Review of the iPhone 14 Lineup

In an ever-expanding sea of smartphones—some illogically cheap and others boasting of mind-boggling tech—Apple still manages to claim a seat at the pinnacle of the industry. Why?

IPhones have a rapport for their premium hardware designed to last, cutting-edge features that just work, and an unparalleled customer-oriented approach. All these values that make people fall in love with Apple are reflected in their latest iteration of iPhones; iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The iPhone 14 series borrows everything that was great about last year’s iPhone 13 lineup and takes it up a notch (pun intended).

If top-of-the-line cameras and unyielding performance wrapped up in a gorgeous body are your ideas for a great phone, the iPhone 14 lineup is a no-brainer. The question is: Which of the iPhone 14’s is your perfect companion?

Read on for our review of Apple’s latest flagship smartphones (Hint: There’s more to the devices than what’s on paper).

Specs – iPhone 14/iPhone 14 Plus/iPhone 14 Pro/iPhone 14 Pro Max

First things first, what’s on paper? Here are the official specs of the 2022 iPhone 14 series:

The published spec sheet aside, how do all the nifty perks translate to the consumer? Are the new camera features worthwhile? How practical is the ‘ground-breaking’ dynamic island? Here’s a breakdown of what the iPhone 14 packs outside and under the hood based on an in-depth analysis of hands-on reviews:

Design – Out with Notch, In With the Island

If you’ve had the opportunity to grab hold of the iPhone 13, expect the same feel with 2022’s iPhone 14—at least body-wise. The dimensions and even the screen are identical—with most of the tuning happening on the inside.

While the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus (expected to be released on October 07) have relatively uninspiring designs, the Pro models are the exact opposite. For the first time since the 2017 iPhone X, the team at Cupertino has finally made the bold of reinventing the trademark notch.

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max displays feature a pill-shaped cutout dubbed the “Dynamic Island.” While the name attracted its fair share of memes, the Dynamic Island may prove to be a gem. It’s a creative way to refresh the iconic notch by turning it into a more practical tool that improves the user experience.

The Dynamic Island functions like an adaptive blob that stretches, contracts, and even changes shape as needed. Its elegant feel and functionality make it one of Apple’s most significant design upgrades in recent years. The island takes multitasking up a notch by allowing you to dock an app and revisit it with a quick tap.

And as you’d expect from Apple, the animations are silky smooth and subtle. But some users have identified some rough spots such as uncharacteristic cropping of things like timers. It’s one of those features that gradually grow on you until you can’t imagine a life without them

While Dynamic Island is attracting most of the plaudits, Apple managed to sneak in a useful feature that may end up saving you a couple of bucks. You can now replace the back glass without going through the expensive hassle of disassembling the phone. Even better, you don’t need to remove the True Depth Camera module to replace the display. Talking of display…

Display – Smoother, Brighter, and Always-On

To the disappointment of fans, Apple maintained a 60Hz display for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models—a refresh rate that is relatively outdated among high-end smartphones. Besides that, the entire lineup delivers crisp OLED screens with Dolby Vision and HDR10 technology.

Following the same trend with the design, Apple reserved the best display features for the Pro models. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max boast LTPO OLED screens with a 120Hz refresh rate. Coupled with the Dynamic Island and a bumped-up camera (more on this in the next section), emerging reports by market analysts suggest the Pro models are racking up higher demand to the point that Apple may be doubling down on their production.

The Pro models also ship with an Always-On display turned on. If you’ve used an Apple watch, you might be familiar with how this feature works. Always-On dims the screen to about 10% and chops the refresh rate up to 1Hz. This gives you a constant sneak peek of time and notifications without significantly hogging your battery. It’s a feature that may take some getting used—with online search results showing a spike in people looking to toggle the feature on-off.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Pro models pack an impressive 2000nits of peak brightness—compared to the 1200nits in the 14 and 14 Plus. The extra nits may not matter much in normal usage, but they might come in handy when you need a clear view of your phone in bright light.

Camera – Bumped Up, But Bumpy

Apple rarely disappoints when it comes to cameras—this reputation holds true with the iPhone 14 lineup. Refined features like Cinematic Mode, Night Mode, Depth Control, and the all-new “Photonic Engine” give the iPhone 14s the software juice to deliver brighter, lifelike images.

You’ll also find Action Mode, which stabilizes images when you move the camera around a lot. Though you have to sacrifice resolution from 4k to 2.8k – a small price to pay for quality videos.

In terms of the selfie cameras, they all get an upgrade with autofocus (finally) and a wider aperture of f/1.9. Video calls and portrait shots are about to be better than they’ve ever been.

While all devices in the 2022 lineup offer impressive camera output that’s on par with the best smartphones out there, the Pro models take the limelight.

The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus comes with the familiar dual rear camera setup with a 12MP main camera. This is the same resolution as their predecessors, the iPhone 13—but with an upgrade in aperture from f/1.6 to f/1.5.

And if you thought iPhone cameras were good at 12MP, wait until you catch a whiff of the 48MP sensor on the Pro models? On top of the larger sensor (around 65% larger than the iPhone 13 Pro), the Pro models also feature a 12MP telephoto sensor that allows 3X optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor with a wider aperture, and ProRES for 48MP raw shots.

This is all great news for the photographers and filmmakers in us. Most camera test show improved color rendition, more light gathering, and faster focusing. But all this goodness comes with a caveat: a bigger camera bump.

If the wonky feel of the iPhone 13 Pro was a concern for you, wait until you place the iPhone 14 Pros on a table. Sure, it’s highly unlikely that the wobble will be a deal breaker—but it’s hard to ignore the risk of accidental falls on slanted surfaces. When this is the case (*another pun), we got your back with our top-of-the-line iPhone 14 screen protectors to safeguard your precious device.

Processor – A Partial Upgrade

To widen the gap between the Base and Pro models, Apple decided to reuse last year’s A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus—only reserving the cutting-edge A16 Bionic for the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.

The A15 Bionic is already some steps ahead of most competitors, so it should still suffice. But if you want the best in processing power—especially for long-term use—the A16 Bionic packed in the Pro models is a great choice.

What Does the eSIM Spell for You?

Another major change to the iPhone lineup is the contentious idea to ditch the physical SIM card tray in favor of an eSim—at least in the U.S., This move is so far divisive among consumers.

Some users argue that the idea to ‘force’ the eSIM-only iPhone 14s is an anti-consumer approach that is uncharacteristic of Apple. There’s also the frustration of hiccups when transferring your phone number from an old device to the iPhone 14. Not to mention the privacy risk from waiving the option to remove the physical SIM card.

But for most people, setting up your new iPhone and switching between carriers should be a breeze. It might even be smoother and more seamless than the conventional way with physical SIMs.

Safety and Security

Safety first! SOS over satellite and crash detection are two features that are not necessarily in the spotlight as far as early iPhone 14 impressions are concerned. But they could mean the world to some users when their lives are at stake.

