Long term review - Google - LG Nexus 5X

Let me first confess, I am an admirer of pure Android experience and for the same reason of Google Nexus devices. I already had the Nexus 7 device and in January 2016 I gift myself Quartz colour Nexus 5X 32GB bought from Google store for 27900/- INR (roughly 410 USD). I felt at this price it was a good deal considering the launch price of 35900/- (~530 USD) for the 32 GB model in India. In my view it was way too highly priced back then as the price was just a little shy of Samsung Galaxy S6 32GB model. 

Google LG Nexus 5X

I am using Nexus 5X for almost 3 months now and I believe its a reasonable time to understand a phone's strengths and weaknesses. This post is not a review of Nexus 5X because there are some great reviews already available on various tech websites. This is just my personal take on Nexus 5X. 

Enough said, let's come to the point.

Processing power

I am quite satisfied with the performance of this device. I do not observe any lag or slowness in day to day operations which includes some surfing, time on whatsapp, some photography experiments and last but not the least considerable time spend on playing games.

Memory

I am aware that not many were quite impressed with the fact that Nexus 5X packs just 2GB of RAM whereas the current crop of phones in this price range have at least 3GB of memory. Being a software engineer myself, I have this habit of keeping tab on the hardware resources used by my device, I noticed that the memory consumption by the running apps never went beyond 1.4 GB leaving behind ~400 MB of free memory on the Nexus. I feel that's pretty ok.

Screen

Nexus 5X has a full HD LCD screen. The screen is pretty good for indoor usage and has acceptable brightness level in direct sunlight. Just keep the display setting on adaptive brightness for better results. The display is very crisp and sharp and it's pleasure to watch high resolution pictures and FHD videos on it.

Camera

A lot has been written about the camera of Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P (both share the same unit). I am very glad to say that it is one of the best camera I have seen on a smartphone. The pictures are very clear and the camera captures great details in every shot. Pictures taken in low light are also pretty good with considerably less noise.

Nexus 5X camera sample

Nexus 5X camera sample

Battery

This is one department where Nexus 5X could have done better. For me, the battery usually lasts for 24 hours and as I mentioned earlier my day to day operations includes some surfing, time on whatsapp, some photography and last but not the least considerable time spent on playing games. With 2700 mAh battery and the new Doze feature of Android 6.0 - Marshmallow I was expecting it to last at least 1.5 if not 2 days.

The only saving grace here is the fast type-C charger which really charges the battery pretty quickly and in ~1.5 hours the battery is charged to its full capacity. 

TIP: This is something I observed, For a few days I kept the cellular data (4G) turned off and during that time the battery lasted for 2 days or even more on full charge.

Few accessories I am currently using

Screen protector: Tempered glass screen protector from FOSO. It is quite good and reasonably priced.
Back cover: Transparent TPU slim case.
Adapter: AMZER USB Type-C to Micro USB Adapter to connect Nexus 5X to battery bank or to laptop.

At the end, I can say that I am quite satisfied with Nexus 5X and can recommend it to others who are looking for a good mid-ranged Android phone with good specs and great camera. It is also pretty light weight and looks good despite its plastic build. Now, I am looking forward to the popup from Google for "Android N" upgrade :).

Related posts:
Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android - Part 3

Norton Mobile Security: The key to be worry free

Quick tips and tricks for Moto G

Let me know your views on Nexus 5X via comments section. 

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Quick tips and tricks for Moto G

This post is dedicated to tips and tricks related to Moto G. It is now around 3 months I am using Moto G and it is a very satisfying experience for me. Moto G is one of the best handset with great performance and stunning screen in its price range. While using it I came across few features / issues which I was unaware of and I had to google for it. So, I thought of writing this covering post.

1. Using USB On-The-Go (OTG) with Moto G and related issue

I believe most of us know about USB OTG, still I will talk a little about it. USB OTG is the specification through which your device can act as a host to devices which have USB interface for example, your humble pen drive or digital camera etc. So, your android powered phone if it supports USB OTG (Android version 3.1 and above support it but not on all devices) can act as a host to your pen drive, this enables you to transfer data to and from the pen drive directly, eliminating the need of a computer.

