Category Archives: iPhone

iPhone 14 Rumors – A Roundup of What to Expect So Far

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

iPhone 14 Lineup Rumors – How Many and How Big?

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

iPhone 14 Design – Going Notchless and Other Cosmetic Changes

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

iPhone 14 Display Rumors

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

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

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

 

iPhone 14 Camera – Main and Front-Facing Upgrades?

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

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

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

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

 

Could We See the Return of Touch ID?

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

iPhone 14 Prices – Bringing Budgets into Perspective

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

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

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

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

 

Other Rumored iPhone 14 Specs

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

 

TechArmor – Because Your Favorite Devices Deserve the Best

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

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

Apple iPhone 13 Device Review

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

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

First iPhone 13 pre-orders now shipping ahead of Friday release - 9to5Mac

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

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

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

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

The specs

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

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

iPhone 13 lineup prices

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

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

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

  128GB storage 256GB storage 512GB storage 1TB storage
iPhone 13 Mini $699 $799 $999 NA
iPhone 13 $799 $899 $1,099 NA
iPhone 13 Pro $999 $1,099 $1,199 $1,499
iPhone 13 Pro Max $1,099 $1,199 $1,399 $1,599
  1. Design, size and color

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. ProMotion display

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

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

All the iPhone models have OLED screen panels.

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

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

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

  1. Camera

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

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

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

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

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

  1. A5 Bionic and performance

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

You can switch between tasks without any issues.

  1. Battery life

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

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

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

iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max
Storage 128, 256, 512GB 128, 256, 512 GB 128, 256, 512, 1TB 128, 256, 512, 1TB
Processor A15 Bionic A15 Bionic A15 Bionic A15 Bionic
Screen size 5.4 inches 6.1 inches 6.1 inches 6.7 inches
Rear cameras Dual 12MP (Wide, ultrawide) Dual 12MP (Wide, ultrawide) Pro 12MP (Telephoto, Wide, Ultra-Wide) Pro 12MP (Telephoto, Wide, Ultra-Wide)
Front camera 12MP TrueDepth 12MP TrueDepth 12MP TrueDepth 12MP TrueDepth
Zoom None / 5x digital None / 5x digital 3x optical / 15x digital 3x optical / 15x digital
Adaptive refresh No No Up to 120Hz Up to 120Hz
Water resistance IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68
Resolution/ppi 2340 x 1080/476 2532 x 1170/460 2532 x 1170/460 2778 x 1284/458
Colors Red, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink Red, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue
Size 5.2 x 2.5 x 0.3 inches 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.3 inches
Weight 4.97 ounces 6.14 ounces 7.2 ounces 8.5 ounces
Battery life (video playback 8:41 10:33 11:42 12:16
Starting price $699 $799 $999 $1,099

 

Conclusion

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

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

 

The iPhone 13 lineup just announced

iPhone 13 Recap

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

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

The iPhone 13 Line-up

A Closer look at iPhone 13 & 13 Mini

Design

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

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

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

Battery

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

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

 

Display

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

Processor

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

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

 

Camera

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

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

Pricing and Availability

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

 

iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max

Design

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

Better A15 Bionic

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

Display

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

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

Camera

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

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

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

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

Pricing and Availability

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

 

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Device Review

A Review of the iPhone 12 & 12 Pro

While Apple announced four iPhone 12 models, only two of the four were released with the others set to come at a later date. The similarly-sized iPhone 12 and 12 Pro were made available on the 23rd of October, with the 12 Pro Max and 12 Mini slated for November releases.

The 12 & 12 Pro are arguably the most popular iPhone choices anyway. The two phones are more similar than they have ever been, and choosing between them is going to be a real headache. Consequently, what is said for one mostly remains true for the other—except for a few distinguishing features and the accompanying price difference.

So what did Apple give us this year?

 

iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro - Macworld UK

 

The Return of a Beloved Design

Every few years, Apple redesigns the iPhone to keep it looking fresh—while triggering that gadget lust in all of us. 2020 is inevitably one of those years. While it is refreshing, Apple’s design isn’t necessarily new. It pays homage to the flat edges that we first saw on the iPhone 4 and then later the original iPhone SE.

