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Will a phone still ‘charge’ even when it is full? This is a post from our smartphone FAQ section. To see other questions please click here.  Yes. Once your phone, tablet or any other electronic device that charges in a similar fashion has completed its charge, it will continue to use energy if it remains connected to the power source. Once the phone is fully charged, it will continue to use a small amount of energy even in standby mode. The charger will therefore continue to replenish the supply of energy. This is known as Trickle Charging. It doesn’t consume as much energy as when it’s charging an empty battery, but it does still use a small amount. Many handsets are now advanced enough to reduce the energy used to a minimum, but it is a waste of electricity so you should unplug if possible. Does keeping your phone plugged in kill the battery? Yes, but not really enough to worry about it too much. Continual charging of the battery will gradually reduce its capacity over time, but this process will take several years.  For those of us that change our handset every one to two years this isn’t so much of a problem, but if you plan on keeping your handset for longer you should take care of its battery where possible. This is especially true for those handsets which have a unibody design and a battery that is not easily removed by the user. Strictly speaking rechargeable batteries in electronics should be partially discharged before they are charged again. In an ideal world your battery should be close to being completely flat before it’s recharged again, but naturally this isn’t always practical. How can I tell when my phone is fully charged? Many phones now come with an LED indicator that will signal when battery is critically low, in the process or charging or when it is fully charged. However, this isn’t always the case and if your phone does not have a notification LED, the Full Battery & Theft Alarm app (for Android) is worth checking out. The app will sound an alarm either when your battery is fully charged or when the handset is unplugged from its charger. This is great if you need do not have the means to charge the handset within close proximity to what you are doing. Should I charge my phone overnight? Many people choose to charge their handset overnight so that it has full battery in the morning. This isn’t a bad things and as mentioned it would take a long time to have an impact on battery life. If you do have the means to charge it for an hour or two before you go to bed though, this option is slightly better in terms of battery health, saving energy and also safety (see below). If you do charge before you go to bed, leaving the phone on standby overnight will not use much battery at all, provided you have things such as Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and mobile data switched off. Is it dangerous to ‘overcharge’ a phone? Yes, to an extent, but it’s not that frequent for a problem to arise. Once a phone has reached a 100% charge, the protection circuit will prevent it from charging any further, i.e. over charging. However, should the protection circuit fail (which is extremely rare) there could be problems. In the case of one Reddit user, his Samsung Galaxy S3 exploded while charging overnight (photos here). In this kind of situation ‘extremely rare’ wouldn’t be much of a consolation if the phone was close enough to do you some damage. Fortunately the user escaped unharmed, but if you are charging your phone overnight make sure it’s a reasonable distance away from you and that it isn’t covered in any way, which could cause it to overheat. Do mobile phone chargers use electricity when plugged in without a phone? Yes, although it is a very small amount. The same goes for all electric devices though – TVs, microwaves, DVD players, etc. If they are left plugged in, even when turned off completely, they will continue to use a small amount of energy. Individually the amount of energy consumed is minuscule, but collectively – across a whole nation – a fair bit of power is consumed in this way, so we should unplug is possible.

The Huawei P Smart 2019 is undoubtedly one of the best all-round value for money options on the market right now at only £195 and comes with a host of features that are usually only reserved for higher-tier devices. Here’s everything you need to know. #1: Where can I buy the Huawei P Smart 2019? As always, the Huawei P Smart 2019 is available to buy from Clove Technology. The device is available in Midnight Black and Aurora Blue with 64GB of internal memory and 3GB RAM for only £195 including VAT – a real bargain! Here at Clove, we offer worldwide shipping for same day dispatch, as well as next day delivery to the UK, ensuring that you don’t have to wait to get your hands on one of these devices! #2: Is the Huawei P Smart 2019 Water Resistant? Unfortunately, the Huawei P Smart 2019 does not come fitted with an official IP rating and so we’d advise extra caution when handling it around water and dirt. An IP rating is an international standard that shows how dust and water resistant your phone (or another device) is. If your device does not come with one of these ratings, then it has no guaranteed resistance against water and so definitely isn’t fit for a swim. Despite this, Huawei have claimed that, ‘Huawei has engineered the Huawei P Smart 2019 to be extremely durable. The various components of the device have been rigorously tested in Huawei’s testing facilities. For instance, both the power button and fingerprint sensor can withstand 200,000 triggers and remain in good condition.’ There is no gorilla glass protection on the display and so we’d definitely recommend a screen protector and/or case to help against those every day bumps and bruises. #3: Does the Huawei P Smart 2019 have Wireless Charging? The Huawei P Smart 2019 unfortunately does not come with support for wireless charging, however, instead supports fast charging at 5V/2A 10W, which Huawei claims is 22% faster than its predecessor; the Huawei P Smart. The 3400mAh battery is very impressive for the price point and, ‘supports up to 10 hours of internet browsing on 4G networks, up to 18 hours of continuous video playback, and up to a ground breaking 96 hours of continuous music playback’, according to Huawei. Further, ‘the smart battery management system applies several measures to further extend the battery life, including suspending minimised apps to significantly prolong battery of the device on idle.’ As such, whilst you might be disappointed by the lack of support for wireless charging, the Huawei P Smart 2019 certainly makes up for it in other areas.  #4: Is the Huawei P Smart 2019 Dual SIM? If you like a separate SIM for work and pleasure, then you’ll be very pleased to hear that the Huawei P Smart 2019 comes as a dual SIM variant. Indeed, the device accepts two Nano-SIM cards and is a hybrid dual SIM device. This means that the second SIM slot can be used to house a microSD instead, with the device supporting SD cards of up to 512GB for expanded storage. It’s important to note that only user data can be stored on this additional SD card. It cannot be used to store apps or format it as internal storage. #5: What is the Huawei P Smart 2019 Camera Setup? For a sub-£200 device, the camera setup of the Huawei P Smart 2019 really is remarkable and is no less than we’ve come to expect of a Huawei handset. The P Smart 2019 comes with a dual rear camera, consisting of a primary 13MP lens with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 2MP secondary lens which provides that much needed depth sensor. The AI software works spectacularly well and can differentiate between 22 images categories and over 500 scenarios, adapting your images accordingly. Notably, the camera shoots photos in 8MP in AI mode rather than the full 13MP resolution. If selfies are more your thing, then the 8MP front camera comes with the same AI software that recognises 8 unique selfie scenes and optimises photos in real time. We’ve been really impressed with the results. Alongside this, the Huawei P Smart 2019 records video at up to 1080p resolution in either 30fps or 60fps. #6: Does the Huawei P Smart 2019 have a Headphone Jack? We know it’s a big issue for many of you; but the Huawei P Smart 2019 does come fitted with that trusty 3.5mm headphone jack. Hoorah! You don’t need to throw away those trusty headphones just yet. Even better, the Huawei P Smart 2019 comes packaged with a pair of 3.5mm headphones in box, so you can add to your collection if you so choose.   #7: Does the Huawei P Smart 2019 support NFC? There’s not a whole lot easier than making wireless payments through your device, and the Huawei P Smart 2019 comes with support for NFC. NFC is a method of wireless data transfer that enables technology within a close proximity to communicate to each other, without the need for an internet connection. NFC works within a radius of around 4cm and provides a wireless connection between your device and another. Within smartphones, this is used to make contactless payments, with compatible stores allowing you to simply tap your device to pay.   #8: Does the Huawei P Smart 2019 support Face Unlock? The Huawei P Smart 2019 comes with that all-important support for face unlock and we’ve been really impressed with the speed in which it works. The basic face unlock functionality has even been pretty responsive in low light situations and is a great addition for a phone at this price. If you’re not so keen on face unlock, then the Huawei P Smart 2019 also comes with a fingerprint scanner on the rear that unlocks the device decidedly quickly.   #9: Why Should I Buy The Huawei P Smart 2019? First and foremost, the Huawei P Smart 2019 is unquestionably one of the best value-for-money devices on the market right now and is a solid all-rounder that produces many features that you would only expect of a more expensive handset. We’ve always been big fans of Huawei’s camera tech, and even with their lower range phones, we have not been disappointed here. The AI software really helps to capture some striking images and the ability to edit the way that images are shot within Pro Mode should not be overlooked. The device is visually striking and curved edges make it feel very premium in hand. The 6.21-inch Full View HD display produces some bright and vivid colours and colour reproduction is very good, with a 1080 x 2340-pixel resolution. You really cannot go wrong with this device.   The Huawei P Smart 2019 is now available from Clove Technology in Aurora Blue or Midnight Black, with 64GB internal storage and 3GB RAM for only £195 including VAT!

The Huawei P30 Pro changes what it is to own a smartphone. It rewrites the capabilities of what is possible with photography on a smartphone, with an exquisite design which takes influences from nature. For smooth curves and a smartphone which is easy to hold. The rear Quad camera system allows you to take stunning photos, with stunning rich colours and the zoom is out of this world, up to 50x superzoom.      A Leica Quad Camera System makes it possible to take your photography to the next level. With a 40MP super sensing lens, 16MP ultra wide-angle lens, 8MP telephoto lens and a Huawei Time-of-Flight (TOF) camera.  Huawei P30 Pro | From £899 inc-VAT  Want to know more before you buy? Below you can find the digital version of the Huawei P30 Pro user manual – click the PDF icon to download it, or access it here. If you would like a printed version, please click here.

If you’re thinking about buying the new Blackberry KEY2, one consideration could be whether or not it’s a water-resistant phone. This is an important feature for many users, particularly those who use their handsets whilst boating or during outdoor activities. The newly released Blackberry Key2 is now available to buy at Clove Technology BlackBerry KEY2 | SIM Free | Clove Technology Unfortunately, the new Blackberry KEY2 is not water-resistant or waterproof, and there’s a good reason why. It uses a physical clickable keyboard. Keyboards present a significant challenge when waterproofing. If Blackberry had made the keyboard water resistant it would have reduced the usability of the phone. You should certainly be very careful about dropping it near any water! What Blackberry Phone is Water Resistant? If you love the Blackberry brand, and we can’t blame you, and water resistance is still important to you then they do have a water-resistant handset. It’s called the Blackberry Motion and is IP67 rated for water resistance. You can check the latest prices on the Blackberry Motion in the Clove Technology online store. Handy Hint: For information on what IP ratings mean for water resistance, take a look at our guide to what IP ratings mean for phones. Should You Still Buy the KEY2? Despite not being water resistant we still believe it’s a great choice. As long as you are a careful user and aren’t going to be using the KEY2 in tough environments where water hazards are common, then there’s no reason why you still shouldn’t buy. In fact, this topic has recently come up on some of the Blackberry user forums. The question over water resistance was asked, and there was a lot of discussion of how important it actually is in reality. Here’s a selection of comments: “No, the Key2 is not waterproof and has no IP67 rating on it. If it’s a concern I would recommend people buy those waterproof lanyard cases or cover. It depends on how careless you are I guess!” “The new Key2 certainly isn’t waterproof, but I think eventually Blackberry might implement this feature in future versions as consumers are demanding it more and more. Having said that, I have never had a phone that has been damaged by water.” “In my opinion water resistance isn’t really needed anyway. Yes, it would be nice to use the Key2 in the rain, but if they did add water resistance it would probably make the keyboard a lot harder to use with compromising on the quality of the clicking with a rubber-encased keys.” “I have the older KeyOne, and whilst it has no IP