As you will agree this is a very nice feature and comes handy. All you need is a support device and USB OTG cable (available widely and reasonably priced). I use this feature on Moto G mostly to transfer data to and from pen drive and it works just fine. The procedure to use it is very simple:

1. Just connect your pen drive to the USB OTG cable and connect the cable to micro USB port of Moto G. Within seconds Moto G detects the USB storage, now you can use any file manager (I use Astro File Manager) to access it.
2. Once you are done, first unmount the storage through setting -> storage -> Unmount USB storage, now you can safely disconnect the cable and pen drive.

Looks simple right, but there is one issue with it. As soon as you disconnect the USB OTG cable you start seeing a notification "USB storage removed" which you cannot dismiss.

Moto G USB OTG sticky notification

Now the question is, how to get rid of this confusing and useless notification. One sure shot way is by restarting your device, but it is an overkill to dismiss a sticky notification.

There is one more way, long press on the notification until the "App info" option is visible, select that option and it will take you to the app (System UI) information. Here you will see the "Force stop" button, click on it and confirm. That's it, the notification is gone. It is comparatively a neat option to dismiss that notification. But as a side effect of this, you device wallpaper will be switched to factory default, though you can re-set it per your preference.

2. Enabling display of Battery percentage

This is not something every Android user care about, but still it's better to have the ability to quickly check the remaining battery percentage. There are few apps available on Play store which can display the battery percentage and these apps work just fine. Also, starting from Android version 4.4, battery percentage indication is implemented in status bar that to within the battery icon itself. There are few benefits of using the native feature instead of installing a third party app as it does not add extra overhead on the device and also do not drain the battery. 

This native battery indicator is not enabled by default and you need to follow few steps to enable it. You need to install an app "Battery Percent for Kitkat" from xda-developers from play store. This is a simple app through which you can enable the battery percentage setting on your device. You need to reboot your device after you enable the setting from the app. Once enabled, you can uninstall this app, your device will continue displaying the battery percentage. Later, if at all you do want to disable showing the battery percentage, just install this app again, uncheck the setting and that's it. 
Well, this is not the only method to enable battery percentage, but it is simpler and clean.

If you like this post and also know other such tips and tricks, make good use of the comments.

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See also:

Other similar posts :

1. How to take a screenshot on: Nexus 7, HTC Desire S
2. Nexus 7 not booting up

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Top android games in various categories from year 2013

As we have entered in the year 2014, I am really excited and eager to try my hands on the new android apps which will be released this year. And rest assured, I will write about my experience and my view on the top apps here on this blog.

Till that time, I am putting together a list of top 3 games in various categories I played and really enjoyed in yesteryear 2013.

Kids Games
1. Granny Smith
As the name of the game suggests it has to do with the granny and the granny smith (green apple). The granny is hell bent to save the apples from the thief who is always behind the apples and does not leave any chance of stealing them.

2. Racing Moto
It's a racing game, you are a bike rider driving on a freeway while avoiding the cars on the three lanes. Well sounds simple? Let me tell you, these car drivers are crazy and they switch lanes for no reason, only good thing is they follow the rules and turn the indicator light on ;).

3. Clay Jam: A unique game with lots of clay and fun
Clay Jam has a refreshingly different game play. It gives a feeling like you are playing with colorful clay all the times. Everything in this game appears to be made of clay of different colors, be it the background or text or game characters.

Racing Games
1. Need For Speed - Most Wanted: Dare to challenge the most wanted
Need For Speed: Most Wanted is a street racing game in which you challenge opponents from the most wanted list. As the street racing is illegal beware you have to tackle the police vehicles, they will do all to bust you.The graphics quality is absolutely top-notch.

