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iPhone 2021 Rumors

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

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

What Brand Name will Apple Go With?

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

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

 

 

Release Date – When Can We Expect the 2021 iPhones?

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

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

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

 

Price of the “iPhone 13”

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Display

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

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

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

 

Camera Upgrades

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

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

 

Biometrics – Under-Display Touch ID?

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

 

Battery – More Juice Incoming

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

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

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

 

Processor – More Power Under the Hood, As Usual

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

 

Connectivity

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

 

Lightning Port – Go Bye, Bye?

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

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

Tune in for more incoming rumors as they develop.

 

Tech Armor – Because You Can Never be Too Safe

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

iPad Mini 6 Rumors

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

iPad Mini 6 Design Revamped – Biggest Mini Yet?

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

iPad Mini 6 Rumored Specs and Features

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

 

iPad Mini 6 Price

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

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

 

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

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iPhone SE Plus – The Rumor Mill as it Unfolds

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

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

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

 

iPhone SE Plus Rumored Release Date

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

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

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

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

 

iPhone SE Plus Design and Size

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

iPhone SE Plus Cameras and Other Specs

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

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

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

 

What is the Rumored Price of the iPhone SE Plus?

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

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

 

TechArmor – Protect Your Apple

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Chinese New Year 2021 – Tradition Meets Modernity

Mouth-watering food shared with loved ones, loud celebrations, colorful lantern displays lining the streets, shopping sprees, troupes of mesmerizing lion dancers, and spreading wishes of prosperity with lucky money (Red Envelopes). It’s easy to see why the Chinese New Year (aka. Spring Festival) is one of the most important times of the year for billions of people in China and across the globe.

The annual celebration, which has been practiced for millennia, is marked by the traditional lunisolar calendar – i.e., based on the astronomical observations of the Moon’s phases and Sun’s longitude. This means that the dates for the Spring Festival are constantly changing each year.

In 2021, the Chinese New Year starts on February 12—with festivities continuing for 40 days, characterized by multiple rituals and sub-festivals.

 

Chinese New Year 2021 – Year of the Ox

 

2021 is the Year of the OX

In Chinese astrology, there are 12 zodiac signs—derived from the year of birth. They include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig—in that order. These Zodiac signs stem from an ancient Chinese folk story about “The Great Race.”

In the story, the Jade Emperor summoned 13 animals and announced that their order of arrival would determine how their names would appear in the calendar. (If you’re wondering why there are only 12 animals, the cat drowned).

The coming Chinese New Year 2021 ushers in the year of the Metal Ox. As a valued animal in Chinese culture, the Ox is believed to bring longevity, stability, and plenty of great things/achievements. This is set to be a productive and positive year – i.e. when all the hard work finally pays off.

 

Why is the Chinese New Year Important?

Since its inception thousands of years ago, the Chinese New Year has grown in importance in several countries—including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Tibet, South Korea, other countries with Chinese populations.

Eye-catching decorations aside, the Chinese New Year holds a special place in people’s lives for one reason; it’s a time for generations of families to spend time together and strengthen their bonds.

It is a prime opportunity for everyone to leave behind their every day obligation (school, work, etc.) and gather under a common purpose. One of the main themes of the occasion is spreading hope, promoting happiness, and wishing property for the coming lunar year.

As a testament to the significance of the Spring Festival, the event spawns one of the largest annual migrations in the world. Dubbed Chunyun, the spring migration attracted a staggering 3 billion travelers in 2020. As you might guess, this puts a strain on even the highly-developed infrastructure in China—but it’s definitely worth the hassle when it means spending valuable time with your kin.

Away from China, the festival is also a way to appreciate the uniqueness of traditional Chinese culture and to spread it to the world. Talking of traditions…

 

Chinese New Year Traditions and Taboos

The Chinese New Year is deeply rooted in tradition. And that’s clear right from the use of the traditional lunisolar calendar. The period is also characterized by several age-old practices and beliefs. For example, it is customary for people to clean their houses thoroughly and put up red decorations before the festival.

On the eve of the Chinese New Year, a family gathers in the home of the eldest member for a hearty traditional feast—often overflowing with dumplings and fish. This is followed by the Shou Sui dinner as the family stays awake through midnight to usher in the New Year. Customarily, people light firecrackers as a way to chase away evil monsters.

