There are whispers on the street and rumors in the air; the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S23 series is around the corner. And as we eagerly await the official reveal, tech sleuths have been busy connecting the dots and painting a pretty good picture of Samsung’s next-gen flagship smartphones.

With anticipation high and rumor mills rustling louder, we’ve combed through the most reliable sources in the tech world to bring you a roundup of everything you can expect with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S23 series before the official announcement.

 

Release Date

The question on every tech enthusiast’s mind: When will the Samsung Galaxy S23 be launched? Ice Universe speculated a February 1^st launch for the Galaxy S23 a while ago. And emerging details suggest the serial leaker was onto something—with Samsung recently scheduling a Galaxy Unpacked event for Feb.1.

And while the company did not explicitly reveal the devices they’ll be revealing, all signs point to the release of the Samsung Galaxy S23. Case in point, the fan-favorite Galaxy S22 series was announced to the world on February 9^th, 2022.

 

Models and Design

To say the Galaxy S22 lineup was a hit would be an understatement. The smartphones were deservedly one of the best Android devices in 2022—and their sleek design had a big role to play in the warm market reception. As such, it would be hard to imagine Samsung reinventing the design language—and emerging renders by Onleaks and Smartprix suggest the same.

Samsung Galaxy S23 rumors point to three models in the series:

• Samsung Galaxy S23: According to rumors reported by GSM Arena, the base model will measure 5.76 x 2.78 x 0.30 inches.
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: The larger ‘Plus’ model will measure 6.21 x 2.99 x 0.30 inches—a barely noticeable bump from the 6.20 x 2.98 x 0.30-inch dimensions of the S22+.
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Ice universe and SamMobile report that the Galaxy S23 Ultra (aka., the crème de la crème of the lineup) will measure 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inches.

 

Display

While Samsung can tinker with the contrast ratios and brightness of the upcoming flagships, most rumors suggest the core display specs will remain largely unchanged from last year’s S22 lineup.

The base Galaxy S23 is likely to feature a 6.1-inch (2,340×1,080 pixels) OLED panel. Its immediate upgrade, the Galaxy S23+ may come with a 6.6-inch (2,340×1,080 pixels) OLED display. As per TENAA’s certification documents (via SamMobile), the Galaxy S23 Ultra (SM-G9180) has a QHD+ resolution (3,088×1,440 pixels) display. All phones are believed to have a hole-punch notch and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate.

 

Cameras

This is where the specs get juicy! If exciting reports by SamMobile and ETNews come to pass, expect a whopping 200MP primary camera on the Samsung S23 Ultra. This is part of a quad camera setup—including a 12MP (or 10MP) ultrawide, a 10MP (or 12MP) 3x telephoto, and a 10-megapixel telephoto with 10x optical zoom.

Ice universe also cautiously speculates that the 200-megapixel primary camera may get an f/1.7 aperture and 0.6μm-sized pixels. You may also have the ability to record 8K videos at 30fps—up from the 24fps capture in the S22.

The base model Galaxy S23 and the S23+ are likely to have the same rear camera specs as their 2022 predecessors.

 

Performance and Battery

Now, what’s under the hood? How functional is the upcoming Galaxy S23 lineup compared to its competitors?

All devices in the series will run on Qualcomm’s latest processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (AC version)—which has a higher clock speed than the vanilla Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (AB version). The most powerful of the lot (the S23 Ultra) is expected to boast an octa-core processor with three CPU clusters running at 3.36GHz, 2.8GHz, and 2GHz, respectively.

When it comes to memory and storage, the S23 and S23 have 8GB RAM—with storage options of between 128GB and 512GB. The Ultra comes with 8GB/12GB RAM and up to 1TB of storage. One interesting rumor claims that the Galaxy S23 lineup will come equipped with faster (130%) and more efficient (20% less power consumption) LPDDR5X RAM. This may give the company an edge in its fierce competition with Apple.

Powering the devices is a 3,900 mAh (base model), 4,700 mAh (S23+), and 5,000 mAh (S23 Ultra) battery. The Plus and Ultra are expected to support 45W wired fast charging and 10W wireless charging—while the based S23 makes due with 25W wired fast charging.

 

Satellite Support?

Apple made the headlines with its SOS feature that gave iPhone 14 users access to satellite communication during emergencies. And according to rumors covered by Tom’s Guide, Samsung may be borrowing from Apple’s playbook by working with Iridium Communication to bring satellite support to the Galaxy S23 series.

 

Price

With all its nifty features, what are the prices of the Samsung S23 lineup?

Initial rumors pointed to a likely increase in S23 prices—and with inflation running rampant—it made sense. But a screenshot of Verizon’s internal system (as posted on Reddit) suggests that Samsung may maintain the S22 prices despite the tough economy. Here are the purported Samsung Galaxy S23 prices:

• Base Galaxy S23: Prices start at $799.99
• Galaxy S23 Plus: Prices start at $999.99
• Galaxy S23 Ultra: Prices start at $1,199.99

 

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The second half of 2022 is upon us. And with the recently concluded WWDC, it’s right around the time tech rumor mills start picking up momentum in anticipation for iPhone announcements come fall—and we’re here for it.

The tech streets are already awash with iPhone 14 leaks as the supply chain gradually paints a clearer picture of what to expect. And if the existing leaks are a semblance of the final product, you have reason to be excited. From a sharper main camera to an enthusing shakeup of the display to the resurfacing of Touch ID, the Apple team could be concurring some of the biggest iPhone changes in years.

Here’s our roundup of all the buzz and gossip on Apple’s much-anticipated 2022 iPhone lineup.

 

iPhone 14 Release Date Rumors – When are the Devices Dropping?

We’ll see a new iPhone this fall: That’s more or less set in stone leaning on historical evidence. But with purported disruptions in the supply chain and whatever marketing ploys are brewing at Curpetino, pinpointing the exact launch date is an arduous task.

According to a hypothesis by Tom’s Guide, emerging reports and developments in the industry suggest that the official iPhone 14 reveal is likely slated for September 13, with the pre-orders going live on September 16. By comparison, Apple’s iPhone 13 flagships were introduced on September 14, 2021—before going on sale 10 days later on September 24.

 

iPhone 14 Lineup Rumors – How Many and How Big?

Increasingly reliable intel hints at a “bigger is better” approach for the iPhone 14 lineup. While Apple is expected to maintain the number of phones at 4, they might ditch the poorly-received Mini for bigger screens.

According to a 2021 prediction by Nikkei Asia, “It is pretty much decided that there won’t be a Mini next year, and there will be a relatively cost-effective version of the largest iPhone Pro Max instead.” While the iPhone 13 Mini survived its forecasted demise, the iPhone 14 Mini likely won’t be as lucky.

The Mini is expected to make way for a larger 6.7-inch model. Here are the rumored iPhone 14 models and their respective screen sizes:

iPhone Lineup	Rumored Screen Size
iPhone 14	6.1-inch
iPhone 14 Pro	6.1-inch
iPhone 14 Max	6.7-inch
iPhone 14 Pro Max	6.7-inch

 

The “Pro” monicker depicts higher specs, while “Max” is designated for larger screens. This means that we might be seeing two ‘lower-end’ models and two ‘higher-end ones’ with different screen sizes in each category.

Another exciting leak, as seen from CAD renders shared by Twitter user ShrimpApplePro 🍤, suggests that Apple may be dialing down the bezels for the Pro Max. So same screen size, but smaller overall dimensions.

 

iPhone 14 Design – Going Notchless and Other Cosmetic Changes

Now to the juicy news…the infamous but iconic notch! Since the launch of the iPhone X in 2017, the notch has grown from an intrusive eyesore to an insignia that weaves into the branding fabric of the phone manufacturer. But that may be about to change.

Emerging reports suggest that Apple is looking to ax the divisive screen design in favor of a pill-shaped (Face ID sensors) and punch-hole design (selfie camera). In a January 2022 tweet, supply chain expert Ross Young claimed, “The two-hole concept will be unique to Apple, like the notch.”

Schematics shared by the relatively reliable leaker, Max Weinbach, show the cut-out designs on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. A purported supply chain photo further gives credence to the notchless rumor, showing the dual cut-outs on iPhone 14 Pro models.

