Im not really sure how to review Qualcomm and Asuss Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders.

Is it a Qualcomm or Asus phone?

All of the phones branding is around Qualcomm and Snapdragon, but Qualcomm insists it is an Asus phone.

Qualcomm’s Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders is the most confusing phone I’ve reviewed

Who decided Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders is a good name?

40% off TNW Conference!

SSI isnt a good acronym, but theres no other way to really abbreviate the name that makes sense.

Qualcomm SSI Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders by Asus (6 of 7)

I just dont know how that name made it through the marketing departments at Qualcomm and Asus.

Who are these Snapdragon Insiders?

Qualcomm launched itsInsider programin March, with vague promises of exclusive experiences and perks.

Qualcomm SSI Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders by Asus (6 of 7)

Why is the battery so small?

This might be the most puzzling decision for me.

Its a phoneclearlyaimed at power users.

Qualcomm SSI Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders by Asus (6 of 7)

In practice, the phones battery was okay.

Why cripple the battery like that?

That phone has a 6,000 mAh battery.

Qualcomm SSI Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders by Asus (6 of 7)

Why is Qualcomms under-display fingerprint tech on thebackof the phone?

The phone should have been designed with a different panel.

But hey, its technically an Asus phone, and thats what they had available, I guess.

Qualcomm SSI Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders by Asus (6 of 7)

Why isnt the phone using Qualcomms best mobile processor?

The SSI uses the Snapdragon 888, but Qualcomms best processor at the time of release is the 888+.

It is, you know, a Qualcomm phone.

Why is the camera software unfinished?

The unit Ive been testing is not the cameras final form, so to speak.

This update will include better autofocus, better overall texture/noise performance, and improved night shot quality.

As such, it didnt make much sense for me to review the camera yet.

Just… why?

WhatdoI like about the phone?

There is a lot to like here.

Im just not sure it makes sense for most people.

Should you buy it?

I like the phone itself.

I feel like its targeted at users like me.

But I got to test it for free.

If it had a 4,500+ mAh battery, even more so.

It doesnt help that the camera and audio software were unfinished.

At the time of review.

But hey, if youre one of those diehard Snapdragon fans, maybe youre alreadyputting in a pre-order.

Maybe next time Qualcomm will come out with something more fleshed out hopefully with a better name, too.

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