Another noteworthy tradition is gifting children with hongbao (red envelops/packets with money). The underlying idea is to wish them good health, prosperity, and ward off evil. (PS: The color red in Chinese culture symbolizes happiness, joy, vitality, prosperity, and wards off evil).

There are also some superstitions and taboos that surround the Spring Festival, especially on the first day. According to the beliefs, you should avoid sharp objects, brooms, crying children, theft, debt, laundry, porridge, damages clothes, monochrome fashion, and washing hair, among other taboo items/activities.

Please note that the traditions and practices may differ from one country to another—but the general idea of reuniting families is the same.

 

The Chinese New Year in the 21st Century

Times have changed since the inception of the Chinese New Year over 3,000 years ago. While most people still hold onto the foundational values and beliefs that define the festivals, elements of modernity also have an impact.

In our technologically-focused world, Spring Festival shopping has gone online as people prefer the convenience of home delivery, minimal hassle, tons of options, and awesome offers in eCommerce marketplaces. Even the iconic Red Envelopes can be sent over apps like WeChat in a colorful greetings message.

And due to the effects of pollution and safety reasons, many cities in China have banned private firework shows. But you can expect a couple of spectacular displays in public squares.

With that, the team here are Tech Armor wishes everyone New Year Goodness.

 

恭喜发财 / 恭喜發財 (Gōngxǐ fācái) “Happiness and prosperity!”

Samsung Galaxy S21 Release

Samsung Galaxy S21 Specs – Cheaper, Smarter, Lean!

“Welcome to the Everyday Epic!” On January 14, Samsung finally took the wraps off by unveiling the much-anticipated Galaxy S21 lineup—and the South Korean tech giant did not disappoint. While all the 3 devices in the lineup boast of admirable qualities and improvements from the predecessors, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra characteristically stole the limelight—staking its claim as the Android phone to beat in 2021.

With the official shipping date scheduled for January 29, eager consumers are likely wondering whether making pre-orders and hitting the stores is worth it. What does the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup offer?

In a nutshell, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series is the pinnacle of consumer-ready tech ingenuity encased in a—dare we say—bewitching casing! But you’re probably here for more than a one-sentence description of Samsung’s latest instalments. So, read on…

From a sleek design, impressive power ‘under the hood’, to a few out of the box (literary) surprises, here’s a snippet of what the recently revealed Samsung Galaxy S21 Series offers.

 

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

 

Samsung Galaxy S21 Specs Sheet  

As the ‘upper crust’ of Samsung devices and probably Android phones, it perfectly reasonable to expect nothing but the most high-tech and exquisite features in the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup. And this is the exact direction Samsung took.

Here’s what the Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup packs under the hood:

Specs Samsung S21 Samsung S21 PLUS Samsung S21 ULTRA
Dimensions 6 x 2.8 x 0.31 inches

(6 ounces)

 6.4 x 3 x 0.31 inches

(7.2 ounces)

 6.5 x 2.97 x 0.35 inches

(8 ounces)
Build/Body Mid-frame: Aluminum

Back: Polycarbonate Plastic

Front: Gorilla Glass Victus

 Mid-frame: Aluminum

Back: Gorilla Glass Victus

Front: Gorilla Glass Victus

 Mid-frame: Aluminum

Back: Gorilla Glass Victus

Front: Gorilla Glass Victus
Display Full HD+ (6.2 inches) Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display, 2400*1080 pixels Full HD+ (6.7 inches) Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display, 2400*1080 pixels QHD+ (6.8 inches) Dynamic AMOLED 2X curved display, 3200*1440 pixels
Refresh Rate 120Hz 120Hz 120Hz adaptive (supported at QHD+
Back Camera Main: 12MP