2. Beach Buggy Blitz : A fantastic racing game which will transport you to a stunning island, that too for free
Beach Buggy Blitz is a fantastic racing game with stunning visuals, and great game play. Even if you are not interested particularly in racing, the surrounding, visuals and locations shown in this game will definitely amuse you.

3. Racing Moto
It's a racing game, you are a bike rider driving on a freeway while avoiding the cars on the three lanes. Well sounds simple? Let me tell you, these car drivers are crazy and they switch lanes for no reason, only good thing is they follow the rules and turn the indicator light on ;).

Action Games
1. Major Mayhem: running action game, great action, unlimited fun
Major Mayhem is a cool looking running action game with lots of fun. This major is on its own, out on a mission to save his girlfriend.

2. Samurai vs Zombies Defense 2:  Action packed top tower defense game
The zombies are coming, gather your buddies and get ready with you best weapons. It's going to be a long and tough battle to save the village.

3. Frontline Commando: D-Day
D-Day is really nice game from the developer GLU Mobile. The graphics quality is top notch and the sound is commendable. The plot of the game is set in WW2 at Normandy.

Running Games
1. Manuganu: fantastic running game with difference
Manuganu is one of the best 3D running game where you play the role of a little boy named Manuganu. The little boy Manuganu has embarked on a journey, in which he has to face lots of difficulties on his way. I have no doubt that kids love this game.

2. Despicable me - minion rush: Addictive running game from Gameloft
Despicable me : Minion rush is an addictive endless running game with great 3D graphics, presented to you by Gameloft.

3. Badland game: Explore the secrets of Jungle
Badland, presented by frogmind is a game with absolutely stunning graphics and has a jungle setup shown in it which is so mysterious but at the same time dangerous. It looks really beautiful and the background sounds complete the experience of roaming around in a strange jungle. There are no cheats available, you have to face the difficulties and overcome it.

Special mention
1. Prince of Persia Shadow & Flame: Return of the classic prince
Prince of Persia Shadow & Flame: Ubisoft has launched one of the classic Price of Persia title Shadow & Flame with new age stunning 3D graphics and touch screen friendly controls. You as the Price of Persia starts your adventurous and dangerous journey to save your princess from the captivity of evil Jaffar.

2. Little Galaxy: Are you ready for space travel?

Little Galaxy developed by developer Bitmap Galaxy is an Android Arcade game set in space. In this game you play as a young boy jumping from one planet to another in his journey. Little Galaxy game is quite light weight but the 3D graphics are pretty cool and gives a realistic feel of planets and stars.

If you like this post or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments.

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Norton Mobile Security: The key to be worry free

Android is a great ecosystem for its users and the developers who develop apps for the Android market place that is Android Play Store. The popularity of Android Play store is such that it has surpassed all other app stores. Android also provide the flexibility to install apps directly from other sources, now that is a great thing as the user do not just need to rely on the Play store. 

Well, all this is good but being flexible also has its flip side that is, there could be some apps which are not developed with good intentions and could be stealing your mobile data, information and doing other dirty activities. Well no need to worry, there are specialist companies who develop security solutions to tackle this menace and these companies also have security solutions for Android.

Who do not know about Norton by Symantec, which develops one of the best Antivirus and complete security solution for PCs. Norton's Mobile Security provides the same level of security and solution for your Android smart device. Through this post, let us see what it has to offer.

Norton Mobile Security has a clean and simple to understand interface. As you launch the app, you see a screen with large buttons each for the main functionality. The main functions provided by Mobile Security are:

• Anti-Malware
• Anti-Theft
• Data Backup
• Call Blocking
• Web Protection

Norton Mobile Security: All functions in one place

Anti-Malware function scans your device and SD card (if available) for malicious apps and code and will display the detected threats along with suggesting the next steps to be taken. You can specify the schedule of the scan as Daily, Weekly etc. As SD card scanning could take a longer time, it provides you with an option to choose if you want to scan the SD card too.