 

Notch aside, we don’t expect any significant cosmetic changes to the form factor of this year’s iPhone lineup. The dual-triple camera housing, straight metal edges, and glossy-glass back we saw in the iPhone 13 lineup should carry to its successors—albeit a few nicks and tugs such as the potential use of a Titanium Allow frame in place of the Stainless Steel frame.

There are mixed reports of a protruding camera bump and a thicker design to house the camera and battery upgrades. Videos posted by iupdate and Mac Otakata give us a closer look at the rumored iPhone 14 designs.

 

iPhone 14 Display Rumors

A leak by analyst Jeff Pu (as seen on MacRumors) claims all 2022 iPhone models could feature 120Hz ProMotion display technology seen on the high-end iPhone 13 Pro models. However, other sources suggest that the cheaper ‘non-Pro’ models may have to contend with 60Hz refresh rates seen on LTPS OLED displays. Time will tell the path Apple decides to take.

In the other thrilling news,  Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has recently hinted at the debut of the long-overdue always-on display (AOD), claiming it will leverage a low refresh rate (up to 1Hz) to display “weather, calendars, stocks, activities, and other data while the screen remains at a low brightness and frame rate.”

Gurman’s claims are in line with multiple AOD references uncovered by 9to5Mac within the iOS 16 code. But you may have to upgrade to the Pro models to enjoy this feature. Users of the standard iPhone 14 model may have to settle for the lift-to-wake option.

 

iPhone 14 Camera – Main and Front-Facing Upgrades?

iPhones have a track record of exceptional camera quality, strategically bumping up their specs yearly to stay ahead of the curve in a viciously competitive market.

The defining camera upgrade for the 2022 lineup is rumored to be the adoption of a 48MP main camera sensor and 8K video support for the Pro models. There’s also a rumored periscope camera in the works, but it might be at least a year before we see it implemented in the consumer market. These whispers are supported by reports by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Jeff Pu, and research company TrendForce.

Over to the front-facing camera, Kuo predicts 6-part lenses, a wider f/1.9 aperture, and built-in autofocus for brighter images, fewer distortions, and improved focus in all models.

Design-wise, the iPhone 14 camera setup is expected to borrow heavily from its predecessor. We’re talking about the now-familiar dual and triple camera setup.

 

Could We See the Return of Touch ID?

It’s been a long time coming, but could 2022 be the year we finally see a comeback of Touch ID? The 2020 iPhone 12  was expected to usher in the return of the nifty feature. And when that didn’t pan out, the rumor mill turned its focus to the 2021 iPhone 13 lineup. But just as with its predecessors, Touch ID was a no-show.

While we’d like to believe iPhone 14 will be it, the whispers on the ground are not as positive. Reliable analyst Ming Chi-Kuo predicts we might have to wait a little longer for Touch ID, perhaps 2023. He writes, “We have revised our forecast to delay the launch of the iPhone with under-display fingerprint to 2H23 due to lower than expected development progress.”

Any little glimmers of hope are further snuffed by Mark Gurman, who reckoned that although Apple had tested the Touch ID, the company was focusing its resources on Face ID instead. As it stands, it appears the future of Touch ID is bleak.

 

iPhone 14 Chip Rumors – What’s Under the Hood?

A new chipset is almost a given with every annual reiteration of the iPhone. Last year we saw the introduction of the 5nm A15 Bionic. But this year, the information that’s coming in appears to be muddled.

Some sources suggest the iPhone 14 chipset could be a more optimized A16 Bionic on a 4nm or even 3nm process. Others claim the new A16 Bionic will be reserved for the pricier Pro models—with iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max featuring last year’s A15 Bionic chip. While feasible, the idea of using different processors in a lineup would be a first.

Alleged benchmark scores give a glimpse into what the A16 Bionic could be packing under the hood. This is a curious category that may still hatch a flurry of rumors in the coming weeks.

 

iPhone 14 Prices – Bringing Budgets into Perspective

For some not-so-welcomed news: A price hike seems increasingly likely amid an already shaky economy. The iPhone 14 lineup is rumored to cost around:

• iPhone 14 – $799
• iPhone 14 Max – $899
• iPhone 14 Pro – $1,099
• iPhone 14 Pro Max – $1,199

Here are the prices of the last years iPhone 13 lineup at launch for reference:

	128GB	256GB	512GB	1TB
iPhone 13 Mini	$699	$799	$999	NA
iPhone 13	$799	$899	$1,099	NA
iPhone 13 Pro	$999	$1,099	$1,299	$1,499
iPhone 13 Pro Max	$1,099	$1,199	$1,399	$1,599

 

Other Rumored iPhone 14 Specs

• Lighting Port: Could we be saying buh-bye to the proprietary Lighting port? Well, not yet (most likely). Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the 2022 iPhones will continue to draw their power from the Lightning—with a transition to the industry-standard USB-C expected in 2023.
• No SIM Card? There’s talk of Apple scrapping the physical SIM card entirely and adopting a non-removable eSIM. But there are doubts whether the company will take the eSIM route only or offer it as an alternative, as seen in the iPhone 13 range.
• Battery: There are claims the iPhone 14s may be getting thicker to house larger batteries with improved performance.
• RAM: All 4 iPhone 14 models are rumored to have 6GB of RAM. This is an upgrade for the ‘lower-end’ models, with the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini running on 4GB RAM.
• Cooling: With an uptick in computing power comes a need to keep devices cooler. For this reason, a vapor chamber thermal system may be coming to iPhone—or not.
• 5G Connectivity: With Apple investing heavily in acquiring intel’s modem business, it’s only expected that Apple-made 5G modems should debut soon. Either way, the company is tipped to go all in on 5G.
• Software: We already have a preview of iOS 16, which is almost guaranteed to feature in the upcoming iPhone lineup.

 

TechArmor – Because Your Favorite Devices Deserve the Best

The iPhone 14 lineup is still a good way off into the future. But so far, there’s a lot to look forward to.  So stay tuned for more iPhone 14 rumors, gossip, and news as we tread deeper into the second half of the year.

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Samsung Galaxy S22: Rumored pricing, specs, and expectations about the lineup

The Korean giant- Samsung- flaunted their Galaxy S21 last year and ensured it was a refinement rather than a redesign of its predecessor, Galaxy S20. This has proven that they never rest on their laurels when it comes to releasing their new flagship phones. And the unpacked Samsung galaxy event happening this February affirms this. Luckily for the impatient people, rumors have kept us updated on what’s coming. And based on everything leaked so far, we already have a relatively decent sense of what Samsung has in store for its flagship phone lineup.

If you’re still wondering what the event will be for: well, its entry of the Samsung Galaxy S22 series to earth. Of course—and as always— the wait has brought up rumors and leaks, giving us a mind-glimpse of the phone. One rumor suggests that the s series lineup will also be joined by the Galaxy tablet S8, a predecessor of the tab S7 that debuted in 2020.

But will the Galaxy S22 be cheaper? What exclusive feature will it offer?

All the important rumored information provided down below will paint a picture of what’s in store.

So, read on…

When will the Samsung Galaxy S22 get released?

Samsung, at long last, confirmed the release date of the Galaxy S22 lineup. The unpacked event termed “Epic Standard” will happen on the 9^th of February 2022. It will commence at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. GMT (or 1 a.m. AEST on February 10) as a wholly virtual event.

For those living in the US, chances will be that they can purchase the device prior to its launching event. In fact, it’s already rumored that the website has an open reservation for both the tab S8 and the smartphones.

Counteracting this information, another curious leaker hinted that: given Samsung’s habit of waiting two weeks between announcing a handset and putting it on sale, the availability of the device is unknown. However, the leaker also pointed out that it could be on the 24^th of February, but who knows?

Last year the S21 was announced on the 14^th and was put out for sale on January, the same month, 29: a two-week difference—let’s hope it will be the same this year

However, if you plan on getting either of the series, ensure you pre-order fast, since, as recently leaked, it could take up to three months to get delivered due to the high demands.

The rumored price

The Samsung Galaxy S21 range debuted at a lower price than the S20, but will the S22 be even cheaper? If the leaks are to be trusted, the answer is probably no.

