Showing posts with label Latest Mobile Phone. Show all posts

Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. S24+ vs. S24 Ultra: What's the Difference?

All three phones in the Galaxy S24 family offer top-of-the-line power and features, but which one should you buy? We have everything you need to know about Samsung's newest flagships.

(Credit: Eric Zeman)

At its first Unpacked event of 2024, Samsung announced a trio of high-end Galaxy S phones, including the base Galaxy S24 ($799), the premium Galaxy S24+ ($999), and the flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra ($1,299). Considering the substantial differences in price, you're probably wondering: Which Galaxy S24 is right for you?

We're in the process of testing the phones, so we can't offer definitive buying advice until we've reached our final conclusions. For now, however, we can walk you through all the differences in specs and features to help you understand your options.

Three Phones, Three Sizes

Both the S24 and the S24+ have a curved rectangular shape. The Galaxy S24 is the smallest and lightest in the lineup at 5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches (HWD) and 5.93 ounces. It nearly matches the dimensions of the S23 (5.76 by 2.79 by 0.30 inches, 5.93 ounces).

The Galaxy S24+ comes in at 6.24 by 3.00 by 0.30 inches and 6.95 ounces, making it a bit taller and heavier than the S23+ (6.21 by 3.00 by 0.30 inches, 6.91 ounces).

The S24 Ultra (6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 inches, 8.22 ounces) is the outlier in design, retaining the more squared-off look of the S23 Ultra (6.43 by 3.07 by 0.35 inches, 8.25 ounces). Despite their nearly identical weights, something about the S24 Ultra's build makes it feel lighter in the hand. S Pen compatibility remains exclusive to the Ultra model, which has a built-in slot for storing the stylus.

As is the norm for high-end phones, the S24 family skips the headphone jack and the microSD card slot.

They all get an IP68 rating, which means they can fully withstand dust and water. The two smaller handsets use Samsung's Armor Aluminum frame, while the S24 Ultra gets titanium (matching that of the iPhone 15 Pro Max). Another advantage of the S24 Ultra is that it has the new Corning Armor glass on the front, which Corning claims is the toughest panel it makes. It has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the rear, which is what the S24 and S24+ use on the front and back.

All three models come in similar colors. The S24 and S24+ are available in Amber Yellow, Cobalt Violet, Marble Gray, or Onyx Black. Meanwhile, Samsung sells the S24 Ultra in Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, or Titanium Yellow. All have a matte finish.

Displays: Big, Bigger, Biggest

All three handsets have flat displays with a variable 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. In short, the screens should feel responsive and remain easily visible in direct sunlight.

Left to right: Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

As for sizes, the S24 has a 6.2-inch display with FHD+ resolution, the S24+ features a 6.7-inch screen with QHD+ resolution, and the S24 Ultra has a 6.8-inch panel with the same resolution as the S24+. A fingerprint sensor sits underneath each display for biometric security.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for All

Every S24 model in the US runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy system on a chip (SoC), which has boosted CPU, GPU, and NPU numbers that should give the phones a performance advantage over phones like the OnePlus 12, which use the standard version. We plan to investigate how much of a real-world benefit the modified version provides. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the RedMagic 9 Pro and the Asus ROG Phone 8 handled pretty much anything we threw at it, so we don't anticipate any of the S24 devices having trouble with graphics-intensive tasks.

Each device gets access to Samsung's many new AI features, including everything from Object Eraser to advanced search functions. Some features like phone translation (which translates both sides of a conversation with an automated voice) happen on-device, while others like Circle to Search (which lets you easily search the content on your screen) rely on the cloud. Of course, if you don't want to use cloud-based AI features, you can disable them. Samsung says that previous-generation Galaxy devices will get some of these features over time, but that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 allows them to run faster.

The S24 has 8GB of RAM and comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage. The S24+ and S24 Ultra models get a memory bump to 12GB of RAM. You can configure the S24+ with either 256GB or 512GB of storage, while the S24 Ultra ships with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. All three phones support fast LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, a pleasant surprise.

Advanced Connectivity

All three S24 phones support 5G (both sub-6GHz and mmWave), meaning they should work well on all the major US carriers. We can't comment yet on network performance, but plan to test their Snapdragon X75 modems thoroughly in our reviews.

The S24 Ultra offers Wi-Fi 7, NFC, and Bluetooth 5.3. The S24 and S24+ use the older Wi-Fi 6Estandard but otherwise offer the same connectivity. We don't have any details yet on ultra-wideband (UWB) support.