rating is still appears to fairly water resistant. I have been using mine with wet hands a lot and even spilled a drink on it. It still works absolutely fine. I definitely wouldn’t submerge it though!” How About a Rugged Water Proof Phone? If you are looking for a new smartphone that does come fully water resistant and has some of the highest IP ratings possible, then you might want to consider checking out some of the rugged phones on the market instead. At Clove Technology we stock some of the best waterproof phones that money can buy, including the very popular CAT S61. The CAT S61 is one of the highest rated phones for water resistance. The MIL-SPEC 810G & IP68 ratings certify the CAT S61 as being able to withstand drops of up to 1.8 metres and survive being submerged in up to 3 metres of water for 1 hour. It also has a massive IP69K rating for high-pressure water & steam jets. You can read the full spec on the CAT S61 over at our online store. Buy the Blackberry KEY2 Clove Technology currently has KEY2 stock with some of the best deals and prices you will find in the UK. We ship the same day on all orders and are also able to deliver to worldwide locations. To view our best prices and find out more, please click the button below. BlackBerry Key2 | SIM Free | Clove Technology

The Huawei Mate 20 X is due to land at Clove early in 2019 and is a device that we are really, really excited about. With a 7.2-inch display, dual symmetrical speakers and Huawei’s acclaimed triple lens camera, the Mate 20 X is truly a media lover’s dream. If you’re thinking about getting your hands on the Huawei Mate 20 X, then maybe one of your top considerations is whether the device offers high levels of water resistance. This is a key priority for many, and particularly those who might want to make full use of their smartphone devices whilst exposed to the elements.   The Huawei Mate 20 X comes with an IP53 rating, which means that is protected from water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60 degrees from the vertical. As such, the Huawei Mate 20 X cannot be submerged in water for any length of time.   The Huawei Mate 20 X will be shipping from Clove in January 2019 and is available to pre-order now for only £799.99. Head on over to our website to discover more.   What is an IP rating? ‘IP’ literally stands for Ingress Protection rating and is an international standard that provides information on the degree of protection that is offered by a range of devices. A rating is usually written in a precise format, namely ‘IP’ followed by two numbers, with each number representing a different standard of durability and water resistance. The first number outlines the level to which a device can withstand dust and physical damage by small objects, whilst the second number equates to the level of water resistance. The higher the number, the better the protection that is offered. Now, almost all mobile devices have a water resistance rating of at least three, which protects against spraying water so that smartphones aren’t ruined by things such as rain whilst in use. 8 is the highest rating that a smartphone can be offered with regards to water resistance, whilst in the case of dust and small objects, the highest rating is 6. What does IP53 mean? The Huawei Mate 20 X has been crafted with an IP53 rating which is not as high as many other flagship devices that have been released this year. The ‘5’ rating means that ‘ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; complete protection against contact’. More importantly, the ‘3’ rating means that the device is only protected against spraying water, or more precisely, ‘water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60 degrees from the vertical shall have no harmful effect’. As such, the Huawei Mate 20 X cannot be submerged in any depths of water for any period of time. Neither should it make contact with high pressure jets of water. Can IP ratings be trusted? IP ratings are awarded following rigorous testing and provide precise guidelines on how well protected a device is against dust particles and pure water. That said, more often than not these tests are performed on devices in fresh water which does not take into account many other common situations. Salt water in particular can have a very different impact on mobile phones and can often be corrosive, damaging outer seals and circuit boards inside the device. Similarly, chlorinated water in swimming pools and spilled soft drinks also contain chemical substances that have not been accounted for whilst testing. Liquid temperatures are also another factor to take into consideration, since very cold or very hot water will have a damaging effect and further, the pressure at which water is applied to a device should also be remembered. Is the Huawei Mate 20 X drop resistant? The Huawei Mate 20 X does not come with any drop testing certifications meaning that it is not able to withstand heavy knocks or bruises. The device does come coated in Corning’s Gorilla Glass which does offer an extra layer of protection, however both the front and back of the Mate 20 X is crafted from engraved glass. This makes it a little more vulnerable to cracks and bumps. We would always advise getting a screen protector and a case when purchasing a new phone, and this is certainly the case with the Huawei Mate 20 X.   Why should I be excited about the Huawei Mate 20 X? The Huawei Mate 20 X has been crafted with a whopping 7.2-inch Full HD+ display that produces bright and vivid colours which, coupled with dual symmetrical speakers, is perfect for watching movies or playing games. The device comes fitted with the lauded Leica triple lens camera setup that is found on the Huawei Mate 20 Pro and takes some of the best images of a smartphone currently on the market. Huawei’s Kirin 980 Octa-core processor offers unrivalled levels of power and performance, and a whopping 5000mAh battery ensures that you can last a full day of gaming without an issue. Take a look at our full review for more:   Can I purchase anything to make my device more water resistant? Whilst we would never recommend taking your smartphone for a dip, there are a range of products available that help with waterproofing your device. The DiCAPac Action Universal Waterproof Case is a personal favourite of ours and is available from Clove for only £23.99 including VAT. The case fits a plethora of different devices and is crafted with the highest grade JIS IPX8 waterproof rating, ensuring that your smartphone is protected at all times. Indeed, the case actually floats so if you were to unexpectedly lose it whilst in the water, you can retrieve it with ease. You are still able to make full use of your device whilst in the case as it supports touch screen and also provides protection against small solid particles such as dust and dirt.   The Huawei Mate 20 X will be shipping from Clove in January 2019 and is available to pre-order now for only £799.99. Head on over to our website to create an alert for when stock is available and discover more.