Norton Mobile Security: Scanning for Malwares

Anti-Theft if a very useful option if you usually forget you phone at cafes, restaurants or similar places or you simply want to protect your phone's personal data and prevent misuse in case it is unfortunately stolen. It provides various options like remotely locking you device or make it scream by sending an SMS to you phone.

If you are keen on finding the person who stole your device, you can use the web features of Mobile security to locate you device, enable the front camera to take a quiet picture or wipe the data from your device.

Norton Mobile Security: Protecting device from theft

As we know Android allows you to backup important information like contacts, similarly Mobile Security allows you to backup your contacts which can then be restored in case needed. One good option here is you can automate this task by setting a schedule to backup the data on set frequency as daily, weekly etc. 

Norton Mobile Security: Backing up contacts

If you are irritated by repeated phone calls from credit card companies or banks which are behind you to offer unwanted cards or loan or you simply want to ignore someone calling you, the Call blocking feature can come handy. Use Call blocking to add numbers which you want to block for call and SMS. If someone from the blocked list calls you she will get a busy tone and you will see missed call on your phone without your phone ringing Numbers from the blocked list can be unblocked anytime later in case a change of heart.

Norton Mobile Security: Blocking mischievous callers

And finally Mobile Security also provides the Web Protection when you are browsing websites using Android browser or Chrome. It can block the sites which it thinks are harmful for you and your data. Though, it provides option to bypass the website blocking for a short period of time (30 minutes).

Overall I feel Mobile Security app covers all the security aspects of your device and coming from Norton, you are assured that it does what it advertises with high efficiency. I am using this app for more than a year now, it works perfectly without adding any considerable load on the device.

Norton Mobile Security: Protecting while you browse

How much it costs you: Not a single penny for the lite version though it only provides the basic features like the Anti-Malware. You can pay 29.99 US$ to buy the full suite with all the features, which I will recommend.

If you like this post or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments section.

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Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android - Part 3

This post is the third installment in the series "Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android". In this post too, I am listing some of the already well-known utility / productivity apps for both smartphone and tablet.

See also:
Other posts in this series:

1. Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android - Part 2
2. Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android

Let's see what we have in store this time.

1. QR Droid

Human beings are very curious species. This is evident from almost all our actions. Think about it, if we see a barcode or now a days a QR code (Quick Response code), we try to understand the information hidden in it, but that's not an easy task. So, we look for apps on Google Play store which can do this task for us. Look no further, QR Droid from DroidLa is one of the best app available on Android to read barcode and QR code along with providing some other useful features.

As you launch the QR Droid it activates the Android device's main camera. Just point the device to the barcode or the QR code and this app will read the code. Once it is able to read it, it will give you feedback (beep and vibrate) about the completion.

QR Droid: Scan the code

After the previous step, it shows the screen where it displays the just read product number and few actions which can be performed with the number like you can web search for details or can use Google shopper or Amazon to get details of the product. QR Droid is quite accurate and fast and gets the required information based on the scanned code quickly.

QR Droid: Product search

You can also create your own QR code using this app for example it can create QR business cards, Web Address, Contact etc.

QR Droid: Create your own code

Here is a small quiz for you, I have also created one QR code based on some information, get QR Droid app on your device and try scanning the below code and let me know what is it through the comments section :).

QR Droid: What's hidden in this code?

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

2. XE currency

Well, if you are into foreign currency trading or an expatriate planning to send some money back home and wondering what the latest exchange rate, which site you head to? The answer is simple, xe.com, which is simply the best currency site. They also have this app 'XE currency' on Google Play store to get the information right on your Android device.

XE currency is a simple app, which is easy to understand and does its work efficiently. Once you launch the app, you can add the currencies you like to monitor. As you select the option 'Edit currency' you can add currencies to monitor and also change the order of the shown currencies.

XE Currency: Adding another currency

Essentially that is what you need to do, and 'XE Currency' will start showing you the conversions. From the settings menu though you can set preferences like update frequency, number of decimals to display, shake to reset etc.