Ultra-Wide: 12MP

Telephoto: 64MP

 Main: 12MP

Ultra-Wide: 12MP

Telephoto: 64MP

 Main: 108MP

Ultra-Wide: 12MP

3X Optical: 10MP

10X Optical: 10MP
Front Camera 10MP 10MP 40MP
Chipset (US/UK) Snapdragon 888/ Exynos 2100 Snapdragon 888/ Exynos 2100 Snapdragon 888/ Exynos 2100
RAM 8GB + 128GB/256GB 8GB + 128GB/256GB 12GB + 128GB/256GB, 16BG + 512 GB
Power/Battery 4,000mAh 4,800mAh 5,000mAh
Colors Phantom White, Phantom Gray, Phantom Pink, and Phantom Violet Phantom Violet, Phantom Gray, and Phantom White (+exclusives) Phantom Gray and Phantom White (+exclusives)
OS Android 11/One UI 3.1 Android 11/One UI 3.1 Android 11/One UI 3.1
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6, 5G Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6, 5G Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 6E, 5G
Security Ultrasonic In-Display Fingerprint Scanner Ultrasonic In-Display Fingerprint Scanner Ultrasonic In-Display Fingerprint Scanner

 

Design

The resounding feedback from the online community of tech reviewers—including MrWhoseTheBoss, MKBHD, and Unbox Therapy—is that the Samsung Galaxy S21s are eye candy, design-wise. They have an understated, clean, and sleek look.

The most obvious change to the phones’ design is the interesting integration of the camera module on the back. Samsung decided to retire the ‘Island’ design that had its fair share of critics—and instead opted to merge the camera module to the Aluminum midframe in a seamless flow. This reduces the annoying wobble and gives the phone an aesthetic upgrade. The back design is further compounded by a two-tone color, which Samsung calls ‘Phantom’.

Other noteworthy features include a USB 3.2 Type-C port, NO headphone jack, a speaker grille on the bottom, dust protection, and an IP68 waterproof rating.

 

Cameras

To quote TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business at Samsung, “be on the lookout for super-intelligent, pro-grade camera and video capabilities in 2021.” Could this refer to the S21 lineup? Maybe; maybe not—we’ll have to put the lenses to the test. But here’s what they hold on paper:

The Galaxy S21’s camera setup is more-or-less borrowed from its predecessor’s—with the exception of the highest-end Galaxy S21 Ultra.  Both the Galaxy S21 and S21+ sport a triple camera setup—consisting of the Main Sensor (12MP), an Ultrawide Sensor (12MP), and a Telephoto Lens (64MP).

The Ultra variant has two 10MP cameras and a 108MP main camera with a spruced-up second-gen image sensor to make up for the shortcomings of its predecessor.

If you’re one of those people who can’t resist recording noteworthy events, the Galaxy S21 Ultra supports 4K (60fps) video recording. And there’s a “Vlogger View” feature in the camera software that allows you to use both the rear and front camera at the same time—sweet, right!

 

Battery

The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra models will feature a 4,000mAh, 4,800 mAh, and 5,000mAh battery, respectively. While this doesn’t offer a significant boost from the Galaxy S20 Series, you can expect your device to hold more power courtesy of improved chipset efficiencies.

Charge-wise, they boast of 15W wireless charging, 4.5 reverse wireless charging, and 25W USB Power Delivery 3.0 fast charging. Again, we couldn’t expect any less from a flagship.

 

Accessories – Ditching the Charger, iPhone-Style

Remember when Apple decided to leave out a charger in its iPhone 12 packaging for environmental reasons? Well, Samsung is heading down that same road.

The recently announced devices will not ship with chargers in most regions. If you want one, you can order it at a reduced price. And that’s not all… You should also forget about the microSD card slot (not that anyone uses it anymore). This drive to reduce e-waste results in an uncharacteristically small and compact packaging box. Anyway, it’ll be interesting to see how the Android community responds to the changes.

Amid all the dialed down accessories there’s one noteworthy addition. Samsung just tossed their famous S Pen Stylus into the Galaxy S Series lineup. Specifically, the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Although the device does not have the same housing cavity as the Galaxy Note Series, Samsung offers case options to both store and charge the Stylus. Could this spell the end of the Galaxy Note Series?

Let’s Talk Money – Galaxy S21 Prices

The past year has not been kind to a lot of people—and Samsung seems to understand this situation. This is because the phone manufacturer slashed the base price of the Galaxy S21 lineup.

