Camera and Internal Storage
The camera at the back of the Xolo Play 8X-1000 is an 8 MP Sony Exmor R sensor with f2.0 aperture that is teamed up with LED flash that can capture low light images with superior clarity and FHD 1080p video recording capability. The front camera is a 2 MP unit which will do the job of taking selfies with good quality. The internal storage capacity stands at 16 GB which is being bundled with a few offerings in the sub Rs 15,000 priced devices. Such a high storage space appears to be pretty impressive and like that Xolo has implemented the same for this phone. This internal storage capacity can be further expanded by another 32 GB with the help of a micro SD card.
Processor and Battery
Under the hood is a 1.4 GHz octa-core Mediatek MT6592M processor which is used by many other budget devices as well owing to its good processing capability. It gets mated to a 2 GB of RAM to take charge of multitasking and a Mali 450-MP4 GPU to meet the intense graphics requirements. This should make the Xolo Play 8X-1000 capable of delivering superior performance and make the device suitable for advanced realism and breathtaking graphics that will take mobile gaming to an all new level. Taking charge of juicing up the device is a 1,920 mAh battery. This is expected to last render a decent backup to the smartphone for a day on moderate usage. However, it is doubtful if this battery can last for long hours.
Display and Features
The display is a 5 inch IPS unit which has a HD screen resolution of 1280×720 pixels. It features ASAHI Dragontrail glass protection that should make it scratch and damage resistant. It has decent viewing angles and color reproduction as well. But then, considering the pricing of the device, we cannot complain too much on the same. The Xolo Play 8X-1000 runs on Android 4.4 KitKat operating system that is topped with the Hive UI. This software comes with a slew of new features and improvements that provide a new way for users to interact with the smartphone. Interestingly, this UI lets users to become a part of the development team. The new Hive UI brings new themes, new music player with last.fm, Fusion X artist recommendations based on what the user is listening to, new launcher, new contacts, Gallery and many other feature additions. Moreover, the device features Corning Gorilla Glass 3 coating for a tough exterior.
Comparison
The Xolo Play 8X-1000 will definitely be a still competitor to the similarly specced and priced smartphones including Moto G, Xiaomi Redmi Note and Karbonn Titanium Octane.
Key Specs
What we Like
Android 4.4 KitKat with Hive UICapable processorImpressive camera set
What we Dislike
Not so good battery for a gaming device
Price and Conclusion
The Xolo Play 8X-1000 has been priced at Rs 13,999 and offers a decent amount of value for money. Though the device is priced appropriately and well specced, there are a slew of such smartphones using similar hardware aspects thereby making the competition fiercer. The impressive aspect of the device is the Hive UI that adds more value to it with the aforementioned feature additions. We still have to analyze the performance of the device and that will decide the success factor of the latest Xolo offering.