The crash detection feature basically works by using advanced sensors to identify a car crash before dialing emergency services and notifying them of your location for help. If sending an emergency message is not possible due to signal issues, the iPhone 14 will use satellite.

Battery Life and Charging

Interestingly, the base iPhone 14 packs a larger battery than the iPhone 14 Pro. But this does not translate to better battery life. With a more efficient A16 Bionic chipset and the adaptive ProMotion display, the Pro model may slightly edge past the iPhone 14. But all this depends on your real-world usage.

Either way, Apple claims you can recharge your device to 50% in 30 minutes using their fast charging adapter or 15W MagSafe charging. Time will tell how this holds up.

Color

Specs and neat features aside, sometimes the buying decision comes down to the phone’s aesthetic. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are available in Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and (PRODUCT) Red. The Pro models ship with fewer color options—but eye-catching ones nonetheless. They include Space Black, Silver, Gold, and Deep Purple.

We feel Deep Purple will be a fan favorite and a top candidate for users who prefer transparent cases. The Space Black is a nice shade for those of you who prefer something dialed down. It’s slightly darker than last year’s Graphite shade.

Verdict?

With the 120Hz display, the Dynamic Island, a 48MP camera, and the A16 Bionic chip, all signs point to the iPhone 14 Pro models. They are a few drawbacks like the wobbly camera bump and lack of a USB-C connector, but they are mostly negligible. But regardless of your pick, this year’s iPhone lineup offers great value for money.

And when you upgrade to the latest iPhone, ensure you enjoy your device for as long as possible by installing a glass screen protector from Tech Amor. We have reliable and easy-to-install iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max screen protectors. Plus, a handful of accessories such as cleaning kits, car mounts, and premium cables.

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:

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:

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.

And while you’re at it, protect your devices. A little proactive action today could save you hundreds of dollars in the future. Don’t take chances; protect your valuables—and we can show you how!

It is clear to say that from the very first device in the series (now in its third iteration), Apple designed the iPhone SE to include some of its most advanced features and technologies. It was important for Apple to provide more options for their existing users who want a smaller iPhone and a great value. The kind set aside from their flagships to deliver the iPhone experience at an incredible price.

As such, the SE lineup has become a trendy model with new iPhone users, helping Apple continue to woo people into the now infamous ecosystem as they continue to add new users to the iPhone at a faster pace. Apple added more new users to the iPhone 13 lineup than in each of the previous five launches. They definitely see the iPhone SE as a means to build on this momentum.

The 2022 iPhone SE is one of those books that should never be judged by its cover. The device is not much of a looker by today’s standards, but neither was the previous iPhone SE. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a visual difference between the two devices. They quite literally share the same body. This is very unlike Apple.

Every year, Tim Cook and Co. get on those meticulously prepared sets and announce devices with just enough difference from the previous generation for the common user to be able to differentiate them. New iPhones always have a unique identifying feature. Be it a color, the camera system design, or a marginal difference in the size of the notch. There is nothing visually special about this Special Edition phone year-on-year. That notwithstanding, Apple rarely makes mistakes, and the 2022 iPhone SE is definitely not one.

As regards to the specs, the internals are all that matters. There are, however, some points to note about the exterior, but before that:

Pros of iPhone SE3

• good
• Powered by A15 Bionic- Apple’s most powerful mobile chip
• Improved battery life
• Light and Thin

Cons of iPhone SE 3

• Pricier than its predecessor
• Lack of night mode
• Small and outdated display

And now, The exterior

With a width of 2.65 inches, a height of 5.45 inches, and a thickness of 7.3mm, the SE 3 is generally one of the most compact phones available in the smartphone market. It is splash, water, and dust resistant and is rated IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529. It comes in at a weight of 144 grams.

The SE3 features a glass and aluminum design in Midnight, Starlight, and Product Red. Thanks to the toughest glass found on both the front and back, the display is more protected than its predecessor. This is the same glass as the back of iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro.

One thing that the SE has that not even the Pro Max iPhones get is the Home Button with Touch ID for a secure, private, and easy way to unlock your iPhone, fill in passcodes, and make purchases with Apple Pay.

The 2022 SE sports a 4.7-inch LCD display with IPS technology. It has a 1334 x 750-pixel resolution, which brings its pixel density to 326 per inch and a 1400:1 contrast ratio, far from the near-infinite contrast ratios of good OLED displays. The maximum brightness is at 625 nits.

Other display features include True Tone, P3 wide color gamut, Haptic Touch, and a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.

Speaking of the internals

One of the biggest upgrades to the SE this year is in the processor. At the heart of the iPhone SE is A15 Bionic, the same chip as in iPhone 13. It is mind-blowing that Apple can bring such a powerful chip and a level of performance to their most affordable phone. This is something only Apple can do. Oh, wait, and Xiaomi, of course. The Poco F1 was and still is a legendary device.

On testing, A15 Bionic makes nearly every experience better, from simple things like launching apps and scrolling through photos to intense workloads like processing depth information on the fly. A15 Bionic packs a powerful 6-core CPU to handle demanding tasks smoothly and efficiently. It’s up to 1.8 times faster than iPhone 8 (whose body the iPhone SE lineup assimilated) and even faster than older models. This CPU is faster than all the competition at any price.

The 4-core GPU is excellent for graphics-intensive use cases and delivers a monumental improvement for people upgrading from a phone with any other processor. That means that games are reproduced smoothly and with realism, with the only bottleneck in the gaming experience possible being the display size.

Apps can take advantage of the 16-core Neural Engine, which is perfect for machine learning tasks and, according to Apple, is capable of 15.8 trillion operations per second, which is 26 times faster than iPhone 8. Anyone upgrading from a phone without a Neural Engine will definitely notice all the simple ways it makes using the iPhone easier.

The battery

Battery life is important, especially now when Apple’s iPhone SE brings 5G to Apple’s most affordable iPhone, so iPhone SE can take advantage of the latest generation of technology. With 5G, you get super-fast downloads and uploads, lower latency, and better experiences in more places.

iPhone SE 3 has better battery life thanks to the efficiency of A15 Bionic, the controlled integration with iOS, and Apple’s internal design updates. The iPhone 13 lineup is said to have the best battery life on any smartphone, so there was always going to be an improvement of the weaknesses of the SE lineup.

Cameras

The SE 3 has a 12MP Wide ƒ/1.8 aperture camera with Digital zoom up to 5x, portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control, portrait lighting, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which many expensive phones do not have. The camera has a six-element lens, with LED True Tone flash with Slow Sync.

iPhone SE also has some of Apple’s latest camera innovations. The 12-megapixel camera and A15 Bionic create a new camera system that enables powerful computational photography. Deep Fusion optimizes for texture and detail in every part of the photo. Smart HDR 4 applies individual color, contrast, and noise adjustments to subjects and the background. Photographic Styles brings your preferred style automatically to the image pipeline during capture while preserving skin tones. The ISP in A15 Bionic improves video quality for truer skin tones and reduced noise, especially in lower light.