We don’t know for sure how much the Samsung Galaxy will cost. And referencing the Samsung Galaxy S21, which began at $799 / £769 / AU$1,249, the S21 Plus, which began at $999 / £949 / AU$1,549, and the S21 Ultra that started at $1,199 / £1,149 / AU$1,849, leaks assume that for each model will be added $100 to its predecessor in the US. This means that the basic S22 will cost $899 (about £660 / AU$1,245), the Galaxy S22 Plus will cost $1,099 (roughly £805 / AU$1,525), and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra will cost $1,299 (nearly £955 / AU$1,800).

Samsung Galaxy s22 rumors on:

Performance

The Galaxy S22 series is expected to build on the foundation laid by the Galaxy S21 series and provide better performance in several critical areas.

The Galaxy S22 will be equipped with an Exynos processor as well as a Qualcomm chipset. The area, however, will determine the choice of the CPU be used. The Galaxy S22 will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon CPU, although nothing is confirmed yet. In most markets, the CPU powers the Galaxy S22 series, and since they have shown up the S22 benchmark, it’s a great sign that its performance will be top-notch.

For the galaxy s22 Ultra, it’s rumored that a new version of a chip with AMD graphics will be used—the Exynos 2200. This CPU has also been spotted in the benchmarks. It’s believed to improve battery life, multitasking, speed, and games.

Display

The sharp displays on Samsung phones are well-known: no surprise there. The company has a display division that invented the ‘Edge’ screens, making the phone side look like they are cascading.

It’s leaked that the S22 Ultra will have the best glass and tech. It will feature the brightest OLED screen to ever be in a Samsung device. As noted by WinFuture, the S22 Plus and Ultra will reach 1750 nits.

Comparing the S21 Ultra, which has a variable refresh rate technology that doesn’t go down to 1HZ right away, the S22 Ultra is rumored to have LTPO. This means its variable refresh rate scales up to its max when necessitated and goes back down, saving battery.

Another source claim that the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus will have a reduced resolution compared to their predecessors. They’ll have a 1080 x 2340 display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a 1440 x 3088 (or maybe a 1440 x 3080) display with a 19.3:9 aspect ratio.

Samsung is expected to reduce the Galaxy S22. The regular Galaxy S22 will have a 6.06-inch screen, down from 6.2 inches on the S21— this is according to leaker Mauri QHD. It’s also possible that the S22 Plus will be smaller. Mauri QHD predicts a 6.5-inch display, down from 6.7 inches, and a 6.81-inch display on the S22 Ultra. These specifications are identical to those reported in a second leak by a trustworthy source, Ice universe, in mid-August, suggesting they could be credible.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus are rumored to have flat displays, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra, a very tiny curve will be added. The two less expensive variants would have flat displays according to case leaks.

Design

The design of the Galaxy s22 ultra is the cause of the discrepancy in design. The leaks claim that it will be blocky, a feature that will replace the Galaxy Note. It will have a stylus holder with floating camera lenses on the back rather than holding them separately in the camera block. However, a periscope lens is missing in both; let’s hope it appears. The matte in them seams glossier and their camera lenses extending more. This is as seen in the pictures posted by 91Mobiles’ Yogesh Brar. When it comes to the other variants, the design might remain.

If you remember the previous release of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Samsung Galaxy S21 when they were rumored to include cameras emerging from beneath the display, the exact mock-up has been done to the S22. It is believed that these phones will have an inclusion of one of the biggest designs ever seen. Ideally, the internal display will pop up and occupy the punch hole when the camera isn’t used. This hence creates an uninterrupted display.

There is also a discussion regarding the S Pen stylus. Just as in the S21, the pen is expected to work with the S22. The S22 Ultra has a stylus slot, according to renders by OnLeaks and Digit. This would reduce the chances of losing it. A recent tweet from Ice universe showed the S22 Ultra’s screen having squared-off corners, implying that space for the stylus would be available.

The S22’s speculated active cooling system is in the same boat. The phone’s rumored ‘Adaptive Heat Fan’ would keep temperatures cool during processor-intensive tasks like 3D gaming. As great as this may sound, its disadvantage makes it appear as a ‘not necessary’ aspect.

Finally, leaks assume that since standard S21 has a plastic body, it won’t be surprising that the s22 plus will be plastic. Luckily, this design might prompt a significant price drop for the ones watching their pockets.

When it comes to color, analyst Ross Young tweeted that the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus will be availed in pink gold, black, white and green while the Samsung Galaxy Ultra in green, white, dark red and a black model.

Cameras

The cameras in a phone are a huge aspect to consider, especially for social media gurus. And Samsung never disappoints. In the Galaxy s22 and s22 plus, it is rumored that the primary sensor will have 50MP, a 12 MP telephoto that can optically zoom 3times, and 12 MP ultra-wide. This is a huge difference from its predecessors.

For the S22 Ultra, a report said that it would have a 108MP primary camera, two 12MP telephoto cameras, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The phone’s main camera is expected to feature Gorilla Glass technology to prevent reflection and glare. This information was backed up by another claim which said that the Ultra would include a feature dubbed Super Clear Lens.

When it comes to the zoom potential of the phones, well, it’s rumored that not much will change. However, another source says that a continuous optical zoom should be expected: all zoom levels up to the maximum (likely 10x) will be optical, with most phones relying on hybrid or digital for the mid- zoom ranges.

A confident source said that even though the Galaxy s22 ultra camera will have the same megapixels counts as in the s21, there will still be some slight changes—pixel and sensor sizes. And while all this sounds cool, there’s another rumor that tried to add a cherry on top. It claimed that they would include a macro mode, night mode improvements, and – thanks to AI – better general shots.

Battery and charging

Samsung has confirmed that there will not be chargers in the Galaxy S22 series boxes. So, ensure that you spare more money for getting it.

It is reported that Samsung tried 45W or 65W powering on these flagship devices. This would be a significant upgrade above the S21 series’ 25W. This powering, in particular, has been rumored numerous times, but it is possible that it will only be available on the S22 Ultra. However, a recent report suggests that the Galaxy S22 Plus also will receive it. Other mid-range and luxury Android handsets range from 65W to 120W, so this value is still below the competition. There’s also a likelihood that the entire range will be limited to 25W charging, as evidenced by a certification listing.

Coming to its battery, WinFuture leaked that the Galaxy S22 battery is at 3700mAh, the Ultra at 5000mAh, and the Plus at 4500mAh. These sizes are a downgrade from their predecessors.

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For power users who aren’t as thrilled will the devices in the market right now, it’s time you pack up your patience because your dream phone might be landing. And of course, once they are here, ensure you get the best screen protectors from Tech Armor—We all know how disheartening and displeasing using a cracked phone can be.

 

 

What to Expect for the 2021 iPhone Line-up!

Leak season is in full effect and we are here for it! This year would have been a rather quiet one if Apple’s attempts to silence leakers would have been completely successful. A reputable member of the Apple community known as ‘Kang’ was the most high-profile recipient of a warning letter from Apple’s lawyers. While he confirmed that he would not be sharing any more leaks, news has continuously and consistently trickled in about what to expect from the 2021 iPhones.

Excited? You are not alone. Let’s get into exactly what you came here for! Here’s an update on our earlier article on the much-anticipated iPhones.

A September Release Date
Chip shortage has been a major problem since last year. Smartphone makers and other players in the tech industry have had their plans delayed or even derailed simply because not enough parts were available. Apple fell victim to this last year, with the iPhone being delayed and some intended features left out completely.

It’s a completely different story this year. As earlier reported, everything is pointing towards the September release date that we’ve become accustomed to over the years.

Chip-maker TSMC is reportedly prioritizing 2021 iPhone chips and ramping up production of the same. This is great news for Apple fans everywhere as it means large-scale production of the 2021 iPhones has begun early enough.

If the past is anything to go by, an educated guess for the exact release date would be in the third week of September, on a Tuesday that is September 14^th. Fingers crossed!