XE Currency: Showing the conversions

It also provides a basic calculator which can be accessed from the right side of the currency on top, so you can do some basic math from the app itself.

XE Currency: Basic calculator for quick math

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

3. Pixlr Express

Now days, Android smartphones are laced with very powerful and high quality cameras which can take stunning pictures. But accept the reality, not all users are good photographers so the pictures may not look that stunning which was expected from the high-end phone. But all is not lost as there are good photo editing apps available on Google Play store and I find Pixlr Express one of the most feature rich app. Coming from Autodesk you can expect this photo editing app to be of a certain quality and it is. I have earlier covered "SketchBook Mobile: Fantastic drawing / painting app with professional touch" from Autodesk.

As you launch Pixlr Express, on the launch screen you have option of choosing an existing photo from the gallery or taking a new photo.

Pixlr Express: Launch screen

Once you have the photo, apps shows you the photo and the options bar at the bottom. Pixlr Express has a rich set of options under 'Adjustment', 'Effect', 'Overlay', 'Border' etc. You will be amazed by this app functionality and its results once you are done editing your photo. 

Pixlr Express: Photo Adjustment options

Pixlr Express: Applying color effects

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

If you like this post or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments section.
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Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android - Part 2

First things first, I would like to thank the readers of Top mobile apps for Android for visiting and reading this blog, I hope it is serving its purpose, which is to introduce Android fans to some of the bests apps and games available on Android.

This post is the second installment in the series "Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android", and just to tell you, the first post in this series is the most viewed post of this blog. In this post also I am listing some of the already well-known utility / productivity apps for both Smartphone and tablet.

1. Astro File Manager

Ever wondered how the files are managed by Android on your SD card, how to explore the file system just like we do on Windows or other OS? Well unfortunately, there is no native way in Android to access the files / directories organized on the SD card. Accepted, usually you do not need such access to the file system but it is always better to have more control of your device. To cater this requirement, Google play store has plenty of file explorer apps and Astro file manager from Metago is definitely one of the best in the lot.

Astro File Manager - Showing contents of the SD card

Astro file manager allows you to access the files / folders and also organize the contents on the internal memory and SD card of your Smartphone or tablet. You can choose how the contents are shown in Astro file manager app, for example: how the contents should be sorted (name, date etc.) or if the file extension should be shown, by accessing the setting menu.

If you long press on any file or folder, you will be presented with the options / actions associated with that item like: copy, move, delete, properties etc.

Astro File Manager - file's options / actions

Not only this, it also comes with some handy tools as: 

• SD Card Usage - to show the details about the folder, as # of files in it and the total size of the folder
• Task Killer - to show the memory and CPU usage of running apps and option to kill the app
• Application manager - to show the installed apps and option to back up the apps

Astro File Manager: SD Card Usage

2. Compass

By now we all know that almost all the current generation Android smartphones and tablets have an inbuilt electronic compass which is used by Google maps to show us the right orientation for navigation. Now, suppose if you want to use this inbuilt compass just the way a compass is used traditionally, it is not possible directly through Android. But as I always say Google play store has everything you ask for, so there are apps available just for this purpose. Compass by Catch.com is my favorite compass app, and it does its work perfectly. 

Once you launch the app you see a large compass filling majority of the screen for better readability and the default theme resembles with the classic old compass. Along with showing the directions it also shows your current location with the help of GPS. Also, it provides options to add your current location on the map, add a note for the current location etc.

Compass: showing the true north :)

The Compass app comes with some free themes to change the look and feel. And then there are few paid themes too if you are keen to use one of them and ready to pay :).

Compass: Check out the free themes

Compass: paid themes are also available

3. MoboPlayer

This is also one pain point when using Android, the default video player comes bundled with Android is not that great when it comes to supporting the wide range of video formats currently available in the world. So what option you have, convert your favorite video first to the supported format and then put it on your device or, yes you guessed it right head to the Google play store and install a capable video player app. If you choose the second option then MoboPlayer is the app you should be choosing as I think it is the best because it supports virtually all the video formats you throw at it.

