OPPO NEO 5S 1206 PHONE REVIEW

I got this new phone OPPO Neo 5s (OPPO 1206) about 2-3 months ago, which came free with extending my phone plan and there wasn't any choice when it comes to freebies. First off, this is an entry-level 4G smartphone. Second, I haven't used any OPPO products before. Third, I am not a heavy smartphone user and dislike phones in general so am not fussy with specs, nor do much of a comparison with other brands. This phone would be in the SGD$200, maybe US$160 range. OPPO is based in Guangdong, China.

Size: 131.9 x 65.5 x 8.0mm
Weight: 135g
Dual sim card (Micro & Nano-Sim)
Resolution: 480x854 pixels
Display: 4.50 inch
Processor: Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 Quad-core 1.2GHz
Front Camera: 2 Megapixel
Rear Camera: 8 Megapixel
RAM: 1GB
Storage: 8GB (expand up to 128gb via MicroSD card)
Operating System: Color OS 2.0.1, Android 4.4.2
Battery Capacity: 2000 mAh Li-Po Battery(unremovable)
Accessories: Earphones, USB wire & charger plug

Full specs here:
http://www.oppo.com/en/smartphone-neo-5s/

The native Color 2.0 operating system is alright, it is intuitive and not hard to use. Mine comes with the usual Google apps and some other settings that you might find useful like Eye Protection Display and other bells & whistles like the fancy music player, weather widgets, customising your lockscreen and gestures. You can uninstall any apps you don't use.

The eye protection display is turned on in my photos, so the screen has a reddish yellow tint, sorry I forgot to turn it off. The apps are shifted off the dock as I keep activating them when I only wanted to swipe right. Also that giant grey clock that came as a default is removed - although some people like it, I don't. Yeah Neko Atsume ftw.

Despite being launched in May 2015 and Android's Lollipop 5.0 platform being available since Nov 2014, this phone still runs on KitKat v4.4.2 platform. Well Marshmallow 6.0 is out now, so I am like two versions behind. But at least it runs smooth.

The rear camera is decent, I have not taken much photos but it seems alright. I am still testing it out and am happy with it, because photos taken with phones are usually just for social media. It doesn't do macro, I'll just stick with a traditional camera for that. The front camera's low megapixel may deter you if you are a selfie enthusiast.

The battery charges up at a decent speed, though depending on usage you may find the battery drains quickly. It drained faster than my old iPhone when doing online video chats or playbacks, or browsing the web. A daily charge is sufficient for me as I don't use my phone much.

This phone is not common so it is hard to find a nice phone case for it. The only design the phone vendor had was a plain silicone maybe latex transparent generic type (I bought it at a local bazaar). In the end I found out I was allergic to it.

The sides are blue with a black front & back. The matte screen protector is still on, so the screen is not glossy & sharp in my photos; I prefer that to fingerprints and glare. The phone is slim and not that light or flimsy that you would feel it would bend easily.

There are dual sim slots, and one slot for your microSD card that can expand the storage at an additional 128gb, which is great. The phone's internal memory is 4gb. You may be left with about 2 gigs for storing. If you have problems slotting in the microSD card on the side, just use a bit of force.

Now for my pet peeves: The placement of the buttons bug me a lot. I keep doing screenshots without wanting to. The on-off button (left side) and the volume buttons (right side) are placed on the same horizontal plane. When you hit both together, you get a screenshot. Maybe I am holding it weird or something, but I keep pressing the volume button when I only wanted the left button to sleep the screen; because my index or middle finger needs to balance the phone when I press it on the left. Annoying to say the least. I have to keep deleting desktop screenshots.

Why can't they make the on-off button on TOP of the phone?  It doesn't happen on an iPhone or my other HTC android because both don't have a set of buttons on BOTH sides. Also screenshots don't work sometimes when I DO want it, it just ends up volume only, or the off screen. If you are watching a video on landscape view, you will have to lift the phone off the table to adjust the volume because if you press it downwards, that might put pressure on the off-screen button and the last thing you'd want when adjusting the volume is a video that goes off! So I suggest you use a stand if you plan to watch videos frequently.