A15 Bionic
The A14 Bionic processor ushered in the 5nm era for Apple and this year’s A15 will most definitely be an improvement. The current chip shortage will do nothing to deter Apple’s continued domination when it comes to processors. It is no wonder why TSMC is prioritizing the production of the 5nm+ chips.

The performance and overall efficiency of this year’s iPhones are set to receive a relative boost, which is always welcome seeing how buttery smooth the iPhone experience always is. The competition just can’t keep up.

No 13, Just S
Since last time, rumours have continuously swirled that this year’s iPhone line-up will skip the logically expected ‘13’ branding for the ‘S’ moniker. This may be because of a couple of reasons.

The last ‘S’ phones we got from Apple came in 2018 – iPhone XS and XS Max. This indicated that while there were subtle improvements on the iPhone X, they were not that significant to warrant a completely new line. Could this be the case this year?

Reports state that this year’s iPhones will feature the same four models from last year: The Mini, the standard iPhone, the Pro, and the Pro Max. They are reportedly going to look pretty much the same without going into specific dimensions, with the only visual changes being in the notch and camera bump. This could explain why this year could see the return of the S.

The other reason is culture. Many cultures see the number 13 as unlucky, with some going as far as removing the number from floors and elevators. Opting for the S may be a smart way of avoiding the number 13 altogether in those specific markets, without confusing their global consumers.

Smaller Notch
A long-awaited change (feature?) may finally be coming with the 2021 iPhones. It doesn’t matter how good the iPhone is, one look at the Android alternatives is enough to make you wish that the ugly notch just disappeared. I mean, it so big in comparison. Useful, yes, but a real eyesore.

While it will not completely vanish anytime soon, the notch is getting smaller for the first time in what feels like forever. A design and component improvement in the FaceID system will allow Apple to shrink the notch. You are finally getting a little more of that precious screen real-estate back.

Who knows, at the rate at which tech is improving, it is only a matter of time before you can flex a full, uninterrupted screen to your Android foes!

120Hz ProMotion Display – It’s About Time
Yes, yes. Leaks have all but confirmed that this year’s iPhones will have a 120Hz ProMotion display. However, this may only be for the Pro models. A report from DigiTimes claims that only the ‘premium iPhones’ are getting the LTPO high refresh rate displays. LTPO technology allows for variable refresh rates, anything from 1Hz (refreshing one time per second) to 120Hz. This is great for battery life.

Sadly, the Mini and the always-popular standard iPhone may be left out in the cold when it comes to this long-awaited feature. This will certainly rub a lot of the Apple faithful the wrong way. While it may irk consumers, it makes business sense for Apple to differentiate the standard and Pro iPhones better than they did last year, where many people saw the non-pro version as better value due to the negligible differences.

It all comes down to how important 120Hz is to you!

Always on Display
Many expected to have AOD ready when Apple put OLED displays on the 12-series iPhones. That feature was seemingly put off until this year, with the implementation set to be the same as in the Series 6 Apple watch. The feature may be a little different from the Android implementation. Apple may opt to significantly dim the screen as opposed to just showing a few icons and the time.

TouchID: The Return
The information is mixed for this one. Some reports are stating that this feature will come this year while some state that it is getting delayed until next year. Fingers crossed for the former.

Many users have reported missing TouchID because of the whole mask thing, and with OLED panels now bring standard on the iPhone, nothing is stopping Apple from bringing it back (under the display).

Battery and Charging
Battery life on the 12-series was not as good as on the 11 Pro Max for example, but this year is set to top that. With bigger batteries for the entire line-up, LTPO panels, and the efficiency of the A15 Bionic, battery life is set to see a significant boost.

MagSafe is also set to improve with a bigger coil being used this time around. Not only will the magnet be stronger, but also the charging will be more efficient and allow for higher wattage, faster charging, and maybe even reverse wireless charging!

Better Cameras
Larger sensors, sensor-shift, macro mode, Astro mode, portrait video – all features that are set to come (back) to the 2021 iPhones. The jury is still out on what features make it to what model, but no one is complaining about upgrades!

iPhone SE 2021?
While this year may be the last year we see the iPhone Mini due to poor sales, the SE is going nowhere. Reports state that the 2021 iPhone SE is set to be the cheapest 5G iPhone there is. Time will tell!

 

Tech Armor – For Whichever iPhone You Choose

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It’s been over 6 months since Apple released the drop-dead gorgeous iPhone 12 lineup. And to say the devices were well-received would be an understatement. They were a hit—to both consumers and tech enthusiasts! But that’s in the past. It’s now time to speculate on what we should expect to roll out of Cupertino come Fall 2021 – i.e., the iPhone 13.

And like clockwork, the rumors are already circulating and gaining traction as we move into the 2^nd half of the year. After combing the web, here are some leaked specs and feature to get your excited.

What Brand Name will Apple Go With?

iPhone 13 seems like the obvious choice—but it’s not the only one. Based on Apple’s naming conventions over the years, there’s a decent possibility that the tech giant may go with iPhone 12S. For now, it’s all in the realm of speculation—with barely any concrete info that we can lean on.

If you’re not well-versed in the Apple ecosystem, the “S” tag on phone models basically implies that the changes from its predecessor are relatively minimal.

 

 

Release Date – When Can We Expect the 2021 iPhones?

This is arguably the million-dollar question. Apple releases often come with a ton of fanfare—and we expect nothing less this year. It’s fair to say that we’re all anxious to see what Tim Cook unveils later this year. But when exactly is this?

Apple has historically released their flagships in September—save for a few deviations here and there (the latest being the iPhone 12 due to pandemic-related reasons). Emerging leaks hint that this year Apple is on track to release the iPhone 13/12S in September as usual.

Wedbush Securities’ Daniel Ives places the release date in the 3^rd week of September based on supply chain analysis (as seen in  9to5Mac). Similarly, the well-respected and reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo bets on a September release.

 

Price of the “iPhone 13”

How much will you have to fork out for arguably the ‘biggest-baddest’ smartphone of 2021? According to most leakers and speculators, expect a figure right around the price of the iPhone 12 lineup. And if we’re lucky enough, the upcoming iPhone 13 might even be cheaper than its predecessor (*fingers crossed).

 

“iPhone 13” Design – If it Ain’t Broken Don’t Fix It

The iPhone 13 family is likely to bear a near-identical resemblance to the iPhone 12—and few people will have qualms over this. Most of us are still smitten by the modern—yet nostalgic— ‘slabular’ design of the iPhone 12 lineup and Apple knows this.

Rumors suggest that the phone sizing will remain the same as that of the predecessors. The only alterations being whispered are:

• The Notch – Apple might be taking it down a notch (too corny?) thanks to a redesign on the TrueDepth Camera System and relocation of the speaker.
• Larger Camera Bump/System – Likely to accommodate expected camera upgrades.

There’s even a dummy of the ‘supposed’ design on the iPhone 13.

 

Display

If there’s one thing that left most of us disappointed with the iPhone 12 announcement was the now-archaic 60Hz display.

Hoping that the rumors come to fruition, Apple is en-route to amuse fans with a 120Hz ProMotion Display come Fall 2021 with the release of the iPhone 13. This might not feature in all phones on the lineup—but a few is better than none.

To stoke the rumors, Samsung and LG are believed to be taking measures to produce LTPO OLED panels for the iPhone 13.

 

Camera Upgrades

Here’s what to expect from the iPhone 13 cameras:

• A much-welcomed upgrade from the current f/2.4, five-element lens on the iPhone 12 Pro models to an f/1.8, six-element lens.
• LiDAR on all devices in the iPhone 13 lineup.
• Redesign of the arrangement of the rear camera in the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 13—from vertical to diagonal.
• Sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) on all devices.
• A shift to f/1.5 aperture for the Pro Max’s main camera from the current f/1.6 aperture.

 

Biometrics – Under-Display Touch ID?

Apple might finally bring under-display Touch ID via iPhone 13. This is a long-overdue biometric feature that is expected to improve convenience (with face mask being the norm and all) and possibly impact the design of the screen in the near future.

 

Battery – More Juice Incoming

iPhones have never been known for their ‘larger than life’ batteries. Apple instead focuses on improving efficiency to slash power consumption. Well, this year the Cupertino tech giant is tipped to dial up the iPhone 13’s battery capacity.

