Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (T510) – And Android missed opportunity in 2020
This is so not me… I just purchased a Gataxy Tab A! I bought a February 2019 released tablet in 2020.
Why? I just want a device I can use in bed to watch Netflix!
NO, this is not a great tablet, but I was looking for something cheap and the easiest one I found was Lenovo’s M10 at S$309. After doing my homework… The M10 uses a MicroUSB which willl be a hassle should I decide to bring the device when travelling!
So while looking for possible options I saw the Tab A 8 at only S$198 and the Tab A 10 was S$398, then I heard the guy beside. “It’s only S$300 from Lazada!”
So the moment I reached home, I made the purchase and the device arrived days later.
The device is not sealed with plastic, but there’s this usual tape on the side.
As for the specs, don’t expect too much, but it was nice to see it receive Android 10! (I prefer the gestures)
Inside the box is a USB-A to USB-C cable and a 7W charger, I’ve seen a lot of complains about the charger, but after some testing, the device can only take 9W! – the chacrger isn’t that bad.
As for the tablet, sound is pretty decent and screen is ok. Not bad for S$300 but in some countries like the Philippines, I heard this thing is almost similarly priced to an iPad! I’ve mentioned it a million times and (as of 2020), I prefer Android to iOS in phones. But for Tablets, if the price is the same, there’s no way I’m choosing a Galaxy Tab A over an iPad. The iPad will just last longer!
at SGD 1= PhP 34
Tab A 8 @S$198 = PhP 6,596 (price as per Samsung Philippines – PhP 16,990)
Tab A 10 @ S$300 = PhP 10,200 (price as per Samsung Philippines – PhP 7,990)
iPad Philippine Price – Php 19,990
As for Android’s missed opportunity in 2020. I’m looking at the Philippines right now.
Due to the Covid-19, there are a lot of schools who will go on-line, my daughter’s school is included.
2 weeks ago, my daughter’s iPad just gave up and we don’t feel comfortable to have it replaced as there’s been a lot of leaks about a new device coming in 2021 – she’s presently using her MacBook Pro as her “main device.”
So I lent her the Tab A (as her 3rd device) and using her own log-in (Android supports multiple user) she downloaded the Apps she needed and started using the Tab A.
So upon receiving queries about Tablet Recommendation, I kept pushing for the Tab A 8 and 10 as their cheap (S$198 and S$300). Then they all replied that the Tab A and the iPad has the same price!
Google and Samsung needs to put as many Android tablets out in the market to show developers that they also have numbers, the market share.
If Samsung sold the Tab A 8 & 10 in developing countries at S$198 and S$300, those people won’t even look at tablets from Huawei and Lenovo.
Just imagine, more tablet, more devices running Android 10.
I find it a missed opportunity for Samsung and Google.
The Tab A isn’t as good as an iPad, but its still better than the existing competition within Android.
If priced correctly (S$198 and S$300), I can recommend it over the iPad.
LG V30+… Coming to Singapore this December!
Teased in August 2017…
LG needed 4 months to release their flagship to Singapore…
Nothing against the phone… I like what I saw in reviews.
But the Note 8, Pixel 2 XL and iPhone X are officially in the market…
I can’t even say that the local release is “a little” too late… It’s late!
We should be looking forward to the S9 now.
Android 7… Why you shouldn’t worry that your phone is not getting it!
Nougat was released yesterday (or was it 2 days ago) available for specific Nexus/Android One devices.
I have a Nexus 6P and a Nexus 7…
Nexus 7 is not getting it.
But the 6P should get it soon…
My Galaxy S5 is still stuck in Lollipop…
And my Wife’s Note 8 (in a drawer somewhere) is still running KitKat (Android 4.4)
Thing I love about using Android is that even if your device is running an older Android version, you still get all the Android apps you’ll ever need! (not unless you’re still using a device thats running on Gingerbread!)
Yes, newer Android versions will have enhancements, especially in the power saving feature, but we all carry a portable charger anyway…
Now on Tap (introduced in Marshmallow) is honestly a hit and miss.
Google Now Launcher and Keyboard can be both downloaded from the Play Store.
So what do you get with Nougat??? — Split Screen… Something that has been available with Samsung’s devices.
In day to day use, my Lollipop running S5 doesn’t feel too different from my Nexus 6P… Same with my wife’s Note 8…
Maybe Nougat brings better security, better battery life and a more fluid UI…
But believe me, your phone running an old version of Android will be fine even if you don’t receive Nougat!
What BlackBerry Needs is the Bold Powered by Android!
Remember my post about the Venice?
Well, that phone turned out to be the BlackBerry Priv…
Released in 2015, it was BlackBerry’s first phone running Android…
Fast forward to April 2016… How many Privs have you seen? 0!!!
I am actually the type of person who tries to see which gadget my fellow commuter is using… I’ve even seen an actual user of a Galaxy Beam!!!
So despite BlackBerry’s push… I’ve not seen a single person use the Priv… My guess is that we can all blame the S$1,098.00 price of the phone (M1 price out of contract).
