If you were born in the 90s, you must remember the popular 'brick' phone by Nokia. If not, you might know of your parents owning one. Yes, I am talking about the Nokia 3310. That was the time when phones were meant to break the floor they fall on, and not to get smashed to pieces themselves (this is not true, but I am sure you understand what I mean). HMD Global, the team that now uses the Nokia brand name, has relaunched the iconic feature phone at the ongoing Mobile World Congress. Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 are also announced.

The device comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA(320×240 pixels) display. It is an upgrade to the original model which featured a monochromatic screen. It comes in single and dual-SIM variants. The newer model is flatter and rounder in comparison to its predecessor.

16 MB internal storage powers the Nokia 3310. It is expandable up to 32 GB via microSD card slot, which is a first when it comes to feature phones.

The primary camera is a 2 MP lens with LED flash, yet another first for feature phones. We do not expect a secondary camera, and there is none.

The phone is packed with 1,200 mAh battery. If the company claims are to be believed, the expected standby time is 31 days (one full month!) while the talk time is 22 hours. The device runs on Nokia Series 30+ operating system. The famous Snake game has also made its way back and is available on this phone by default.

Nokia 3310 comes in red and yellow color variants with a glossy finish and blue and gray with the matte finish. It is priced at €49 ($52/₹3,500 approx.). It will be available second quarter onwards later this year.

Nokia 3310 specifications

Operating System: Nokia Series 30+
Storage: 16 MB internal (expandable up to 32 GB)
Display: 2.4-inch QVGA
Resolution (pixels): 320×240
Primary camera: 2 megapixel
Secondary camera: NA
Battery: 1,200 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 51.0x115.6x12.8 mm
Price: €49 ($52/₹3,500 approx.)

Nokia 3 is by far the cheapest smartphone in the newly launched series of devices (technically, Nokia 3310 is not a smartphone) announced at the ongoing Mobile World Congress. Nokia 6 and Nokia 5 are also announced.

The device comes with a 5-inch HD (1280x720 pixels) IPS LCD, with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass protecting the screen. It comes in single and dual-SIM variants.

Nokia 3 runs on MediaTek MTK 6737 quad-core processor clocked at 1.3 GHz. It is powered by 2 GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage. The memory is expandable up to 128 GB via microSD card slot.

The primary camera is a 8 MP f/2.0 lens with autofocus and LED flash. It is paired with a 8 MP front-facing f/2.0 lens with autofocus.

The smartphone is packed with 2,650 mAh battery. The device runs on Android 7.0 Nougat. It will be available second quarter onwards later this year.

Nokia 3 comes in black, blue, copper and silver color variants. It is priced at €139 ($147/₹9,800 approx.).

Nokia 3 specifications

Operating System: Android 7.0 (Nougat)
Processor: MediaTek MTK 6737 quad-core
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Storage: 16 GB internal; expandable up to 128 GB
Display: 5.0-inch HD
Resolution (pixels): 1280x720
Primary camera: 8 megapixel
Secondary camera: 8 megapixel
Battery: 2,650 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 71.4x143.4x8.48 mm (8.68 mm with camera bump)
Price: €139 ($147/₹9,800 approx.)

Nokia 5 is the younger sibling of Nokia 6 as it comes with a smaller form factor. It is also announced at the ongoing Mobile World Congress. Nokia 3 and the iconic Nokia 3310 are also announced.

The device comes with a 5.2-inch HD (1280x720 pixels) IPS LCD. It has a design similar to that of its elder brother, with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass protecting the screen. It comes in single and dual-SIM variants.

Nokia 5 runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz. It is coupled with Adreno 505 GPU. It is powered by 2 GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage. The memory is expandable up to 128 GB via microSD card slot.

The camera setup is taken from the Nokia 6. The primary camera is a 13 MP f/2.0 lens with dual tone flash and Phase Detection Auto Focus. It is paired with a 8 MP front-facing f/2.0 lens with autofocus.

The smartphone is packed with 3,000 mAh battery. The device runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

Nokia 5 comes in black, blue, copper and silver color variants. It is priced at €189 ($200/₹13,000 approx.). It will be available second quarter onwards later this year.

Nokia 5 specifications

Operating System: Android 7.1 (Nougat)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 octa-core
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Storage: 16 GB internal (expandable up to 128 GB)
Display: 5.2-inch HD
Resolution (pixels): 1280x720
Primary camera: 13 megapixel
Secondary camera: 8 megapixel
Battery: 3,000 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 72.5x149.7x8.05 mm (8.55 mm with camera bump)
Price: €189 ($200/₹13,000 approx.)

After announcing Nokia 6 in China earlier this year, the Finnish brand has decided to launch it for the rest of the world. This announcement was made during the press event at the ongoing Mobile World Congress. A limited edition Nokia 6 Arte Black is also launched. Nokia 5, Nokia 3 and the iconic Nokia 3310 are also announced.