One Twitter leaker, @L0vetodream claims that the battery capacities will increase to 2,406mAh (iPhone 13 Mini), 3,095mAh (iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro), and 4,325mAh (iPhone 13 Pro Max).

PS: Keep in mind that increased battery capacity does not necessarily translate to better battery life.

 

Processor – More Power Under the Hood, As Usual

It’s impressive how Apple keeps producing chips that dwarf the competition year on year. The 2021 lineup of iPhones is tipped to run on an A15 Bionic chip (5nm+) that promises better efficiency and bolstered speeds as expected. Reports suggest that TSMC has already started production of the processors.

 

Connectivity

The word on the street is that Apple and Qualcomm have struck a deal for the latter to supply its X60 5G modem for use in the iPhone 13 lineup and other incoming models—until Apple builds its own modems. The 2021 iPhone might even feature the improved Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds.

 

Lightning Port – Go Bye, Bye?

Ousting the headphone jack rubbed people in different ways. But phone companies seem to have an appetite to take the ‘port-Armageddon’ a step further. Serial leaker Jon Prosser and a couple of analysts predict a portless iPhone in the near future.

According to some earlier rumors appearing on MacRumors, Apple has been contemplating the idea of axing the lighting port in favor of Qi-based wireless charging. Whether or not this happens in 2021 is still to be seen.

Tune in for more incoming rumors as they develop.

 

Tech Armor – Because You Can Never be Too Safe

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Tech Armor screen protectors and accessories are specially designed to offer maximum protection to your tech. We understand that you treasure your Apple devices—and we translate this into the best screen protectors in the game. From iPads, iPhones, to the Apple watch – we got you covered!

iPad Mini 6 – The Long-Overdue Update to the Mini is Coming!

After years of speculation and unending tittle-tattle in the Apple community, it seems that iPad fans might finally set their eyes on the sixth-generation iPad Mini. According to the word on the street, Apple is scheduled to announce the successor to the widely popular (*bordering cultic) iPad Mini 5 in a few weeks—and it might be a treat!

From a larger display, dialed-down bezels, juiced-up performance, to Apple Pencil support—there’s a lot to look forward to when the iPad Mini 6 hits the stores. But until Apple officially unveils the long-overdue device, here are some rumors to keep you excited. Read on for more on the release date, new features, and estimated price of the upcoming iPad Mini 6.

 

iPad Mini 6 Release Date – The Time is Nigh, Finally!

iPad fans…pull out your calendars and draw a huge red circle around March 16. According to multiple—and relatively reliable—sources, this is the date when Apple is supposedly scheduled to showcase the long-awaited iPad Mini 6 and a couple of other devices in a virtual event (*as is the case with any other post-COVID product announcement).

As reported by MacRumors, Ming-Chi Kuo (a well-respected Apple analyst) previously announced that “We predict that Apple will launch the new 10.8 inch ‌iPad‌ and 8.5–9 inch ‌iPad mini‌ models in 2H20 and 1H21, respectively…The two new ‌iPad‌ models will follow iPhone SE’s product strategy, and selling points will be the affordable price tag and the adoption of fast chips.”

Kuo’s prediction is backed by other sources—including Korea’s Economic Daily News, ETNews, and the Japanese blog Mac Otakara.

And besides, it’s in Apple’s nature to announce hardware upgrades in March—case in point, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 4th Gen that was unveiled last year on March 18 and the iPad mini 5 on March 18, 2019. For this reason, the rumors are not far-fetched.

Along with the iPad Mini 6, expect a refresh of the iPad Pro series and AirTags. The well-renowned leaker Jon Prosser recently tweeted, “AirTags are still on for March”—and when asked about the upgraded 2021 iPad Pro, he replied, “Also March, as far as I know.”

PS: Kindly take the rumored release date of the iPad Mini 6 with a grain of salt—owing to the industry-wide supply chain disruptions following the pandemic.

 

iPad Mini 6 Design Revamped – Biggest Mini Yet?

While nothing is official yet, rumors seem to be gravitating towards an exciting bump up in screen size and a sleeker design—all without compromising the iconic compactness of the Mini-series. How so?

Similar to the latest iPad Pros, Apple is expected to achieve a more spacious iPad Mini 6 screen by simply slimming down its bezels. Mac Otakara and Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that the upcoming device will sport an 8.4-inch and 8.5 to a 9-inch display, respectively.

Display size aside, CAD renders released by Pigtou and @xleaks7 suggest that we might be treated to a complete overhaul in design. The pair—who have released on point renders in the past—believe that the iPad Mini 6 will boast of a particularly high screen-to-body ratio. It will likely have compact dimensions of 203.2 x 134.8 mm and a thickness of 6.25 mm—housing a 9.15-inch display.

iPad Mini 6 CAD renders (Source: Pigtou & @xleaks7)

As shown in the rendered images, the device may go against everything we’ve grown to associate with Apple by incorporating a punch-hole selfie camera. Pigtou and @xleaks7 further believe that the iPad will feature Touch ID on either the power button or under-display.

There are also suggestions that a Mini LED for Apple products has been in the pipeline for a while now—and we might get a glimpse of the OLED-esque experience sooner than later.  We’ll have to wait and see whether the display debuts in the March 2021 unveiling, or not.

 

iPad Mini 6 Rumored Specs and Features

• Processor: An upgraded processors/chipset is a must-have in the tech world. With this in mind, the rumor mill points to either an A13 or A14 Bionic chip—up from the antiquated A8 processor.
• Camera: The iPad Mini 5 had a 1.2MP selfie camera and an 8MP main camera. While the iPad is not necessarily a photography device, we at least expect camera quality that is decent enough for a Zoom meeting.
• Ports: Could this be it? Couple Apple finally ditch the characteristic Lightning port for the globally-accepted USB-C port?
• Apple Pencil Support: Back in September 2020, the iPad Air was imbued with Apple Pencil compatibility. We hope that the iPad Mini 6 joins the club.

 

iPad Mini 6 Price

When Apple released the iPad Mini 5 two years ago, the devices retailed at a starting price of $399. The idea was to create something powerful, compact, and pocket-friendly. This appealed to a huge population of tech enthusiasts—and it still does, especially with today’s economic hardships.

Coupled with the report by Ming-Chi Kuo’s (quoted earlier) regarding Apple’s strategy of leveraging an affordable price tag as a selling point, it is fair to assume that the iPad Mini 6 will not deviate too far from its predecessor’s price. So, expect to nab the Basic model for less than $500 when they hit the stores.

 

The Tech Armor Experience – Max the Protection, Mini the Price

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iPhone users have a reason to be excited this year 2021. The word on the street is that Tim Cook and his Cupertino-based team are working on a new budget smartphone—dubbed the iPhone SE Plus or the iPhone SE 3). And drawing on the success of its predecessor, this doesn’t come as a surprise from a business viewpoint.

Saying the iPhone SE (2020) was a huge hit would be an understatement. According to The Guardian, the device was “Apple’s cut-price smartphone king. Top performance, good camera, long support and manageable size make cheaper iPhone a bargain.” This flattery is echoed by CNBC, which stated that “it’s the best iPhone for most people right now, given its incredible value.”

A quick Google search of the iPhone SE (2020) paints a picture of a smartphone that swept the media, critics, and customers off their feet—and the hopes are high for its successor. For this reason, read on for more on the rumored iPhone SE Plus—including its release date, design, specs, price, and everything in between.

 

iPhone SE Plus Rumored Release Date

Let’s hark back to April 15, 2020; the media team at Apple announced the second-generation of the 2016 iPhone SE via a Press Release on their website. The device was boldly marketed as “A powerful new smartphone in a popular design”—and it was scheduled for release on April 24, 2020. The phone hit the stores are promised and it more than lived up to the seemingly audacious claims by Apple.

Now, drawing on the trend observed with the previous iPhone releases, it makes sense for Apple to announce the new SE variant around the same time as its predecessor (i.e., April 2021). But incoming reports make this release unlikely.

