(Updated!) Xolo Q800 – A review with pros and cons

UPDATE: Whatever is written below applies for the Xolo Q800 phones with MTK6589 chipsets. The Q800s with MTK6589M chipsets may or may not qualify for what is written down here. (I think that the phones which costed less than 12k have the MTK6589M chipsets. )

Android smartphones are everywhere these days. They run the latest operating system and they are all identical. You try out different brands and they all have the same android. At the time of this blog post, it is Jelly bean.

So, what makes a smartphone different from another. They all have IPS screens, HD playback, ble... all sorts of common stuff.

Difference?

Xolo Q800 is a smartphone and here is where the difference is.

1. There are absolutely no bloatware in the device. The device is pure stock Jelly bean. There is one app called Xolo care which just sits silently in the corner helping you to check updates to the operating system and contact customer care. Too bad I don't have to root it now to remove the bloatware.

2. The camera has a BSI and CMOS sensor which helps in brilliant photoshoots. The front camera in the device is way better than the rear camera of many low end devices. The rear camera in Xolo Q800 records 1080p with ease and picture taking seems effortless. (Please note that the new Xolo Q800 with MTK6589M chipset can record only in 720p)

3. Xolo Q800 has a 2100 mah battery, a bit better than the other phones in the same category.

4. The phone packs with a premium quality scratch guard. Now, that's hospitality.

System Specifications :
http://www.xolo.in/q800
(You thought I would waste my time typing?)

Disadvantages:
1. USB OTG doesn't work by default (at least for the time being). You have got to root the phone to make it work. Hey, XOLO Q800 has WLAN DIRECT. What else do you need? For devices with out Wi-Fi direct, you can use an app called, fast file transfer. Fast file transfer helps you to transfer files through Wi-Fi hotspot without any internet connection requirement.

2. No camera button. I wonder why they didn't have a camera button for a device which is so good in taking pictures. I would have really loved it, if it had a camera button for clicking.

3. No LED notification light. I didn't find this to be of any inconvenience at all. I hated the light glaring at eyes every time a message comes, disturbing me from doing stuff which I had to do, in my previous phone. I am just penning it down for those who think that it would be the end of the world without it.

4. It has a 4.5 inch display, compared to the other 5 inch phones. I almost wanted to delete this from the disadvantages. It is way more handy to have around, and saves on battery, which means, long time no charge.

Rooting methods and several custom ROMs have already crept in for this device. All you have to do is Google.

So there you go. Xolo Q800 is fast, very fluid, superb display, excellent camera, and worth the money spent.

For XOLO Q800 specific tips and tweaks : http://theexasperatedman.blogspot.com/2013/06/Xolo-Q800-All-in-one-guide-Rooting-Applications-Underclocking-Updates-1080p.html

Comments

Anonymous said…
How did you manage to get the USB OTG working??
dr rahul said…
very nice review
Ranjith said…
I did not try it on my device. I however did see forums where they were using third party applications to get the USB OTG working on a rooted device.
Droot said…
Hello, nice written review buddy, some pics would have made it better.
If someone wish to root their phone, follow my tutorial here: http://forum.techtage.com/index.php?topic=4633.0
Unknown said…
can we trust this company?
Unknown said…
hello Sir

I read your review of xolo q800 and i want to buy that phone but before buying i want to make sure that the company provides worth product.

I read many positive reviews of the phone but i also hear many cons of the same.

can you please help me by replying about the following feature of the phone :
1. Battery backup for normal use
2. Speakers quality – both loudspeaker as well as earphones
3. Does it records hd recording.
4. does it playbacks 1080p hd videos
Ranjith said…
From my experience, Q800 is a worthy product.
Ranjith said…
It records and Plays back 1080p videos. Just set the video quality as "fine" and you get to record in 1080p.
Speakers are fine for daily use.
I don't know what you mean by "normal use", but if you are a light user, the back up is good from my experience. (set the phone to super long standby if you want higher standby times).
Unknown said…
Thanks for replying and one last question

Does xolo is a company to trust upon ?
Amit said…
What is the recording format of video?
Does it store in mp4 or 3gpp?
Ranjith said…
@Amit, the video recording format is 3GP. (Video codec : Mpeg4).

@Yash, I cannot comment on the company, but the product, especially Q800, feels premium. If you were wondering whether to buy this phone or not, just go for it.
Anonymous said…
how is the call quality ?
does it has xda forum support?

--prakash
Unknown said…
@Ranjith
You have mentioned that USB OTG doesn't work by default.
I haven't tried it yet, but can you tell what is "EXTERNAL USB STORAGE" in the end of screen in Settings - Storage screen.

The storage screen shows the usage of the SD card in the top, then the phone storage, at the end "External USB storage" only the heading.

Does that mean it probably show external USB usage when connected a Pen drive through OTG cable?
Ranjith said…
Call audio Quality is good.
XDA threads are available for rooting and custom ROMs.
Ranjith said…
Nah. As of now, it is only an appendix. Nothing happens when pen drive is connected. The pen drive doesn't even receive power to begin with.
Unknown said…
@Ranjith
Thanks for the reply.