The device comes with a 5.5-inch FHD (1920x1080 pixels) and a pixel density of 403 ppi. It has an aluminum unibody design, with Corning Gorilla Glass protecting the screen. It comes in single and dual-SIM variants.

Nokia 6 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz. It comes with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage. Nokia 6 Arte Black comes with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal memory. In all models, the memory is expandable up to 128 GB via microSD card slot.

The rear camera is a 13 MP f/2.0 lens with dual tone flash and Phase Detection Auto Focus. It is paired with a 8 MP front-facing f/2.0 lens with autofocus.

The smartphone is packed with 3,000 mAh battery. The device runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

Nokia 6 comes in black, blue, copper and silver color variants. It is priced at €229 ($243/₹16,000 approx.). Nokia 6 Arte Black edition is priced at €299 ($317/₹21,000 approx.). They will be available in the second quarter this year.

Nokia 6 specifications

Operating System: Android 7.1 (Nougat)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 octa-core
Memory: 3 GB RAM (4 GB in Arte Black edition)
Storage: 32 GB internal (64 GB in Arte Black edition); expandable up to 128 GB
Display: 5.5-inch FHD
Resolution (pixels): 1920x1080
Primary camera: 13 megapixel
Secondary camera: 8 megapixel
Battery: 3,000 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 75.8x154.0x7.85 mm (8.4 mm with camera bump)
Price: €229 ($243/₹16,000 approx.) for the standard variant, €299 ($317/₹21,000 approx.) for the limited edition model

After a series of leaks and rumors, LG has finally lifted the curtains from its latest flagship device, the LG G6, at the Mobile World Congress 2017.

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The device comes with a 5.7-inch IPS always-on FullVision display with a resolution of 2880x1440 pixels, and a pixel density of 565 ppi. It has an almost bezel-less design, with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the screen.

LG G6 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 quad-core processor (two of them clocked at 2.35 GHz, while the rest at 1.6 GHz). It is coupled with Adreno 530 GPU. It comes with 4 GB RAM and 32 GB internal storage. The memory is expandable up to 2 TB via microSD card slot.

The rear camera is a dual lens setup (13 MP each) - f/1.8 and f/2.4 combo with dual LED flash. It is paired with a 12 MP front-facing f/2.2 lens. The fingerprint sensor is placed at the rear. The device is dust and water resistant (IP68 certified).

The smartphone is packed with 3,300 mAh battery. It supports QuickCharge 3.0. The device runs on UX 6.0 operating system, based on Android Nougat.

LG G6 comes in black, platinum and white color variants.

LG G6 specifications

Operating System: Android 7.0 (Nougat)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 quad-core
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 32 GB internal (expandable up to 2 TB)
Display: 5.7-inch IPS
Resolution (pixels): 2880x1440
Primary camera: 13+13 megapixel
Secondary camera: 12 megapixel
Battery: 3,300 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 71.9x148.9x7.9 mm
Weight: 163 g
Price: -

Xiaomi has today launched its latest flagship smartphone, the Mi 5, at Mobile World Congress 2016.

The device comes with a 5.15-inch FHD screen, with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It is accompanied by 2.5D curved glass and comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 4.

Mi 5 features 16 MP primary camera from Sony. It is accompanied with features like PDAF, STI pixel isolation technology, four-axis OIS, Spectra image processor, and dual-tone LED flash. The secondary camera is a 4 MP shooter.

The smartphone has a major difference from the traditional Mi design. It features a physical Home key with a built-in fingerprint scanner, much like the ones seen on Samsung Galaxy series of smartphones.

The device comes in three variants. Two of them are equipped with 3 GB RAM and either of 32 or 64 GB internal memory. The rear is made up of 3D glass, and the device weighs 129 g. The third one boasts of 4 GB RAM with 128 GB internal memory, along with black ceramic case, and is aptly named the Mi 5 Pro. It weighs 139 g.

The phone is equipped with a 64-bit quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, and is coupled with Adreno 530 GPU. The smartphone comes equipped with MIUI 7 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

The battery capacity is 3,000 mAh, and supports Qualcomm QuickCharge 3.0. It is a 4G LTE and VoLTE enabled device, with dual SIM support. Other connectivity options include WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC.

Xiaomi Mi 5 will come in three color options, viz. black, white and gold. It will be launched in China beginning next month, along with the recently launched Mi 4s. It will be subsequently launched later in other countries, including India.

The 3 GB/32 GB variant is priced at 1,999 Yuan ($305 approx.), while the 3 GB/64 GB variant will be sold for 2,299 Yuan ($350 approx.). The 4 GB/128 GB Mi 5 Pro is priced at 2,699 Yuan ($415 approx.).