This design aesthetic is also found in another of Apple’s products – the iPad Pro.

The 2020 iPhones have flat edges all round, so flat that they can stand on their own. The notch and the camera bump largely bear resemblance to last year’s devices. The bodies, however, are thinner and lighter than last year.

The choice of materials is one of the distinguishing factors between the vanilla 12 and the Pro: the former is made of aluminum while the latter is made of stainless steel. While stainless steel is arguably the better material, it does attract a lot more fingerprints than aluminum making it look a little less pristine. Regardless, both devices feel nothing short of premium.

 

Better Displays

One thing that is not getting mentioned enough when talking about significant upgrades is the display. All iPhones get an OLED display that sits somewhere between FullHD and QHD. It looks stunning, which is saying something seeing as the iPhone 11 had a great display, albeit LCD. Consequently, the bezels are thinner and the contrast ratio has significantly improved. It is the best display on any iPhone to date.

The notches are still the only downside to what would have otherwise been a great-looking screen. It is understandable that the notch takes up so much space – FaceID is still the most secure unlocking method on any platform.

 

New Processor & iOS 14

The A14 debuted with the 2020 iPad Air, but its inclusion in the iPhones will always be more significant. Combined with iOS 14 – it flies. It’s a shame that the iPhone 12 did not get the eagerly anticipated 120Hz ProMotion display. Regardless, if this 60Hz screen is anything to go by, we are in for a treat for when iPhones finally get high refresh rate screens!

 

MagSafe

It’s safe to say that the return of MagSafe was unexpected. On the back of the iPhones are magnets that align with the MagSafe charger for 15W wireless charging.  Charging aside, MagSafe allows accessories to be appended to the back of the iPhone, a capability that will surely see a slew of third-party accessories. The magnets are relatively strong, allowing the charger to align perfectly every single time for efficient charging. Apple essentially took the guesswork and fidgeting out of wireless charging.

Still on matters charging, Apple remains stubborn about switching out the lightning port for the more conventional USB-C which it has already added to products like the iPad Pro. Maybe next year?

5G

The iPhone 12 release event had 5G left, right, and center. Apple listed the inclusion of 5G as one of the reasons for a design refresh. While Android competitors have been there and done that, nothing is ever mainstream until Apple includes it in their products. All the iPhones in the 2020 lineup get 5G. The inclusion of 5G now makes a lot of sense. Why? Because people usually keep their iPhones for several years. In that period of time, 5G will definitely have become more widespread than it is currently, and the iPhone 12 will be future-proofed. However, the inclusion of 5G is regional depending on whether the infrastructure is present or not.

IOS 14 is optimized to maximize the use of 5G, as well as manage its battery-use.

 

Improved Cameras

The most notable visual difference between the 12 and the 12 Pro is the extra lens and the LiDar sensor. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2x optical zoom camera. When compared to last year’s iPhones, the setups are largely similar with some tweaks and improvements. The camera setups are as follows:

  • A 12-megapixel wide camera with an f/1.6 aperture, optical image stabilization, and a new, 7-element lens.
  • A 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with an f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view.
  • A 12-megapixel telephoto camera, with a 2x optical zoom range exclusive to the iPhone 12 Pro.

While capturing still photos is as great as ever on the iPhones, it is the video department that has seen the most improvement. The iPhone 12 lineup pioneers shooting in Dolby Vision on mobile devices. Dolby Vision is video technology that is used by Hollywood studios and Microsoft’s next-gen gaming consoles. Stills have also improved, thanks to the 12 and 12 Pro having a slightly larger image sensor that takes in 27% more light.

 

A Close Call

This year more than ever, the iPhone 12 gives the 12 Pro a run for its money. Starting at $799, there is a $200 difference between the 12 and the Pro, making the base 12 a very compelling option. Granted, the iPhone 12 starts at 64GB base storage while the Pro starts at 128GB and has less sensors, but most people will not mind losing out on those features. Whichever the case, a case from TechArmor should fit any of the two, seeing as they have the same dimensions. Get one here.

iPhone 12 – What to Expect

12 Things to Expect from the iPhone 12

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

 

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Concept Images [HD]: Photo Gallery of ...