The Galaxy S21 ($799) and S21+ ($999) are a whopping $200 cheaper than their predecessors—while the S21 Ultra ($1199) takes the price-cutting up a notch by retailing for $300 less than the S20 Ultra before it. While they’re still relatively high-priced, who would say no to an upgrade that saves you a couple of bucks?

 

Samsung Came Out Swinging!

The year may be in its infant stages, but it seems we already have a winner for the most value-driven phone of 2021. It’s interesting to see what other manufacturers have up their sleeves to usurp Samsung’s strong start.

And as you contemplate grabbing the biggest and baddest Android device in town, play safe! Observe COVID-19 safety rules and slap a protective screen protector from Tech Armor for your precious Samsung devices. (PS: Kick your hygiene up a notch with a Tech Armor Cleaning Kit).

Smartphones in 2021 – What’s Coming and When?

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

 

A Good Year for Smartphones

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

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

 

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

 

Big Smartphone Features We Saw in 2020

 

  1. 5G

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

 

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

 

  1. The First 5nm Processors

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

 

  1. Android 11 & iOS 14

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

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

 

  1. 108Mp Cameras

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

 

  1. Insane Zoom Capabilities

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

 

  1. Super-Fast Wired & Wireless Charging

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

 

  1. High Refresh Rates

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

 

  1. The Return of Mediatek

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

 

  1. Weird, but Cool Smartphones

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

 

  1. The First Under-Display Camera

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

 

 

What big features are coming in 2021?

 

  1. More 5nm Processors

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

 

  1. Qualcomm Snapdragon 888

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

 

  1. Invisible (Disappearing) Cameras

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

 

  1. Rollable Displays

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

 

  1. Even Faster Charging Speeds

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

 

  1. Under Display Cameras

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

 

  1. First Portless Phone

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

 

  1. The Return of TouchID

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

 

 

What devices are coming in 2021

 

  1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Lineup

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

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

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

 

  1. Galaxy Z Fold 3

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

 

  1. Pixel 6

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

 

  1. iPhone 13 Lineup

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

 

  1. OnePlus 9 Lineup

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

 

  1. 2021 iPads

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

 

Looking Forward

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

Cleaning and Care for Mobile Devices

Name a better duo than your mobile phones and hands…we’ll wait. Research shows that we touch our screens up to over 5,000 times for us heavy user. We would likely spiral into a series of tantrums or feel completely lost if we misplaced our mobile devices.

But how often do you stop to consider the host of illness-causing germs (including the COVID-19 virus) that live on the surfaces of your must-have mobile devices? Unless you’re a self-proclaimed germophobe, we’ll assume it’s not that often.

Covering your face, washing your hands, and observing social distancing protocols is great! But failing to clean some of you most-touched surfaces leaves you susceptible to illnesses and grossly unsightly devices.

Now comes the million-dollar question; how do you remove gunk, clear fingerprints, and disinfect your phone without compromising its surface with an eye-sore of scratches?

Read on for our phone cleaning tips…

Tips to Cleaning and Sanitizing Cell Phones and Other Mobile Devices

First things first; know your cleaning products! Start by differentiating between what works and what will cause more harm than good to your mobile devices.

As a rule of thumb, clean your mobile devices with a textured microfiber cloth and a water-based disinfectant. Steer clear of window cleaners, hand sanitizers, kitchen cleaners, paper towels, ammonia-based cleaners, makeup removers, vinegar, and dish soap. So put down that bottle of bleach unless you’re planning to fork out extra dollars to get a new high-end phone.

Here’s how to clean and care for different mobile devices:

  • Tablet, Laptop, and Phone Cleaning: Did you know that it’s advisable to clean your phone at least once every day? Sanitizing cell phones or laptops may not be the first thing on your mind—but it’s necessary, especially as COVID-19 cases continue to soar around the globe. If you’re using a cleaning solution, first turn off your device, apply the formula on a microfiber cloth, and gently wiping your devices. Alternatively, you can use specialized disinfectant wipes.
  • Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers: If there was a hierarchy of the most touched mobile devices, smartwatches and fitness trackers would be second in command after cell phones. And like phone cleaning, you can use both wipes and microfiber cloth bathed in a cleaning solution for a lint-free, streak-free wipe-down.
  • Cleaning Earphones and Headphones: Use a microfiber cloth dampened with a water-based disinfectant cleaning solution. And don’t forget to dig into the gunk or wax sitting in grille parts of your AirPods.
  • Cleaning Flat Screen TVs: Okay, this isn’t really a mobile device but it’s an often-neglected piece of tech—and it deserves some love (cleaning) from time to time. Turn the device off and apply some cleaning solution on a microfiber cloth before going over the surface. And ensure your remote control gets in on the action.