Xiaomi Mi 5 specifications

Operating System: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core
Memory: 3/4 GB RAM
Storage: 32/64/128 GB internal
Display: 5.15 inch FHD
Resolution (pixels): 1920x1080
Primary camera: 16 megapixel
Secondary camera: 4 megapixel
Battery: 3,000 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 69.2x144.6x7.25 mm
Weight: 129/139 g
Price: 1,999 Yuan ($305 approx.) for 3/32 GB variant; 2,299 Yuan ($350 approx.) for 3/64 GB variant; and 2,699 Yuan ($415 approx.) for 4/128 GB variant

Oppo has today presented an exciting advance in smartphone user experience with its SmartSensor image stabilization and Super VOOC Flash Charge technologies at Mobile World Congress 2016.

Super VOOC Flash Charge is an improvement on the original VOOC Flash Charge technology. The VOOC Flash Charge gave users 2 hours of talk after just 5 minutes of charging. Super VOOC takes it a step further, offering a full 10 hours of talk time in the same charging time, and filling a 2,500 mAh battery in only 15 minutes!

Super VOOC Flash Charge uses a 5 V low-voltage pulse-charge algorithm, which dynamically regulates the current to charge the phone in the shortest time possible as of today (we expect more such innovations in the future). The all-new algorithm pairs with a customized super battery, as well as a new adapter, cable and connector made using premium, military-grade materials. Super VOOC Flash Charge supports micro USB or Type-C interfaces.

Obi has today launched its latest smartphone, the MV1, at Mobile World Congress 2016. It is aimed at young professionals of developing economies across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

The sculptural look of Obi MV1 was created by Ammunition, a San Francisco-based design firm. It comes with the company’s signature elevated screen and palm-fitting body. The MV1 is a 4G LTE enabled device, with dual SIM support.

MV1 comes equipped with both Android Lollipop 5.1 and Cyanogen OS 12.1.1. It comes with a polycarbonate body and matte finish.

MV1 comes with a 5.0-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels and density of 294 pixels-per-inch. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

The device comes with a 8 MP primary camera with autofocus and LED flash. The front camera is a 2 MP sensor.

The smartphone is backed by 2,500 mAh lithium-ion battery.  It is armed with 1.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 processor, coupled with Adreno 304 GPU. It comes in two RAM variants, viz. 1 GB or 2 GB. The internal storage is 16 GB, which is expandable up to 64 GB.

The device is priced at $139 for the 1 GB variant, and $149 for the 2 GB variant.

Obi MV1 specifications

Operating System: Android 5.1 (Lollipop)
Processor: 1.3 GHz quad-core
Memory: 1/2 GB RAM
Storage: 16 GB internal (expandable up to 64 GB)
Display: 5.0 inch IPS
Resolution (pixels): 1280x720
Primary camera: 8 megapixel
Secondary camera: 2 megapixel
Battery: 2,500 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 72.6x145.6x8.95 mm
Weight: 149 g
Price: $139/$149

Gionee has today launched its latest flagship smartphone, the S8, at the Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona. They have also unvieled a new logo and a new tagline.

The S8 comes with 2.5D glass coated with colorful VM which displays a multi-color effect at different angles. It comes with a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4.

The smartphone features a full metal design with the world’s first invisible loop antenna. It also supports 3D Touch, the same that's available on iOS devices. Touch, tap and press on the display can now be differentiated on your Android.

The device comes with a 16 MP primary camera with an aperture of f/1.8, PDAF and a 6P lens. The front camera is an 8 MP sensor, which features a virtual flash, thanks to software technology.

The S8 also has text recognition. This enables users to share actual text from articles through photos. It supports dual 4G, FDD and TDD, and 7 modes and 14 bands. It runs on Amigo 3.2, which is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Using the embedded AKM4941 HD recording chip and the two highly sensitive microphones, the S8 allows users to capture videos with clear and high quality sound. Video editing is also simple as the phone’s video editor feature offers six sets of professional templates.

The smartphone is backed by 3,000 mAh battery. It is armed with Helio P10 octa-core processor. It comes with 4 GB RAM. The internal storage is 64 GB, and is non-expandable.

The Gionee S8 is priced at €449 ($495 approx.).

Gionee S8 specifications

Operating System: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Processor: Helio P10 octa-core
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 64 GB internal (non-expandable)
Display: 5.5 inch AMOLED
Resolution (pixels): 1920x1080
Primary camera: 16 megapixel
Secondary camera: 8 megapixel
Battery: 3,000 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): 74.9x154.3x7.00 mm
Weight: 147 g
Price: €449 ($495 approx.)

Huawei has launched the Huawei MateBook, a two-in-one device, at Mobile World Congress 2016. This comes unexpected, since Huawei was never into PCs. But since everybody wants a pie of the convertible devices market share, why should they stay behind?