Another thing that could be improved is the keyboard and touch detection on the home screen button set on the center bottom. The home screen icon is ever SO sensitive. Maybe I just suck at typing on a touch keyboard but the various message apps keeps exiting to home screen while typing, usually when I hit the spacebar and maybe a bit too close to the Home button, which for some reason is in the middle... a hotspot. And this happens all the time especially when I'm typing quickly or walking while texting. Actually it happens when I type slowly on one hand too! This never occurs on the iphone (the button), and my other android (the home button is on the left). I have to be extra careful and real tiptoey with my fingertips. At least they have the courtesy to let me resume where I left off.

In conclusion, if you are not a heavy user of smartphones or a selfiegrapher, or not planning to type a lot on the phone, you can try this. It is not the best, definitely not the worst. The phone is what you'd expect for this price, and it isn't too shabby. The official website seems to be touting the visual aspects of the phone's rear camera and the OS so if you like that, then good for you.

MISS SANTA COLOURED & MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and have a great New Year's! And Happy Winter, Happy Summer (if you live in the southern hemisphere), Happy Monsoon (if you live at the equator like me) and of course, Happy Crafting!

I decided to colour this newer Christmas image since she is quicker to finish. She is coloured with markers, coloured pencils and soft pastels.

If you like 'Miss Santa', she is available here: https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/251658866/christmas-digital-stamp-miss-santa-digi

WINTER SNOW MUFF SHOUJO COLOURED

Here's wishing everyone Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and a better 2016 ahead for everyone!

I finally coloured this older digi stamp image titled 'Winter Muff Shoujo' from last year, she is one of the more popular images - though I am not sure why. Anyhow, this shoujo is coloured with markers, coloured pencils and pastels on normal cartridge paper. The trees are coloured pencils and the pink sky is an overlay in Photoshop.

She is available here: https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/210116641/winter-snow-muff-shoujo-digital-stamp

Everything is currently backlogged as I have an infected finger since months ago, and it seems I am allergic to my cellphone or the phone case too (recurring blisters on my fingers and palm) so can't work as fast as I should with listing items on my vintage shop. And I am helping out a friend with selling, and my aunt as well. And I had a nasty flu that put me out of work for over a week but thankfully it is almost gone now.

I will be working on an Autumn Shoujo series after some occasion-specific themes. Also *maybe* a youtube vlog; except editing videos takes a lot of time and my computer does not have space for vids nor do I have proper setups for shooting videos. So I may end up sticking to traditional blog tutorials. We will see.

And yes, I have an anonymous youtube channel since several years ago (list types), I made it for cataloging and to test out iMovie. Don't ask which username, I prefer to keep it anonymous and don't really care for it lol. Yes it is very nerdy, everyone thinks the channel owner is a he for some reason. Maybe I would have continued if the vids were not automatically taken down even though they were under 'fair use'! I am sick of disputing that with youtube so yeah let's just leave it at that.

NEW CHRISTMAS & WINTER DIGI STAMPS

Here are some winter and Christmas digi stamps just released in my shop! Managed to churn out some art but still delayed on other work these few months because of a nasty infection on my left index finger that won't go away and an allergy breakout. Thankfully I am right-handed!

Also if you haven't heard about the new Lemon Shortbread Challenge Blog, our first challenge has started and ends this coming Monday (and subsequent Monday night fortnightly)! Maybe these stamps can give you some inspiration.

First off, "Miss Santa" doing gift shopping!
Available at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/251658866/christmas-digital-stamp-miss-santa-digi

This is "Elf Boy", first male character in my digi stamps. Originally he was supposed to be a christmas elf but decided to make him more generic so he can be used for any occasions.
Available at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/251579589/boy-elf-digital-stamp-png-fantasy-digi

These are separate "Christmas Stocking"  PNGs elements to accent your crafts. The hollies can be layered to create borders, embellishments, or a wreath even.
Available at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/251822122/christmas-stocking-holly-digital-stamps

"Sailor Girl Cameo". She too was supposed to be Christmas-related with hollies surrounding the border, but it was too messy and ended up preferring this digi to be more versatile. Christmas elements can be easily added to the border.
Available at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/252115035/sailor-girl-cameo-digital-stamp-digi

"Beanie Girl". I gave her a cute dress, since it is mini dress she can also be used in autumn or spring-themed cards.
Available at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/253405353/beanie-girl-digital-stamp-autumn-winter

GOODBYE LUPIN HELLO MIU MIU

Sad to report that Lupin, that feral cat I blogged in April has passed away around end Aug. She died probably while secretly giving birth to her 2nd litter of kittens in the attic. Unfortunately that batch of kittens all died as a result. RIP kitties.