 

  1. 120Hz ProMotion

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

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

 

  1. Design

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

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

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

 

  1. Sound

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

 

  1. Ports and Cables

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

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

 

  1. Packaging

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

 

  1. Cameras

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

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

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

 

  1. 5G

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

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

 

  1. Batteries and Charging

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

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

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

 

  1. RAM

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

 

  1. Processors

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

 

  1. Price

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

iPhone 12 | 5.4” | 5G | 64GB – $699

iPhone 12 | 5.4” | 5G | 128GB – $749

iPhone 12 | 5.4” | 5G | 256GB – $849

 

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

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

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

 

iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1” | 128GB – $1049

iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1” | 256GB – $1149

iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1” | 512GB – $1349

 

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

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

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

 

  1. Launch

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

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

iPhone SE 2020 – Device Review

A Review of iPhone SE (2020) – The Most Powerful Budget Phone in a Nutshell

The iPhone SE is back! Loaded with enough power to challenge the best smartphones available—but for a fraction of the price. The first iPhone branded with the ‘SE’ name tag took the market by storm back in 2016. And judging by the fuss surrounding the new iPhone SE (2020), it seems well on track to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor. Here’s a breakdown of why the device is regarded as a market-disrupting game-changer.

Blistering Fast A13 Bionic Processor

The highlight of the iPhone SE (2020) is its processor—the A13 Bionic chip. Why is this such a big deal? The A13 is the same processor that powers the iPhone 11 models—and it has a rapport as one of the most powerful smartphone chipsets available today. Including a flagship-worthy processor in a budget phone caught most people by surprise (in a good way). So, whether you’re looking for a new gaming phone or a device capable of handling resource-intensive processes, the iPhone SE (2020) has more than enough power to exceed your expectation.

 

Pricing

The idea of owning a brand new top-shelf iPhone for $399 sounds comical. If you’re on a budget, few devices—if any—can offer better value for money. Think about it: The iPhone SE (2020) boasts of the same performance (relatively) as the $999 iPhone 11 Pro. But what’s the catch? Apple must make profits by cutting down on costs somewhere, right?

Sure, the latest iPhone SE’s chipset is impressive or even too good for its price range—but that’s not the whole picture. Some features can only be quantified by the user. For example, how do you feel about shorter battery life? What about Bezels? Do you care about a telephoto, ultrawide rear camera, or night mode? If these factors are deal-breakers to you, then iPhone SE does not provide value for money (to you at least).

 

iPhone SE (2020) Design and Display Specs – Old is Gold (*Almost)

How do you create a budget phone? To most manufacturers, this means dialing down on the performance or cameras—but not Apple! As evidenced by the iPhone SE, the company’s solution to cutting costs is packing top-of-the-range internal components in the body of an older model. It’s like fitting the 760-horsepower engine of Ford Mustang Shelby in a Toyota Prius.

The screen’s design borrows from the iPhone 8, which in turn borrowed from the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6—only that this time it’s been spruced up. In fact, screen protectors used on the iPhone 6/7/8 are also compatible with the new iPhone SE. It features a flat 4.7-inch Retina display (1334×750 pixels) with HDR adjustments, True Tone enhancements, and wide color gamut support.

 

How Good is the iPhone SE (2020) Camera and Battery?

Apple’s iPhone SE comes with a single 12MP rear camera, deviating from the dual and triple camera in the iPhone 11. It features phase-detection autofocus, optical stabilization, Smart HDR, and portrait mode. The front-facing camera is fitted with a 7MP unit that supports Retina flash.

As for the battery, a 1,821mAh (same as the iPhone 8’s) leaves a lot to be desired—but you also have to factor in Apple’s device optimization prowess. It comes with a disappointing 5W charger, though you can use any USB-PD charger you have lying around.

 

A Hit or Miss?