The iPhone SE can do 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, and 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps. It has an Extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps, Optical image stabilization for video, Digital zoom up to 3x, Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps, Time-lapse video with stabilization, Night mode Time-lapse, Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p), and Stereo recording

The SE’s 7MP front camera has a ƒ/2.2 aperture with a portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control, portrait lighting,  Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4 for photos, Time-lapse video with stabilization, Night mode Time-lapse, Retina Flash, and cinematic video.

Performance, storage, and price

The iPhone SE 3 comes with a base storage capacity of 64GB, which is not enough by today’s standard. Fortunately, there are also 128GB and 256GB storage options.

iPhone SE comes with all the incredible benefits of iOS 15, including new features like Focus to help reduce distraction to be in the moment and an all-new Maps experience. And you’ll get intelligent capabilities that protect your privacy like on-device Siri and on-device dictation that just weren’t possible with older phones.

iPhone SE will get the latest iOS updates for years to come. iPhone SE continues Apple’s commitment to minimize the impact on the environment.

Like they did with iPhone 13, they eliminated the outer plastic wrap from Apple’s packaging. And they use recycled materials in the design of the iPhone SE, like in the Taptic Engine, where they use 100% recycled rare earth elements and 100% recycled tungsten. iPhone SE is a fantastic new iPhone that brings the performance of A15 Bionic, the speed of 5G, better durability, better battery life, and advanced new camera capabilities. The 2022 SE starts at $429.

The 2020 SE was this $399 entry-level iPhone built to be a powerful net to reel in the more budget-conscious consumers into Apple’s ecosystem. They swapped out the chipset from Apple’s A13 to apple’s A15. This time around they’ve basically taken that same phone bumped the price up to $429 and refreshed it.

The changes made to the SE lineup require a very attentive mind during the event. Apple has made a significant improvement to this phone right. Still, they’ve done it in such a way that unless you specifically watch this, the fact that Apple made no recognizable changes theory is interesting. This drives the theory that Apple would rather have you buy their very expensive iPhone 13s.

Who is the iPhone SE3 perfect for?

• If you love small phones that you can basically carry around easily, this phone is for you. The iPhone SE 3 is the thinnest phone, and its weight measures up to that of the iPhone 12 mini.
• The fact that this phone is 5G is another aspect that could interest you— saying no to a faster and reliable internet is hard.
• Apple held on to their old design. With most things unchanged, you still get a better Touch ID, which is still an old version. So, if you like those vintages yet classic designs, this is the phone for you.

Who is it not suitable for?

• If you are a blogger or a photographer, this phone may not fit your needs. Its camera is quite good, but the features are limited.
• The screen on this phone is a bit small. And when exposed to direct sunlight, the screen isn’t visibly or well seen. So, for big-phone-fanatics, this may not be for you.
• The unlocking system is constricted to just the button, unlike in other phones where you can unlock with your face and fingerprint.

Same design better and new features

The iPhone SE 3 is a pocket-friendly purchase. It has 5G bands meaning its fast enough and will definitely get you through a couple more years without needing to do a phone change. But despite being pocket friendly and small, it still offers you a tremendous undistracted day while using it, let alone the powerful processor that comes with it.

And since the phone is small, there chances that it may keep falling are high. To avoid the small screen from getting damaged or scratched, you can get a screen protector from Tech Armor and prevent all that. Besides, a small phone with a broken screen is a huge no.

iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max Review

When the word iPhone appears in a conversation, well not much introduction is needed. It honestly speaks for itself. Probably because it’s the most prominent smartphone made and marketed by Apple. What’s even better is the incredible advancement in terms of the announcement of new series released periodically. And this year the iPhone 13 series is the talk

Following the announcement of the iPhone 12 in October last year, Apple promised a new and advanced lineup, and of course, it came to pass—no disappointment. The iPhone 12 featured new technology and a fancy new design which is the Mini-sized version.

Well, not much has changed. The iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max were released on the 13^th of September, this year, alongside an updated entry-level iPad, Apple Watch 7, and iPad Mini 6—The event was spectacular. These updated iPhones come with an iOS15 ready to be installed, together with an upgraded camera, a new A15 Bionic processor, an upped storage and so much more.

The improvements, assuming you’re looking for a decent phone, really matter. But do these changes really convince us? Does the new iPhone lineup prove to be the greatest, well, since the last one? —to be fair, they have really brought some revolutionary changes. But a closer look at what the lineup offers and how the 4 versions perform, and their differences are much more important.

So, let’s just proceed to the best part…

The specs

With these clever advancements, Apple aimed to make the iPhone Pro Max or either of its siblings, a compelling upgrade made to fit the needs of different individuals—pros and those in need of an everyday consumption phone. So, the question remains, which will suit you best?

There is a lot to read on as far as the iPhone model is concerned. But before we head on to all that:

iPhone 13 lineup prices

One thing about the lineup is that the physical appearance of each isn’t so different from that of its predecessors. And so, is the pricing. This—pricing— is similar in most of the models except in the standard and mini options. This is because the 64GB storage option in the two, has been done away with. And if you are be expecting a price change for this, well, sorry to say, there isn’t.

Generally, the prices of this new lineup increase with the increase in storage. This is mostly seen in the models with the 1TB storage options feature. Available in the Pro Max model, the storage feature ups the price to $1,599.

For the normal prices of the iPhone 13 high-end Pro version—without the extra storage—comes a similarity to that of the Galaxy S Ultra and Galaxy S plus which costs $1,200 and $1,000 respectively.

1. Design, size and color

The smartphone offers a similar Ceramic Shield display upfront, flat edges, and a durable glass back. Actually, even the IP68    water resistance is the same. The robust frame in the iPhone lineup together with all the advanced physical features makes the holding feel nice. However, Apple gave a ‘redesigned on the inside and out’ comment pointing at it being different from the others where, honestly, it’s hard to spot the differences.

The most obvious difference is noticeable in the edge. You will notice the volume controls, silent/ring switch and the power button have been slightly switched.

There are two more design changes in the iPhone44. One is the 20% smaller notch. This enables an undistracted time while watching videos in landscape mode with both sides at full screen. And most importantly the reduction in the Mini version is more interesting.

Considering the phone is narrower the notch swoops down a bit more making apps like Gmail—ones with a white background in portrait orientation— more fun to use. Secondly, the cameras on the rear which were placed vertically in the iPhone 12 are now arranged diagonally.

The iPhone 13 mini and13 are available in Pink, Midnight, Blue, Product (RED), and Starlight. While the13 Pro and 13 Pro Max are in Graphite, Silver, Sierra Blue, and Gold.

Unfortunately, there is one thing missing—the touch ID. This is an upgrade that would have been highly appreciated since the face ID, well, with our masks on, can be a hassle to use. Also, the smartphone had some problems unlocking with the Apple Watch. But this isn’t an issue since Apple is working on it.