Before bf came to Singapore in May, I mentioned Lupin's first litter of kitties! Well, she had 2 boys and 1 girl. The 2 boys were adopted by other families.

Some last shots of Lupin. Skittish, she didn't like anyone touching her.

This is the cobwebs-covered female kitty bf kept, which we initially identified as 'Antbite' lol. She is now called Miu, Miumiu or Miyu because she responds to it. Here she is with Lupin her mother, and she learnt to eat kibble very early on, at under 4 weeks old.

The black male kitten! So cute =)

 And their striped brother!

This was why she was called 'Antbite'!! Red ants were biting the poor little creature in this shot because her favourite spot was in the bushes where there was a nest of them. Here bf is trying to get the ants off her and she started hissing whenever he came near after that episode - associated trauma lol.

 

2nd time a few days later, trying to take a photo of her, she was still grumpy!

Her soulful looking brother.

Kiwi cat sniffing at the striped kittens. The two black kittens were hissing at her for some reason, but not this striped one. This 'throne' is now Miu's fave sleeping spot.

When bf came back to California in end-Aug, Antbite / Miu has grown much. At first she kept hissing (now her trademark gesture) non-stop at Kiwi after being transferred indoors, and had to be kept in the bathroom to accustom both of them to each other. After a few days of settling territorial issues and swiping at faces, I think they have made peace, and Kiwi's being quite tolerant, sharing space and toys. Miu has grown friendly and very playful. Always hungry too. Yes, she was spayed a few weeks back and got her shots too.

Kiwi has taught Miu some cat etiquette, Miu imitates Kiwi by using the same litterbox and scratch post even though there are 2 separate ones for them. One litterbox is exclusively for pee, and the other for poop. One scratching post (the flat cardboard types) is ignored while the other is used all the time. So strange, maybe they're saving it till the older one breaks lol. Kiwi has learnt to pick up a toy in her mouth (which Miu always does), and then call out loudly at night. Maybe it's the new kitty resident or the new toy but it's something she hasn't done before, except once when she caught a live rat.

Kiwi found a new spot to sleep after Miu kept trying to sleep together with her. Two places Miu are not allowed are: the shelf layer under a table where Kiwi plays and chill out, and the top of the luggage which is still not packed away! Kiwi is not a lap cat, but will occasionally share a bed in the mornings.

Kiwi hates halloween giant spiders. Wave bye bye!

LEMON SHORTBREAD CHALLENGE BLOG

The Lemon Shortbread Challenge Blog is now live! Thank you to all who were waiting for it and hope to see you participating in our fortnightly challenge to win some cute Lemon Shortbread digi stamps! Also you will get to see the talented design team's creations if you run out of ideas. If you are on Facebook, please join our Facebook group to receive updates, freebies or share your craftworks with others!

http://lemonshortbreadchallenge.blogspot.com

NEW DIGI STAMPS FOR WINTER

Here are the latest digis that I've just released, have been quite swamped lately and couldn't come up with more illustrations for upcoming winter but will try! And this year I didn't do any autumn pics fast enough, only Halloween lol.

This is 'Cloud Traveller', based on Chinese mythology, you can call her a fairy of sorts, with a bit of my touch. Been meaning to colour her but no time yet!

My digis are now available in JPG and PNG if you purchase them from my Etsy shop.
Cloud Traveller is available here: https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/248183633/

Next is something more general, in case you'd like a versatile image for happy occasions!

'Party Celebration' is available here: https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/248589415/

Last, meet 'Winter Sulk'! We all have those days. There isn't any winter in Singapore but I hope this illustration captures the mood well.

She is available here: https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/247912593/

MORE NATURE TOTS FAIRIES DIGI STAMPS

Two new fairies for the Nature Tots series, this one is called "Bouquet for you Fairy"!

This pretty fairy is holding a bunch of flowers and is running in the same style as the one called 'Flower Scent'. She has a petals-inspired dress, with ribbons around the waist!

You can find her here: https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/247256828/

This next digi stamp is titled "Butterfly Point". She is more of a short haired pixie with a butterfly wings-inspired dress to complement the little butterfly towards the right.