Cameras: Familiar, But Different

The S24 and S24+ feature the same rear camera array that includes a 50MP f/1.8 main shooter with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP Ff2.4 telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Based on the specs, these seem like the same cameras as in the previous models.

Left to right: Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24+, S24

The S24 Ultra has the same 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP telephoto cameras as the others, but opts for a 200MP f/1.7 main camera with OIS and adds a 50MP f/3.4 telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom. Last year's S23 Ultra had a 10x optical zoom, but Samsung says the 10x digital zoom on the S24 Ultra will get you similar results. We plan to test that claim.

For selfies, all three share the same 12MP f/2.2 front-facing camera with an 80-degree field of view.

As for video capture, all three models record in 8K resolution at up to 30fps.

Minor Battery Differences

The S24, S24+, and the S24 Ultra respectively have 4,000mAh, 4,900mAh, and 5,000mAh batteries. The S24 and S24+ see minor increases over their predecessors (3,900mAh and 4,700mAh), but the Ultra remains unchanged. Samsung says it has improved power efficiency, but the increased screen brightness means we may not see much of a change in testing.

As with the S23 lineup, the wired charging speed depends on the model. The S24 gets speeds of up to 25W, while the S24+ and S24 Ultra can each charge at 45W. Just keep in mind that you need to supply your own charger because Samsung doesn't include one in the box.

Each S24 device supports wireless charging at up to 15W and can charge other devices wirelessly via the Wireless Power Share feature.

Similar Software

All three phones run Android 14 with Samsung's One UI 6.1 overlay out of the box. Samsung has upped its commitment to software upgrades for these phones, promising seven years of OS and security updates. This is a significant move that matches Google's seven-year commitment for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.

As expected, Samsung's desktop-like Dex software is on board. Bixby also returns, but Samsung was quick to say that the voice assistant will remain separate from the phone's Galaxy AI software. We'll have to see what that means in practice.

Which Galaxy S24 Is Right for You?

Samsung's Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are shaping up to be tough competitors. We haven't gotten a chance to fully put the phones through our tests, but if you want to preorder one now, consider the below advice:

If you like taking hand-written notes with a stylus, need a strong telephoto lens, or want the largest screen for watching movies, the S24 Ultra makes the most sense.
If you want a big phone that balances power and battery performance, the S24+ is for you.
If you want all the benefits of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip in as small a package as possible and don't need breakneck charging speeds, the base S24 is just fine.

With that in mind, check back soon for our full reviews in which we'll provide detailed analysis and buying advice for each phone.

Source: PCMag.com

Buy now or wait? Apple's new iPhone SE vs. the rumored 'iPhone 7'

It's one of the most common questions any prospective smartphone buyer asks: Should I buy now, or wait? The launch of the iPhone SE — an uncharacteristic-for-Apple mid-cycle upgrade — makes the answer slightly more complex this year.

If you prefer smaller phones, now is the time to buy the iPhone SE. If you want a larger screen and you can hold out, at this point you're probably better off waiting until September for the "iPhone 7" and skipping the iPhone 6s (or getting it at a discount).

It's been more than six months since the launch of the iPhone 6s. And while the iPhone 6s is a fantastic phone, we're now closer to the anticipated debut of an "iPhone 7" than we are to last year's launch of the iPhone 6s.

That puts prospective iPhone buyers in somewhat of a gray area. And for some, the launch of the iPhone SE may have muddied the waters even further.

For those unsure what to do, here's a helpful guide to deciding what's right for you.

Yes, there will still be an "iPhone 7" this fall

The launch of the new 4-inch iPhone SE has generated some anxiety that Apple may not launch a new flagship model this fall. Don't worry: All indications are that a full-fledged "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" are still in the cards.

What's it expected to have? The real selling point for most could be an all-new design. Apple has historically introduced an entirely new chassis with number upgrades, and this year it's expected to continue that tradition.

Inside, you can expect the usual array of enhancements, including a next-generation "A10" processor. The larger 5.5-inch "iPhone 7 Plus" is also expected to have more RAM for even greater performance.

The cameras will also see an upgrade, with rumors suggesting Apple is working on a dual lens design that could greatly improve stability and image quality, while also potentially adding an optical zoom function.

In all, the "iPhone 7" is expected to be a healthy upgrade from the iPhone 6s and the iPhone SE, which feature many of the same components.