When it comes to size the iPhone Mini is 5.4 inches, standard 6.1 inches, iPhone 13 Pro 6.1 inches, iPhone 13 Pro Max 6.7 inches.

2. ProMotion display

This feature is a brand name for Apple display which means updates and refresh rates that happens often— 60Hz or 60 times per second. But for this new model, they included a 120Hz refresh rate. This, when compared to the screens we have at home i.e., tv, is double the rate since they usually update at 60Hz. The feature has been available on the iPad Pro but has been now launched in the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

The refresh rate determines how smooth and fast the scrolling is. And sailing content is a great experience than the smearing one. This feature, however, isn’t available in the mini. But that doesn’t stop it from giving its user an excellent time. In fact, when you compare it to the iPhone 12, there are some noticeable and visible improvements. So, no worries.

All the iPhone models have OLED screen panels.

The brightness increase rate favors people using it in the sun. This is because of the Super Retina XDR display which is 28% brighter than its predecessor—the change isn’t dramatic though. And when it comes to watching a movie, the HDR content can be screened at 1,200 nits on all the siblings.

The display size is also noticeable. The smallest display is on the iPhone 13 mini—5.4 inches with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, 476ppi. This makes this handful version the sharpest display of all. The largest is, of course, the iPhone 13 Pro Max. It has a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, 458ppi, and a display size of 6.7 inches.

The 13 and 13 Pro have a similar display size o 6.1-inches while the resolution is 2532 x 1170 pixels, 460ppi.

3. Camera

There are so many interesting facts about the camera in all four versions. just imaging taking pictures in low lighting. Or better still owning a phone that can help you measure height? Cool, right? Well, the iPhone 13 has a lidar scanner on the Pro Max and Pro versions unlike in the iPhone 12 lineup. Its main purpose is autofocused pictures and videos with low noise as well as quality shots even in low lighting. Additionally, Apple said that there will be a new feature, on the Pro models, called ProRES that includes video recording of up to 4K at 30fps, later this year.

Although the new lens setup is the most common visible change, it has come with a few more advantages. The large camera has 1.7μm pixels and a wider camera that gathers 47% more light. The improved cameras on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini, has an ultrawide lens and are 12-megapixel wide. And for iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, the three rear cameras have telephoto lenses, are 12-megapixel wide, and are ultrawide.

Color temperature is an important fact to check on when buying a phone. Whether you want a rich contrast, vibrant, standard, cool, or warm one, the control should be yours. And alas the iPhone 13 lineup has the Photographic styles feature that is specifically for this purpose.

Wait, here comes the best part…the Macro photography and cinematic mode feature. The macro-Photography helps take pictures with the appropriate camera lens automatically while still offering a focused image. And the cinematic mode, just like the Apple Portrait Mode in the iPhone 7 plus, allows the subject to move around the frame and still remain in focus. This mode can be used while recording one or more subjects, and you can as well tap to the main focus or get a focus mode while editing.

However, as sweet as the deal sounds, there are some limitations. For the cinematic mode to work, there must be good lighting. And if there isn’t the camera app will warn you. The editing of the videos also needs to be done on Apple apps i.e., iMovie. And lastly, the cinematic mode can only be shot in p at frames per second.

4. A5 Bionic and performance

The A15 Bionic is a faster chip and an advancement from the A14 Bionic in iPhone12. It offers a 4-core GPU, 6-core CPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. This means the CPU works up to 5% faster and the GPU is in a place to handle rendering graphics that are 20% faster which is quite impressive. The iPhone 13 Pro model has the fastest GPU which is five cores while the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 has our cores.

You can switch between tasks without any issues.

5. Battery life

The iPhone 13 has an extended battery life than the iPhone 12 lineup. This is because of the A15 Bionic chip, bigger battery, and iOS 15. Despite Apple not revealing the battery specs, another source showed that there is a significant capacious cell than in the iPhone 12. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has the best battery life of Up to 28 hours. However, the bigger the battery, the bigger the phone. So, if you do mind a handful phone, then the iPhone 13 Pro Max isn’t for you.

The iPhone Mini powers for nearly 17 hours, while the other two—13 and 13 Pro—are at least 19 hours and 22 hours respectively. All these, when compared to the previous lineup, are a sizable leap.

iPhone 13, 13 MINI, 13 PRO AND 13 PRO MAX SPECS

Conclusion

Despite the upgrades being mostly under the hood, they are precisely made to give you a more improved experience. Fancy new features, great battery life—except in the mini— who wouldn’t want that? If you are still wondering if it’s worth it getting one, aim to focus on the fundamentals. ‘What upgrades are there?’ ‘Is there a promise that the game will get better?’ — once the debate is over and have a final answer, head on to the store and purchase that dream phone.

But most importantly, don’t forget to get the best screen protector from Tech Armor. A smartphone with such features deserves to be taken care of. And that’s your responsibility.

iPhone 13 Recap

As was very accurately predicted, the most anticipated event in Apple’s annual calendar happened on the 14^th of September 2021. Apple’s events are always grandiose showcases with impeccable production. In true Apple fashion, they somehow managed to one-up what they did last year, with a lot of drone shots. It was quite cinematic – the amazing transitions, cinematography, lighting – everything was top-notch. It was quite the visual spectacle.

Twitter was part of the celebrations as well. For every tweet that included the trending #AppleEvent hashtag, the like button turned into a glowing Apple logo before quickly turning back into a heart when clicked. iPhone 13 was also trending, of course, and as Tim Cook walked on stage, the world awaited the reveal of the heavily leaked new iPhones. Were there any surprises? Read on to find out.

The iPhone 13 Line-up

A Closer look at iPhone 13 & 13 Mini

Design

The non-pro iPhone 13 has a new look for the advanced dual-camera system with the lenses arranged diagonally instead of vertically as was the case for the iPhone 12. Every year, Apple makes a slight design change to make it easier to distinguish previous versions from the current releases, and re-arranging the camera array was their choice for this year.

Other than the camera module, the chassis (or the beautifully-formed aerospace-grade aluminum frame as it was described during the announcement) remains largely the same. This year’s colors were unveiled to be an all-new Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, and Product Red.

A much-rumoured detail about the new iPhones was confirmed when the smaller notch was revealed. After years of having the large obtrusive notch at the top of the display, Apple finally did something about it. This is another differentiating factor from the iPhone 12. The reductions were possible because the true-depth camera system has been re-engineered to make it take up less room while taking up less space, thus the increased screen real estate.

Battery

Internally, the iPhone 13 has been completely re-architected to make room for new additions, and more importantly, a bigger battery! While Apple did not confirm the actual sizes of the batteries for this year’s standard iPhones 13, battery improvements are always welcome.