You can find her here: https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/247570465/

DIGI STAMPS PNG UPDATES & FREEBIE TEDDY BEAR BANNER

Yes finally! All Lemon Shortbread digi stamps in my Etsy shop are now updated with both JPG and PNG formats! The PNGs are not fully transparent, but with transparent backgrounds and white on the lineart, so you can layer on other custom elements in the computer without the lines overlapping. I spent a few days non-stop converting the images into PNGs and boy were there many!!

If you have previously purchased digi stamps from my Etsy shop, you can request for the PNG version at no additional charge. Just send me a convo under your "Purchases & Reviews" and click "Contact the Shop". I will need your email address to send the images to.

Also I have a new freebie digistamp called 'Teddybear Banner'.
You can join my Lemon Shortbread Facebook Group for the latest free digi stamp updates and easily download it there.

Or,

Download it here: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B91RHpzGLjXoS252SWIwM2R2NkU/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-UEHvpSNCXGFYyUtr0llD-A

4.8 inches width, 300dpi jpg format. Enjoy!
- For personal use only.
- Commercial use or for sale is not allowed.
- Watermark is not on the actual digital stamp.
- Please keep the signature on the image, if you have to trim off the signature, a credit/ link is much appreciated.
- Please do not share this image without a watermark on it.
- If your friends like it, please ask them to join the Facebook group or direct them to this blogpost so they can read the Terms & Conditions.
- Freebie is available for an unlimited time, but just in case it is removed, please do not freely share/ distribute the file with non-members or other sites.

GLOOMY X TO-FU MIX FIGURINE

Gloomy x To-Fu Mix figurine by Play Imaginative. Well I saw this in the store (T-O-G) and had to have it although it is an older stock from 2011. It embodies two characters that I like - Tofu Oyako and Gloomy the Naughty Grizzly Bear. Also matches the other pinks on my table! I paid S$7.00 for it. May get the strawberry one too but this will do for now as I have no more space on my desk! I found an old blog post about my small collection of Tofu Oyako items here and this looks similar to the ones at a 2009 Comic Con.

I had to rip the package open because it was the glued-on plastic shell on cardboard type.

It is about 5 inches height. The cubed head revolves. It doesn't weigh heavy but tends to keel over because of its oversized head. Also it is standing on one foot with the other lifted off slightly, so it loses its balance easily. I am propping it against a shelf since the wind from the ceiling fan keeps blowing it over! The body is made of matte plastic with printed details. The foot that is lifted seems to be ill-fitted - I wonder if that was the reason for it being wobbly, or if it was made on purpose.

The back of the figure. He has a bloody nose and an additional smaller tofu on top. The top one is fixed on the larger cube and does not revolve. The head appears to be hollow. The arms are fixed. Yes it has a butt crack!

I am putting Tofu's face towards the front as I like its expression and the little tofu waving on top! I prefer Gloomy without the muzzle so it will stay hidden for now.

HALLOWEEN & GOTH GIRLS DIGI STAMPS

I've made 2 new digi stamps which will fit many occasions and especially suitable for Halloween cards! The one above is titled 'Candlelight'. I was going for a bit of the Edwardian look, plus some fantasy and goth elements, so how she will turn out depends on your colour choices! If you make her in white, she would look a bit like Galadriel from LOTR.

Candlelight is available here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/247014473/

Next is 'Skull Dress'. This one is similar to another digital stamp called 'Star Wand'. I made her with a gothic lolita vibe and simpler elements. She is wearing a skull necklace with a bow that matches her skirt! Hopefully you will enjoy colouring her.

Skull Dress is available here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/247297959/

WILDFLOWER BASKET FAIRY & ROSE PIRATE GIRL DIGI STAMPS

I have had a few digi stamps released recently but held back posting them because they are not yet coloured. I am just going to post the linearts first and update with coloured versions later. The artwork above is "Wildflower Basket Fairy"! Great for spring, summer or autumn-themed crafts, you can play around with colours, try removing the background to fit whatever season you want!

7 inches height, 300dpi jpg. She is available here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/243354874/

Next is "Rose Pirate". Initially I called her 'Black Rose Pirate' since that was the colour I imagined the roses to be. She has a skull earring (just one side), bows in her hair and a scar over her left eye. I think she'll go well with Halloween and goth-themed crafts.

6.5 inches height, 300 dpi jpg. She is available here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/244783178/

Lastly a big thank you to all who supported the 'Coloring for Clean Water' fundraising event, it is now over! Hope you've enjoyed the stamps!