Sizing up your options

The newly launched 4-inch iPhone SE will likely remain in Apple's lineup for awhile — Apple isn't expected to revamp that form factor this year. And it may not even touch it next year either.

So if you were holding out hope for a new 4-inch iPhone, right now is the time to buy. Apple's latest update is powerful and competitively priced, and it's expected to remain as-is through the end of 2016 and beyond.

You'll also save a fair amount of money: The iPhone SE starts at just $399, while it's likely the "iPhone 7" will carry Apple's typical entry price of $649. Saving $250 and getting a phone six months sooner is nothing to sneeze at.

But if you prefer a larger phone or you're a bleeding-edge type of user, the issue is a little more complex. Apple is expected to launch its new "iPhone 7" in September, putting us currently smack dab in the middle of the iPhone 6s cycle.

Timing, timing, timing

If you can wait, and you prefer larger (and better) screens on your iPhone, you probably want to put away your wallet and be patient. The "iPhone 7" is expected to be a big upgrade — the biggest since the iPhone 6.

Why wait? Well, if you're looking for the best in mobile technology, and you've already made it this long without an iPhone 6s, you'll be happier if you hold off.

Of course, not everyone can wait. Maybe your old iPhone 5s finally bit the dust. Maybe you dropped your iPhone 6 in the ocean and the cost of repairing it is prohibitive, but you still need a smartphone for the next six months. Maybe you don't really care about the latest and greatest.

For those buyers, the iPhone 6s is a great choice. You'll be happy with it. Just don't develop a sense of buyers' remorse come September, because there's always something new around the corner.

The headphone factor

Finally, let's touch on one persistent — but unconfirmed — rumor about the "iPhone 7." Namely, that it won't have a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.

Even here, we think it's best to wait. If the "iPhone 7" truly does launch without a headphone jack, and that's a dealbreaker for you, the current iPhone 6s will almost assuredly drop in price by at least $100.

By waiting, you'll have the benefit of choosing between a new "iPhone 7," or a more affordable iPhone 6s. Given Apple's track record, that's likely to be a win-win situation.

Just remember: Patience is a virtue.

Source:appleinsider

Apple’s OLED iPhone plans may include a 5.8-inch model next year

The evidence is strong that Apple is at least thinking about adding an OLED display to the iPhone, but now there's a suggestion that the company might also change the device's screen size. 9to5Mac reports that the latest investor note from well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims the company will release an iPhone in 2017 with a 5.8-inch OLED display and a "completely new form factor."

KUO PREDICTS SMALLER BEZELS AND A CURVED DISPLAY FOR THE 2017 IPHONE

Kuo predicts that the handset will take after the design of the iPhone 4, with a glass front and back and metal sides. Narrower bezels and a curved display will allow the 5.8-inch screen to fit into a form factor smaller than that of the current 5.5-inch iPhone. Kuo also suggests that the device will come with wireless charging and new biometric security features. He's not predicting that these changes will arrive until 2017, though, with 9to5Mac noting that this suggests Apple's next handset will stick close to the iPhone's current design.

These predictions aren't too far out of the ordinary, and, in a way, follow Samsung's lead — the Galaxy S7 Edge eliminated its bezels and used a curved display to fit a 5.5-inch screen into a phone smaller than the iPhone 6S. Kuo's reputation and history also give his predictions weight. Although his timings are often off, he's more often right than wrong about Apple's plans. Last November, for example, he predicted that the company would launch a new 4-inch iPhone that would "resemble an upgraded iPhone 5S." We now know it as the iPhone SE. We'll have to wait a while, though, to see if his 2017 predictions are true.

source: theverge

Apple iPhone SE: 7 things you need to know

A look at the iPhone SE's size, memory, and other features to get an idea of whether an upgrade is worth your money.

Apple announced its newest iPhone this week, a 4" model called the iPhone SE. Many rumors and predictions turned out to be true, but a few missed the mark. We look at its size, memory, and other features to get an idea of whether an upgrade is worth your money.

Honey, Apple Shrunk the 6s

The iPhone SE is essentially a 6s in 5s' clothing. It includes the same A9 processor, which could provide amazing gaming capabilities for a 4" handset. It also offers support for the always-on "Hey Siri" function, adding hands-free accessibility to the personal assistant. The SE will also boast the same 12-megapixel camera of the 6s, as well as the ability to take Live Photos and 4K video.

