Category Archives: Smartphones

Best Buy: LG G4 – An Exceptional Visual Experience in the Palm of your Hand

June 9, 2015Smartphones, Sponsored, TechnologyBest Buy, LG G4Alicia

The LG G4 has landed at Best Buy and it’s causing quite the excitement. LG’s latest phone boasts an impressive camera, improved display and expandable memory making the LG G4 a great option if you’re in the market for a new smartphone. The latest cell phone from LG features a superior camera experience, a cutting-edge 5.5″ display and an elegant and comfortable design and you can check it out now at your local Best Buy.

Camera & Display

The G4’s camera app has a manual mode with 15 settings and over 135 options as well as improved Laser Auto Focus so you’re always ready to capture the moment your daughter nails the pirouette she’s been practicing for months. 11% more light is brought into low-light photographs, thanks to the lens with an aperture of f/1.8, resulting in great photos of the kids playing sports in the evening. 538ppi give the screen incredible detail and sharpness and with such an impressive pixel-dense display you, and your kids, are sure to enjoy multimedia for hours. Just what you need right? The 25% brighter display and 50% improvement in contrast (from LG G3) makes for colors that are vibrant and eye-catching which you’ll definitely notice when you take a look at the LG G4 at your local Best Buy. Capture a photo with the 16MP rear facing camera while you’re at the store and you’ll be captured.. by the LG G4! Your teen will appreciate the 8MP front facing camera making selfies better than ever and photo enthusiasts (aka parents of newborns) will appreciate the G4s RAW image file capture allowing for the highest possible image quality so photos can be blown up to poster size and framed for the grandparents. Just kidding.. I would *never* do that. Wink. You know those times when you’ve tried to capture a photograph of your dog catching a frisbee or your baby taking his first steps? The G4s Optical Image Stabilization steadies the shot for a sharp, focused image while the color-spectrum sensor, a feature that adjusts the white balance according to the lighting situation, further makes the LG G4 a captivating phone.

Look & Feel

I like the LG G4’s slightly curved back. It helps the phone feel secure in my hand. The G4 has a 5.5″ screen and because the edges are narrower than many phones with the same screen size, the phone feels more compact. Available back cover styles include black or brown genuine leather and metallic and ceramic style for a premium look and feel.

Android 5.1 Lollipop with LG’s new UX 4 provides familiar usability features to Android users, like Dual Window, Smart Notices, multi-tasking, Knock On/Code, which allows you to unlock the screen by tapping on it, multi-user support, and more.

Storage & Memory

LG’s G4 has 3GB of RAM providing users with quick processing and a plethora of multi-tasking opportunities.. something parents love! 😉 The LGG4 comes with 32GB native storage and a microSD card slot. You read that right. Not only do you get 32GB of internal storage, you can expand the storage capability of your G4 with a microSD card. Imagine not worrying about running out of space for photos and videos at your kids next game or recital. Speaking of never running out.. the G4 has a replaceable high capacity 3,000mAH battery so you won’t ever run out of battery during a big game again!

Get a $100 Best Buy® Gift Card!

Best Buy customers are guaranteed a $100 Best Buy® Gift Card when they purchase the LG G4. Offer valid LG G4 Release Date-6/13/15

We have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Sharp AQUOS® Crystal (Sprint) Review

December 3, 2014Gadgets, Smartphones, Technology#SprintMom, Sharp smartphoneAlicia

When I opened my latest shipment for the #SprintMom program I was surprised to see a small box with the Sharp logo on it. Sharp makes smartphones? Yes, Sharp does and a very unique one at that. The AQUOS name isn’t limited to Sharp’s beautiful AQUOS LCD televisions any longer. The AQUOS Crystal is like a tiny version of their AQUOS televisions.