The iPhone SE (2020) is a remarkable device. If you’re strapped for cash, investing in the smartphone is a no-brainer. Well, as long as you can live with the bezels. But if bezels make you queasy, you can add another $200 for the iPhone XR or $300 for the iPhone 11. And if you already own an iPhone 6, 7, or 8, the iPhone SE (2020) is largely the same—but on ‘steroids.’ All factors considered; we believe the latest iPhone SE is a HIT! It’s a device that will serve you diligently for the next couple of years. Well, as long as you protect it with Tech Armor’s screen protection.

iPhone 12 – Rumors

The iPhone 12 Rumors Are Heating Up – Here’s What We Know…So Far

A revamped design, a 3D depth-sensing rear camera sensor, 4 models, 5G connectivity, a next-gen A14 Bionic chip, a 120Hz refresh rate—the upcoming iPhone 12 appears loaded with a slew of new and exciting features. It promises to be one of the most innovative smartphones released by the Cupertino-based tech giant in recent years.

While we’re still a couple of months from the official launch of the iPhone 12, we already have a good idea of what to expect when Tim Cook (Apple’s CEO) takes to the stage. As leaks and rumors continue to pour in, here’s everything we know so far.

2020 iPhone Shock As Nine 'All-New' Apple iPhones Revealed

 

ONE Model, FOUR Times the Joy!

Ready to be spoiled by choice? According to one of the most enduring rumors, Apple is set to surprise users with not 3 (as it did with the iPhone 11 series in 2019), but 4 models of the iPhone 12 come fall 2020. In fact, hints that Apple would expand its line of phones have been around since late last year. It’s hard to imagine there was a time when Apple only released a single flagship annually.

In December 2019, Ming Chi Kuo—an Apple analyst with a respectable track record—predicted that 2020 would see 5 iPhones (the other being the recently released iPhone SE 2020). Ming Chi Kuo’s information was later confirmed by Jon Prosser – aka., the guy who accurately leaked the release of the new MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPhone SE 2020, right down to the date. As highlighted by Ross Young from Display Supply Chain, the lineup includes:

  • iPhone 12: 5.4-inch OLED display (2340×1080) and dual rear lenses
  • iPhone 12 Max: 6.1-inch OLED panel (2532×1170) and dual rear lenses
  • iPhone 12 Pro: 6.1-inch OLED panel (2532×1170) with support for 10-bit color and three rear cameras plus a LiDAR sensor. It could also feature a 120 Hz refresh rate.
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: Similar to the iPhone 12 Pro—but with a bigger 6.7-inch OLED panel (2778×1824)

 

Let’s Talk Display!

As highlighted earlier, we expect 3 screen size variations, all featuring OLED displays. What’s more, rumors from serial leaker Ice Universe and DigiTimes suggest that the upcoming iPhone flagship might boast of a welcome display improvement – a switchable 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rate. This will allow for a smoother scrolling experience as seen on the iPad Pro and most iPhone competitors.

Information is also trickling in that all variants of the iPhone 12 could feature Samsung’s Y-OCTA integrated touch. This is according to Economic Daily News and Barclays analysts through MacRumors. The under-display ultrasonic display sensor would provide better security and convenience to iPhone users.

But as seen in the latest Samsung smartphones, ultrasonic fingerprint sensors are a major challenge for conventional screen protectors—which is why you should not settle for ‘conventional’. Instead, safeguard your premium device with Tech Armor’s top-of-the-range screen protectors.

 

iPhone 12 Design Leaked?

Anticipating buyers expect a notable cosmetic change every year to freshen up their iPhone game. This year, speculations point towards a design that is both nostalgic and modern. Remember the iconic flat metal-edge body of the iPhone 5? Well, Bloomberg reports that we could be seeing a come-back of this design—but with a modern twist.

Say goodbye to the curved design that has characterized the series since 2017, and hello a boxy design—with an aluminum/stainless steel frame and flat glass panels. Reliable leaks also claim that the devices with be impressively compact, including a smaller notch. We’re interested to see how consumers respond to this development.

 

iPhone 12 Camera Features

iPhones never skimp on camera quality! This has been the case for as long as iPhones existed—and Apple doesn’t plan to change the narrative anytime soon. So, what’s new with iPhone 12 camera setup and features?