1. Have to tried the TV out option using the MHL cable. Does the phone support?
2. Can you suggest is it advisable to install the custom ROM ULTIMATE V2, I read it from the Xolo Q800 Facebook group.
I am asking this because, Xolo Q800 is my first Android phone.

Ranjith said…
1. Nope. I haven't tried the MHL cable. If you try it out, do post the results.
2. Custom ROMs in general have their own unresolved quirks. You have to try them at your own risk. They wont destroy your phone, but you cant guarantee that they'll be completely bug free. The Stock Xolo Q800 is very sleek and has no bloatware and is highly stable. I would suggest sticking to the stock ROM. I assume you have rooted yours, and that will help you do more with just the stock ROM. Hey, it's just my view point.
Anonymous said…
google map, outlook, gmail works on this?
Ranjith said…
Are you kidding?

Yup. They do work.
Jo said…
Can you tell me how to connect a Usb pendrive.It does not detect it. I have tried using Usb otg...
Unknown said…
I purchased xolo q800 but I heared some small sound at the place of sim slot, is any effect to the phone? And 2g data connection also connected slowly and some time it can not received data it 's phone problem or network problem?
karthick said…
thanks for a very good review...now am clear and..gonna buy a Q800 mobile :)
Pratik Kumar said…
This is a excellent smartphone in such a low budget, dont think soo much..
I had been using it since past 50-55 days.... Its every thing is fine...
Apps are working great, don't go with company name, move with its configuration friends....
Unknown said…
hey, i am thinking to buy this phone but have a slight confusion..
does this xolo Q800 support active dual sim or stand-by dual sim??
both the networks can be active at the same time??
Unknown said…
hey, i am thinking to buy this phone but have a slight confusion..
does this xolo Q800 support active dual sim or stand-by dual sim??
both the networks can be active at the same time??
Ranjith said…
Thank you. DO note that the new Xolo Q800 has a MTK6589M processor and can only record videos in 720p.
Ranjith said…
Both the networks are active at the same time. Hope that clarifies.
karthick said…
I bought this mobile but i can't record 1080*1920 vids in fine mode....it records in 720*1080 ....Is that hd??? but it can play 1080*1920 vids of many formats.Assisted your help.
karthick said…
Its has a mtk6589 w-m processor...Missed to notice that in e-buy ....Anyway thanks Ranjith ji....
Ranjith said…
Refer to my reply to your comment earlier. The New Xolo Q800 cannot record video in 1080p.
You'll be able to record in 1280 x 720 , which is 720p.
720p is also HD.
Yes. You'll be able to play any video (including 1080p) in this phone.
karthick said…
Is there any possibility for the new processor to make it record 1080p vids when it is flashed...
Unknown said…
I bought it lst week. It came with MTK6589M chipsets. However, I found that few screens like Clock, Notes editor, call dial screens etc. are not rotating. Is this a defect or normal behavior?
Anonymous said…
@Ranjith
AWesome Phone !! XOLO \m/
i'm using this phone from last week and i'm loving it more n more.. Awesome phone with awesome features, good battery backup, good camera quietly, simple to handle easy to use. i have only one issue with my WI FI Direct, that its not connecting to other devices like i had tried with Samsung Grand and Grand quattro, they show that your device is connected, but once you send any file its shows sending failed.. i donno why this is happening, is it a proprietary feature or something?? i mean its only connect with XOLO or what?? can any one help me??
Unknown said…
I bought this phone just a couple of days back. I thought there will be some sort of software like PCSuite to connect this mobile with PC to synchronize my phone. But I failed to get such kind of software for Q800. I called up Cust Care but they have no clue on this.
Could you please tell me who9ch S?W to use and from where to download.
Anonymous said…
is your WIFI direct works properly?? i mean connects with other devices??
Ranjith said…
I don't think this phone has a generic network problem. May be the network.
Ranjith said…
Unfortunately No. It is in the ability of the MTK6589M processor to process video only upto 720p.
Ranjith said…
I haven't tried WiFi direct with other devices. I'll try it and let you know.
If you want to transfer files faster, use the "fast file transfer" app. It helps you transfer files through WiFi hotspot (No Internet connection needed!).
Ranjith said…
This is normal behavior. These screens are set not to rotate. It is not a defect on your phone.
Ranjith said…
@Manoj, you do not need any software to connect your phone to PC. Just connect and click the USB storage check box that appears on the phone (and then click ok when the confirmation dialog opens in the phone).