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal, offered exclusively through Sprint and its prepaid brands Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA, has great specs for the price point of around $200 with no credit check or $0 with a 2-year service agreement. From the start I oohed and ahhed over the 5 inch edgeless screen. A few of my other favorite features of the AQUOS Crystal are the 8MP camera, Harman/Kardon audio technology (great sound!), Wi-fi calling, many camera features and modes, and Clip Now – a feature that allows you to send a screenshot of whatever is on your screen; a photo, contact, email, or web page for example, and send it to a friend. I can’t leave out the Speaktoit Assistant. This fabulous assistant could be my new best friend. Ask him/her anything and your wish is granted. What is the weather? What movies are playing? What is 640-62? You can even customize your assistant to have brown hair and brown eyes if you’d like. With the push of a button you’re on your way to finding out what you need to know right then and there.

Sharp AQUOS Crystal Highlights

• Android 4.4.2 KitKat

• 5″ frameless LCD display

• 5.16 x 2.6 x 0.40 inches

• 8MP camera

• Speaktoit Assistant

• App Pass

• Harman Kardon audio

• 2,040mAh lithium-ion pack

• Available at Sprint

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal runs on Android™ 4.4.2, KitKat and comes equipped with Google Mobile services including Google Search, Google Maps, Google Navigation, Google Talk, Google Calendar, Google+ and YouTube! I use Gmail, Google+ for photo storage and editing and YouTube everyday, all of which work a smartphone to the bone. Another app I use everyday that put the AQUOS Crystal to the test is TwitPro, an app that broadcasts live and recorded tech podcasts. I watch a video podcast while waiting in the carpool line which requires the device I’m using to have a good processor, great graphics, and reliable connection, all of which Sprint and the AQUOS Crystal offer. Streaming video podcasts is seamless on this phone. Madelyn watches videos on Amazon Prime Instant Video when we’re on road trips and this smartphone is the perfect size for just that.

I found something new to do while waiting in the carpool line..I watched one of my favorite podcasts on my new Sharp Aquos! #relaxing #momtime #SprintMom #MC #Sponsored

A photo posted by Alicia Hagan (@mommyinsider) on Dec 12, 2014 at 5:21am PST

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal has a bezel-free display giving it an edge in the smartphone design space. No bezel means you have more screen real-estate for your favorite apps. The frame is sturdy and strong and the curved design makes it easy to hold even for tiny toddler hands. Speaking of toddler hands, kids get bored of apps and games quickly. Sprint has a solution for that with their new App Pass program which allows customers to download apps from the App Pass catalog for just $4.99 a month! How many times have you purchased an app for your child and she’s over it within 3 days. The App Pass program nixes that by allowing access to an entire catalog of premium, hand-selected apps for just $4.99 a month! App Pass offers unlimited access to these apps and games across two devices, and additionally, customers are given a $5 credit each month to spend on in-app purchases. There’s an app for everyone in the family with App Pass. The apps are sorted into the following categories: Games, Free to Play, Lifestyle, Media, Utilities, Kids, Productivity, Books & Reference.

A snapshot of a few of the kids apps in the App Pass catalog

Camera & Audio

Take pictures like a pro with the 8MP camera and it’s plethora of features and modes. Framing advisor improves photos by doing the thinking for you, helping with the composition and framing of your shot. The advisor has options including food, portrait and outdoor scenes. Never take a dark nighttime photo again with the Night Catch feature which brightens both subject and background for tricky nighttime shots. Action shots are made easy with Sequential Shots. The Sequential Shots feature catches rapid movements by using one simple button hold. One of my favorite camera features is Shutter Detect automatically takes a photo when it detects a smile. I was amazed the first time I tried this feature. It really does work, even capturing a photo of my husband smiling.. it’s a miracle! 😉 I found that the AQUOS’ color temperature is truer than some smartphones I’ve reviewed. Many times, photos taken on a smartphone will lean toward the cyan side making the photo look cold and not natural. The AQUOS Crystal camera is best used in bright light situations and when held very still. Capturing unforgettable moments is easy and fun with the Sharp AQUOS® Crystal.

I’ve heard of wifi calling but never really thought about what it is exactly. Wi-Fi Calling allows users to use their voice and messaging services over existing home, office and public Wi-Fi networks, not using their valuable minutes.

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal has and a solid list of specs for an affordable price. The 2,040mAh lithium-ion pack will easily get you through a full 14 hour day.