Tech Armor – Protect Your Screen, Protect Your Health

Remember that water-based disinfectant we mentioned earlier? Well, this is it! We have not one; not two; not three; but four cleaning kits to keep your mobile devices gleaming and germ-free.

If you want to go all-in—leaving no stone unturned—you can grab the complete cleaning kit.  And if you’re always on the go and carrying an entire set of cleaning products in your back pocket doesn’t sound appealing, maybe a pack of 100 Tech Armor Purify Go Cleaning Wipes will do. You can also buy a cleaning kit with our Extramove formula.

In other words; Say Adios to grime, smudge, fingerprint, and pesky germs! Tech Armor has phone cleaning solutions to keep your devices sparkly clean at a microscopic level.

Best Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas 2020

The holidays are fast approaching and we couldn’t be any more excited. We all want to show our family and friends we care about them and to be loved. Holiday gifting is typically a way to express our sentimental feelings and keep in touch.

But isn’t it weird how Christmas always seems to sneak up on us—even though it’s the same day every year? One minute it’s Halloween, the next minute you’re running around to score that Black Friday Deal, and suddenly Christmas is less than a week away—and you don’t have a gift in hand.

If you find yourself in the above conundrum, chill; relax; sit back. We have some of the best last-minute Christmas gift ideas that are likely to come across as thoughtful and unique. Like the article’s title implies, the gifts on this list are hand-picked with the last minute gifter in mind. They’re easily accessible in online shops and they’re relatively inexpensive (under $100).

Here are 10 of the best Christmas gifts 2020 for the last-minute shopper:

  1. Echo Dot (4th Gen)

All factors considered; the Echo Dot is easily one of the best last-minute Christmas gift ideas. Amazon’s latest smart speaker recaps the news, answers your questions, play music, set timers/alarms, and even control other connected home devices. We loved the relatively bigger LED display that shows the current temperature and time.

  1. Long Distance Touch Bracelet Set

Self-isolation and stay at home measures are important in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But this also means that loved ones can be separated miles apart during the holidays. In such a scenario, the Long-Distance Touch Bracelet Set stands out as one the best holiday gift ideas. You simply tap on one bracelet and the other vibrates—subtly reminding the other person that you’re thinking of them. Sweet, right?

  1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 9

For less than $70 on Amazon, you can get your hands on the adorable Fujifilm Instax Mini 9. It’s a good-quality and easy-to-use instant camera that’s a perfect gift got a teenager. This model features a selfie mirror and tons of color options to meet different user preferences. Snapping a Christmas photo and watching it develop right before your eyes is a great way to keep the holiday spirit alive.

  1. Tile Mate

Do you have that family member or friend that always seems to lose their items/belongings? We all do! A thoughtful Christmas gift idea for such people is the Tile Mate. It’s ideally a Bluetooth-enabled tracking device that’s attached to a keychain, wallet, or even suitcase.

Tile is a company with an enviable track record when it comes to durability and dependable performance—so you’re assured of a quality product that’ll serve the gift recipient for a while.

  1. Sega Genesis Mini

Dubbed the best tiny console, the Sega Genesis Mini has everything a retro fan could ask for in a gaming unit that defined most of our childhoods. It’s software and hardware and hardware have the familiar feel and aesthetic of its popular predecessor—albeit a few tweaks.

And even if someone never played the original Genesis, the device is simple to use and the huge library of games is great to keep players busy. All these pros translate into an awesome holiday gift idea for kids and adults alike.

  1. Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

If you have a friend or family member who’s overly fond of their daily cup of hot coffee, tea, of chocolate, the Temperature Control Mug 2 is an easy way to their heart—making it one of the best Christmas gifts.