The Cheapest New iPhone — Ever

Analysts theorized that the starting price for the iPhone SE would match that of the 5s, at $450 for a 16GB model. However, it appears Apple is discontinuing the 5s entirely, replacing it with the SE as the latest "budget-friendly" iPhone. Furthermore, the 16GB model of the SE is, at $399, $51 cheaper than what was predicted. And according to Apple, that's the "most affordable [introductory] price" ever for an iPhone.

You'll Still Want the Expensive One

Instead of a 32GB model, the SE jumps from 16GB to 64GB, the latter of which costs $499. If price isn't a huge factor for you, it's worth it to pay $100 more to gain four times the storage space. After all, iPhones are known for their lack of expandable storage.

No 3D Touch, Which is No Surprise

The event made no mention of 3D Touch, but did highlight Live Photos as a feature on the SE. It's safe to assume Apple would've emphasized 3D Touch if it were indeed going to be utilized to capture Live Photos on the SE. It's likely that users will have to use the "long press" that was theorized leading up to the new iPhone's announcement.

Answering the Call For Smaller iPhones

A huge group of consumers still prefer a tiny iPhone. Apple noted that they sold 30 million 4" iPhones (which includes the 5, 5s, and 5c models) in 2015 alone. Both the compact size and compact price tag suggest that Apple is focused on capturing upgrades from those shoppers specifically.

We've Seen Deals on New iPhones Within Days

For the iPhone 4s, it was nearly a year before we saw any real sales. With the 5, deals appeared after about 7 months. The 5s smashed those timelines, and we saw prices slashed within 6 days of its release. It's quite possible that the SE could see similarly rapid savings, but don't expect those deals to come from Apple. Rather than preordering, you should keep an eye on other retailers for price cuts.

The iPhone SE is Due for Release on March 31

As announced, preorders for the iPhone SE begin this Thursday, on March 24. The smartphone is set to be released next week, on March 31, and will be shipping the same day. It's available in two sizes, 16GB for $399 and 64GB for $499, and in the four colors that seem to be becoming standard for Apple products: Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold.

Readers, are you excited for the iPhone SE? Are you a fan of the smaller screen, or do you prefer the larger sizes of more recent models? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

source:csmonitor

iPhone SE vs iPhone 5S: Is new model worth it?

New four-inch handset is set to replace the older version, but is it really all that different?

If you're one of the millions still using one of Apple's four-inch iPhones, then the company has plans for you.

Apple has just released a new device to replace the almost three-year-old iPhone 5S. The iPhone SE is the first of potentially four handsets the company could launch this year and bolsters up the back of the range.

As well as first-time buyers, the tech giant is targeting customers who haven't upgraded to the larger iPhone 6 handsets. Many users prefer the smaller dimensions of the older phones over the phablet-style of newer devices. Customers had "pleaded" for a new handset that bucked the trend of ever larger screens, said Apple at its keynote event on Monday.

But apart from the size, what else does the iPhone SE have to offer?

Design

iPhone 5S users will find little in how the phone looks to tempt them to upgrade. It's not because the SE is unsightly, but rather its design is practically identical to the older device. The only differences are a matte finish on the bevelled edges and a new rose gold colour option.

Both phones feature aluminium cases measuring 4.87ins x 2.31ins x 0.3ins with round volume buttons, flat sides and glass caps top and bottom. The SE is a fraction heavier, at 3.99oz to the 5S's 3.95oz.

Display

Again, there's no real change here. Both devices use a four-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1136 x 640 and a pixel density of 326ppi, although Apple says the SE's screen is up to three times brighter than the 5S's.

Pre-reveal, some touted that the iPhone SE would get Apple's pressure-sensitive display, allowing it to have 3D touch capabilities as on the iPhone 6S. The rumours were quiet ones, though, and rightfully so – for now, 3D touch will remain an option on flagship iPhone models only.

Camera

While the design and display is virtually unchanged – maybe not such a vital thing, considering Apple is selling much of this phone on its size – the hardware is new, with much of it plucked from the iPhone 6S.

The iPhone 5S uses an eight-megapixel rear-facing camera with a 1.2-megapixel setup on the front. On the SE, this is bumped up to a 12-megapixel camera capable of 4K video recording. It has a wider f/2.2 aperture, too, meaning it should outperform the 5S in low light. Also new are the 240 frames per second (fps) slow-motion capabilities and Live Photos.

