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Samsung Galaxy Note. First Look

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Impressions from LG Optimus X2 and Motorola ATRIX 4G

Samsung is a current Android leader as it boosted its sales gradually until it reached the summit. Special thanks should go to Galaxy S and its modifications. Taking into account that many companies decided to bet on Android and for some success in this segment means survival, Samsung leadership is quite an irritator. Rivals try as hard as they can to differentiate from Samsung products. Interestingly, Sony Ericsson is lagging behind as it has no investment to create modern handsets, so it packs old hardware into glossy plastic and metal. The unveiling of Sony Ericsson Arc confirms that this strategy can work at least partially. People like the looks of the model and are emotional about it, which is not bad. It is a temporary solution, because you cannot hide hardware drawbacks.

Another thing is LG and Motorola. Both companies decided to offer products different from those of Samsung. With this in mind they had to unveil products distinct from Samsung phones. They needed a unique selling point and banked on Nvidia Tegra2. We cannot expect that Samsung will get rid of its own processors (developed and produced by the company). By adopting Tegra Motorola and LG managed to get an early advantage. This phenomenon is not permanent, because in the second part of 2011 Samsung will definitely offer its own dual core processors and the competition will heat up.

In 2011 Nvidia plans to ship 15 million Tegra2 processors. It is only the beginning of the road and here we count not only phones, but tablets as well. The market is just starting to grow without damaging Samsung and its sales. That is why it does not hurry to unveil its dual core products as the current crop is still selling like hot cakes. This creates an opportunity for LG and Motorola to get their share of Samsung market and steal a bit of its limelight. For example, Motorola ATRIX 4G or its variations will remain one of the strongest Android offerings. Rivals will not be able to do anything as LG has a largely similar model.

In my article on Motorola at CES 2011 I described the features of ATRIX 4G, so without repeating myself I would rather share first impressions from the handset.

CES 2011. Motorola and original solutions from the future

The model fits any hand well and though bulky it does not interfere with user experience. The weight is appropriate too. What else can I say? The screen is not mind boggling. Surprisingly, my first impression was that it can rival Apple iPhone 4, but after careful examination and comparison with other models I have to admit that it is rather standard. The picture in commercial samples is not that bright and sharp.

Inside we have Android with MOTOBLUR 1.5. I liked this combination in DEFY and it impresses here too. The phone is fast and you can clearly see it when handling images. Comparison with my HTC Desire makes me feel pity that Desire is too slow. You can obviously measure performance in special parameters and compare test results. Sadly, this scientific approach is far removed from real life and shows nothing. All in all I can say that the model is fast. It is one of the fastest I tested for a long time. By the way LG Optimus X2 offers similar speed.

Battery is the weakest point according to many pundits who had no chance of testing the phone. Active use on AT&T network from midnight to midday takes away 50% of the charge, which is excellent for a new phone in active use. Let's consider it will operate at least one day. Earlier Motorola handsets were not better and the same applies to Android phones in general. So these fears are not grounded.

The ringtones are loud and make me feel extremely fine. My overall impressions coincide with those of DROID/Milestone a year ago. It is one of the best Android models and its specifications are top-notch. I cannot comment on camera, but I don't expect considerable improvements. In general we have a pleasant phone, which we can view as a flagship to wet mouths of gadget fans. I would definitely like to have one. Motorola is waking up. Well done!

Now let's look at LG Optimus 2x. The same processor inside and several menu add-ons from LG are coupled with new apps. Details will follow soon, so let's discuss first impressions. The device is fast and it attracts attention straight away. The speed is obvious in all areas. Another point is good build and nice feelings in hands. The screen is not SuperAMOLED, but the quality is very high with fine color reproduction, brightness and sharpness up to the mark.

I am sure the model will enjoy high popularity in the segment. For the first time LG offered something to beat Samsung on its territory. It is a strong move. Sales will be inferior to Galaxy S, but LG does not have such aspirations. One of flagships for 2011 will be welcomed by the market. It is one of milestones, especially for LG.

This brings to the end my story about these two models. I hope it was useful.