Have you had enough of your exploding Note 7? If you want to keep yourself safe, we suggest switching over to these other Android smartphones that will let you keep your flagship experience, but at the same time, reduce your risk of getting 3rd-degree burns.
1. Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe (S$1,188)
The ZenFone 3 Deluxe that is going to be released soon in Singapore, is the gold standard for Android smartphones nowadays. The elegantly-built device packs an incredibly fast Snapdragon 821 processor that scores higher than the Samsung S7 Edge in benchmark tests, and a sapphire lens 23MP rear camera with 4-axis optical image stabilising technology that provides you with absolutely crystal clear photos.
Out of all the smartphones in the market, the ZenFone 3 has the largest on-board RAM of 6GB that will make multitasking seems like a child’s play. Furthermore, the 256GB on-board storage is pretty much unrivalled as well, so getting an expandable microSD card isn’t even needed.
Key Specifications
Processor: Snapdragon 821 | RAM: 6GB | GPU: Adreno 530 | Internal Memory: 256GB
Screen Size: 5.7” | Thickness: 7.5 mm | Weight: 170g
Rear Camera: 23MP f/2.0 | Front Camera: 8MP f/2.0
2. Xiaomi Mi 5 (S$619)
The Mi 5 launched earlier this year is the most powerful device that’s priced as a mid-ranger, but performs like a true flagship. The sleek pearl-white device is renowned for its super-fast processor and multi-tasking abilities which no device sub-S$800 can outperform. The Sony IMX 298 sensor in its 16MP rear camera is one of the Mi 5’s highlights. The phase detection auto-focus and deep trench isolation technology within the camera makes the Mi 5’s rear shooter a powerhouse to be reckoned with.
Despite holding a 3,000mAh battery that seems pretty standard, the power-efficient Mi 5 scores a 92h rating on GSM Arena’s battery benchmark tests, even higher than the Note 7’s 90h rating.
Key Specifications (Base Model)
Processor: Snapdragon 820 | RAM: 3GB | GPU: Adreno 530 | Internal Memory: 32GB
Screen Size: 5.15” | Thickness: 7.3 mm | Weight: 129 g
Rear Camera: 16MP f/2.0 | Front Camera: 4MP f/2.0
3. Sony Xperia XZ (S$998)
If you are an avid photographer, consider the Sony Xperia XZ. This sub-S$1000 shooter comes armed with a dedicated shutter button on its body that complements well with its 23MP rear camera that holds a 5-axis image stabilising technology that no other smartphone in the market packs. This stable shooter performs well as a performance smartphone too, hitting the 100,000 mark on AnTuTu scores, which indicates that lags should be few and far between during your daily smartphone usage,
Did we also mention that the XZ is waterproof? Although Sony labels it as a water-resistant smartphone, in reality, it has a waterproof rating that surpasses even the iPhone 7 and the Samsung S7, capable of entering the water up to a depth of 1.5m.
Check out our review of the XZ here.
Key Specifications
Processor: Snapdragon 820 | RAM: 3GB | GPU: Adreno 530 | Internal Memory: 256GB
Screen Size: 5.2” | Thickness: 8.1 mm | Weight: 161g
Rear Camera: 23MP f/2.0 | Front Camera: 8MP f/2.0
About the Aut
hor
A Dentist-To-Be Dabbling in Tech Journalism:
Zayne is a writer who reports for VR-Zone, Stuff Singapore and The New Paper on all things tech-related. Follow this geek on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!