The SE retains the 5S's 1.2-megapixel front-facing FaceTime camera but with the addition of Retina flash, which also allows for better photos in low light.

Hardware and internals

Inside the identical casing is an iPhone 6S-inspired overhaul. The iPhone 5S uses Apple's A7 chip mated to 1GB RAM. This is bumped up to the A9 chip from the iPhone 6S and 2GB RAM. Apple claims the new phone has double the processing power and four-times the graphics performance of its outgoing entry level phone.

The iPhone SE also has an NFC chip, bringing ApplePay to all iPhones in the current range, and the battery has been upgraded. Gone is the 1560mAh cell used in the iPhone 5S and in its place is a 1642mAh unit. Combined with processor upgrades, Pocket Lint reckons users should see a decent leap up in battery life.

Specs-wise, the SE retains the 16GB entry level storage option. A 32GB phone is off the cards – the only other choice is a 64GB handset.

How much is it?

SIM-free prices for the Apple SE start at £359, a £20 drop on the price of the iPhone 5S. The 64GB option weighs in at £439.

Tesco Mobile has the cheapest deal of the networks who have announced their tariffs so far. The £26.50-a-month offer for the 16GB model gives 1,000 minutes, 5,000 texts and 1GB of data, with no additional costs.

You can get the same model at Carphone Warehouse on its iD network for a one-off fee of £99.99 and a monthly cost of £21.50 over 24 months, giving you 300 minutes, 5,000 texts and 500MB of 4G data.

If you don't fancy any upfront payments but want more data than just the standard 500MB, USwitch.com recommends grabbing the handset from EE for £29.99 a month. This tariff comes with 1GB of data, 500 minutes and unlimited texts.

The 64GB iPhone SE is markedly more expensive on all UK networks.

Of course, if you're not convinced by Apple's new offering, the 16GB iPhone 5S is now available from all the major networks for around £18 a month with no upfront handset cost.

Verdict

Full reviews are yet to surface, but early hands-on impressions suggest Apple has added a compelling smartphone to the bottom of its range.

According to Slashgear, the SE presents a familiar experience but with optimised hardware that really makes a difference. It feels "significantly faster" and introducing some of the latest machinery means it's been fairly future-proofed. The SE and the 5S are in "different leagues", it adds.

Engadget is also impressed, saying the iPhone SE feels like a "compelling blend of old and new" and that Apple's entry level option no longer feels like a second-rate device.

However, not everyone is convinced. Kate Knibbs, writing for Gizmodo, says the SE is more a "shrewd marketing strategy" than a new handset, arguing that there's nothing fresh in terms of design and software and that the phone is just an 5S with a "moderate gut upgrade".

As such, Apple really has to market the hardware if it is to encourage iPhone 5S users to upgrade – although the SE could be a bit of a coup for first-time buyers, who are getting an iPhone 5S with iPhone 6S goodies at a slightly cheaper price.

Source: theweek

Mossberg: the iPhone 7 had better be spectacular

One day this fall, if things occur as usual, Apple will stage a big event to introduce the next flagship iPhone. And, based on the events of this month, that smartphone better be great.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I have any beef at first glance with the revamped, smaller iPhone SE that Apple unveiled this week, or with the downsized iPad Pro that accompanied it. Each makes business sense — especially the modernized 4-inch phone model, the iPhone SE. Both seemed to work well in the few minutes I had to fiddle with them, and I’ll have reviews of them soon.

I expect these products will make significant minorities of users happy. Plus, the $399 base price on the iPhone SE (compared to $650 or so for the 6s) may help Apple in overseas markets where cheaper and smaller phones are popular.

But these latest iPhones and iPads don’t break much new technology ground.They are derivative products — the iPhone SE is based on the iPhone 5 design first introduced in 2012. And its innards and features mostly, but don’t quite, match those of the current top mainstream model, the 6S, rolled out last year.

I stand by my view that the premium iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are the best smartphones on the market.

But the top-of-the-line iPhones were challenged impressively just two weeks ago by rival Samsung’s beautiful, carefully engineered new Galaxy S7 phones. A Verge test showed the Samsung’s cameras are better. Only the sadly typical software mess on those phones makes them lag behind Apple’s long-superior iPhone.

If the smartphone category is to take a leap forward, and the iPhone is to maintain its ever-thinning lead as the best smartphone you can buy, Apple needs to impress big time in the fall.

