| Motorola DROID 5 images surface with talk of a 4.3-inch 720p display Sep 10th 2013, 15:06, by Robert Nelson There isn’t much talk about devices with hardware keyboards these days, however it looks like Motorola has one in the works. If the details that have come along with these leaked images are accurate — it looks like we are getting another look at what will become the Motorola DROID 5. While we always try to be a bit skeptical with leaked images, we can say that this round of images does match up with the batch that leaked back in August. 
Anyway, this latest leak is coming out of China. The images were discovered on the weibo.com website and are offering a look at the handset with the keyboard in and the keyboard out — as well as a few of the handset sitting side-by-side with the Photon Q. The images offer a decent look at the device, as well as the five-row hardware QWERTY keyboard. There is even an image of the DROID 5 and Photon Q keyboards sitting side-by-side. 
Aside from the few images, there was some talk of specs. Though, with that in mind — we don’t think these are going to overwhelm anyone. In fact, they seem to be more if a step up as compared to the DROID 4. And to that point, the display will likely be familiar to those who are using or have checked out the DROID Mini. Rumor has it that the DROID 5 will be sporting a 4.3-inch 720p display with a ppi of 342. Other still rumored specs include a dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus (MSM8960) processor with 1GB of RAM and Adreno 225 graphics. The handset is also expected to arrive with 16GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot and NFC. And assuming these images hold true — it looks like the DROID 5 will also have support for wireless charging.    Finally, looking at the DROID 4 in comparison and we see a device with a 4.3-inch display with a resolution of 960 x 540. Other specs of the DROID 4 include a dual-core 1.2GHz processor with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. Basically, from what we are seeing thus far it is looking like the DROID 5 will a minor spec bump from the DROID 4. VIA: New Cell Phones Blog |  | Sony Xperia Z1 Mini image leak offers a side-by-side with the non-mini Z1 Sep 10th 2013, 14:18, by Robert Nelson Sony announced the often rumored Honami smartphone during IFA. As many are likely familiar with, the Honami arrived as the Sony Xperia Z1 and while we have been able to put those rumors to rest with the official announcement, it looks like talk of the Xperia Z1 Mini are going to continue with some frequency. In fact, we saw the front panel leak yesterday and today we have what is said to be the Xperia Z1 Mini sitting side-by-side with the Xperia Z1. 
This latest image is showing the Xperia Z1 Mini in purple and sitting side-by-side with the Xperia Z1 in purple and black. The image has come by way of the Chinese language digi-wo website and well, we are going to be a bit skeptical with this one. There isn’t enough to come out and call this an outright fake, but it does seem the leaks have progressed rather quickly. Details of the Xperia Z1 Mini are showing a handset that will have specs similar to the non-Mini version. Basically, that is to say the Xperia Z1 Mini is expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and still have the same 20.7 megapixel rear-facing camera. Other specs look to include 8GB of internal storage, 2GB of RAM and a 4.3-inch 720p display. In comparison, the Xperia Z1 is sporting a 5-inch 1080p display and 16GB of internal storage. In keeping with details that should still be considered rumor, the latest chatter suggests that Sony will officially unveil the Xperia Z1 Mini during CES 2014. Basically, it looks like the Xperia Z1 rumors have been replaced with Xperia Z1 Mini rumors and we have at least a few months time before they will end. While the Xperia Z1 Mini should arrive with a smaller display, it is expected to have the same exterior look and style. So with that, those curious about the Xperia Z1 Mini may also benefit from our earlier hands-on time with the recently announced Xperia Z1. VIA: Xperia Blog | | Walmart smartphone trade-in program coming later this month Sep 10th 2013, 13:57, by Robert Nelson Walmart has announced a new smartphone trade-in program this morning. The retailer has said the program will be available at Walmart and Sam’s Club locations. More to the point, at more than 3,600 locations across the US. The program is set to go live on September 21 and as we often see — the amount you get will depend on the device you are looking to trade. 
Details coming from Walmart mention that trade-in values will range from as low as $50 and as high as $300. Some specific examples include $300 for an iPhone 5, $175 for a Galaxy S III or $52 for a Galaxy S2. Of course, all phones must be working and undamaged in order to get any credit. Walmart has 100 smartphones on the ‘can be accepted’ list and those trading a device will get an immediate credit. The trade-in program is being done in conjunction with CExchange and those taking advantage of the program will need to use the credit they receive towards the purchase of a new device. As far as that goes, some additional Walmart provided examples show you will be able to grab a Galaxy S 4 for $138 (on a two-year agreement with Verizon Wireless or AT&T). And aside from trading your existing handset for a device with a two-year agreement — the credit can also be applied towards prepaid options. Walmart offers prepaid handsets as well as plans from Straight Talk, which offers T-Mobile and AT&T service for $45 per month. That all being said, while Walmart is launching this smartphone trade-in program on September 21, they also have a regular electronics program available that will reward the user with Walmart gift cards. SOURCE: PR Newswire | | ZTE Awe launches with Virgin Mobile, brings a 4-inch display and Jelly Bean Sep 10th 2013, 13:31, by Robert Nelson Virgin Mobile has added another handset to the lineup. This latest is the ZTE Awe, which has been listed as the Virgin Mobile Awe. Carrier branded name aside, the Awe smartphone has landed for those shopping on a budget. Virgin Mobile has the Awe priced at $99.99. 
And just to clarify, that is a prepaid and contract-free $99.99. But with a low price comes lower end specs. The Virgin Mobile Awe is running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, sporting a 4.0-inch display and powered by a 1.2GHz processor. Other goodies here include 4GB of internal storage along with 1GB of RAM, a 1650 mAh battery, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. The Awe has support for the Virgin Mobile 3G network and those making the purchase can also expect to find a 1 megapixel front-facing camera and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with the ability to record 720p video. Basically, you would be looking at a handset with specs that match the price. Perhaps more important here, this $99.99 smartphone can be paired with the Virgin Mobile plans which begin as low as $35 per month. That plan includes 300 voice minutes as well as unlimited messaging and data. Virgin Mobile also has a $45 and $55 per month plan available — both of which also include unlimited messaging and data. In addition the $45 per month plan includes 1200 voice minutes and the $55 per month plan brings unlimited voice minutes. | |