According to a piece appearing on 9to5Mac, a reliable Apple analyst known as Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that we may not see the next instalment in the SE lineup until the 2^nd half of 2021 due to widespread disruptions in the supply chain. A similar perspective is shared by a Barclays analyst.

However, Ross Young and JP Morgan Chase (via GizChina) draw a grimmer picture by slating the iPhone SE Plus for a 2022 release date. With such conflicting information, you’ll have to keep tabs on the rumor mill for more accurate release date predictions.

 

iPhone SE Plus Design and Size

The iPhone SE (2020) was a beast under the hood—sporting an A13 bionic chipset and all. Its only drawbacks were the outdated design and small size. The upcoming iPhone SE Plus is touted to ‘stamp a band-aid’ on both flaws by offering a design upheaval.

The latest (January 19, 2021) and most widely cited rumor of the iPhone SE Plus design comes from a tweet by the well-known tipster @aaple_lab. The supposed leak features a render of the phone and a few specifications to get fans excited.

Based on the render, the next iPhone SE will adopt a more modern design—including a wide notch (seen in other recent iPhones), minimal bezels, and a non-existent home button. Interestingly, the device might integrate Touch ID into the power button. On the back, the smartphone sports a single camera and it comes in white, red, and black.

The tweet by @apple_lab also confirms the rumors by Ross Young, who had earlier speculated that the iPhone SE Plus would be 6.1 inches—a major size upgrade from the 4.7-inch iPhone SE (2020). As for the screen, all hints point to a cheaper LCD/IPS panel rather than OLED.

In more theoretical territory, a recent concept illustration by Svetapple.sk shows an iPhone 12-borrowed design that’s to die for. But since it’s purely artistic and unlikely to make way into stores, we’ll leave it at that.

 

 

iPhone SE Plus Cameras and Other Specs

Although the iPhone SE (2020) used slightly outdated sensors on its single 12MP camera, it performed surprisingly well for its price range. The third generation of the device is expected to follow this tradition with a 12MP iSight sensor for the rear camera and a 7MP sensor selfie camera. Though it remains to be seen, there’s a good chance that Apple might go with a double or even triple camera.

The camera specs look modest on paper, but with the computational photography power of the A13/A14 Bionic chips—it has the potential to be one best value camera phones among its competitors. The device is also tipped to feature 6 portrait light effects, Smart HDR 3, and OIS.

As for battery and charging, we can only hope for an improvement over the measly 1,821 mAh battery capacity that underwhelmed customer last year.

 

What is the Rumored Price of the iPhone SE Plus?

With the economic uncertainties that continue to cast an ominous cloud over the world, an affordable iPhone SE Plus would be a huge relief for countless users looking for a big-screen phone that takes advantage of Apple’s revered ecosystem.

Whispers from leakers and tattlers suggest that the iPhone SE Plus could retail at around $499. With the possibility of a big 6.1-inch screen, powerful hardware, and the latest iOS, this sounds like a steal—even though it’s $100 more than its predecessor. It balances precariously on the edge of budget and mid-range smartphones, which constitute the bulk of users.

 

TechArmor – Protect Your Apple

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At its advent, you would have been completely justified to think that 2020 would not be a good year for smartphones and other devices. It did not seem like it would be a good year for anything to be frank. The biggest (annual) mobile device trade show of the year – Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2020 – was cancelled due to health concerns and most of the big companies pulling out. CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2020 happened early enough in the year not to be affected by the pandemic. Other events like IFA 2020, the Apple Event, and other big announcement events were different this year. No tech enthusiasts were in attendance, and instead, the events were live-streamed over various platforms. It was a new way of doing things, and while hands-on experiences are so important for tech devices, this new way was necessary.

 

A Good Year for Smartphones

Luckily, the resilience of smartphone manufacturers shone through and we got a plethora of devices – arguably more than previous years. The big players unveiled the latest and greatest they had to offer and more. To the credit of the manufacturers, this year saw more price points catered to so that no one was left out during these trying times. There truly is a device for everyone.

With the new released came further innovation. The manufacturers’ attempts to outshine each other brought about some great features and prices. There were attempts to push the boundaries of today’s technology, and as a result, we saw some great things this year, with a promise of even better things in the next few years.

 

We take a look back at what we got in 2020 and use that as a baseline to predict what we might get to see come 2021. All in all, there are reasons to be excited. No matter what kind of a smartphone user you are, you just cannot deny how cool some features we’ve seen are.

 

Big Smartphone Features We Saw in 2020

 

1. 5G

5G has been the topic of discussion in prior years and 2020 finally saw it debut on smartphones. On paper, 5G is revolutionary. It brings with it a change in how we use our phones and other devices. The data transfer speeds are (sometimes) miles ahead of what is achievable on 4G. Running a speed test on 5G for the first time is like seeing a new magic trick. You can download a movie in seconds and an entire season of episodes in minutes. There is one caveat though: coverage.

 

5G coverage has improved and is set to be even better with the inclusion of the technology in the 2020 iPhones. It is bound to be mainstream within the next year or two. Because of its nature, total 5G coverage would require many receivers placed all over, at least for the top tier 5G bandwidth (mmWave). As a workaround, carriers are providing slower 5G with better reach. It is worth noting, however, that even slow 5G is better than 4G.

 

2. The First 5nm Processors

Smartphone processing power has come leaps and bounds and yet another milestone was reached in 2020. The already fast 7nm architecture processors became second best to the first 5nm chip – Apple’s A14 Bionic. It is efficient, powerful, and became an even bigger deal when it was used as the blueprint for Apple’s revolutionary M1 chips for the Macbooks. The second 5nm chip was Huawei’s Kirin 9000, which was then followed by Qualcomm’s announcement of the Snapdragon 888 chip. Even Samsung is expected to feature their new Exynos 1080 chip in their next flagships. What all the 5nm chips have in common is the raw power and efficiency, which means greater performance with no negative effect on battery life.

 

3. Android 11 & iOS 14

Each year sees the newest flavors of both Android and iOS. In 2020 we got both, with each bringing something different when compared to previous offerings. IOS 14 brought Android-like UI changes in the form of widgets that changed how users interacted with their home screens. Android 11 built on top of Android 10 and doubled down on privacy and security. There are some nifty features like a smarter AI Assistant that improve the overall user experience.

While the experience is very streamlined and standard across the board for Apple devices, it is a vastly different case for Android. Each manufacturer uses a skin to deliver what they think is the best version of the OS. Samsung introduced OneUI 3.0 for its newer devices while Oxygen OS 11 was unveiled for OnePlus devices. New versions of MIUI, ColorOS, and FunTouch OS were also unveiled, all based on Android 11.

 

4. 108Mp Cameras

Devices bearing the Ultra and Pro monikers have brought some insane features in the past, but 2020 saw that taken to new heights. Devices like the S20 Ultra and the Mi Note 10 had 108MP main cameras – a mind-blowing figure. Using such a large sensor on a phone is an achievement in itself, and the images captured had lots of detail even when zoomed into.

 

5. Insane Zoom Capabilities

On top of 108MP cameras came over 100x zoom, albeit hybrid (optical + digital). It was more of a marketing gimmick than anything else because zooming past a certain level makes photos unusable. Still, owners of phones like the Samsung S20 Ultra have all the bragging rights when it comes to zooming capabilities. From a more realistic standpoint, an optical zoom of 5x or 10x is very, very impressive. Such telephoto cameras are the gold standard.

 

6. Super-Fast Wired & Wireless Charging

The huge numbers did not just stop at the cameras in 2020. The Mi 10 Ultra debuted with 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. I do not know what part of that you find most impressive. When wired, the phone goes from 0 to 41% in 5 minutes, and up to 100% in 23 minutes. Its wireless charging can fill it up in 100 minutes. Additionally, it has 10W wireless reverse charging, a technology that appeared in more upper echelon devices in 2020.

 

7. High Refresh Rates

Smooth scrolling, responsive gaming – benefits of high refresh rate screens. What started at 90Hz quickly moved up to 120Hz and subsequently 144Hz as seen in 2020 gaming phones and some mainstream ones. High refresh rates improve the experience of the user, not exactly the phone’s raw power or capabilities. There are split camps as far as high refresh rates go – some do not care and some just cannot live without it. Which side are you on?

