Uswitch.com reacts to Nokia & Sony launches at mobile world congress
Commenting on the Nokia launch event at Mobile World Congress, Rob Kerr, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, says: “Nokia’s gone Android. The Nokia X, X+ and XL are a vast departure to what we’ve seen before from the manufacturer – but the customisable, tiled OS is similar to what we got from Nokia’s Lumia range, as is the monobody design in a range of bold colours.
“Nokia’s new smartphone ‘family’ might run on Android, but it doesn’t give users access to the Google Play store. However, it will have all of the big-name apps like Facebook, Skype and Twitter, as well as Nokia’s own Here maps and Mix Radio. Also, with some clever leverage of Microsoft’s services with a month’s free Skype calls and the OneDrive cloud storage service, the Nokia X range proves a great entry to the smartphone ecosystem for new users.
“The lack of easy app access might hold Nokia back but, with a little bit of effort, Android software can be installed on the higher end models via a microSD card. However that could prove a barrier for those without the know-how, or lacking the inclination.
“The XL sports a large five-inch screen. It’s nothing new – screens have been getting bigger for a while – but it shows Nokia is keeping up with the Joneses, and phones like the five-inch Samsung Galaxy S4, matching current competition in terms of popularity.
“However, where this new series beats the competition is price. The three new Nokia smartphones range from £73 to £90, so are bound to be popular – but it looks like the UK will have to be patient, as Nokia is targeting ‘growth markets’ initially.”
Commenting on the Sony launch event at Mobile World Congress, Ernest Doku, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, says:
“Sony’s big announcement was the Xperia Z2, a flagship device that boasts an all-new display and records video at an incredible 4K resolution, four times higher than HD.
“But, by retaining the waterproof, dust-resistant body and design of the Xperia Z and Z1, Sony has wandered down the tried and tested route of ‘if it isn’t broken, why fix it?’. In doing so, it feels like it has taken evolutionary rather than revolutionary steps in terms of practical new features.
“Ultimately, the Z2 a slightly bigger-screened and thinner Z1, and it can now be used with a gloved hand, like some choice Nokia phones.
“The affordable Sony Xperia M2 delivers a solid mid-range effort, packing an eight-megapixel camera and powerful screen into a compact, waterproof frame.
“As expected, wearable tech was the watchword with Sony as they announced the Smartband, a clever bit of kit that enables everything from your day – from steps taken to calories consumed – to be ‘lifelogged’ and stored on your phone.
“A solid, if slightly unsurprising trio from Sony, doubling-down on their renowned TV tech with perks like 4K resolution recording and richer displays rather than truly wowing, but the Smartband gives a glimpse at an exciting wearable future.”
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