Knox is a new security feature that is being offered with certain Samsung handsets. It helps you to securely separate your personal and professional data. Essentially, you can have the benefits of using a ‘work phone’ without the need to carry, and secure, a separate device. All in all we have found Knox to work nicely. It can be configured so that it’s easy to use and access, yet barely noticeable. It’s a nice security addition and free with new Samsung handsets such as the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 4  and Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition. Samsung has put together this short video about what Knox offers, but we explain its functionality in greater detail below. You can also view the official Knox user manual here. What is Samsung Knox? In layman’s terms, Samsung Knox is an app that creates a new ‘layer’ on your Samsung phone so that you can securely separate your personal and professional activities. This layer is essentially a second version of your phone that requires a password to be accessed and restricts the way in which the handset is used. When in Knox mode, there are only certain apps that you can use. If Knox is installed by an administrator at your place of work, they will be able to specify which apps you can use. By default, the apps included are Camera, Gallery, Downloads, Email, S Planner, My files, Phone, Contacts and Internet (Samsung browser only, not 3rd party). You do not have access to the Play Store, but there are an additional 75 ‘Samsung Knox’ apps that are available for download. Certain functions are disabled within Knox, such as capturing a screen shot. Device administrators can also specify which apps can be used as sharing intents from within Knox. Some of the apps that are available to download from the Samsung Knox Apps Store include: Evernote Dropbox Box Harmon.ie iAnnotatePDF OfficeSuite 7 Pro OfficeSuite Viewer qPDF Notes QuickSpell TouchDown Podio Jorte Calendar GoFormz You can view the full list of apps here There are also special offers available for Box, Lookout, ShareFile, Dropbox and CloudOn. These give you a nice discount on the paid tariffs for some of these apps. You can view the deals here Using Knox You can switch between Knox mode and personal mode using shortcuts in the app tray and notification tray. A password timeout is set so that you do not need to re-enter it each time you switch from one mode to another. The password time out period can be changed by entering Knox mode, pressing the capacitive settings button, selecting Knox Settings and then selecting Password Timeout. You can, however, override the password timeout and lock Knox by pressing the padlock icon within the notification tray shortcut. When in Knox mode, there is a shortcut on the home screen named ‘Personal’ that will take you back to your normal device. There is also a shortcut to switch modes placed within the notification tray, which also contains within it a padlock button so that you can lock and unlock knox. Keeping Knox unlocked enables you to use the shortcuts to switch between the two different modes without having to enter your password. The switch between personal and Knox is almost seamless. There is a very short lag while the home screen is rendered, but this is negligible. This is using a Galaxy Note 3 mind you, which is very powerful, but for the time being Knox is only offered on Samsung’s high-end devices and it’s not clear as to whether or not it will be offered on those low-end devices that would potentially suffer from lag. Any data captured or entered when in Knox mode is not accessible from within your personal account and vice versa. For example, if you take a photo whilst in Knox, it cannot be accessed from your personal gallery. You can also place shortcuts to Knox apps on your personal home screens. For example, if you place a shortcut to Knox camera on your personal home screen, you can then take a quick photo, which is saved in only the Knox gallery, without having to make the switch to Knox mode. If you are only using Knox for one or two activities, this saves you from having to switch modes too often. Another nice touch is that if you have a work email account setup in Knox using Microsoft Exchange, the management policies that are applied to the account (e.g remote device wipe) only apply to the Knox container. This means that if for any reason your place of work feels the need to remotely delete your data, it will only be applied to the Knox container and will not delete files in your personal account. Even if you are not required for security reasons to use Knox, it could be worth using it anyway in order to keep your personal and work life/data separate. How to transfer existing files to Knox Normally, the easiest way to transfer a large file or a large group of files to a device is by connecting the handset to your computer and using a file manager. Due to its security restrictions, this option is not available when using Knox. If you do need to transfer some existing files to Knox, the easiest option is to download one of the cloud storage apps that are available for Knox, such as Dropbox, Box or even Evernote. Each of these apps have free tariffs, so if you don’t have an account already it won’t cost you money to get the files transferred. Simply upload your files to the service that you choose, download the Knox version of its app from the Knox app store, and then login and download the files that you need. How to install Samsung Knox Knox does not come pre-installed on your Samsung handset, but there is a shortcut within the app tray so that you can download it (for free) if you wish to use it. Once you have installed Knox, you will be asked to set a password. Make sure you don’t forget this as you will need it to access Knox or if you wish to uninstall it. You are also asked to set a backup PIN in case you do misplace the password. Once installed, To access Knox, click the shortcut within the app tray or in your notification bar. How to uninstall Knox If you don’t use Knox, you may wish to uninstall it. It’s worth noting that you do not need to uninstall Knox in order to remove the shortcut from the notification tray as there is an option to turn this off if you go into the Knox Settings. To uninstall Knox, press the menu button whilst on the Knox home screen, then choose Knox Settings. From here, select About Knox and there is then the option to uninstall. You are given the opportunity to back up your Knox data before proceeding with the uninstall. Should you make the backup, you are given the option to restore your Knox data if you reinstall the app at a later date. Once you have uninstalled Knox, the shortcut will still appear in the app tray so you can easily reinstall again later.