Fast Company claims that the LiDAR time-of-flight sensor used on the front camera for Face ID could also feature on the rear camera. The claim was later confirmed by 9 to 5 Mac after they combed through a beta version of the iPhone 12’s iOS 14. This technology uses pulsed lasers to better measure the distance of an object from the sensor. Its possible applications are wide—from improving AR features to snaping higher-quality images.

Mobile photography aficionados should also be excited over the possibility of a new sensor-shift image stabilization technology. This would allow the camera to detect the phone’s movement and counter it using small electrical actuators. The result? Quality shots even in the shakiest of hands.

 

What Else Can We Expect from the iPhone 12?

  • A14 Bionic Chip: Brace yourselves for blazing speeds and beastly processing power—rivaling not just other smartphones, but also PC laptops. As reported by Tom’s Guide, iPhone 12 benchmarks by released by GizChina suggest that the new A14 processor is set to obliterate every other smartphone on the planet.
  • 5G Connectivity: According to Nikkei, the entire iPhone 12 lineup with feature—a long overdue—5G connectivity. Unfortunately, rumors by Jon Prosser and DigiTimes claim that the iPhone 12 (5.4-inch) and iPhone 12 Max (6.1-inch) will not ship with the faster mmWave 5G technology.
  • USB-C: iPhone users are accustomed to the proprietary Lighting port. But if the latest iPad Pro and virtually every other smartphone manufacturer are anything to go by, we might be seeing a USB-C port on the iPhone sooner than later—or not! There’s word on a portless device, but take it with a grain of salt. As for now, leaked reports suggest that the iPhone 12 will not feature a USB-C.
  • Pricing: According to a major leak (as reported by CNET) the iPhone 12 could literally be cheaper by the dozen (see what we did there?). The source claims that you might be able to land a brand-new iPhone 12 for a low starting price of $649.

 

When is the iPhone 12 Release Date?

Hankering to get your hands on one of the most anticipated devices of 2020? Well, so are we—plus millions of Apple fanboys around the world gleaming with excitement. If you’ve marked your calendar for September—as per the norm with other iPhone releases—you might have to hold your horses a little longer (*sigh).

Emerging reports are increasingly pointing towards a delayed-release. Both the Wall Street Journal and quotes by Broadcom’s CEO (via Bloomberg) claim that the iPhone 12 release date may be pushed to October—rather than September. This is largely due to delays in the production cycle as a consequence of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Give Your iPhone the Love it Deserves—Protect it With Tech Armor

Apple’s iPhones are easily one of the most sought-after devices in the market. Although the iPhone 12 is touted to be more affordable at $649, repairing an iPhone tends to be an expensive task. With this in mind, steer clear of avoidable damage to your device with the help of Tech Armor screen protectors. This is especially important in light of reports calling the iPhone 12 predecessor’s screen into question. According to 7News Australia—and even a thread on Apple’s official forum—the iPhone 11 gets scratched far too easily. Don’t wait to find out if your iPhone 12 will have the same issue, get protected as soon as you buy the device.

A Screen Protector for Your Phone: Why Privacy Should Matter?

There was a time, not too long ago, when computers were the absolute focal points of most people’s lives. They did everything on it: work, gaming and most recently, social networking; if there was something that couldn’t necessarily be done by hand, it was done digitally, and computers were the prime way to do it.

Many of those functions have been taken over by mobile platforms, and the evidence is clear: mobile gaming is bigger than console gaming in some parts of the world, and plenty of companies have been scrambling to make mobile versions of their more popular business solutions so workers can work on the go to maximize productivity: the majority of simplified versions of complex business solutions and productivity apps designed to make our lives that much easier while we are all on our way somewhere. Why? Mobile is simply more convenient: why take out a laptop for business and/or work, or a console when you can do whatever you need to on the go?

Unfortunately, this convenience has come at a price. One with hefty repercussions for the naive and over credulous… PRIVACY. Whenever you’re using a mobile device in public, you can be almost certain that there will be at least the odd person in any crowd with a certain malicious intent who has developed a certain acquired skill at intaking the various passwords, credit card numbers, or even making himself a VIP guest to the very private conversations you might be having with someone you might be chatting with.