As always, rumors about the next iPhone abound online. They include new types of wireless and wired headphones, including the elimination of the standard headphone jack; a dual-lens camera that would allow for a form of true optical zooming; and even thinner dimensions.

I don’t have any inside information about the next flagship iPhone, and I don’t own any stock or have any other financial interest in Apple, or in any other company whose products I cover.

But here are seven things I’d love to see Apple do to keep moving the iPhone — and the smartphone itself — forward. Some of these items are catchups with competitors, others would be new.

First of all — and this is very tough scientifically — Apple could make a big leap in battery life. The company has long done a decent job for people who are moderate users, or who, like me, have great cell tower proximity, which keeps the phone from battery-draining tower searches. But I know too many iPhone users who are forced to recharge their phones multiple times a day or carry around bulky extra-battery cases or portable chargers. Apple even brought out such a case itself recently. Fixing battery life would be a huge win.

This might mean Apple would have to return to a slightly thicker phone, and not make the next model even thinner. But many users would take that tradeoff for a phone they could be confident would last over a long day, or even more — without a giant battery case bulge.

Secondly, and closely related, is charging. iPhones aren’t especially slow at charging, but Samsung is now faster, and there are companies working on systems that offer somewhat less battery life in exchange for ultra-quick charging that can take as little as five minutes. Plus, Apple should consider enabling wireless charging so its users can take advantage of charging pads being installed in places like Starbucks, without a special case.

Third, it’s time to banish, or seriously shrink, the large top and bottom bezels on the iPhone, and even the smaller side ones, so a large screen can be packed into a smaller phone body. Samsung did a good job with this on the S7, especially on the Edge model. The real selling point of the iPhone SE isn't the smaller screen, but the smaller body that's easier to hold. A larger screen in a smaller overall package would greatly benefit users.

IT'S TIME TO BANISH, OR SERIOUSLY SHRINK, THE TOP AND BOTTOM BEZELS

My fourth wish is for some sort of optical zoom that doesn’t require a heavy telescoping lens. The rumored dual-lens camera might provide this. Previous efforts at unobtrusive optical zooming by other phone makers haven’t been good, so Apple has a real opportunity here. The iPhone camera also needs to do better in low-light situations and to activate even more quickly — great speed is one reason Samsung’s new camera is better.

My fifth wish is for a hardier phone. What, you say, the iPhone is pretty sturdy! And its body is. But it’s never been water resistant, like Samsung phones. Its back is slippery. And its screen cracks pretty easily in common kinds of drops. That’s why the beautiful designs in Apple TV ads are rarely seen in real life because the phones are cloaked by ugly (if profitable) cases and gauzy screen protectors.

Sixth, it’s time to bundle adequate internal storage in the base model, without a price increase. Sixteen gigabytes just doesn't cut it anymore, even in a cloud-based world, and storage is cheap. The base iPhone should have 32 GB of storage, or even 64 — even if that cuts Apple’s margin a little.

Finally, as I’ve written before, Apple needs to up its game in phone software (also on the Mac, but that’s another column). Its Mail app needs to do a much better job of handling Gmail, which has a billion users, even if rival Google makes that hard. Users should be able to select their own favorite apps for core functions. Apple Maps and Siri both need much more work to be consistently reliable, and it’s time to make iMessage, which works well, cross-platform.

Your wish list may differ from mine. But I’m convinced that, for all its success, Apple needs to up its game as the premium smartphone market matures and rivals get better.

Source:theverge

The 5 best things about Apple’s new iPhone SE – and the 2 worst things

We knew practically everything there was to know heading into Monday’s big Apple event, but there were still a couple of surprises — and one of them was pretty huge. In 2015, Apple sold 30 million new iPhones that had 4-inch screens. 30 million! There are some smartphone vendors that don’t even ship 30 million total units in a year, and yet Apple’s old 4-inch iPhone models are still selling like hotcakes in many regions.

That stat alone makes the iPhone SE a bigger deal than many people thought it would be, but the phone’s appeal extends well beyond that. In fact, the new iPhone SE is a shockingly good phone, and we’ll run down the five best (and two worst) things about it right now.

Size

We now know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there are still plenty of people who want smaller iPhones.

The lower price is certainly a draw as well, but many people simply don’t want a bigger phone. The iPhone SE fits comfortably in just about any small or average-sized hand. It’s a tried and true design, and the display is still stunning despite being so compact.