What are the differences between Mobile High Definition Link & SlimPort? These are two technologies that you may have heard of, but do not understand the differences between.  In this post, we look to explain the differences. What do they do? Mobile High Definition (MHL) and SlimPort are technologies whereby video and audio can be extracted from the microUSB port on a mobile device and viewed on an external display, with the use of an appropriate cable or adapter. Both essentially achieve the same thing, but there are some key differences. What is the main difference? The key difference is that MHL outputs through the HDMI standard, whilst SlimPort uses the VESA standard meaning it can output to HDMI as well as VGA, DVI and DisplayPort. For a more detailed explanation of the differences, read on.   All the differences explained Both MHL and SlimPort are evolving technologies, so things can change, but at the time of writing the differences are as follows. MHL normally requires mains power to be connected to the adapter to work, but MHL 2.0 now found on some devices means mains power connection is not essential. Connecting power is however advised as MHL draws power from the mobile device. SlimPort does not draw power from the mobile device, meaning mains power is not necessary, but power can be connected if preferred. MHL can output only via HDMI connections whereas SlimPort can output to HDMI, VGA, DVIA and DisplayPort, therefore offering a more versatile solution then MHL. Whilst these are the primary differences there are some other emerging differences that will likely put MHL ahead of the SlimPort standard. More manufacturers & products have MHL support than SlimPort. This means that MHL has an advantage as it is becoming mainstream quicker than SlimPort.  With this said, there are some big brands behind SlimPort such as Google/LG with their Nexus devices meaning SlimPort could catch up. MHL adapters are more readily available from more retailers than SlimPort. A true MHL setup will involve a MHL enabled display and an MHL to microUSB cable.  The cable carries power from the display, negating the need to physically connect mains power to the adapter, as there is no adapter, just the cable. MHL Updates announced in 2014 MHL 3.0 has been announced allowing support for 4K resolution.  SlimPort is also capable of 4K transmission as part of the Mobility DisplayPort provisions, also known as MyDP. USB 3.1 (9.6 Gb/s) will replace USB 3.0 (4.8 Gb/s), MHL 3.0 will support this bit rate in so long as mobile manufacturers use the micro USB Type C connector in their phones.  SlimPort does offer some potential advantages in the wider range of support for connections meaning a broader compatibility with things such as computer monitors, projectors and more.  However as these products develop, more are taking on the HDMI standard now, meaning little advantage for SlimPort over MHL. The following video explains the differences, but it was put together back in 2012 but the group behind SlimPort.  Whilst is summarises the differences it is based on older MHL technology.  The MHL 2.0 offers higher resolution output and does not need mains power to work. So hopefully the above explains the key differences for you.  However you may have some additional thoughts and questions based on the above.  We have put together a series of FAQ’s which should answer most queries. What cables do I need? The cables required will depend on your setup and mobile device. If your device has MHL then you will need a MHL adapter.  On the MHL adapter there will be a microUSB connector. Connect this to your mobile device and then connect a HDMI cable between the adapter and the HD display. Depending on the MHL standard your device supports, you may need to connect a microUSB mains power supply into the adapter. If your device has SlimPort then you will need a SlimPort adapter. On the adapter there will be a microUSB connector. Connect this to your mobile device and then connect a HDMI, VGA or DVI cable between the adapter and the display. The cable required will depend on which SlimPort adapter you have. You do not need to, but can connect a microUSB mains power supply into the adapter if you like. Which is better MHL or SlimPort? It is a personal decision as much depends on your circumstances.  It will primarily depends on your mobile device and what it supports. SlimPort has greater versatility in what you can connect too, but MHL is more common currently. Which is cheaper? There isn’t much between the two.  Both require specialist adapters.  MHL is possibly fractionally cheaper as they are more widely available.  However, cheap cables do not always perform as well as branded cables. Where can I buy the cables? Depending on the cable you are after, will depend on where you can purchase it.  Most of these cables will be available online only as few high street retailers stock these cables. You can buy many from www.clove.co.uk although a web search will return results for other suppliers if you can not find what you are looking for. What devices use MHL? The list of devices using MHL is continually changing and it is not possible to give a definitive list, but the MHL consortium do a pretty good job of keeping this list up to date. What devices use SlimPort? Like MHL, the list of devices is continually changing, all be it, not as rapidly as MHL.  There is a list here which is generally kept fairly up to date. Where can I find out more about SlimPort? You can watch the following video or read more about SlimPort on the following link: http://blog.clove.co.uk/2012/11/02/what-is-slimport/ Where can I find out more about MHL? You can read more about MHL on the following link: http://blog.clove.co.uk/2013/03/28/which-mhl-cable-should-i-buy/ If you need further information or have any additional questions, please leave them in the comments below.