Why am I pushing for a low cost BlackBerry device powered by Android? Because its what the market wants…
BlackBerry has 2 options here…
(1) Ask a Chinese manufacturer (or those companies making Android One devices) to create a generic touch screen phone running Android 6 (Marshmallow) and slap the BlackBerry name on it.
If Xiaomi can profit by selling the RedMi at S$169.00, BlackBerry should also be able to do the same…
OR
(2) A BlackBerry Bold with updated internals running Android 6…
I personally still keep my old BlackBerry Bold 9790 as a spare phone… And I can list a ton of things it cannot do, but I would focus on the things I wished it can do.
It desperately needs…
1. An updated browser/Map
2. IMs (WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger etc)
3. WiFi Hotspot
*Basically, updated apps!
As I mentioned earlier… Snapdragon 410 + Android 6 at S$200.00… I’d be queuing up for that device…
BlackBerry Venice???
Here’s my thoughts on the rumored Android powered BlackBerry Venice…
The idea sounds good… BlackBerry keyboard on a modern phone OS.
Dear BlackBerry (formerly known as RIM), we wanted to see this device in 2013, instead we got the Z10 running BlackBerry 10!
Yes, you can run Android Apps on BB10 but I’m sure installing apps from the Google Play Store and running them on Android OS will always be better.
Here’s where it goes south for me…
Some sites are saying the Venice will have a QHD Screen, Snapdragon 808 Processor and 3GB RAM.
High end specs (LG G4 and the Moto X Play uses the same processor) for 2015 which will mean high end price.
Some may argue that the Moto X Play will have mid-range price, Motorola did say it will be $200.00 cheaper than other flagship devices, but the Moto X only has a FHD Screen.
So the price will be steep for a first gen device that hopefully runs proper Android (not a forked version).
Are you willing to take the risk? Or do you just buy from longtime Android OEM’s (Samsung, LG, Sony and HTC)?
If BlackBerry started with a device with a 4.5-5 inch (HD) screen, Snapdragon 410 Processor with replaceable battery and microSD card, priced below $300.00 then I believe people will be talking non-stop about it.
But if they release an Android phone playing around $500.00 then it will be a tough sell at the current market.
Just a suggestion… (I’m hoping someone from BlackBerry reads this)
Make the BlackBerry Classic’s screen taller (4 inches), update the processor to a Snapdragon 410 and run Android 6… Sell it with Xiaomi/OnePlus margins, I’m sure 2016 will look better.
BlackBerry HONESTLY needs to put its devices on the hands of High School kids… They should try to have a cool image…
WHY?
Most companies already issued Samsung Galaxy S6/Note 4 and iPhone 6 to their employees… Why would these employees buy a BlackBerry as a personal device?
My Next Phone!
It’s March 2015… And I’m still using my Samsung Galaxy Note II!
Was originally thinking of the Nexus 6 (XT1100) but due to the delay of its release in Australia I suddenly realized that maybe its better to wait a little more for the 2015 devices.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the size and specs of the Nexus 6, but I just can’t get over one small issue… It runs on a Snapdragon 805…
I know the Snapdragon 805 is a very good processor, but towards the end of 2014, Android OEMs started releasing mid-range devices that ran on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 410 (like the HTC Desire 620), 64-bit processors which will be supported by Lollipop (Android 5).
It may take ages before these devices receive their updates, but once it comes, users “should” feel speed and battery life improvements. – No guarantee… But I’ll never know if my device doesn’t have a 64-bit processor… Like the Snapdragon 805!
CES2015 just finished and as expected… 64-bit Android devices like the Asus Zenfone 2 and LG Flex 2 were announced.
I’m sure Google won’t go all-in on 64-bit, I can’t imagine Android One devices running on 64-bit processors this year but I’ll be using my own cash to buy a flagship phone and I think I deserve 2015 specs!
Some things on my checklist for my next phone…
QHD Display
64-bit processor
4k Video Recording
Capacitive (Home) Button
Almost all 2014 flagship devices (Samsung Galaxy S5/Note 4, Sony Xperia Z3/Z3 Compact, Motorola Nexus 6/Moto X) can record 4k videos, but few devices were released with QHD Displays (Motorola Nexus 6, LG G3, Samsung Galaxy Note 4)
None of 2014’s flagship devices ran on a 64-bit processor, except for a specific Exynos version of the Note 4.
I can live with Samsung’s love for the physical home button, but the other 3 features I mentioned above are non-negotiable.
Since I’ve decided to wait… I’m presently searching for leaks on the following devices…
Samsung Galaxy S6 – as I said, I can live with the home button
HTC One – I always loved the look and feel of the older Ones (M7 and M8)
Sony Xperia Z4 – it’s need for a propreitary charger gives it a big disadvantage, although you can use a regular USB Cable, we all know its rubber flaps doesn’t last long
HTC One will jump to #1 if it gets a QHD Display and same goes for the Xperia Z4 if it gets a QHD Display and Qi Wireless Charging.