Apple claims that on iPhone 13 Mini most users will experience 1.5 more hours in their day than with iPhone 12 Mini. They also claim that the standard iPhone 13 lasts 2.5 hours longer than iPhone 12. Them branding it as ‘incredible all-day battery life is a bit of a stretch, however.

Display

Size aside, the design is the same across the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, as was the case with last year’s iPhone 12 and 12 Mini. Both phones feature an improved, more advanced Super Retina, XDR display. The display is 28% brighter up, going up to 800 nits of peak brightness. This makes it even more suitable for use even when outside. This improved display delivers an immersive viewing experience with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG meaning that the content shot on and for these platforms and technologies will be viewed as intended.

Processor

Things are about to get a little technical now. Ready?

Apple’s lead in the smartphone SoC (System on a Chip) category just got a little wider with the A15 Bionic. Apple’s control over the entire iPhone makeup gives them the capability to incorporate innovations across the entire system. This, in turn, enables the delivery of improved performance and power efficiency. The A15 is built on 5nm architecture which enables the inclusion of nearly 15 billion transistors on the chip. The result? An absolutely smooth, optimized, and efficient experience when handling demanding workloads. The A15 houses a powerful new 6-core CPU with two high-performance and four high-efficiency cores for graphics-intensive tasks like advanced games. The A15 Bionic also features the latest 4-core GPU with the new 16-core Neural Engine to handle all the machine learning requirements. In addition to the performance improvements, iPhone 13 features a new Display Engine, a new video encoder, and decoder, and twice the system cache. All this is to make video playback as smooth as it has ever been

Camera

With the A15 Bionic also comes an improved camera system on iPhone 13. There’s an all-new 12mp wide camera with a larger 1.7 micron-pixels sensor that should capture more light with a wide f-1.6 aperture. Amazingly, Apple decided to bring the iPhone 12 Pro Max exclusive Sensor-Shift technology to all iPhones in this year’s line-up. Sensor-Shift introduced advanced Optical Image Stabilization for even better images, especially in low-light. Apple also included a new ultra-wide camera that is set to help “reveal more of the dark areas with less noise”.

A brand-new feature announced for iPhone 13 is Cinematic Mode. According to the details provided during its showcase, once the recording starts, Cinematic Mode will hold focus on the subject even when they’re moving. Additionally, focus transitions are said to happen automatically and in real-time, for example, from one subject to another. Cinematic Mode is said to anticipate when a subject is about to enter the frame and intelligently racks focus to them when they do. When a subject gazes away from the camera, iPhone 13 itself changes focus and then back. This is certainly one of the features that most people will want to test out for themselves when the phones are released. If it does what it says on the box, iPhone will almost be the default phone for millions of content creators, even more than it is already.

Pricing and Availability

It was great to see that even with the improvements it starts with and the fact that the starting capacity is now 128 GB (plus a new 512 GB option), iPhone 13 Mini still starts at just $699 and $799 for the standard iPhone 13. There are also opportunities to get up to $700 off in the US when you trade in a qualifying iPhone.

iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max

Design

iPhone 13 Pro comes in four ‘striking’ finishes that are different from the standard iPhone 13. There is Graphite, Gold, Silver, and an all-new Sierra Blue. Just as is the case with the standard iPhone 13, the Pros have a (20%) smaller notch. On the back is a familiar-looking triple camera system, with a stainless-steel trim that surrounds the Sapphire Crystal lenses of each of the cameras. The inside is said to be ‘completely redesigned to support the latest technology inclusions including an all-new camera system, a new display, and a bigger battery.

Better A15 Bionic

The Pros are also powered by the A15 Bionic which features the earlier-mentioned CPU, GPU, a faster Neural Engine, as well as a new ISP (Image Signal Processor) which is said to provide improved noise reduction and tone mapping. As an improvement on the standard iPhone 13 and 13 Mini, the Pro models’ A15 Bionic includes a new 5-core GPU for even better handling of graphic-intensive tasks.

Display

The new Super Retina, XDR display is also present on the Pro models, with an improved peak brightness of 1000 nits, a 25% improvement on last year’s iPhones.

If there is one feature everyone wanted confirmation on, it was the inclusion of a high refresh rate display. The confirmation did come, but it was bittersweet: It is only on the Pro models. The highly anticipated ProMotion display is finally on iPhone, with the capability of refreshing from as low as 10 Hz to as high as 120 Hz. IOS is also completely optimized to take full advantage of this. When swiping between apps, or scrolling, the system adapts the frame rates to precisely match the speed of the user’s finger.

Camera

The iPhone 13 Pro camera system has a new 77 mm telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. There is also a new ultrawide-angle camera with autofocus and a larger f 1.8 aperture, providing up to a 92% improvement in low light. The third camera is a wide camera with a larger f-1.5 aperture and 1.9 micron-pixels for up to 2x improvement in low light. The ultrawide camera also has Macro Photography. Its design and autofocus system enables incredibly sharp focus and can magnify subjects with a minimum distance of 2 cm. Additionally, all the cameras, including the telephoto, have night mode.

Apple also announced a feature that lets you ‘personalize your iPhone camera’ dubbed Photographic Styles. The feature is said to bring your individual preferences right into the advanced image pipeline, applying local edits like a photo editor would, but in real-time as the photo is being rendered.

The iPhone 13 pro camera system also has some advanced video capabilities. The ultrawide camera enables Macro slo-mo videos which should look amazing. The 3x telephoto has improved zooming capabilities and offers a new focal length for video. Coupled with Cinematic mode, it uses machine learning and disparity to create a depth map that’s built into the video so that the depth effect can be changed, including the level of bokeh and where the focus is applied – even after capture.

ProRes is a feature that is set to come further down the line. With it, you can now record up to 4k at 30 fps right in the camera app thanks to the efficiency of the A15 Bionic, IOS 15, and a larger battery.  iPhone 13 Pro is said to last more than 1.5 hours longer in your day than iPhone 12 Pro. iPhone 13 Pro Max will apparently last more than 2.5 hours longer than iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Pricing and Availability

The iPhone 13pro still starts at $999 and the iPhone 13pro max still starts at $1099. The Pro models have a new 1 TB storage option. All four models of the iPhone13 line-up go up for Pre-order on the 17^th of September and will all be available on September 24^th.

Final Thoughts

Depending on your expectations, you were either disappointed because some of your expectations weren’t met or underwhelmed because you knew almost everything that was coming. The rumors of this year’s iPhones being referred to as the 12S might have been on to something because there’s no day and night difference between last year’s iPhones and the new ones. The notch is smaller, and ProMotion finally made it to Apple devices after making it to Android years ago, but at least it’s here. It is only for the Pro models though, which is set to anger a lot of people who were looking forward to buying the non-Pro versions.

Another drawback is that 4K recording is not available for the 128 GB storage options, but there may be a logical and technical explanation for that. Features like MagSafe and Ceramic shield are still present, and the iPhone is now capable of recording when your MagSafe wallet is disconnected from the phone, making it easier to track in case it is lost.