It allows you to use your smartphone to activate the charging coaster of this temperature-controlled mug. Just input the command on the app and find your Java all warm and delish.

  1. TopVision Mini Projector

The holiday season is all about connecting with loved ones and sharing memories. One way to spend time together with friends and family is by sitting down to watch a moving or fun Christmas movie.

Now, consider whipping out a mini projector that shoots our bright and clear images/film from your computer or mobile device. What we’re describing is the TopVision Mini Projector.

  1. Magnetic Car Mount

Whether you use your phone as a makeshift music control system while on the road or as a navigation system, this Tech Armor Universal Magnetic Car Mount comes in handy.

It has a suction cup that clings tightly to your windshield. The gadget is simple and affordable, but also highly useful. It’s one of those things that you never knew you needed until you had them. And we’re sure your loved ones will feel the same when you gift them phone car mount this holiday. PS: Don’t worry about the phone models; it’s designed for most popular brands—including iPhones, Google, and Samsung Galaxy devices.

  1. Mobile Device Cleaning Kit

How often do you clean and disinfect your phone? Whether it’s wiping off oily grime and dust or purging disease-causing germs on the surfaces of your mobile devices, this Cleaning Kit by Tech Armor is heaven-sent. It comes with screen wipes, microfiber clothes, and a water-based disinfectant formula.

It ranks as one of the best Christmas gifts for last-minute shoppers because it’s available for as low as $14.95, you can order it in no time from Tech Armor’s online store, and it plays a part in keeping everyone healthy.

  • Portable Power Bank

A power bank is not necessarily the most unique holiday gift idea—unless it packs a punch in a small package. This is the exact offerin of the ActivePower 3000mAh External Battery Portable Dual USB Charger Power Bank by Tech Armor. It’s compatible with all tablets and smartphones—making it a great gift for virtually anyone with a mobile device.

Hottest Gadgets for the Holidays 2020

If you listen closely, you might hear the joyful chime of jingle bells emanating from the North Pole. Christmas (aka., gifting season) is nearly upon us—and you better be prepared with the right gift for your tech-loving friends.

Let’s be honest; gifting has always been a minefield of uncertainty and risky purchases—and this year it takes a new form of urgency. The holidays in 2020 offer a much-welcomed break from the tumultuous years that has left most of us scarred in one way or another.

But while the need for a spirit of gifting is given, finding the hottest and best gifts 2020 is a whole ‘nother issue. Even with the widespread disruption following the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a relatively active year for techies. Manufacturers have ‘churned’ out all kinds of cool gadgets—some better than others. The tech announcements also mean that there are tons of possible gadgets for the holidays. This large number of choices can be overwhelming—which is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to scour the internet on your behalf.

Read on for a guide on the best gadgets 2020 that are ideal for holiday gifting. Whether you’re a gamer, fitness warrior, or kitchen aficionado, we have something for you.

 

Gaming – The SteelSeries Nimbus+ Apple Gaming Controller

Winter is coming lads and lassies! It’s freezing outside, there are holiday offers from left to right, the folk are at home, no school/work for most, and some cool gadgets are out. For gamers, this is a time to gear up and charge into virtual battle.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your gaming set-up or send a gamer some of the best gadgets 2020 as a gift, there’s no better time like the present. And if you’re looking for an inspiring gifting idea, we recommend the new SteelSeries Nimbus+ Apple Gaming Controller. We’d have suggested the Next-Gen PlayStation 5 Console, but getting your hands on one at this time is quite the hassle.

Now, what is the SteelSeries Nimbus+ Apple Gaming Controller and why is it one of the best tech gifts 2020? It’s simply one of the best gaming controllers for iPhone—and we suspect few alternatives can usurp it in terms of compatibility, convenience, and performance!

The gadget is officially licensed by Apple and it’s specifically designed to shine in all platforms by the Cupertino-based tech giant—including TvOS, iPadOS, and of course, iOS. It even boats of Apple-specific features such as a Lighting port, an iPhone mount, and a Home button. The controller brings next-level tactility to the Apple gaming framework.

In all honesty, we wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of someone wielding the SteelSeries Nimbus+ combined with the badass performance of the iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic Chip. So rest assured that your gamer friend will be gleaming with excitement when they unwrap this cool gadget.