Size is also what sets the new iPhone SE apart from the rest of Apple’s lineup as well as most Android phones. Even affordable mid-range Android handsets are fairly large these days.

Power

This is key. Early rumors suggested the iPhone SE might be a somewhat minor upgrade compared to the iPhone 5s it would replace. More recent reports leading up to the event stated it would have many of the same internal components of the iPhone 6s though, and that ended up being the case.

Put plainly, the iPhone SE is far too powerful and capable a smartphone to also be so affordable. Once released, it will be the best value in the world and people no longer have an excuse to buy a mid-range Android phone.

Camera

All those internal components from the iPhone 6s also include the camera from Apple’s latest 4.7-inch smartphone. It might not be the best camera in the world, but it’s pretty darn close and it’s now available in Apple’s most affordable new smartphone ever.

Users shopping in this price range don’t have a single other option that comes anywhere close to matching the camera on the iPhone SE. Not one.

iOS

The iPhone SE has something else that other comparably priced mid-range smartphones don’t have: iOS and the surrounding app ecosystem.

I really want to ditch my iPhone and switch to the Galaxy S7, but there’s no way I can leave iOS at this point. It’s just too good. The third-party apps are better, the overall user experience is better, and now it’s all available in a surprisingly powerful but compact package at a shockingly low price point.

And about that price point…

Price

$399? That’s an incredibly low price for such a solid new phone. The base price will be a bit higher in some markets, but Apple obviously did its homework and made sure to price the new iPhone SE within reach of the customers it hopes to address.

Worst things

Nothing is perfect and there are plenty of things people will gripe about on the iPhone SE. For me, two things in particular stand out.

First, Apple took all these great new components from the iPhone 6s but it kept the old Touch ID sensor from iPhone 5s. The company built such a phenomenal overall experience with the SE, and having the lightning-fast new Touch ID scanner would have really helped to keep everything on that high level. The sensor from the iPhone 5s is still faster than some other options and Apple likely tried to cut costs here, but it won’t deliver the same great experience as the iPhone 6s.

And lastly, the design.

The iPhone 5 was a great phone in 2012, and the iPhone 5s has been doing well for the past few years since its introduction in 2013. But wouldn’t Apple have attracted even more new buyers if the SE featured a fresh new design?

Sticking with the iPhone 5’s design makes sense in some ways and it certainly helped Apple keep its R&D and production costs low, but it will definitely be disappointing to some potential customers. In fact, it might be the biggest mistake Apple make with the iPhone SE.

Source:bgr

Apple Loop: Worrying iPhone 7 Leak, Boring iPad Pro Design Revealed, Greedy iPhone SE Strategy

Taking a look back at another week of news from Cupertino, this week’s Apple Loop includes the leaked iPhone 7 blueprints and third-party cases, Apple’s grab for cash with the iPhone SE design, a 3D-printed iPad Pro, new Apple Watch accessories, Apple vs FBI reaches for a Private Eye standard, a new man-in-the-middle iTunes malware attack, why you should not close apps, and a new ‘Messaging as a Platform’ app is released.

Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the very many discussions that have happened around Apple over the last seven days (and you can read the weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes).

iPhone 7 Blueprints Show Little Change

Although it is an even-numbered year, and the iPhone range generally gets a style refresh in these years, the iPhone 7 looks to be little more than an update to the iPhone 6 style. That’s according to blueprints leaked through French site NoWhereElse. These show the new antenna housing, the cut-outs for the camera, and a worrying trend of iteration. Gordon Kelly reports:

Despite the iPhone 7 expected to be a ‘design change year’, it appears Apple is not planning to make wholesale changes from the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S that preceded it.

Antenna bands and camera module aside, the schematics appear to show a phone which is virtually identical is style designs Apple has been selling since 2014. This is likely to come as a disappointment given Apple is set to kill the headphone jack and the hope was, as compensation for this polarizing move, customers would see Apple make dramatic design improvements.

…and The iPhone 7 Case Leaks Confirms It

As well as blueprints, the supply chain has a number of case designs leaking this week, which confirms many of the design features of the presumptively titled iPhone 7 ahead of the launch in September. Gordon Kelly continues his look at the new design and the implication for the camera and the headphone jack:

17 months ago my analysis of Apple developer rule changes concluded that Apple would ditch the headphone jack on the iPhone within the next two years. Numerous leaks have since corroborated this and Unbox’s video again backs this up.