The physical changes may be indistinguishable to most users, but the changes under the hood are set to give an improved experience regardless. After all, it is an iPhone and people will buy it. If you will make sure you get the best protection for whichever model you get at Tech Armor.

The iPhone 12 is Taking Shape – And It’s Better than Earlier Rumors Suggested

Gleaming with excitement and welling in anticipation – tech aficionados and Apple Fanboys/girls must be riding on a roller coaster of emotions as the release of the newest line of iPhone draws near.

While earlier rumors had already set the stage for an exciting release, things have only gotten juicer in the last few weeks. The successor to the widely popular iPhone 11 is taking shape – and it’s beautiful.

But it’s not just about the aesthetic—the word on the street points to some serious raw power under the hood. Read on for the latest tittle-tattle on what Tim Cook and his team are cooking up in Cupertino.

Updated Release Dates – When Apple, When?

Let’s start off with the nagging question that keeps lingering in the mind of anyone who gives two cents about the iPhone: how much longer do we have to wait?

Drawing on earlier rumors and Apple’s tradition, we should be 2-3 months away from the release of the iPhone 12 lineup—but the media team at the Cupertino company is still hush-hush on development of things. Our only sources of information are prediction and whispers from leakers.

The rumors surrounding the most likely release date are wild. At its worst, a disheartening report by GizChina back on May 28 suggested that the release date of the new iPhones may be pushed back to late November—citing supply chain challenges due to the pandemic. An earlier report by The Wall Street Journal had suggested an October release date—citing similar COVID-19 disruptions.

For the optimists, an analyst report by Daniel Ives (according to AppleInsider), claims that Apple’s supply chain is up and running—and the September release date we’ve been accustomed to is back on track.

The latest rumors (July 23), come from a Japanese rumor source that claims the LTE version of the iPhone 12 will be released in October—and the 5G version later in November. But to be on the safer side and avoid heartbreaks, it’s advisable to take all this information with a pinch of salt—until we get an official announcement from Apple.

Here’s the Specs Sheet (*Rumored)

We compiled every tit-bit of information we could unearth from the most recent rumors and came up with what an iPhone 12 specs sheet would look like.

• Likely Release Date: Sometime in Fall 2020
• Number of Models: Four (iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max)
• Processor: A14 Bionic Chip
• Display: OLED screens and 120Hz refresh rate on the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max
• Rumored Prices: iPhone 12 ($649), iPhone 12 Max ($749), iPhone 12 Pro ($999), iPhone 12 Pro Max ($1,099)

Horse Power Under the Hood – Most Powerful Processor?

The iPhone 11 features an immensely powerful A13 (7-nanometer) bionic chip—that still holds its own against 2020 flagships a year later. And to what we can only assume is a huge flex by Apple, the company is set to introduce an even more powerful and efficient chip to juice up the upcoming iPhones.

PhoneArena claims that the predecessors to the iPhone 11 will be superpowered by an A14 (5-nanometer) processor. This promises to be 30% more power efficient and 15% faster than the A13. The current iPhones are already one of the most powerful smartphones in the market—and if these rumors are true, Apple is set to widen the gap further.

We May Get a 120Hz ProMotion Display Afterall

Displays with a refresh of 120Hz are nothing novel today. Manufacturers such as OnePlus, Samsung, ASUS, POCO, and OPPO have devices equipped with blazing fast displays. Apple is yet to experiment with the feature—but a June 26 rumor might change all that.

According to a tweet by Ice Universe—a Samsung leaker with a decent track record—the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max with finally boast of a 120Hz refresh rate. This leak coincides with another rumor appearing in MacRumors—in which an accessibility setting to “Limit Frame Rate” was identified in the iOS 14 developer beta. And judging from the fact that current devices capable of 120Hz refresh rates also have a similar setting, we can only assume the best.

There’s a Leak on (in) the Battery!

Amid all the exciting rumors, here’s one to spoil the euphoria—there could be a downgrade to the battery. A report by MySmartPrice claims that the next iPhones could have smaller batteries compared to the iPhone 11s—and other flagship in the market, for that matter. Here’s what the report noted:

• Apple iPhone 12 (5.4-inch) – 2227mAh
• Apple iPhone 12 Max (6.1-inch) – 2775mAh
• Apple iPhone 12 Pro (6.1-inch) – 2775mAh
• Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (6.7-inch)– 3687mAh

To stoke the fire, Ming-Chi Kuo (an Apple analyst) claims that the devices will not ship with a charging adapter—at all! Considering we expect 5G connectivity and higher refresh rates, these minuscule battery packs are somewhat underwhelming.

Are You Excited?

All things considered; the iPhone 12 is shaping up to be one of the best devices of 2020. It’s the personification of “beauty and brain”—so far. Stay in touch for more updates as the rumor mills continue churning out exciting news. For a sneak peek into other rumors not discussed in this article, kindly check out the previous post on the same. And while you’re at it, protect your devices with some of the nest screen protectors in the market.

Apple Vs. Samsung – The Ultimate Feud for Global Dominance

Every year—like clockwork—an age-old debate boils over in the smartphone market. It’s a seemingly never-ending battle between two of the world’s largest tech companies; Apple and Samsung.

Whenever the latest Apple or Samsung flagship phone is released, the announcements are typically followed by passionate arguments from either camp. It’s very much like how a geyser erupts after tossing Mentos in a bottle of Coke. Social networks and media outlets are set ablaze with side-by-side comparisons pitting the brands against each other—and rightfully so.

In the mobile phone industry, Samsung’s Galaxy series and Apple’s iPhone stand tall at the pinnacle of the heap—dwarfing competitors. They both offer cutting edge devices that leverage brand loyalty, user experience, and good designs to stay at the top. Although other phone makers such as Huawei and Xiaomi are gaining ground in the industry, the Samsung-Apple duo unequivocally lay claim to the most anticipated high-end smartphones.

But which brand reigns supreme? Would you rather buy the latest Samsung, or Apple smartphone? Read on as we dig into one of the longest-running battles in the tech world—including comparisons of the market share, business models, software/hardware features.

Where it All Began – A History so Dramatic it Sounds Scripted

Samsung and Apple have a turbulent relationship—and it seems to get more agitated with every passing year. But why would the companies single out each other in an industry full of other players? Aside from being the top dogs snarling for the alpha spot, the ‘grudge’ between Samsung and Apple is a personal one. To understand how deep it cuts, let’s rewind to moment the two companies first interreacted. (PS: The narrative below is adapted from Geoffrey Cain’s Samsung Rising as previewed by Forbes)

Part 1: A Blossoming Relationship Begins

It was back in 2005 when 3 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. executives set their destination for Steve Jobs’ home in Palo Alto. In their possession was “trump card” that would kickstart their journey to conquering the emerging smartphone market.