@Anonymous,
I haven't tried it with other devices. A temporary suggestion would be to use "Fast File Transfer" app from Google play.
Anonymous said…
ok thanks bro, that will be very helpful.. plz let me know.. appreciated :)
Anonymous said…
Hii, what abt the apps ?? can they be installed on sd card, I have read some places on net that apps cannot be transferred on sd card ??
is it true ??
Anonymous said…
Hi,

I wish to buy Xolo q 800. I am getting a set that is packed in April 2013 and its box says that it can record movie in 1080P. Shall i go for it or i need to check by any other means in shop only if it has downgraded processor. My heart is saying go for it but my head is stopping ... If any thing goes wrong.. there is no proper service centre for this.. how will you manage..
Thanks
Ranjith said…
Apps can be installed in SD card. I am curious, Why do you need to transfer them to SD card when you have 1 gb of internal memory allocated to apps?
Ranjith said…
I've seen posts on forums where people claim that they have got their repairs done through the customer care. On the other hand,if it still bugs you, it is a risk which you shall be willing to take if you wanna buy it.
Manoj Bajpayee said…
Hi Ranjith,
I am become your fan by reading this superb review about Xolo Q800.
I want to purchase this phone, but only one cinfusion is in mind.
Can I make this phone as a Wi-fi Hotspot?
I do have a Huawei Ideos (Android 2.2), where I can make it as a wifi hotspot.
Cheers!
Ranjith said…
Yup. You can use this phone as Wifi hotspot.
And Thanks ;)
Mukesh Kumar said…
i have heard chipset is change so please tell me in what way it will effect this cell phone
Ranjith said…
Not much of a change.
The camera will be able to record only in 720p. And videos will play upto 720p with HW decoder and 1080p with SW decoder.
Surath said…
Hey Ranjith..... thanks for the awesome & lucid review...... also your reply in all the required post really helped me to know new thins about the product. Thanks man.........
Anonymous said…
Now u can xolo Q 800 For Rs 9000 in Indian Times Shopping. I am using this phone last 2 Days it working great except LED Notifications. U can't find unread SMS/Class until unlock screen.
Ranjith said…
Hi Sur!
Glad this was of help to you. Thank you for taking a minute to let me know.
Ranjith said…
Hey Congrats on your new mobile.
There are alternative apps to LED notifications which you may try out in play store.
Anonymous said…
Hello,

I bought xolo q800 3 months ago. Now i’m facing blutooth issues, I didn’t have this issue earlier. Whenever i try to send files to other devices, I get a msg that the file couldn’t be sent. Can you suggest any solution for this? Also I’m able to receive files with good speed.

Please help.
Anonymous said…
Mail me the link of rooting for the connecting the otg cable connection
deepghuge @gmail.com
Thank u
Ranjith said…
May be its a fault on the other device. What size of file were you sending? Did the receiving device have enough memory? Did you try with another Q800? Try that. If it doesn't work, you may have a real problem to take to the service centre.
Ranjith said…
It is still not possible to use OSB otg in Xolo Q800.
Unknown said…
Hi Ranjith,

I want to buy Xolo mobile. which one is best Xolo Q700i or Xolo Q800 X Edition? both phone launch in nov 2013. Kindly suggest. thanks
Unknown said…
how to upgrade os 4.1 to 4.2
AK said…
Can I connect it through mhl link to Sony led ?
AK said…
How can I use WLAN DIRECT ?
Ranjith said…
The other device to which you want to share files must also have WLAN direct. And then, it is just like sending over files like bluetooth.
There are alternatives to sending files like Fast File Transfer which sends files using a wifi hotspot created internally (No internet required)
Ranjith said…
There is no official update. However there are Custom ROMs available in XDA. Really, there is no need to update.
Ranjith said…
Specification wise, Q700i seems better than Q800 X-edition.I'd suggest Q700i.
Ranjith said…
I do not know whether Xolo Q800 is MHL or HDMI compatible. If you have a MHL cable, why not try it and let us know. I would be of great help.
Anonymous said…
Q800 is a worthy product true , but their after sales service and customer service is really really bad, u dont want to have to deal with those folks,if your phone runs into any trouble it will stay with the service centre indefinetely and you will have no clue when you will recieve it back , go search consumer forums for complaints on xolo before pegging your money,and decide for yourself if its worth it
Unknown said…
Hay Ranjith, pls hepl me out to enable OTG in my Q800...
How can I make OTG work in Q800..??
Ranjith said…
Hi Raul.
It's sad to say that currently USB OTG is not possible in Xolo Q800. You'll have to do it the old fashioned way using the USB Cable or through Wifi.
Unknown said…
i bought this phone (x edition) 3 months back, yesterday i updated my software to 4.2.1 JB.what is the advantages of this OS.
Ranjith said…
There are some improvements in the UI. There is a huge update in the camera settings. Swype like keyboard etc. If you want a detailed difference, you can google for "Android 4.2 Changelog". Hope that helps.
Tricks4Troubles said…
Hey this is a decent review but not complete..
Come to my website http://tricks4troubles.blogspot.in/p/xolo-q800.html to get the full review and have solution to any problem you face using this device just comment there
Trust me i am using the device for a year now n no doubts its the best deal at its price....

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