When you’re looking for your next phone, check out the AQUOS Crystal at your local Sprint store. It is also available through Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport For Sprint, For The Active Parent’s Life

August 29, 2014Brand Ambassador, Smartphones, Technology#SprintMom, Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport, smartphone, Sprint Ambassador, Sprint MomAlicia

Samsung Galaxy S 5
Carrier: Sprint
Camera: 16-megapixel
Processor: 2.5GHz quad-core
Display: 5.1-inches

I hesitated to put this in writing but here goes.. my 40th birthday is in October. I didn’t think that turning 40 was going to be a big deal – until a few weeks ago when I realized my birthday was just a couple of months away and I am turning 40! Before I explain how this milestone makes me feel, you should know that I am not a fan of resolutions. I never make them. I consider myself to be a realist and I don’t believe in making resolutions because I don’t feel like they’re realistic and I don’t commit to something I don’t intend on following through with 100% and I know better than to commit to working out everyday or losing 30 pounds in two months. Not going to happen.

That being said, I’m beginning to think that turning 40 could spark some life changes. I won’t go into detail on what those changes would be because I will be the first to admit that I am SCARED of being held accountable for something I say I’m going to do and not following through with it. I’ll just say that the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport and a new pair of sneakers may be playing a part in those changes. Well actually, they already are.

The Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport is possibly the best Galaxy yet with refinements including a more-responsive 16-megapixel camera with simplified access to controls and filters, a battery built to survive long hikes, power outages, or nights in the baby’s room, and a brilliant display that allows for great visibility even in the sun.

I have been using the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport for a few weeks and I am very impressed with the unique built-in health features/apps that Sprint is excited to be able to share with its customers through collaboration with Samsung Telecommunications and health and fitness market leaders Under Armour and MapMyFitness as well as its incredible camera.

As a Sprint Ambassador, I was given the opportunity to test the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport. Designed with fitness in mind, the Galaxy S 5 combines a rugged but classy exterior, long battery life, an awesome 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, physical buttons, and native fitness apps to support your health and fitness goals.

Apps and Features for the Health & Fitness Minded

The Galaxy S 5 Sport combines Samsung’s S Health app, Under Armor’s MapMyFitness and Sprint’s new Fit Live service to promote good health. An Activity Zone app also offers quick access to features like a compass and stopwatch. Sprint includes a 12-month subscription to MapMyFitness MVP and six months of free Spotify Premium.

MapMyFitness comes in handy for cycling. Using the app, my son could see how many calories he burned during a ride. The S 5’s ‘S Health’ app has a heart rate monitor and stress monitor. The stress monitor has been great for giving my kids a visual representation, besides my bright red nose, when they are stressing me out. Through the app, I can show the kids when my heart rate is elevated and then they know it’s time to chill out. Having a visual of the difference between mom when she’s not stressed and mom when she is stressed has definitely had an impact.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport Design

The Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport is 5.7 inches x 2.9 inches, weighs 5.6 ounces and sports an impressive 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED® display. I’m a shorty so I have small hands and can comfortably use the Galaxy S 5 Sport with one hand. There is actually a One-handed operation setting in the Settings app that allows me to toggle the function on and off easily. If you’re prone to dropping phones, you’ll love the textured, rubberized body of the Galaxy S 5 Sport. The physical navigation buttons, multi-tasking, home, and back, make switching between apps and browsing the internet so much easier than on some mobile devices. I had to invest in a pair of smartphone gloves a couple of years ago, in order to use my old device while wearing gloves in the winter but the Galaxy S 5’s physical navigation buttons do away with the need for gloves. IP67 water and dust resistant, the S 5 Sport lets paparazzi-like parents (that’s you and I) take photos of our kids while at the beach, pool, or lake, without having to worry about the occasional splash or drop into the water.

Speaking of photos… Paparazzi-parents need lots of storage space on their smartphone. The Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport comes with 16GB internal memory and has a MicroSD card slot that supports up to 128GB. I’ll never have to worry about running out of space while shooting video at my son’s lacrosse game or my daughter’s ballet recital again! A lot of people don’t take advantage of the SD card slot on smartphones but they should! You can buy an SD card almost anywhere and just slide it in the slot and wahlah, your phone has tons of space!