The LG V40 ThinQ is due to arrive at Clove next month and is a device that we are really excited about. The device comes fitted with 5 cameras and an impressive array of really unique features. If you’re thinking about purchasing the LG V40 ThinQ, then perhaps one of the things that you’re considering is whether the device is water resistant. This is an important consideration for many, particularly those who may want to use their smartphone devices whilst exposed to the elements. The LG V40 ThinQ comes equipped with an IP68 rating which means that the device is water resistant for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This provides resistance to the impacts of fresh water and does not guarantee protection against salt water.   What is an IP rating? IP stands for ‘Ingress Protection’ which classifies and rates the degree of protection that is provided against intrusion, dust, accidental contact and water, by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures. A rating is displayed with the letters ‘IP’ followed by two numbers, for example, IP68. The first number represents the level of protection that is provided against foreign bodies such as dust and dirt. With regards to mobile phones, this ranks from 1 (the lowest protection) to 6. As a representative example, 1 indicates protection against any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part. Similarly, the second number of the rating refers to the protection level that is provided against various forms of moisture. Again, the lower the number the less protection that you’ll find, with numbers ranking from 1 to 8.   What does IP68 mean? Taking the IP Code into consideration as outlined above, the IP68 rating that the LG V40 ThinQ has been crafted with is the highest on offer to a smartphone device. The 6 refers to the protection provided against foreign bodies and is outlined as being dust tight, providing complete protection against contact. More importantly, the 8 that refers to water resistance is the highest on offer. This means that the device is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. For most devices, this will be mean that the phone is hermetically sealed but with other equipment, it can mean that water is able to enter but only in such a way that it produces no harmful effects. Now, LG have denoted that the V40 ThinQ is ‘tested under controlled laboratory conditions’ and is ‘water resistant for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.’ Similarly, if the product does get wet, they have outlined to ‘use a clean, soft cloth to dry it thoroughly.’ The LG V40 ThinQ is IP68-rated  Does an IP68 rating protect against all water? All tests completed on devices in order to receive an IP rating are done using freshwater and so an IP68 rating should only be taken into consideration when a device has been exposed to this water. Salt water in particular can have a very different impact on mobile phones and can often be corrosive, damaging outer seals and circuit boards inside the device. Similarly, temperatures are another thing to take into consideration, since very cold or warm water will damage devices. Another element would be the pressure at which water is applied to the device. Now, devices may be able to withstand these extra elements, but it is important to remember that the rating given by manufacturers applies only to freshwater.   Is the LG V40 ThinQ drop resistant? The LG V40 ThinQ meets MIL-STD-810G drop testing standards and is therefore able to withstand many bumps and bruises. If a device is military drop certified, that means the manufacturer has tested the phone with the MIL-STD-810G laboratory test methods. In order to achieve this military specification rating, devices are tested against drop, vibration, extreme temperature, humidity and altitude, amongst others. In total, 26 drops from about 4 feet are necessary to perform the complete drop test. These tests weren’t originally produced for mobile devices and so are often conducted in different ways by different manufacturers. As such, the LG V40 ThinQ should be able to survive most bumps and bruises without an issue, but we wouldn’t advise playing catch with it.   Why should you consider the LG V40 ThinQ? The LG V40 ThinQ is the latest LG flagship device and offers an array of top of the class specifications and a unique collection of features. The device comes with an impressive triple lens camera setup on the rear, coupled with a dual-lens shooter on the front. Now, we’ve found these really impressive and the extra features such as CineShot and Triple Shot have been a lot of fun to play around with. If that’s not enough, the device is fitted with Qualcomm’s latest processor which ensures that you won’t experience any frame rate issues or lag when engaging with media. That’s really important, particularly as LG’s famous Boombox speaker is installed, producing outstanding audio and volume. Take a look at our Video Review for further information and get a hands-on look:   The LG V40 ThinQ is available from Clove in January 2019 in either Aurora Black or Moroccan Blue with 64GB internal memory and 6GB RAM. Head to our website now to create a notification for when stock becomes available.

The LG V40 ThinQ is due to arrive at Clove next month and is a device that we are really excited about. The device comes fitted with 5 cameras and an impressive array of really unique features. If you’re thinking about purchasing the LG V40 ThinQ, then perhaps one of the things that you’re considering is whether the device is water resistant. This is an important consideration for many, particularly those who may want to use their smartphone devices whilst exposed to the elements. The LG V40 ThinQ comes equipped with an IP68 rating which means that the device is water resistant for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. This provides resistance to the impacts of fresh water and does not guarantee protection against salt water.   What is an IP rating? IP stands for ‘Ingress Protection’ which classifies and rates the degree of protection that is provided against intrusion, dust, accidental contact and water, by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures. A rating is displayed with the letters ‘IP’ followed by two numbers, for example, IP68. The first number represents the level of protection that is provided against foreign bodies such as dust and dirt. With regards to mobile phones, this ranks from 1 (the lowest protection) to 6. As a representative example, 1 indicates protection against any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part. Similarly, the second number of the rating refers to the protection level that is provided against various forms of moisture. Again, the lower the number the less protection that you’ll find, with numbers ranking from 1 to 8.   What does IP68 mean? Taking the IP Code into consideration as outlined above, the IP68 rating that the LG V40 ThinQ has been crafted with is the highest on offer to a smartphone device. The 6 refers to the protection provided against foreign bodies and is outlined as being dust tight, providing complete protection against contact. More importantly, the 8 that refers to water resistance is the highest on offer. This means that the device is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer. For most devices, this will be mean that the phone is hermetically sealed but with other equipment, it can mean that water is able to enter but only in such a way that it produces no harmful effects. Now, LG have denoted that the V40 ThinQ is ‘tested under controlled laboratory conditions’ and is ‘water resistant for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.’ Similarly, if the product does get wet, they have outlined to ‘use a clean, soft cloth to dry it thoroughly.’ The LG V40 ThinQ is IP68-rated  Does an IP68 rating protect against all water? All tests completed on devices in order to receive an IP rating are done using freshwater and so an IP68 rating should only be taken into consideration when a device has been exposed to this water. Salt water in particular can have a very different impact on mobile phones and can often be corrosive, damaging outer seals and circuit boards inside the device. Similarly, temperatures are another thing to take into consideration, since very cold or warm water will damage devices. Another element would be the pressure at which water is applied to the device. Now, devices may be able to withstand these extra elements, but it is important to remember that the rating given by manufacturers applies only to freshwater.   Is the LG V40 ThinQ drop resistant? The LG V40 ThinQ meets MIL-STD-810G drop testing standards and is therefore able to withstand many bumps and bruises. If a device is military drop certified, that means the manufacturer has tested the phone with the MIL-STD-810G laboratory test methods. In order to achieve this military specification rating, devices are tested against drop, vibration, extreme temperature, humidity and altitude, amongst others. In total, 26 drops from about 4 feet are necessary to perform the complete drop test. These tests weren’t originally produced for mobile devices and so are often conducted in different ways by different manufacturers. As such, the LG V40 ThinQ should be able to survive most bumps and bruises without an issue, but we wouldn’t advise playing catch with it.   Why should you consider the LG V40 ThinQ? The LG V40 ThinQ is the latest LG flagship device and offers an array of top of the class specifications and a unique collection of features. The device comes with an impressive triple lens camera setup on the rear, coupled with a dual-lens shooter on the front. Now, we’ve found these really impressive and the extra features such as CineShot and Triple Shot have been a lot of fun to play around with. If that’s not enough, the device is fitted with Qualcomm’s latest processor which ensures that you won’t experience any frame rate issues or lag when engaging with media. That’s really important, particularly as LG’s famous Boombox speaker is installed, producing outstanding audio and volume. Take a look at our Video Review for further information and get a hands-on look:   The LG V40 ThinQ is available from Clove in January 2019 in either Aurora Black or Moroccan Blue with 64GB internal memory and 6GB RAM. Head to our website now to create a notification for when stock becomes available.