 

Fitness/IoT – Mirror Smart Home Fitness System 

If you’re willing to place $1,495 for one of the most interactive fitness experiences to date, the Mirror is as astonishing as they come. As you can tell from the brand name, it’s a reflective mirror—but not just any mirror; it also doubles are your personal trainer. It’s like a private gym—complete with an instructor.

With this downright cool gadget, you can watch live, on-demand fitness classes led by an instructor on the LCD display. It combines advanced machine learning and top-of-the-range camera technology to gather information about your form/body and provides real-time feedback on your progress.

One interesting feature of the Mirror is a one-on-one personal training option that allows a trainer to see your form as your exercise. Combined with the heart-rate monitor and fitness bands, you no longer have to worry about whether your form is correct.

There are more-than-enough classes and streams on the gadget’s platform to ensure you stay healthy. Whether it’s boxing, strength training, yoga, or good ol’ cardio, the Mirror’s library got you covered. And when you’re not in the mood for crunches and squats, the sleek and modern design of the full-length mirror still looks great as part of your home décor.

But if you’re gifting the Mirror to someone, you might want to mention that there is a membership fee of $39/month. Regardless, it’s easily one of the best tech gifts 2020.

 

Kitchen – Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System

Hey, y’all coffee junkies? What if we told you that there is a cool gadget that can fulfil nearly all of your wildest caffeine fix desires? And no, this is neither click-bait nor a far-fetched idea. Whether you’re in the mood for a chai latte, mouth-watering drip coffee, a cappuccino, iced coffee, or a near-flawless cold brew, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System has a function to quell your thirst.

Just like real-life/cinematic ninjas, the gadget is impressively flexible and versatile. It comes with a reusable filter, thermal carafe, and even a frother. The automated and programmable coffee maker lets you serve your drink of choice in multiple sizes. The Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System is the Swiss army knife of the coffee world—and one of the best gadgets 2020.

But it’s not just about what’s under the hood, the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System is an aesthetically-appealing kitchen appliance. It features a piano black plastic surface and a glossy finish, with silver highlights. This stylish appearance is capped off by sleek LED indicators.

The coffee makes takes a spot in this list of best gadgets 2020 for two reasons. One, a dose of your favorite cup of Joe is quite comforting, especially in the cold weather that characterizes the holidays. Two, the versatility of the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System means that you can effectively address the caffeine needs and tastes of different family member/friends as you wind down the year.

 

With those few holiday gadget idea, HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the team here at Tech Armor.

iPhone 12 mini – Device Review

Small phones are a dying breed – but Apple might just have changed that. Finding a compact and powerful phone is an even tougher ask. Earlier on in the year, Apple released the iPhone SE 2020. While it is hailed for its performance, it is housed in the body of the iPhone 8, making it a step away from the design language of the newer iPhones. It debuted with the A13 Bionic which was the latest Apple processor at the time making it a performance beast at the sub-$400 bracket. However, the 4.7” screen is flanked by huge bezels and the battery is not all that impressive. Still, it is an option for anyone who likes compact phones.

 

iPhone 12 mini 128GB Blue - Apple

 

A Welcome Addition

Fast forward to late 2020 and Apple added a new variant to the iPhone 12 lineup – the iPhone 12 Mini. Naturally, it had everyone buzzing. A small phone that was just as powerful as the biggest of the bunch? Yes, please. Over in the Android universe, big means powerful, stacked, expensive – small means the opposite.

 

First of Many?

Enter Tim Cook and Co. It was not enough that the 12 Mini is tiny, they released it alongside the biggest iPhone ever made – the 12 Pro Max. Any iPhone user who chose to forego the 12 and 12 Pro siblings has a choice to make: Max or Mini? Does it hold its own? Is it the best compact phone there is? Let’s find out, shall we?

 

iPhone 12 Mini

It is all in the name. This is the iPhone 12 – mini. It quite literally is the vanilla iPhone 12 shrunk down. It is very reminiscent of the iPhone 5, and if you had that phone, it is bound to trigger some nostalgia. While comparing it to the iPhone SE 2020 might seem like the logical thing to do, it goes toe to toe with its bigger siblings. There are plenty of compromises with SE, and while there are a few inevitable ones with the 12 Mini, it is otherwise only comparable in size.