As of now, it’s wait and see again…
Samsung vs Nokia (Singapore) Promos
Nokia (Singapore) should rethink their strategies…
A couple of weeks ago… Samsung had the following promotion.
Yes. If you bought a Galaxy S4 Zoom, you get a free Galaxy Tab 3!
2 days ago, Nokia Singapore posted the following in Facebook.
People even thought it was an April fool’s joke!
Purchasing AppleCare+ for iPhone in Singapore
As I posted earlier, my daughter uses an iPhone 5C and just like any other parent, I would love the have a hassle free 2 years with my daughter’s phone.
This is the reason why I decided to spend SGD 138.00 for AppleCare+
My daughter’s old iPhone 4 had an annoying final 6 months. Her sleep/wake button started acting up and she had to live with using assistive touch until her contract was due for renewal.
AppleCare+ was also one the reasons why we decided to purchase the 5C over Android devices. Samsung, HTC and Sony did not offer extended warranty for their devices.
AppleCare+ is readily available in almost all Apple resellers here in Singapore, but they do not sell AppleCare+ alone, it must be bundled if you buy an out-of-contract iPhone from them.
Since our phone was from our carrier (M1), we had to purchase AppleCare+ from Apple Singapore’s website which was a really uncomfortable experience.
Let me explain…
1. Go to Apple Store Singapore.
2. Click “Shop iPhone”
3. Click “iPhone Accessories”
4. On the right side, click “AppleCare+ for iPhone”
5. Click “iPhone”
You will then be directed to AppleCare+ for iPhone page but you will not find a “Buy Now” or “Add to Cart” button.
You’ll need to scroll down (scroll up if you’re using a Mac) then you see “How to get AppleCare+”. You must call 800-186-1087.
Do note that you must call above number during office hours!
If I remember correctly, press “1” for English. Then options are as follows: “1” iPod, “2” iPhone, “3” iPads and “4” for everything else.
I initially thought AppleCare+ was under option “4”, I was told that I should have chosen option “2”!
(Have your iPhone’s serial number ready as you will need it while talking to Apple’s customer care.)
Purchase will be done over the phone which I personally (again) found to be very uncomfortable.
Over the phone, you will need to dictate your complete credit card information together with the security code… If you ask me, that’s too much information to share to a stranger over the phone!
I decided to make the purchase with the belief and confidence that Apple knows what’s its doing…
Receipt will be sent to me by email in 2-3 days time…
My daughter’s iPhone is now protected until the end of her contract…
I just hope Apple fixes their website before the release of the next iPhone!
IMO: iPhone 5s, 5c and 64bit processors
Last September 11, 2013 (Singapore Date), we saw Apple new iPhones, the 5s and the 5c.
As usual, we’ve seen a lot of love and hate comments from almost all websites!
Here’s my personal comment on this… When the 4s was introduced, we all knew that an “s” model will follow an all new model.
3G to 3Gs, 4 to 4s and now the 5s. So if you’ve signed up for a 2 year contract with the 3G, you should have updated to the 4 and last year’s 5.
My daughter’s contract is expiring next month so if she decides to get an iPhone, the 5s is definitely the right phone to get… even if improvements over iPhone 5 is minimal, she basically has no choice.
Now let’s talk about the 5c. A lot of people were disappointed that “c” did not mean cheap… But I think its Apple’s way of differentiating the current phone (5s) from the older phone (5).
The 5c is after all last year’s 5 in a plastic body with a slightly bigger battery (as per reports).
Remember when the 8GB iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s were on display. Both looked identical and the only differentiating factor (other than their posters) was the memory (8 vs 16GB) and Siri. People who cannot tell the difference bought the 4 instead.
Now that the 5 is in a totally new shell and called the 5c, Apple has a great mid-range phone that will not cannibalize the 5s’ sales.
To those who think that the 5c is too expensive, just look at its competitors… I can immediately think of the Galaxy S4 mini and HTC One mini… If you ask me, 5c is a better choice compared to its Android counterparts…
Now for Apple’s move to 64bit…
I personally don’t think we’ll see a 4GB iPhone and iPad next year BUT we’ll see a lot of developers optimizing their Apps.
RAM
2010 – iPad 1 (256MB) – iPhone 4 (512MB)
2011 – iPad 2 (512MB) – iPhone 4s (512MB)
2012 – iPad 3/4 (1GB) – iPhone 5 (1GB)
If rumors are true that the 5s is using 2GB RAM, 3GB RAM might be possible on the iPhone 6.
To enjoy 64bit processing, we will need more RAM, more Storage and a Bigger Battery.
More RAM and more storage will mean more costs and lesser profit… bigger battery will mean a heavier device, things that we can expect Apple to stay away from.
If we all check the software installed in our computers, we need good resources (RAM, Storage and Processor) for video/photo editing software and games.
Is it all about games?
Apple TV is basically running iOS… Maybe we’ll see Apple’s purpose of using a 64bit processor on the next Apple TV… it doesn’t have a battery and adding RAM/Storage to new models isn’t impossible.
For now, all we can do is wait and see…
world of ice // gadgets 