In simple terms, this can be called Visual Hacking. A method of hacking that has been around for ages (you may have almost been a victim of luring your PIN code for your credit card or ATM). Today our phones hold and transfer much more personal information and access to much more information than we could have anticipated a decade ago. People are blatantly leaving the content of their screens exposed. Logins, payroll information and countless other sensitive data about you, your friends and family, and the company you work for. All of that! You need to consider if you are okay with this. Or if you should shield this content from visual hackers. How, you ask? There is only one simple and near fail-safe way of doing so, and that is with a privacy screen protector!

A privacy screen protector shields the content of your screen from everyone except you. Simple as that! This means that you can use your phone or tablet everywhere you go without having to worry about visual hackers – or people finding your choice of YouTube video less funny than you!

BUT HOW DOES IT WORK?
Privacy screen protectors have a special filter (the privacy filter) that allows light to pass through from certain angles. You can compare screen privacy filters with traditional window blinds. Except, the blinds (the filter in this case) are preset to a narrow front angle, letting you see everything clearly, while people next to you are unable to see the content of your screen. All they see is a darkened/blackened screen. In the case of Tech Armor Screen Protectors, the viewing angle is straight on, but not from the sides. In other words: Only you see what you really want to see and no one else.

Privacy filters are an easy way of keeping strangers from seeing what it is on your phone or tablet. And they are available for laptops as well, meaning you can work on your computer everywhere without having to think about anything but working. This is especially useful if you are handling essential documents, emails e.g., working on public transportation. Or just want to browse your device privately.

ANTI-GLARE COATING
You have most likely tried it yourself: The sun is out and it is impossible to see anything on your screen! With an anti-glare coating, light reflections are reduced, letting you see the content of your screen more clearly. This means that you can use your laptop outside when working, something that is practically impossible without an anti-glare coating. Please note, that the screen will be slightly darker when fitted with a privacy screen protector (due to the privacy filter).

BLUE LIGHT REDUCTION
Tech Armor’s privacy screen protectors feature blue light reduction. Blue light has been proven to affect your sleep negatively and disrupt your circadian rhythm. This occurs because blue light inhibits the release of sleep hormones, causing us to become more awake. It is for this reason that scientists recommend that exposure to blue light at night is decreased. And this is where privacy screen protectors come in handy. They can reduce the amount of blue light emitted by your device, which decreases the effects of the blue light. You will still get exposed to it, but the effects will be reduced. Without knowing exactly how much the effects are reduced, it is fair to say that using your phone or tablet at night won’t disrupt your sleep as much when using a privacy screen protector.

Bottom Line? Don’t put yourself at risk in this day of age, invest in privacy screen protector that you can absolutely rely on. Your privacy matters to you, so it matters to us, too, and we are committed to your absolute privacy.

Be sure to order your Tech Armor Screen Protector today!

The Apple iPhone 11: Unveiled!

So, here we are! After a year of intense rumors, supply chain chatter, mockups, and renders, Apple has unveiled the long-awaited 2019 iPhone lineup: iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone 11 to the public. 

If you missed the event, no worries, we’ve got you covered.
Here is a quick run-down on the new features, the tech specs, and importantly what it’s going to cost you out of the gates!

At the very core of this update is the integration of Apple’s brand new processor, the 123 Bionic, which Apple claims, is the fastest CPU and GPU we have yet to see in any other smartphone, ever.

Powered by 7-nanometer architecture, it packs 8.5 billion transistors into the package, a massive upgrade compared to the A12 Bionic, which has 6.9 billion transistors. THAT is a whole lot of processing power! 

The A13 bionic features four high-efficiency cores which are 20 percent faster and consume 40 percent less battery power than the previous generation, and two high-performance cores, which are 20 percent fast and 30 percent more efficient than the A12 Bionic.

The GPU is also 20 percent faster and 40 percent more efficient, while the neural engine come equipped with eight cores, is 20 percent faster and consumes 15 percent less power.

