PhoneKnack

Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 Review

PhoneKnack — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:08:46 +0000

Samsung Galaxy Mini 2: Small and cute

There’s something exceptionally cute about a phone called a Galaxy Mini, or at least as cute as a smartphone can get. Released in 2011 as a cheap and cheerful alternative to more expensive phones on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Mini was an impressive offering. Now Samsung have announced a follow-up to their mini mobile in the form of the Galaxy Mini 2, set to be revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. We won’t know absolutes about this phone until then, but in the meantime what can we expect to see in the Galaxy Mini 2?

Well, design-wise the Galaxy Mini 2 is going to be similar to its predecessor. As its name would suggest, this is a compact phone and the Galaxy Mini 2 will be no exception. Bigger than the original Galaxy Mini, the updated model’s screen measures in at 3.27inchs on the diagonal compared to the Mini’s 3.14inch. With this bigger screen Samsung have, thankfully, also increased the resolution to 320 x 480 pixels. This isn’t a screen that’s going to blow your mind, but the resolution is enough to keep icons and menus looking crisp.

As for its profile, the Galaxy Mini 2 measures 11.6mm thick; not exactly thin, but there are certainly chunkier models out there. It even comes with a funky yellow back cover – perfect for those looking for a more fashionable phone.

Some might be disappointed that the Galaxy Mini 2 will come loaded with Android’s 2.3 Gingerbread OS rather than Ice Cream Sandwich, but as this is a budget phone it’s hardly surprising. If the Mini 2 was designed to be sold as a high-end smartphone with a high-end price, then you would be entitles to complain about it lacking the new Android OS. As it is, this phone is likely to be reasonably cheap and will have the OS to match.

Like most Samsung phones, we imagine the Galaxy Mini 2 will come pre-loaded with Samsung’s favourite apps. Expect to see the likes of Social Hub, Music Hub, Movie Hub and its ChatON messaging service. Of course, these are easily deleted if you don’t want your new phone clogged up with apps.

The Galaxy Mini 2’s hardware isn’t going to be the most impressive you’ll come across. There is an 800MHz processor there, which is pretty poor these days, but should still be enough to keep the phone running smoothly most of the time. It comes with 4MB of internal storage, which again isn’t that much, but with the option to add a SD card this is easily remedied.

Perhaps most disappointing is the phone’s less than impressive 3MP camera; if you’re looking for a phone that will give you impressive photographs then the Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 is not the one for you. If you’re looking for a half-decent smartphone for a cheap price, though, the Mini 2 will just about do.

Source: Best-Mobile-Contracts

Looking To Buy A Samsung Galaxy Nexus?

PhoneKnack — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:52:02 +0000

We stumbled upon an amazing deal by ShopAndroid.com in conjunction with Best Buy Mobile Solutions. They are offering the Samsung Galaxy Nexus for new customers to Verizon for around $210 less then most options online. For current customers looking to renew or upgrade their phones, you can save up to $100.

This deal unfortunately ends today so hurry on over. Follow the link to grab your Galaxy Nexus before its too late.

HTC One X Press Photo Leaked

PhoneKnack — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:41:26 +0000

HTC is surely sharing the love with users around the world, the latest gift is a leaked press photo of the soon to be officially announced One X. Unfortunately this does not have any relation to HTC’s Facebook surprise.

You can see the use of Ice Cream Sandwich due to the three button layout. With this photo we can assume that HTC is ready to unveil the One X at Mobile World Congress.

HTC Teases Unveiling Of Something Special

PhoneKnack — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:15:32 +0000

Mobile World Congress (MWC) is almost here, but HTC is looking to announce something big the day before MWC begins. HTC posted on their Facebook a photo with the caption, “This Sunday you’ll discover something fast.”

We have no clues as to what HTC could be planning, but we will definitely be checking their Facebook page daily for any updates. What do you think it could be? Let us know in the comments after the jump.

Microsoft Sends Light Jabs At Google

PhoneKnack — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:55:45 +0000

We have all had our fair share of using Google apps that are repeatedly updated once the initial product has been released. Microsoft has taken notice of that and decided to make a short funny video about the use of Google apps.