Smartphone photography has undoubtedly moved on leaps and bounds in recent years. The super-rich image detail captured from some smartphones is incredible. Just look at some of the images that can be captured from an iPhone 7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S8/Plus or Google Pixel/XL. These are a far cry from the small, grainy images of the past. They also hugely outstrip anything possible on mobile even a few years ago. The Samsung Galaxy NX was about the closest product to my dream I would say that for 95% of the images I capture, my smartphone is more than adequate. Of course though, even to my untrained eyes, the images produced by a proper DSLR still always win out. Smartphones are getting better every few months but they’ll never defy the laws of physics. Larger sensors and optics will always produce better images in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing. Even an amateur can better capture the moment and add a wow factor with high quality equipment. I am no photography guru – I doubt any shot of mine will end up in a gallery or attached to a wall in your home. However I do, and will continue to, own a DSLR camera for special occasions. A modern DSLR should be able to share with the modern world I think the main reason smartphone photography has dominated recently is the ease of which we can both take and share pictures. The smartphone is portable, pocketable and on our person at all times. Not only can a good smartphone camera be ready to shoot in seconds, the resulting images can be instantly saved and shared to online storage and social media. This is something that to date, is still fairly cumbersome with a DSLR. Even the more ‘professional’ solutions offered by camera brands struggle with what is essentially a bread-and-butter feature for smartphone systems. My DSLR has an Android app and can connect to my smartphone. It does work, but has a clunky interface and is prone to stalling. It is still easier to take out the SD card, and deal with images ‘physically’ on a home computer. I am also aware of ‘WiFi Direct’ SD cards that can connect and transfer directly to modern smartphones. These are somewhat pricey though and in my eyes somewhat over-engineering a solution. The Samsung Galaxy Camera was perhaps a little ahead of its time. The concept had legs though and I think a similar system could work well on a true DSLR. Nikon, Samsung and Panasonic have all dabbled with Android-powered cameras. I don’t really think they are putting many resources in or properly targeting a niche I know exists. Samsung got close with their Galaxy Camera. In fact the Galaxy NX was about the closest thing I can think of to what I want. Sadly both were comparatively expensive as niche items and did not offer the prestige of premier photography brands like Canon and Nikon. Android perhaps was not quite mature enough either. Android is versatile – manufacturers can choose the features they want I would love for my Panasonic to have an Android OS and WiFi. I don’t desire a camera with phone functionality, nor a phone with an oversized lens and optics. All I want is a traditional DSLR with modern backup capabilities, plus connection to the wider online communities. I want to be able to capture the photo and then, when in range of a wireless network, share instantly. Why can’t my DSLR upload to Google Photos, my network hard drive and social media, right from the camera? At the very least, simplified backups without lots of clunky steps should be a priority. Not everyone requires all of these tasks, however it can’t be that hard to make them available . The big names in the camera industry, as well as the manufacturers with broader product ranges such as Samsung and Sony, definitely have the resources to develop something decent that fits this niche. The Android OS can also be highly modified. Developers can remove and adapt features to make it more lightweight and tailored towards certain tasks. Android forks such as LineageOS could also be viable. Manufacturers could curate the system so additional apps can’t be installed, or only those from a tailored suite are available. I think there’s a lot of scope for development in this area and it was one of the early promises of Android, that it could be used on a variety of mobile platforms – not just phones. Many people are happy with their smartphone camera. I am one of them. However when we live in a world that seems to have a solution for everything, I wonder how what seems to me to be an obvious step forward, has not been capitalised on. And at the risk of sounding entitled – why can’t I have what I want?! So what do you think? Am I asking for too much? Would you be interested in Android (or similar) connected camera? Or just some more accessible and modern features on higher end cameras?

Continuing a tradition of affordable smartphones with relatively high specifications, the Honor 9 Lite delivers excellent camera credentials at the sub £200 price point. Parent company Huawei has pushed the boundaries in the past few years with dual-lens mobile camera technology. This has been passed to the Honor phones and the 9 Lite now features a dual array on both the front and back of the phone. Always staying on trend, the Honor 9 Lite is also one of the most affordable phone son the market to feature a FullView 18:9 ratio display. This shrinks the bezels of the phone to a minimum, creating a gorgeous front-on view of the phone. Want to know before you buy? Below you can find the digital version of the Honor 9 Lite user manual –  click the PDF icon to download it, or access it here. If you would like a printed version, please click here. Honor 9 Lite User Guide Hopefully the user manual will answer any of the outstanding questions that you have about the device. If you still have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments or to contact our sales team. Clove Technology. We Print User Manuals.