As you launch the MoboPlayer, you will see few simple options to search for the media files like, 'scan the SDcard', 'quick scan' or 'Directory browsing' to search it manually by browsing the directory.

MoboPlayer: launch screen

Once MoboPlayer has scanned and located the media files available on your device, you can see the listing of the videos on the screen and simply clicking the video will start playing it. It has the usual options to sort the listing, search for specific video, create playlist etc. 

MoboPlayer: Showing available videos in card style

That's it, sit back with your popcorn, its movie time. Just to tell you, so far I have not seen MoboPlayer complaining about any video format which it cannot play.

MoboPlayer: onscreen options while watching videos

If you like this post or know any other app / game in the same category, let me know via comments.

Do not forget to subscribe through email subscription option.

See also:
Other posts in this series:

1. Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android

Read more →

Assorted collection of top utility / productivity apps for Android

With this post I am starting a series, in which I will be listing some of the well-known utility / productivity apps for both smartphone and tablet which I have personally used and realized its value.

Evernote

Evernote is essentially a note keeping app. It is simply the best app for this purpose and does its work brilliantly. Using this app one can take text notes, record voice memo or take pictures which can then be stored as a note. To better organize and categorize the notes it provides option to create multiple notebooks.

Showing notes from notebook

Evernote menu

The saved notes get synced to all the devices you use, so no need to worry about backing up and restoring or losing the notes if you change the device.

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

Google Keep

Starting from Android 4.0.3, Google has a new note keeping app named as 'Google Keep'. Google Keep is quite similar to Evernote, though currently it is not as mature and feature rich product as the latter. Google keep essentially allows you to create text notes, voice memos or snap a picture. There is a cool option to create notes in different colors.

Multicolored notes view

Individual note

While using Google Keep I found that it is quite a light weight app and it does not take much time to understand its settings and options. The saved notes get synced to all of your connected devices through the Google account.

Google Keep settings

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

For HTC Desire S

Profile Scheduler

I used to face this issue with my phone as, usually when I am in office I keep my phone on silent mode (ringer off, vibe on) and then forget to switch it back to normal again. It results in me missing many phone calls and frustration to the caller. Profile Scheduler comes handy in such situations.

As the name suggests this little but useful app schedules your phone’s profiles based on the time. For example, if you are usually in office between Monday and Friday at 9AM to 6PM you can instruct this app to schedule the silent mode profile and anytime other than that schedule the normal profile. 

To facilitate this, Profile Scheduler allows configuring ‘Rules’. In the rule definition you can add the conditions as at what time to activate which profile etc. This is just not limited to the ringer volume setting but you can basically add conditions for many more functionality as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, screen timeout etc.

Available profiles

Scheduler rules list

Rule creation screen

Editing profile settings

If needed, you can anytime override the active rule just by selecting any desired profile. This will deactivate the rule until you again select the rule to activate it back. Profile scheduler app also provides two widgets to show quick information about the active profile.

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

For Nexus 7

Camera Starter

By now, I guess we all know that Nexus 7 has just the 1.2 MP front-facing camera for video conferencing and strangely there is no built-in app comes with Android to activate this camera for clicking self-portraits. But no need to worry, there are camera apps available on Play Store for activating the Nexus 7 front camera, and ‘Camera Starter’ is one of the best app. 

Onscreen options for Camera

Showing various camera modes 

Not a full-fledged camera app with extensive options, the interface of Camera Starter is very simple and intuitive. As you launch the app, the camera gets activated and there are options visible on screen to select the various camera modes. There are few more options as; you can set the exposure, light, location, picture size settings for still and video camera.

Exposure setting

More options

How much it costs you: Not a single penny.

If you are aware of and using apps which are similar to or better than the apps I mentioned here, please make use of the comments section and spread the word :).

See also:

Other useful utility app:

1. 3G Watchdog: Great app to keep track of your 3G or WiFi data usage

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