 

Less Is More?

Whether it is size or value, there is truth to be found in that statement as regards to the 12 Mini.

 

Display

Coming in with a 5.4” display, it much smaller compared to the 6.1” on the 12 & 12 Pro and the 6.7” on the Pro Max. It has a bigger screen than the iPhone SE, but the modern design means it has a smaller body, making it the smaller device. It has the same brilliant OLED display as the other 2020 iPhones with a resolution of 1080×2340 and a PPI count of 476. All other features like Ceramic Shield, Dolby Vision and HDR10 are present as well.

 

Size & Build

The first thing you notice when you have the 12 Mini on hand is the ease of usability. Coming from a much bigger phone, you will find yourself admiring just how compact it is as you reminisce on the last time your thumb could reach all four corners of a phone. It is a different experience – but a welcome one. The size does not take anything away from the premium feel of the phone. It has the same high-quality build as the regular iPhone 12 as well as IP68 certification. It weighs 135g compared to the iPhone 12’s 164g.

 

Value

The base variant comes in at $729, making it the cheapest iPhone 12 variant. The base iPhone 12 starts at $829, making the difference in size worth about $100. But what if you actually like the smaller phone?

In the comparison between the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, the vanilla iPhone 12 came out on top in terms of its value proposition. The price difference is substantial and the feature differences are somewhat minimal unless the extra camera and storage space is an absolute must. Now, the Mini upstages the 12 to a greater degree.

The two phones have the same base storage and the same number of camera lenses. The only difference is the screen size and battery capacity (and consequently battery life). Is the extra $100 worth it?

 

Baby iPhone Packs a Punch

Performance

Cute, but powerful. The 12 Mini has the same processor internals as the 12 Pro Max – Apple’s 5nm A14 Bionic. What else is there to be said? It breezes past tasks. The lack of a high refresh rate does nothing to dampen the speed of the 12 Mini. IOS 14’s shiny new features work well on this phone, even though the icons are much smaller than you are used to.

 

Camera

The 12 Mini packs the same dual-lens camera found on the iPhone 12. The main 12mp sensor takes great shots, and the inclusion of night mode on the ultrawide lens does wonders for those dramatic shots taken in low light. Its siblings like the 12 and 12 Pro Max have extra telephoto lenses and a larger sensor in the case of the Pro Max, but the Mini remains a great camera. It has support for Dolby Vision, which is a higher standard for shooting on mobile – something not found even on the most high-end Android phones as of yet. No corners were cut for the mini in the camera department.

 

Compromises in the 12 Mini

For such a small-sized phone, it would have been impossible to replicate what was found on the other variants. Necessary internal components like the 5G antennas take up space that would otherwise have been used to enhance other features.

 

Battery & Charging

The iPhone 12 Mini has a 2227 mAh battery. Before you understandable scoff at that number (looking at you Android users), there is a reason why Apple does not bother to mention the battery capacities on iPhones. Control over the hardware and software allows Apple to optimize efficiency which means that smaller battery capacity lasts for much longer than expected.

With that said, however, the 12 Mini has average battery life at best. Hardcore users will not make it to the end of the day. The charging is not great either. MagSafe tops out at 12W compared to 15W on all the other iPhone 12s. This is possibly due to thermal concerns considering it is such a small body.

 

Media Consumption

It’s a relatively smaller screen and media consumption take a hit. The screen is brilliant, but bigger screens offer a better experience. The notch size on the Mini is the same size as the one on the 12 Pro Max – meaning it takes up more screen real estate.

 

Typing

There is a learning curve when it comes to typing, especially if you’re coming from a much bigger phone. This is more of a personal compromise as opposed to a compromise on Apple’s side.

 

Verdict

The iPhone 12 Mini is a great phone offering great value. The compromises are understandable and the perks can genuinely not be found anywhere else. It is easily the best compact phone of the year and is bound to have a cult following in a few weeks. Whether you choose to go Max or Mini, make sure your phone lasts you a long time by getting some protection for it. Browse for great Tech Armor screen protectors right here.