The motorised pop-up selfie camera of the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom allows the device a really impressive screen-to-body ratio that we love here at Clove. With a triple-lens rear camera setup and a full-screen panoramic experience, the device is a photographer’s dream. If you’re thinking about purchasing the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom, then perhaps one of your key considerations is whether the device offers any kind of water resistance. The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom is not ‘officially’ water resistant and does not come with an IP rating due to the camera mechanism. It is draped in Corning Gorilla Glass which provides an extra layer of safety, offering very mild resistance from water. The Oppo Reno 10x Zoom is available from Clove Technology in Ocean Green and Jet Black, for £745.99 inc-VAT. Oppo Reno 10x Zoom | £745.99 inc-VAT What is Gorilla Glass, and will this help with water resistance? Gorilla Glass is a world-famous brand, producing chemically strengthened glass that is designed to be thin and light so that it can be used on a range of handheld, electronic devices – and importantly, damage resistant! Indeed, in production, glass is immersed in a proprietary, hot, potassium-salt, ion-exchange bath to gain its surface strength and crack resistance. The glass then undergoes vigorous testing for flexibility, scratch resistance and impact protection before mass production. The OLED panel of the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom is coated in the newest Gorilla Glass 6. In testing, this survived 15 consecutive drops (on average), from 1 metre onto rough surfaces. Whilst Gorilla Glass is produced for damage resistance rather than water resistance, it does provide devices with a thin extra layer which is durable and resilient. As such, if you think of it as an extra layer of protection to your device, then you might get a rough idea of how this might work in the face of small drops of water such as light rain. Why doesn’t the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom come with an IP rating? The pop-up selfie camera of the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom allows the device a really impressive screen-to-body ratio that we love here at Clove Technology. However, these moving parts mean that the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom completely forfeits any sort of IP rating for water and/or dust resistance. When you want to make use of that front camera, then the lens of the Reno 10x Zoom simply pops up, utilising a motor-driven pivoting module. Now when the device pops up, a gap is created on the side and top of the phone. Water, dust, lint and other similar particles are thereby more able to work their way into the slider module and into the innards of the phone where they do most damage. Compare this to other devices in which the gaps available are small headphone jacks or speaker grilles and you can see why it would be nigh-on impossible for the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom to be IP-certified. Despite this, the device comes with ‘free-fall protection’ so that if it slips from your grip whilst the camera module is out, it will retract before hitting the floor. This will limit any real damage to both the mechanism and camera hardware and will close the inevitable gaps created before impact. We would always exercise caution whilst using your smartphone around water anyway, so this shouldn’t be a deal breaker for most. What is an IP rating and is it important? An IP rating is an international standard which is used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosure against intrusion from foreign bodies (such as dirt and dust) and moisture. These ratings are presented in the form of ‘IP’ (Ingress Protection) followed by two numbers; for example, IP65. The first of these numbers refers to protection against solids and ranges from 1 to 6, with the higher the number, the better the protection. For example, ‘1’ indicates protection against solid objects over 50mm, whilst a ‘6’ rating indicates that a device is dust tight. The second number refers to protection from liquids and ranges from 1 to 8. Again, the higher the number, the better the protection that the device is offered. ‘1’ generally indicates protection against vertically falling drops of water (like rain), whilst an ‘8’ rating protects against the effects of long periods of immersion in water, usually outlined by the manufacturer. As such, an IP68 rating is the best that can be awarded, however it’s important to note that relevant testing is only performed against fresh water. You may experience a vastly different outcome in the face of saltwater or other liquids such as spilt drinks. Whether your device comes with an IP rating or not, we would always exercise caution whilst using your smartphone device or tablet around water.   Are there any other ways to protect the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom from water? Despite not coming with a certified IP rating against water and dust, there are a number of ways in which you can help to protect your Oppo Reno 10x Zoom from water. The best of these is by purchasing a waterproof case for your device. The DiCAPac Action Universal Case is the perfect example of this and is perfect for wet scenarios; providing all of the protection that you need to be more adventurous with your device in tandem. As well as coming with the highest JIS IPX8 rating, the front window of the case is crystal clear so that you can easily see the screen of your Reno 10x Zoom and use all of the features that you need. Indeed, you are still able to make full use of the touchscreen whilst it’s in the case and also make calls. The case also protects against dust and other particles, as well as water.   Is the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom worth it? With 10x Hybrid Zoom, distance is not a hindrance for the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom, enabling you to easily line-up photos for the perfect shot. The triple lens rear camera setup is a true flagship offering, consisting of a 48MP ultra-clear main camera, a 13MP telephoto lens and an 8MP wide-angle lens. This triple threat allows you to tailor your shooting experience to your surroundings, resulting in some outstanding images. Alongside this, all new Ultra Night Mode 2.0 provides an exceptional low light photography experience, utilising ultra-large sensors and a large f/1.7 aperture with MFNR and HDR software algorithms. The front-facing 16MP camera is housed in a unique rising pivot design that pops up when in use. This makes it possible to view a full display without holes, notches or other distractions, giving a full-screen panoramic experience. Combine this with a 6.6-inch AMOLED display and Dolby Atmos Surround Sound and media playback is a dream.   Oppo Reno 10x Zoom Key Features Android 9.0 (Pie) 6” Panoramic AMOLED Display Stunning Gradient Design Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor Under-display Fingerprint sensor Pivot Rising Camera Design Triple 48MP & 13MP & 8MP Rear Cameras 16MP AI-enhanced Front-Facing Camera 4,065 Battery 256GB internal storage / 8GB RAM   Oppo Reno 10x Zoom | £745.99 inc-VAT