The case not only lacks a dedicated headphone jack port, but no slot on the case can even fit the Apple headphone plug – it’s a no go. Furthermore the case backs up growing talk that it will be replaced by an all in one (music and charging) Lightning cable and dual speaker arrangement.

Apple Grabs The SE Cash

The leaks around the iPhone SE, widely expected to be launched on Monday March 21st, show a device that is almost identical to the iPhone 5S, but with upgraded internals, and one critical change on the outside. By changing the edges to reflect the curved iPhone 6 design cues – as opposed to the harder edged iPhone 5S – Apple has rendered a huge range of peripherals as obsolete:

If, as Apple and many analysts suspect, the slowdown in iPhone sales is due to customers waiting on a replacement four-inch screened iPhone, then the iPhone SE is targeted at those users. Those users will likely have a bundle of favorite accessories. If they do upgrade to Apple’s latest handset (and Apple really needs everyone to upgrade this year) , they are going to have to buy everything again. Apple (and by extension the peripheral manufacturers in the Made for iPhone program) are going to see more sales on the ancillary products.

iPhone SE (or iPhone 6c) UK release date rumours, feature rumours and leaked images: New 4-inch iPhone will be unveiled on 21 March

Multiple sources now report that Apple will launch its new 4-inch iPhone SE (or iPhone 5 SE, iPhone 6c iPhone 7c, iPhone mini etc), at a press event on 21 March. Here are the latest mini-iPhone rumours, including iPhone SE UK release date, design, specs and features

When will Apple launch its next 4-inch iPhone? Will it really be called the 'iPhone SE'?

Apple's iPhone SE (standing for 'Special Edition') will be unveiled at a press event on 21 March, according to multiple sources. This is expected to be Apple's first 4-inch iPhone since the iPhone 5s in 2013. Some have also speculated that it will match the colourful plastic design of the iPhone 5c, which launched at the same time as the 5s.

Back in 2015, we were worried that Apple had decided to ditch the 'C' range from its iPhone line-up, and stop making 4-inch iPhones altogether after the success of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6s (and iPhone 6) and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6s Plus (and iPhone 6 Plus). But it's been consistently rumoured that a smaller iPhone 6c (now believed to be called iPhone SE) might launch in 2016.

Here, we've gathered all of the latest iPhone SE rumours, including release date, design, specs and features speculation. We've also got iPhone SE concept images and mockups.

Source: Macworld

Nokia N97-One Of The Latest Mobile Phone-Features

Nokia N97

Device Description:

The Nokia N97 is a S60 5th Edition mobile computer with a large 3,5“, bright nHD (640 x 360 pixels and 16:9 aspect ratio) TFT color display with resistive touch screen and tactile feedback. The device provides excellent user experience for internet and entertainment by combining qwerty keyboard with touch UI and Home screen functionality. Use the N97 to connect to mobile broadband using WLAN or HSDPA (3.5G). Find directions and locations with the integrated A-GPS and included maps. Additional features include game titles with N-Gage, a 5 mega pixel camera with dual LED flash and automatic geotagging of images and videos.

Device variants:

RM-505 Global. WCDMA, HSDPA (Cat 6 max.3.6 Mbps) 900/1900/2100 and EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 + WLAN
RM-506 China. EGSM 850/900/1800/1900
RM-507 Americas. WCDMA, HSDPA (Cat 6 max.3.6 Mbps) 850/1900/2100 and EGSM 850/900/1800/1900 + WLAN

Technical Specs :

Developer Platform: S60 5th Edition
Operating System: Symbian OS v9.4
Screen Resolution: 360 x 640

(From : Forum.Nokia.com)

BlackBerry 8900-The Latest Mobile Phone

The BlackBerry 8900 is an excellent mobile phone. It has a 3.2 mega pixels camera which lets the users click memorable photos. The camera of this gadget offers an image resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixel. The users get to use its unique operating system which is known as BlackBerry OS. It is quite user-friendly and operates in a superb way. This widget is equipped with with massive internal memory. One can also play exciting games with the help of this gadget. Moreover, one can download other games from the Internet. It sends and receives emails faster. The Media player of this phone plays songs and videos in an amazing way. The users of this mobile phone also can use other mobile technologies like, Bluetooth and USB for transferring data from computers to it and vice versa. One can also make use of its BlackBerry maps which are helpful for finding locations of various places.