a lot of unaddressed anger. Lots of things are locked down as well inexplicably such as the ability to switch between 2G and 3G modes or even wireless hotspot tethering. All this can be solved via hacks on the xda forums but for the average user this is really too techy.
• Skype does not work: Skype does not work on the AT&T Atrix along with a couple other VOIP apps. When making calls, it’s full of static. There’s a hack that solves this on XDA as well but again this shouldn’t be needed.
• Possible touchscreen issue: On my first Atrix I experienced a touchscreen problem where part of the top screen went dead. I thought this was an isolated issue until I saw many other people reporting the same problem. Motorola has not acknowledged this problem. I made a report here but no official replies.
• Horrible Motorola Support: As you can see the Atrix has been suffering from a bunch of issues that have not been resolved despite months passing by. Official replies for the bootloader and voice quality issues have gone totally silent despite increasing frustration from customers and no eta for a fix. This hearkens back to their Xoom tablet which was also riddled with problems at launch.
• FRICKIN SLIPPERY: If you don’t have a cover for the Atrix, I highly suggest you get one, the smooth back makes it really easily to slip out of your hands…Seriously…it is like holding a bar of soap.

Now without the finger print reader and the laptop experience, what you have is an awesome phone that is locked down. This means it doesn’t stand very well against the Samsung Galaxy S II or the HTC Sensation but the  difference is that you can get the Atrix now…

It’s quite sad that Motorola messed this opportunity up to virtually dominate this area as being the first dual core smartphone out to market and it’s actually quite an impressive piece of hardware. However the product was obviously not tested properly in labs and rushed out…to add insult to the injury, the Motorola devs have not issued any fixes and users are stuck relying on independent hobbyist developers at XDA (and many of which have abandoned the Atrix because of their frustrations with the locked bootloader).

My advice is to wait it out, and get a HTC Sensation or Samsung Galaxy S II unless the Atrix price drops significantly or you just want to be different.

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