The 3.5mm stereo headset jack is standard so you can continue to use your favorite earbuds or headphones. I’ve been using a wireless Bluetooth headset to listen to music and audiobooks on my Galaxy S 5 Sport.

Color options are Electric Blue and Cherry Red. I am not a huge fan of bright colors but the Electric Blue has grown on me. The default keyboard has numbers at the top so I don’t have to click a shift-type button before entering numbers, great for my crazy passwords that are made up of capital letters, numbers and symbols. No more going back and forth between letter, number, and symbol screens.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport Camera

Taking photos of the kids, flowers, and the puppy has never been so fun! The Galaxy S 5 Sport’s camera is a winner. The controls are responsive and images are sharp, clear, and natural looking. The camera shutter is very fast so I can take even more photos of the kids!

Shooting photos of the kids in dim light or bright sunlight on a smartphone can be cumbersome but the HDR (high dynamic range) mode spiffs up photos in these situations without any extra work on the user’s part. Taking a photo in HDR mode on the Galaxy S 5 Sport doesn’t cause a lag like some smartphones. The Galaxy S 5 Sport takes less than a fraction of a second to snap a great quality photo but if you’re not sure you want to use the storage space on your phone for HDR photos, it shows you a preview of what a photo will look like in HDR mode before you shoot.

The “gear” icon on the top left of the viewfinder opens a 27-button menu of image-quality settings, while the Mode button takes you to a half-dozen effects with the ability to download even more including ‘Animated Photo’ and ‘Sound & Shot’.

The camera mode I had the most fun with, although not always consistent in result, is Shot and More. This mode takes a series of photos a few seconds apart. You can do several things in this mode. My favorite Shot & More mode is ‘panning shot’ which is what I used to take the photograph above. Other Shoot & More apps include Best Face, Eraser (erases the photo bombing stranger in the background), and Best Photo (chooses the best photo in a series).

The Galaxy S 5’s ‘Studio’ app gives users access to a a complete photo and video editing suite.

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Specs and Features

Android™ 4.4.2, KitKat
2.5GHz quad-core processor (Qualcomm® Snapdragon® MSM8974AB chipset)
3G/4G LTE mobile hotspot capability supporting up to 10 Wi-Fi® enabled devices simultaneously
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth BT 4.0
Built-in Google Mobile™ wireless services including Google Search™, Gmail™ and Google Maps™
HD Voice, virtually eliminates background noise and sound quality is dramatically enhanced on a call between two Sprint HD Voice-enabled devices on upgraded areas of the Sprint network.
Multi Window allows users to seamlessly toggle between applications without closing a window or opening a new page
NFC (near field communication) allowing the device to read information from everyday objects, such as stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips, or for use as a mobile wallet to make secure purchases.
Sprint Spark, a unique combination of advanced network capabilities built for data delivering peak wireless speeds of 60Mbps today on capable devices.

Below is a demonstration of the Galaxy S 5’s Multi Window funtion

How has the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport Helped Me?

Since having the Samsung Galaxy S 5, I have literally spent 60% more time exercising than before. I really calculated it. I was walking once in the morning or evening but now I do both and a little speedier than before because I can listen to music that is super energizing and new to me via Spotify. Sure, I have thousands of songs in my personal music library but it’s different when you hear songs that you haven’t heard before or from way back.. they get the adrenaline pumping! Between Spotify and the fitness apps, I’ve been way more motivated to go for a walk or ride our stationary bike. I, like you, am a busy parent and have a difficult time taking time for myself even when it comes to doing something for my health. The Samsung Galaxy S 5, being an all-in-one device in that it gives me access to thousands of songs, a heart rate monitor, pedometer, and even a sleep tracker makes it easy for me to pick up just this one device and know I’m covered on many different levels. Not to mention the amazing camera… as if I was going to take a selfie while exercising. That’ll be the day. 🙂

Tracking my steps using MapMyFitness and listening to energetic tunes from Spotify get me going on my fitness journey from getting dressed to taking that last sweaty step.