The MateBook aims to combine the mobility of a smartphone with the productivity of a laptop. The device is made of high-quality aluminium unibody. The MateBook features a strong protective body, and its slim profile and ultra-low weight of just 640 g makes it ideal to take anywhere.

The MateBook is portable and stylish. It is a premium product that perfectly balances mobility, productivity and design. The device features a 6th Generation Intel Core m-series processor in a thin and lightweight fanless design. Built to operate on Windows 10, the MateBook also features Microsoft productivity tools, including Microsoft Edge and Cortana, the digital personal assistant.

The MateBook’s 12-inch IPS multi-touch screen is enhanced by an ultra-narrow frame and a screen-to-body ratio of 84%. The screen boasts a resolution of 2160x1440 pixels and a 160-degree wide angle.

The MateBook keyboard case is made of soft PU leather. The durability of the keyboard case also provides an ideal level of protection. The keyboard features a 1.5 mm keystroke and a chiclet keycap design. The built-in touchpad uses multi-touch technology that supports smooth and precise finger movements.

The MateBook runs on Windows 10. The device offers 4 or 8 GB of LPDDR3 RAM and a SSD with capacity of up to 512 GB. Huawei is able to deliver a fanless design, ensuring zero noise.

Its 33.7 Wh high-density lithium battery provides enough power for nine hours of work, nine consecutive hours of internet use and 29 hours of music playback. The MateBook’s battery can attain a full charge in just two-and-a-half hours. The device can power up to 60% battery strength in just an hour.

The MateBook provides security through the fingerprint recognition feature that supports 360-degree sensitive identification.

The accompanying MatePen stylus offers 2,048 levels of sensitivity. MatePen supports graphics and mathematic functions, and can be used as a laser pointer for delivering presentations.

The MateBook features a Wi-Fi mobile hotspot. Other features include a seamless data transfer capability that allows drag-and-drop document transfer to and from Android smartphones.

The MateBook will be available in Asia, Europe and North America in the coming months and will be available in two color options, viz. grey and gold. The price ranges from $699 (for m3 with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD) to $1,599 (for m7 with 8 GB and 512 GB SSD).

Huawei MateBook specifications

Operating System: Windows 10
Processor: 6th Generation Intel Core m-series
Memory: 4/8 GB RAM
Storage: 128/256/512 GB internal
Display: 12-inch IPS
Resolution (pixels): 2160x1440
Battery: 33.7 Wh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): -
Weight: 640 g
Price: $699-$1,599

LG has today announced the launch of their latest flagship smartphone, the LG G5, at the Play event held at Barcelona during the Mobile World Congress 2016. It features a semi-modular design, and has announced two modules about which we'll be talking later in this article.

The device comes with a metal body. The volume rocker key has been moved to the side, and is no more placed at the rear.

G5 comes with a 5.3-inch Quad HD display with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels and density of 554 pixels-per-inch. The device comes with an Always-On display, which effectively means that only a part of the screen is always turned on. And if you are concerned about the battery as we are, you would like to know that only 0.8% of the battery is discharged per hour as a result of this feature. If you remember the secondary display on the LG V10, this is exactly the same thing but on the primary screen itself. It will be used to display date, time, battery status and other important notifications.

The device sports a dual camera setup at the rear, a 16 MP 78-degree lens and a 8 MP 135-degree wide angle lens. The LED flash is located in between the two lenses. The front camera is an 8 MP sensor with autofocus. The fingerprint sensor is placed at the rear below the camera, and the power button is built in the fingerprint module.

The device is backed by only 2,800 mAh battery, which seems less given the QHD display along with the always-on feature. The device comes with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 feature. Also, the battery is removable.

The smartphone is armed with Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset, 4 GB RAM and 32 GB internal memory (expandable via micro SD slot). G5 comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

As mentioned earlier, LG has already unvieled two additional modules for the G5, the CAM Plus and the Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play.

The CAM Plus can be attached via the battery slot. It provides hardware buttons for power, shutter, record and flash, and a dial for zoom in/out. The idea is to provide the ergonomics typically available in a DSLR. What's best is that this module also provides an additional battery of capacity 1,200 mAh.

The Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play is especially made for the music fans. It not only acts as a module for the G5, but can also work as a standalone device.

The device features USB Type-C. It weighs just 159 g, and will be available in four color options, viz. Silver, Gold, Pink and Titan.

LG G5 specifications

Operating System: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 32 GB internal (expandable)
Display: 5.3 inch Quad HD
Resolution (pixels): 2560x1440
Primary camera: 16 megapixel + 8 megapixel
Secondary camera: 8 megapixel
Battery: 2,800 mAh
Dimensions (WidthxHeightxDepth): -
Weight: 159 g
Price: -