 

8. The Return of Mediatek

You’d be forgiven for not knowing about MediaTek. The chip makers have been second best to Qualcomm for the longest time but had their resurgence in 2020 through their Dimensity range of chipsets. Cheap, but powerful, they featured in many midrange devices allowing manufacturers to offer very competitive prices, something not quite possible with Snapdragon chips.

 

9. Weird, but Cool Smartphones

The LG Wing was a standout 2020 phone because of its rotating screen and all the possibilities it brought. This was in addition to the second generation foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the clamshell design Moto Razr throwback.

 

10. The First Under-Display Camera

The ZTE Axon 20 became the world’s first smartphone with an under-display camera. It was announced in September and became available for purchase in December, although with limited availability.

 

 

What big features are coming in 2021?

 

1. More 5nm Processors

While a lot of 5nm processors were announced in 2020, we are bound to see the bulk of them incorporated in smartphones in 2021. The most powerful generation of smartphones yet will make its way to your pocket in the course of this year, with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 making its debut on the Xiaomi Mi 11 and S21 soon after.

 

2. Qualcomm Snapdragon 888

Announced in 2020, the Snapdragon 888 is more than just another 5nm processor. The improvement from the previous gen 875 is quite significant, with boosts in CPU and GPU capabilities. Other huge talking points are camera capabilities, AI, and 5G. For camera, the 888 is capable of HDR video, insane low-light shots and snappy performance. Unlike the previous processor, the 5G modem is hosted on the chip making it cheaper and more power-efficient. There is a new AI chip that will make AI tasks all the more awesome.

 

3. Invisible (Disappearing) Cameras

At CES 2020, OnePlus showcased the Concept One phone that had one headlining feature – the cameras at the back were there in one second and gone in the next. It electrochromic glass, the same technology that McLaren uses in its supercars to darken the sunroof. It is an aesthetic feature that will probably be in niche devices. It is still cool though.

 

4. Rollable Displays

First showcased on TVs, we could very well see a smartphone with a rollable display for the mass market. Bets are up for which manufacturer will be the first to do it and the first to do it right. Unlike the disappearing cameras, rollable displays solve an actual problem – foldable phones have a crease and an unorthodox form factor. A rollable display can maintain the shape of a normal phone while still being able to extend to larger sizes.

 

5. Even Faster Charging Speeds

Manufacturers like Oppo have already showcased 125W wired charging and 65W wireless charging. If this is anything to go by, 2021 will be the year where battery capacity does not matter as much if all it takes is a few minutes to get it charged to full capacity.

 

6. Under Display Cameras

While the feature debuted in 2020, it is bound to go mainstream in 2021 – at least for the high-end devices. Having an uninterrupted display without the moving mechanisms required for a pop-up selfie camera should be quite the addition to smartphones.

 

7. First Portless Phone

This is most likely going to be Apple if the past years are anything to go by. They made the headphone jack irrelevant – and with the inclusion of Magsafe – they might do the same to their infamous lightning port, at least on their iPhones. They already removed the charging brick from the retail packaging.

 

8. The Return of TouchID

With the inclusion of OLED displays on the 2020 iPhones, Apple can now include TouchID on the 2021 iPhones and hopefully reduce or get rid of the huge notch entirely.

 

 

What devices are coming in 2021

 

9. Samsung Galaxy S21 Lineup

Sources claim that we might see the S21 as early as January. The camera bump might see a new design with flat displays. There should be a new color as well – Mystic Purple. The best news? The series might start at a lower price than its predecessors.

Past years have seen complaints from regions that received S-series phones with Exynos processors because they were inferior to the Snapdragon versions. 2021 may be different though. Samsung’s in-house 5nm processor may finally be just as good as the latest Qualcomm processor, at least in terms of raw performance.

Lastly, we may see the last Galaxy Note device this year, or none at all! The S21 might just have S-Pen support.

 

10. Galaxy Z Fold 3

The Fold 3 might just be replacing the Note in 2021. It is set to have S-Pen support and under-display cameras.

 

11. Pixel 6

Google chose to focus on good performance and more affordable pricing and the result was a mid-range flagship. Chances are that Google will go the same route for the Pixel 6, but with much better camera performance, which is saying a lot for a Pixel device.  More interestingly is that the Pixel 6 might use a version of Samsung’s 5nm Exynos processor.

 

12. iPhone 13 Lineup

Not a lot is known about the iPhone 13 series, but it might just be the first portless smartphone lineup. A 120Hz ProMotion display is all but guaranteed at this point. Fingers crossed that the notch shrinks in size!

 

13. OnePlus 9 Lineup

OnePlus might have three devices in their lineup – the standard 9, the Pro, and the new 9E. The 9E might be the affordable flagship, sort of like the 8T. The design of the OnePlus 9 might be new, specifically on the placement of the camera modules.

 

14. 2021 iPads

Apple’s iPads are the best tablets – period. With the strides that Apple is making both in hardware and software, the gap between them and second-best can only get wider. 5G may be included in the entire lineup, as well as iterative upgrades.

 

Looking Forward

There is certainly a lot to look forward to in 2021 – this applies to both smartphones and life in general. We can only sit and wait – as we protect ourselves – and protect all our current devices with the brilliant Tech Armor Accessories.

12 Things to Expect from the iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 announcement and subsequent release feel close – at least it should. The last few weeks have seen the hype and rumors go into overdrive. Some rumors have been debunked along the way but new ones always seem to pop up – like an endless game of whack-a-mole. It is understandable to want to believe every single rumor. The thought of the perfect iPhone brimming with features is an annual rite of passage. That is until the over-the-top rumors slowly die, taking pieces of our hearts with them. Either way, the thrill, and excitement are always too good to pass up. Here is what to expect so far from the 2020 iPhones.

 

 

1. 120Hz ProMotion

The release of the 2020 iPad Pro saw the 120Hz that made its debut in 2018 retained. Naturally, Apple fans expected the technology to make it to the 2019 iPhones. When it eventually did not, it became almost universally agreed that 2020 would be that year. Obviously, right?

Well, not really. Twitter leaker Max Weinbach stated that while the Pro models would likely ship with a 120Hz-capable display from Samsung, the high refresh rate would not be activated. This means that none of the iPhones would be sporting a ProMotion display. Maybe next year? Cue the sad faces.

 

2. Design

While there will be no radical shift in design, it is said that all the iPhones would have even thinner bezels than the iPhone 11 range. Most people might not even notice as the bezels are already pretty small, except the imposing notch.

Speaking of the notch; while earlier reports had stated that the iPhone 12 range would have a much smaller notch, that will probably not happen either. A leak of the display panel, when super-imposed on various iPhone sizes showed that the notch would pretty much stay the same. It is barely even noticeable anymore, right?

Reports state that the notch will stay the same until Apple has the technology to make major changes to sensor placement.

 

3. Sound

Apple’s sound technology has always been above par. This year’s iPhones will feature richer and clearer sound with deeper bass if the sound samples obtained by Max Weinbach are anything to go by. This is when compared to the iPhone 11 range, which already had great sound.

 

4. Ports and Cables

Again, the 2020 iPad Pros are to blame for this. No, there will be no USB-C port on the iPhone 12. Alongside ProMotion, a more standard USB-C port was high on most people’s wishlists for this year’s iPhones. Not that there’s anything wrong with Apple’s proprietary lightning port. It would just be great to have one cable for all your smart devices. Think about it this way though, what would you possibly do with all the lightning cables you currently have?

Probably throw them away or find some creative use for them. Why? The new lightning cable will be braided. That’s right, no more damaged iPhone cables. Braided ones look better ad have superior durability. Still not USB-C though.

 

5. Packaging

The news has been everywhere, raising split opinions. Apple will exclude a charging brick from this year’s packaging. This means a smaller box and a thank you from the environment. Apple says that you have enough charging bricks already. What do you think?

 

6. Cameras

The collective belief is that this year’s iPhones will have a LiDAR scanner as part of the camera setup. Save for the bigger 120Hz screen, this is bound to make this year’s iPhones great AR devices.