Here are a few more photographs I took with my Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport

The Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport has a suggested retail price of $649.99 without a contract. With Sprint Easy Pay, well-qualified buyers can purchase Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport with $0 down (plus tax) and 24 monthly payments of $27.09. Visit Sprint for more information.

In The Box

Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport
Standard Lithium Ion Battery
Headset
AC Adapter
USB Cable
Get Started Guide
Important Information Booklet
Wireless Recycling Envelope

Save Money With The Sprint Family Share Pack

Sprint introduces new shared data plans that offer double the high-speed data at the same or lower price as compared to AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. For a Family up to 10 lines, get 20GB of Shared Data and Unlimited Talk & Text for only $100 a month. It really doesn’t matter if your family is 3, 5, or 10 people, you will get at least 20GB of shared data and your monthly charge will be $100.

Download the Walmart App to Save Time & Money on Everyday Household Shopping! + Win a $25 Walmart Gift Card!

August 5, 2014Giveaways, Smartphones, Technologygiveaway, Smartphone Shopping, Walmart AppAlicia

I’ve been doing most of my household shopping online for the past few years. I buy everything from paper towels and schools supplies to cleaners and pet supplies online. I usually go to a store’s website on my laptop and often use a store’s app on my Android phone or iPhone to catch up on shopping while sitting outside or in the carpool line. I use an app because for some reason I feel guilty if I shop online during work hours even though I work from home. It’s when I sneak outside to get some fresh air (aka away from the kids) that I launch a shopping app and order the things we need that I don’t want to go to the store for.

Jump to our $25 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway!

If you like shopping from the comfort of your home as much as I do, you’ll love Walmart’s shopping app! Walmart has a smartphone app for Android and iOS and it just might be my new best friend. By shopping for household items on Walmart.com or by using the Walmart smartphone app, you are giving yourself the option to shop wherever and whenever you want – at your own convenience.

Walmart iOS App

Convenience and Low Prices

I’ll be honest, I am not a fan of going to big stores to shop. I’d rather pay a little extra and have stuff delivered to my house – than sit in traffic, take the kids, wander around the store aimlessly looking for stuff, and then wait in line to check-out. Some things that I buy online 80%+ of the time are paper towels, toilet paper, detergents, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, office supplies, staple clothing for the kids like socks, and beauty supplies. It’s well known that Walmart almost always has the best price on everything, so why not take advantage of the low prices and not have to go into the store?! It’s a win/win!

Walmart.com offers the great variety and savings on everyday low prices that you’ve come to love at your local Walmart, especially on your favorite P&G products. We have P&G products in almost every room of our house and you probably do too. A few P&G products we use every that are available at Walmart.com at low prices are Tide 2x Ultra For High Efficiency Machines Liquid Laundry Detergent, Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels, and Charmin Ultra Soft Toilet Paper Mega Rolls. When you select an item in the Walmart app you will see the item’s price, ratings and reviews for the item, store availability, an ‘add to cart’ button, ‘save for later’ button, product description, and related products.

Walmart Android app

About the Walmart App

Always visible at the top of the app in Android is the search function, share function, and your cart so you can see how many items you’ve added to your cart. Always visible in the iPhone app is a ‘List’ button, ‘Store’ button, and your shopping cart. Searching for products is not quite as easy in the iPhone app as it is in the Android app. Once you finish selecting items and putting them in your cart, simply click the shopping cart icon to check out.

You can choose to have your purchases delivered to your Walmart store for free delivery or shipped to your house free with orders over $50. If easy, at-home shopping and low prices isn’t enough to convince you to download the free Walmart app, the app recognizes when you’re in a Walmart store and provides easy access to the weekly ad, store information, new items, Rollbacks and more.

By using the Walmart smartphone app, you can easily build a shopping list by scanning all the products you’re ready to purchase again. This is great for things like my son’s body wash which he is really picky about and if I don’t get the right thing he’ll all but refuse to use it. I can just scan it and know I am adding the right product to my shopping list!