Their pitch was a tiny NAND flash memory that sat in one of the executive pockets. To Steve Jobs, this was a game-changing solution for the iPod—compared to the less efficient traditional hard disk. As per the script, Jobs made Samsung the sole supplier of the flash memory. What he didn’t know was that Samsung had more ambitious goals beyond just supplying parts to Apple. As Geoffrey Cain puts it, the 2005 deal in Palo Alto gave Samsung “a launchpad from which to eventually get into smartphones, when they came out.”

Part 2: True Intentions are Revealed

Barely 5 years since Steve Jobs met the Samsung executives for the first time, the South Korean multinational released its first smartphone. In the snap of a finger, the supplier was now the challenger. “Samsung was the Apple iPhone chip supplier that dared to compete directly against Apple.”

To Jobs, this felt like one of Shakespeare’s tragic narratives of betrayal and backstabbing. In his owns words, he wanted to “launch thermonuclear war” on Samsung and the Android operating system that powered their devices. But the main issue was not that Samsung had manufactured a smartphone—it had more to do with the design. Samsung had allegedly copied Apple’s design for the iPhone—only with a different operating system.

Part 3: Friends Turn into Sworn Enemies

Whereas Steve Jobs was raring to take the fight to court, Tim Cook (Apple’s supply chain expert at the time) was cautious of the consequences. In particular, Samsung was a crucial supplier to the Cupertino-based company – it seemed the seeds planted by Samsung in 2005 were bearing fruits.

In an attempt to salvage the situation amicably, Cook and Jobs met Jay Lee (currently Samsung’s vice chairman) to present their grievances and propose to license some of the allegedly infringed patents. Samsung’s lawyers were not for the idea—and they instead argued that Apple was the one responsible for copying their patents.

In 2011, Apple filed a barrage of lawsuits in several countries against Samsung—with the former countersuing. The outcome? The once good friends were now sworn enemies. The war had been ignited. (PS: The 2011 lawsuits were only  settled in 2018 after Apple was awarded $539 million as compensation).

Part 4: The War Rages on A Decade Later

The year is 2020, the world is in turmoil after a virus from Wuhan swept across every continent—crippling economies. But even in such a tragic time, Samsung and Apple still make the headlines. The flame ignited in 2011 is still burning.

Type “Samsung Vs…” on any search engine and the first thing that pops up is either “Samsung Vs Apple” or “Samsung Vs iPhone.” The chatter and arguments on social media grow to a fever pitch every time one of the companies announces their next flagship model. We’ve already seen Samsung’s S20 series and people are eagerly awaiting the release of the iPhone 12—to once again bring up the topic of who’s the alpha dog.

So, who leads the pack today?

Market Share – Who Bites the Largest Chunk of the Pie?

According to market data by Statista, Samsung has sat at the “Iron Throne” as the leading smartphone vendor (in shipments) since 2012. This was after the South Korean company dethroned Apple—with the latter taking over after the dramatic fall of Blackberry.

However, the global market share of these companies is highly segmented. For example, Apple had a commanding 58.46% share of the U.S. market as of May 2020, while Samsung settled for 25.11%. In Samsung’s home country (South Korea), the company dominated the smartphone market with a 65.98% claim—compared to Apple’s 23.15% market share.

It’s worth noting that data by Strategy Analytics and Counterpoint Research suggested that Apple briefly nabbed a higher market share (19%) than Samsung (18%) during the 4^th quarter of 2019. The Cupertino-based multinational raked in an impressive $22.2 billion in profits during the same period—making it the company’s most profitable quarter ever.

This massive leap in the market was largely attributed to widespread popularity and the huge sale of the iPhone 11. On the other side of the world in Seoul, Samsung’s profits dropped by 38% during the final quarter of 2019. While this may seem to imply that Apple is clawing its way back to the top (in terms of shipments), it doesn’t tell the whole story.

There are other factors to consider. For example, iPhones are generally released during the final quarter of the year—right around the holiday season—while Samsung’s S-series flagships are often launched around May/June. With this in mind, it’s expected that Apple would be more popular during the turn of the year. Plus, Samsung shipped nearly 295 million devices along the year—compared to Apple’s 193 million.

If the rivalry between Apple and Samsung could be settled by who owns the largest piece of the pie—taking the overall statistics by face value—Samsung would easily come on top. But there’s more to the narrative than the number of products shipped.

Business Model – Different Paths, One Goal

What goes on behind the closed doors of Apple’s or Samsung’s war rooms? What underlying goal drives the respective company’s strategies? And how do the executives, marketers, and other strategists go about enforcing their plans for global domination? From a business model perspective, Samsung and Apple are like opposite sides of a coin—they’re different but ultimately converge at one common outcome.

On the one hand, Apple’s position in the market is largely attributed to a focused and meteoric rise. Although Samsung “moves” more devices, Apple makes significantly more profit per sale. The company thrives on integration, product design, and target marketing—pushing R&D down the list of priorities. Tim Cook and his team tend to monitor market developments, then they swoop in with a radical improvement to wow consumers when the market is ripe for the taking. This has been the underlying strategy since the era of the first iPods—and it’s still seen today. Think about; the multiple rear cameras, the notch, fingerprint sensors—all these iPhone features debuted after other players had done the risky or dirty work.

On the other hand, Samsung has a knack for diversifying its portfolio. Whether it’s medical electronics, smartphones, tablets, cellphone carriers, appliances, TVs, cameras, gaming systems, LED lights, sensors, semi-conductors, or flat panels—Samsung is game! The company’s main competitive strategy revolves around vertical integration.

Software/Hardware Comparison – Latest iPhone Vs. Samsung Flagships

Let’s take the feud down to the streets—away from the courts or board rooms. Which company currently boasts of the best flagship smartphone? For this mega face-off, we decided to compare Apple’s latest smartphone (the iPhone 11), to the Samsung Galaxy S10—i.e., they’re both from 2019. Although the South Korean company has already released the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, Apple is still a few months away from its 2020 release (the iPhone 12).

PS: Keep in mind that we used the base models for the comparison—with the iPhone 11 debuting 6 months after the Samsung Galaxy S10.

On paper, each phone gets a punch or two over the other—but the world we live in is not built on paper. There are tons of factors to consider before taking up arms against either one of the two. What really matters is the overall experience—which is a combination of each phone’s ecosystem, OS, specs, and personal preferences.

Plus, most of us have already claimed our unwavering allegiance to one camp—and telling you otherwise is merely a remedy for another age-old debate. All in all, if you have the financial flex, you can’t go wrong with either of these devices—or their newer models.

Whoever Reigns Supreme, Keep Your Device in Pristine Condition

So, who do you think sits on the “Iron Throne” of the smartphone industry? Samsung or Apple? Whichever company tickles your fancy, one thing’s clear: they both manufacture the most-coveted high-end devices in the market.