What is not generally agreed on is the layout of the cameras. Earlier leaks showed uniform lens placement in each quadrant of the camera bump, with the flash in the middle. Newer, conflicting leaks show something similar to the current camera array. Time will tell with this one.

As for the camera quality, Ming-Chi-Kuo detailed certain improvements in the iPhone 12. The autofocus is said to be much-improved thanks to VCM OIS (Voice Coil Motor | Optical Image Stabilization) technology. From spring-based to magnet-based stabilization.

 

7. 5G

The iPhone 12 will be capable of mm-wave and sub-6GHz 5G. Rejoice.

Reports however say that 5G capability for next year’s iPhones will be region-dependent. This means that some regions may have not 5G iPhones at all or will have either mm-wave or sub-6GHz 5G. A story for another year though.

 

8. Batteries and Charging

iPhones are not known to have the largest batteries, but the iPhone 11s had great battery life for the most part. It is still disappointing, however, when iPhone batteries have a lower battery capacity than expected, as may be the case this year. Max Weinbach’s earlier prediction of 4000 to 4400 mAh batteries was seemingly debunked by another publication. The 3969, 3046, and 3110 mAh batteries for the Pro Max, Pro, and standard 11 respectively will reportedly be 3687, 2815, and 2775, plus 2227 for the new 5.4-inch model.

With those capacities, it is hard to believe reports of the inclusion of reverse wireless charging.

There are also reports that Apple will release a Qi wireless charging case with no lightning port to charge the iPhone wirelessly.

 

9. RAM

Leaks have continued to confirm that the Pro models will have 6GB of RAM while the standard models will have 4. With Apple’s optimizations in their devices, the 8, 12, and 16GB of RAM seen in high-end Android phones have never been necessary.

 

10. Processors

Leaks continue confirming the coming of the new A14 Bionic processor with this year’s iPhones. The chip’s architecture is yet to be confirmed but is likely 5nm.

 

11. Price

Twitter user Komiya stated that the iPhone prices will be as follows:

iPhone 12 | 5.4” | 5G | 64GB – $699

iPhone 12 | 5.4” | 5G | 128GB – $749

iPhone 12 | 5.4” | 5G | 256GB – $849

 

iPhone 12 Max | 6.1” | 5G | 64GB – $799

iPhone 12 Max | 6.1” | 5G | 128GB – $849

iPhone 12 Max | 6.1” | 5G | 256GB – $949

 

iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1” | 128GB – $1049

iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1” | 256GB – $1149

iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1” | 512GB – $1349

 

iPhone 12 Pro Max | 6.7” | 128GB – $1149

iPhone 12 Pro Max | 6.7” | 256GB – $1249

iPhone 12 Pro Max | 6.7” | 512GB – $1449

 

12. Launch

The notion is that there will be 4 iPhone models being released this fall. Mac Otakara claims that 4G variants of the iPhone 12 will be released first in October, followed by the 5G variants in November. The launch may be staggered, with some models coming before the rest. The Max tag is said to be changed to Plus for this year.

Are you excited or are you bummed out? As you decide, check out the best protective cases for your beloved devices.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is Nigh – Here’s What to Expect

The wait is nearly over! The most anticipated Android smartphone is officially a few weeks away. Samsung recently confirmed the dates for its virtual Galaxy Unpacked 2020 event—which is scheduled for August 5.

We expect the South Korean company to unveil the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and a couple of other mobile devices—including the Galaxy Tab S7 and a 5G version of Galaxy Z Flip. As for the shipping date, rumors point to August 21, pending further confirmation.

As we countdown days to the unveiling of arguable the most powerful Android phone yet, here’s what to expect from the device:

 

Overview of the Specs

	Galaxy Note 20	Galaxy Note 20 Plus/ Ultra
Screen size	6.42 inches with a resolution of 2345 x 1084	6.87 inches with a resolution of 3096 x 1444
Refresh rate	60Hz or 120Hz	120Hz
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus or Exynos 990	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus or Exynos 990
RAM	8GB	12GB
Storage	128GB	256 or 512GB
Cameras (Rear)	12MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto, and time-of-flight sensor	108MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 13MP telephoto, and laser focus sensor
Battery	4,170mAh – 4,300 mAh	4,500 mAh – 5,000 mAh

 

Models – 2? Maybe 3?

Drawing on the naming of its predecessors, most people assumed that Samsung would follow in its trend by naming the upcoming devices Note 20 and Note 20 Plus. But that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.

A Bluetooth certification uncovered by MySmartPrice suggests the existence of a Note 20 Ultra. But then again, the rumor mills have consistently claimed that there will be two variations of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20. Long story short, expect two model – the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Plus/Ultra.

 

 

Display – Optimized Big Screen

A “more fine-tuned” 120Hz refresh rate technology, a low power display technology that could slash 20% of power consumption – the Galaxy Note 20 offers a lot to admire, if the rumors are true.

The regular Note 20 is expected to feature 6.42-inch screen (2345 x 1084)—while the larger Plus/Ultra model boasts of a 6.87-inch screen (3096 x 1444). You can also expect a more advanced in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that’s large enough to read two fingers simultaneously.

 

Design – Spick-and-span

As we enter the last lap to the much-anticipated release of the Note 20, we’re beginning to see glimpses of actual photos of the device. The most accurate leak comes from non-other than Samsung themselves.

In a July 1 post by The Verge, the news website got wind of a leak that appeared in Samsung Russia’s page. It showed a copper-colored device that’s similar to some of the earlier renders. A leaker known as Jimmy Is Promo also released what appears to be a hands-on picture of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 phablet (Here’s are the front and back images). And judging from the uncanny resemblance with the image leaked by Samsung, we can assume it’s legitimate.

Other notable feature includes a change in the position of the S Pen housing from right to left, a plastic back cover for the Note 20, and four color hues (Mint Green, Copper, White/Grey, and Black). Oh, and the S Pen is rumored to offer new capabilities—including acting as a pointer.

 

Cameras – Space Zoom Abandoned?

Leaks of the purported camera placement have been circulating since the turn of the year. And most of them draw a similarity to the Galaxy S20. This includes the quad-lens setup and 108MP main camera for the Note 20 Plus. The device will also feature a laser focus sensor to solve focusing issues seen in the S20 Ultra.

It’s worth noting that a leak by Ice Universe suggests that Samsung may retire its 100x Space Zoom camera – at least until they iron its flaws. Instead, the manufacturer will adopt a 50x telephoto lens with a periscope-style design.

 

Processor – The Top Dog of Android

Qualcomm recently announced it most powerful 5G-enabled chipset – the Snapdragon 865 Plus. Although there’s no official claim on whether the Samsung Note 20 will run on the new chipset, history tells us that it’s given—and Ice Universe reiterates.

To make things more interesting, benchmark results flagged by the serial leaker show a phone thought to be the Note 20 topping the 3Ghz mark. The device in question managed a multi-core score of 3,220 and 985 on the single-core test. This outpaces every Samsung device—and possibly all Android phones.

 

Battery – Packing More Juice

The Galaxy S20 could get a 4,000 mAh battery — while the Ultra/Plus variant gets 4,500 mAh battery. This is a commendable upgrade from its predecessor. Combined with the energy-saving fine-tuned refresh rate technology and low power display technology discussed earlier, we could see a significant boost in daily longevity.

 

Price – Nothing New

For such as feature-packed mobile device, none of us was really expecting anything less than $900 or even $1,000—and the rumors confirm our suspicions. Besides, the Galaxy Note series has always been a premium offering since its early days.

Its predecessor retails at $950 with the Plus model going for $1,099. Similarly, Samsung’s other flagship—the Galaxy S20—starts at $999 to as high as $$1,399 for the S20 Ultra. Catch the drift? In fact, some rumor sources even claim that the Galaxy Note 20 might be the most expensive release by the company.

 

Planning to Buy the Best Android Mobile Device Yet?

With only a few weeks to go before Samsung unveils a device we’ve been drooling over for the better half of 2020; the excitement is at a fever pitch. Whether you choose to set aside $1,000 for arguably the best device of the year or stick with the Galaxy S10, Tech Armor has you covered. Our top-of-the-range screen protectors are designed to keep your investment in pristine condition.