The Walmart app is free to download and will save you time and money on your favorite household products including P&G products!

We are giving a lucky reader a $25 Walmart gift card!

Enter using the form below. Entries accepted through August 18th, 2014. Winner will be contacted by August 20th. Entrants must reside in the U.S. and be 18 years or older.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kyocera Hydro VIBE Waterproof LGE Smartphone for Sprint – A Durable First (and beyond) Smartphone

July 5, 2014Gadgets, Smartphones, Technology#SprintMom, Kyocera, SprintAlicia

Parents who are looking for a great first smartphone for their kids should consider the Kyocera Hydro VIBE waterproof 4G LTE smartphone for Sprint. The Hydro VIBE is a great device that the tech-savvy parent can certainly appreciate and includes a slew of great features. It’s an Android smartphone that has a great design and is waterproof, making it a great first smartphone. A further look at its features which I’ll let into below, can be the deciding factor in whether it is the right phone for your child.

See also:

• HTC One M8 for Sprint review

• Other #SprintMom posts

One of the biggest reasons the Kyocera Hydro VIBE is such a great option for kids is that it is waterproof. Accidents happen, but with this smartphone, the user can spill a drink or accidentally splash water on it after washing their hands without fear of any damage. Kids can also feel free to take the phone to the pool and snap a few photos in or around the water. I have heard more than a handful of stories about losing a phone to water damage, including one friend who’s phone fell in the toilet. I have dropped a phone in the bathtub but luckily it had less than a half inch of water in it and I grabbed it quickly but I didn’t feel nearly as confident in its safety as I would with a waterproof phone.

The Kyocera Hydro VIBE has a 4.5 inch IPS qHD screen that has a resolution of 960 by 540 pixels. It is quite lightweight at only 139 grams. At the same time, it is fairly rugged at 0.43 inches in depth. It is submersible to 3.5 feet for up to 30 minutes! It includes a primary rear-facing 8mp camera that doubles as a video camcorder that takes quality images. It runs on Android’s 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system, which means there are plenty of great apps from Google Play that can be installed, including children’s educational apps that parents will love.

Sprint customers who have kids will find that the Sprint Framily Plan is the perfect package option to go along with this rugged waterproof phone. With it, everyone on the plan gets 1GB of data, unlimited talk and text for only $45 per month and bills can be separated by account so that each adult on the plan can pay their own way and for their own kids.

Wireless charging is also included in the Kyocera Hydro VIBE for Sprint. This technology is more and more becoming the norm in smartphones and makes it even more convenient to charge them without having to worry about connecting a cable wire. This device relies on PMA-enabled (Power Matters Alliance) wireless charging, which means the user can simply lay it down on a charging pad to recharge the battery. The wireless charger is sold separately and the phone will get the user through a good 14 hours of talk time.The importance of kids having their own smartphone these days cannot be under-stressed.

Cell phones are no longer considered luxury devices but necessities. Contacting parents during afterschool activities and being able to make calls during emergencies is a must. There are also other reasons for kids to own smartphones, such as being able to text when they are going to a friend’s house or need their parents to pick them up.The tech-savvy parent will also delight at the price of the Hydro VIBE. It is zero dollars down and only $9.59 per month for 24 months or $29.99 when signing up for a two year new contract or when renewing a current contract.

Unedited photos taken with the Kyocera Hydro VIBE

The photos below are photos that I took with the Kyocera Hydro VIBE. They are unedited with the exception of being resized and watermarked.

Don’t believe a smartphone can be waterproof? Watch this quick video to see the test I put the Kyocera Hydro VIBE to.. in a lake!

I hope this review of the Kyocera Hydro VIBE helps you, especially if you’re looking for a good, durable first-phone for your child.

Stay tuned (sign up for my daily rss/email updates in the box at the top of the right column) for more reviews of devices offered through Sprint as I enjoy being a #SprintMom Sprint Ambassador during which I will test various Sprint devices and service options over the course of the year.

Enjoy!

Alicia

The Mommy Insider

Parenting | Atlanta Mom Blogger | Mom Style | Brand Ambassador | Product Reviews