We see this video all in good fun as nothing Microsoft mentions in this video is untrue. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

New iPhone 5 Designs

PhoneKnack — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:53:56 +0000

With the Mobile World Congress (MWC) rapidly approaching phone leaks have been occurring left and right. MWC is the perfect stage for any company to unveil their products to the public and if these designs are true Apple has joined the leak party.

According to Faiz Aly of A.One, a team that focuses on researching and finding leaks in regards to upcoming Apple products, this is what the new iPhone 5 will look like.

Your probably wondering what is the difference between the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4, lets do a side by side comparison.

The iPhone 5 is slightly bigger than the 4 and 4S. The front facing camera is also a tad larger on the iPhone 5. Is Apple looking to shapeup the front facing camera game on smartphones? If these leak are in anyway true, we are on the edge of our seats for further details about the iPhone 5. Let us know what you think in the comments after the jump.

Google Chrome for Android Phone

PhoneKnack — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:25:06 +0000

Our friends over at Technology-Headlines recently did a writeup on Google Chrome for Android 4.0.

by George Heymann|@techeadlines

technology-headlines.com

Our friends over at Technology-Headlines recently did a writeup on Google Chrome for Android 4.0.

Google introduced Chrome for Android Beta today that brings many Chrome desktop features to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich phones and tablets.

Some of the Chrome for Android features include:

Browse fast with accelerated page loading, scrolling, and zooming
Search and navigate directly from the omnibox
Open and switch between unlimited tabs in an easy-to-view stack
Send pages from desktop Chrome to your smartphone or tablet with one click and read them on the go, even if you’re offline
Browse privately in Incognito mode
View open tabs: Access the tabs you left open on your computer (also signed into Chrome)picking up exactly where you left off.
Get smarter suggestions: If you visit a site often on your computer, you’ll also get an autocomplete suggestion for it on your mobile device, so you can spend less time typing.
Sync bookmarks: Conveniently access your favorite sites no matter where you are or which device you’re using.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lVjw7n_U37A

Chrome for Android beta is said to be focused on speed and simplicity unfortunately I haven’t been able to test the beta for myself as my phones and tablet have yet to be updated to ICS.

Chrome for Android is available, initially in Beta, on Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich only. No word at this time if a version will be released to work with other than ICS. To check if it is available in your country, please visit: http://goo.gl/6ARvc

Nokia Giving Fans A Chance To Win A Lumia 800

PhoneKnack — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:15:51 +0000

If you head on over to Nokia’s Facebook page you will see a contest to win a white Nokia Lumia 800. The game is simple, upon opening the page, you will have 60 seconds to catch a white tile by clicking on it. After catching the tile a score will be displayed and you will be asked to enter your info for a chance to win.

Good luck, now off to the races.

HTC Looking To Steal The Show At Mobile World Congress

PhoneKnack — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:00:05 +0000

With only a few weeks left before the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, information has continuously been leaked about the handful of HTC’s quad core phones that will most likely be premiered at MWC.

The latest leaked phone is the HTC One X which is looking to be a complete monster and maybe knock the Samsung Galaxy Nexus off its Android throne. With HTC providing Beats headphones with the One X, a 4.7 inch screen, and 32GB of pre-installed non-removable memory, all we can say is, “Winner, winner, chicken dinner.”

Let us know what you think of the HTC One X as well as what features you’d like to see in their quad core phone lineup.

Verizon Wireless Looking To Put Money In Your Pocket

PhoneKnack — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:15:37 +0000

Have an old cellphone laying around? Verizon wants it and will pay you for it. Verizon has recently launched their new Store Trade-In program. Its simple, bring in any old phone you have, Verizon’s on-site-staff will evaluate it and offer you a gift-card right on the spot.

Verizon even said that certain models in good condition may trade for up to $300, so start searching for those old phones. The gift card can then be used immediately for purchases of new phones, tablets, or other devices or to be applied to the customer’s monthly bill.

Just another way the big guy is looking out for the little guy. Let us know what phones you plan on bringing in to Verizon.