As is expected of any valuable device, you need to safeguard your investment—and no, we’re not talking about any drastic measure. Installing a high-quality screen protector could go a long way in giving your iPhone or Samsung smartphone the royal treatment it deserves. Don’t let fanboys in the opposing camp find a reason to criticize your Samsung or Apple device for its scratches or cracks—get a Tech Armor screen protector today!

WWDC 2018 and the next iPhones: what to expect?

Special rumors edition with WWDC in tow!

New iOS? New devices? A lot of rumors coming up for the WWDC this June! Get caught up with all the info you need just in time for the event!

The only sure known info right now is it will be on June 4-8 at the Mc Enery Convention Center in San Jose, California. Their teaser page promises a series of sessions, hand-on labs, consultations and guest speakers (none listed by name). 

Now for the WWDC rumor mill bits:

As a developer’s conference, we might get to see the iOS 12 where Apple redeems itself from the issue of the previous software version. The tech-giant will be focusing on improvements like the Face ID, being able to unlock the phone sideways or landscape mode. Plus more Animojis!

They may also focus on the universal app feature for macOS 10.14 and iOS 12— making apps compatible for both operating systems—hence, more apps available for Macs. You may remember that Apple purchased Beddit May last year, so we may get to see a sleep-tracking feature on watchOS 5 among other updates.

What rumors for the devices?…

The iPhone SE 2 is still a “will they, won’t they” device. If not during the WWDC, it may come out during the third quarter of the year or along with the other iPhones. You can expect a notch and no Touch ID on this one, folks! 

Speaking of no Touch ID and notch, we may get to see iPad Pros (both the 12.9 and the 10.5-inch models) start to utilize this design too. Though it might not get an OLED display due to supplier issues.

Now for some iPhone Rumors

So far everyone seems to agree there will be 3 sure iPhones coming out this year: a refresh to the iPhone X, a larger “plus” version and a smaller, budget-friendly phone model. 

A new development maybe the iPen which will support one (or two) of the iPhones. Sounds like the Galaxy Note 9 doesn’t it?

Phew! That’s a lot of new (and surely expensive) devices!

Not to worry as we’ve got your back! We’ll surely be protecting these devices as always to help you preserve your investment! As promised: you play, we protect!

Check out the Tech Armor website or our Amazon Storefront Page for the latest devices we’re protecting!

Sources:

https://developer.apple.com/wwdc/

https://www.cnet.com/news/wwdc-2018-rumors-ios-12-new-macbook-air-ipad-pro-homepod/

http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/rumor/entry-34952.html

https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/macos-10-14/

https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/wwdc/

https://www.techradar.com/news/apple-just-bought-beddit-the-fitbit-for-sleep-tracking

https://www.techradar.com/news/apple-wwdc-2018

https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-se-2-launch-date-specs-price-release-date-rumors-notch/

https://www.inverse.com/article/45058-iphone-se-2-release-date-apple-wwdc-2018

https://www.techjuice.pk/iphone-x-se-launch-date-and-face-id-confirmed-in-a-new-report/

https://www.theipadguide.com/node/106832

https://www.cnet.com/news/ipad-pro-2018-all-the-rumors-on-specs-price-release-date/

https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-2018-iphone-x-plus-launch-date-specs-price-release-date-rumors/

https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-x-plus-2018-could-copy-galaxy-note-with-ipen/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/apple-iphone-smartphone-desk-4158/

https://pixabay.com/en/smart-watch-apple-technology-style-821557/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holds-space-gray-iphone-x-968639/

iPhone 2018 Rumors: what’s new?

The rumor mill doesn’t sleep folks!

Could the new iPhones set to release in 2018 be a bit cheaper this year? Will there be an iPhone SE 2 in 2018?  Let’s see what the rumor mill has to say about these!

Cheaper iPhone?

The 6.1-in LCD display device may be in the works now as Apple made a panel order with Japan Display. And according to Business Insider, this 6.1-in LCD is cheaper to produce, so this iPhone may sell for as low as $550 and as high as $650… that’s for a single-sim model. Yes folks, there may be a dual-sim standby option for this budget-friendly device in the works. But is expected to be a bit more expensive with $650-$750 price range.

What About the 2nd gen iPhone X?

Apple has been bargaining with Samsung to lower the cost of the OLED displays, in  hopes of lowering the cost of the next generation iPhones too. Apple’s has also had talks with LG for OLED display production though they are currently having difficulties. If LG won’t be able fix the issues in time, Samsung would have the monopoly and firm control over the prices of the display…and the iPhones just like last year.

The 5.8-in OLED display model will be quite similar to the existing iPhone X. The 6.5-in display is the one that said to possibly have additional features like dual-sim card design and use of an “iPen” that may be similar with the Apple Pencil. ( A potential nod to the Galaxy Note series?)

A May or June iPhone release?

You read that right! As early as May or June 2018 (at the Worldwide Developer Conference), we may be seeing the iPhone SE 2! There’s been a pattern that after Apple registered devices on the Eurasian Economic Commision database, an announcement of those devices are not far after. For those who are more into a way more budget friendly phone, this one’s especially for you! It’s said to be quite similar with its first generation, with Touch ID BUT without the headphone jack. (Don’t worry we have you covered there with our Lightning Earbuds.) For those with clumsy hands, be careful: the iPhone SE 2 may also have a glass backing.

Phew! Everything’s going glass….much more breakable!

We totally understand where you’re coming from… that’s why Tech Armor will always have your back! We’ll protect your iPhones from the daily wear and tear and those heart-stopping (and heartbreaking) drops and scratches!

You can check out our Amazon Store front Page or our website to get the latest gears for your devices!

Get the latest on everything and anything Apple! Join our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+accounts to stay in the know! Join the TA Nation too!

Sources:

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-11-news-rumors/

http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-2018-low-cost-rumors-features-specs-release-date-2018-4#one-reason-why-it-could-be-less-expensive-than-the-iphone-x-is-because-it-uses-a-less-advanced-screen-its-said-to-use-an-lcd-screen-instead-of-the-oled-screen-on-the-iphone-x-oled-screens-use-less-power-and-have-better-colors-4

https://investorplace.com/2018/04/apple-2018-iphone-x-may-start-at-550/

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/04/18/kuo-6-1-inch-iphone-dual-sim-option/

https://www.cnet.com/news/2018-6-1-inch-iphone-550-price-tag-kgi/

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-11-news-rumors/

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/04/20/lg-display-oled-display-manufacturing-issues/

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/04/24/fall-lcd-iphone-could-be-200-cheaper-than-oled-counterparts-says-analyst

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/04/20/iphone-se-2-no-headphone-jack-rumor/

https://www.imore.com/iphone-se-2

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/04/18/apple-registers-new-iphone-models-eurasia/

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-iphone-se-2-news/

https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-se-2-glass-wireless-charging-rumor/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-iphone-x-and-ballpoint-pen-892769/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/hand-iphone-smartphone-browsing-40011/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/apple-apple-device-black-black-and-white-288479/