PHONE 11 PRO AND IPHONE 11 PRO MAX:SPECS AND FEATURES

    • New finishes: Space grey,silver,gold,and midnight green
    • 5.8- and 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, highest pixel density of any display Apple makes
    • A13 Bionic processor with new Machine Learning Controller and low-power design (most efficient 7m, architecture, 8.5 billion transistors)
    • All-day battery life (4 hours more battery life than the the iPhone XS)
    • Fast-charge 18W adapter included
    • 12-megapixel wide camera (26-mm,f1.8,6-element)
    • 12-megapixel telephoto (52-mm,f2.0,6-element)
    • 4K 60fps extended dynamic range video
    • 12-megapixel front-facing TrueDepth camera with 4K video support and slo-mo selfies (slofies)

IPHONE 11 PRO AND IPHONE 11 PRO MAX:PRICE

The iPhone 11 Pto starts at $999 USD, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1,099 USD

IPHONE 11:SPECS AND FEATURES

    • 6.1-inch LED Retina display
    • Anodized aluminum 
    • Six new colors
    • Dolby Atmos
    • 12-megapixel wide camera (26-mm, f1.8, 6-element)
    • 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera (13-mm, f2.4, 5-element, 120-degree view)
    • Updated image signal processing
    • Next-generation smart HDR
    • Portrait Lighting with Light Control
    • Night mode for low-light photography
    • 4k video at 60fps
    • 12-megapixel front-facing TrueDepth camera with 4K video support and slo-mo selfies (slofies)
    • A13 Bionic processor (fastest CPU and GPU in a smartphone)
    • All-day battery life (1 hour more battery life than the iPhone XR)

IPHONE 11:PRICES

Pricing for the iPhone 11 starts at $699 USD.

For all things Apple and iPhone 11 related as they transpired following the Apple Special Launch Event today, check out this Apple iPhone resource page on The Next Web 

We’ll continue forward all month with more coverage of this exciting for Apple’s new iPhone. Stay tuned for further coverage and don’t forget to share your initial thoughts on what you thought of what Apple presented yesterday. We would love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading.

10 Reasons to Wait for iPhone 11

 

Has it been a while since you’ve upgraded your phone – perhaps waiting year over year for the ideal phone? The 2018 iPhones are still be all means, an excellent choice for anyone, but Apple’s rumored 2019 iPhones, the iPhone 11, might be the best choice of all. Those of you in the market for a new phone might be wise to go hands-on with Apple’s latest iPhones before (or waiting to buy) your next phone.

Others might want to start thinking about waiting for this year’s crop of iPhones. Being literally just a day from Apple’s iPhones announcements, the rumors of credible merit have of course been pouring out of ever major tech blog and website online for months.

The iPhone 11 Rumors

Ahead of any official announcement, Apple’s registered eleven new iPhone models in the Eurasian Economic Commission database.

According to Indian blog MySmartPrice , these models most likely represent Apple’s new crop of iPhones. EEC filings often come several months ahead of any release and we’re already preparing for this month’s launch date.

This shouldn’t really come as much of a surprise. The new iPhones will reportedly feature a new A13 Processor, a new camera setup, 4 GB of RAM and a dual-camera setup on the iPhone XR’s successor, OLED and LCD displays without 3D Touchm and Apple Pencil support.

Rumors also claim that the new iPhone 11 ditch Lightning in favor of USB-C like Apple’s newest iPad Prods. Other reports claim the company will keep Lightning as the standard on the iPhone 11.

With all of this and so much more in mind, let’s take a look at some reasons to consider Apple’s new iPhones.

Why Wait for the iPhone 11 Launch

If you absolutely must upgrade your phone, don’t wait for the iPhone 11 if you need to upgrade in the very near future and affordability is a primary factor. This being said, if you absolutely must have the latest iPhone and cost isn’t so much a factor, you’re going to definitely want to tune-in to Apple’s iPhone 11 launch event (being tomorrow!) for all the excitement for the new iPhone before making that decision to buy the phone.

Wait for the best version of iOS 13

New iPhones typically are released with some exclusive software features so if you want the absolute best version of iOS 13, you might want to hang on for that.  According to some credible rumors, the new iPhones will come with a camera upgrade that rivals Google’s Night Sight feature. The feature would help the new iPhones shoot better photos in low light environments.

Wait for the Powerful Cameras

The 2018 iPhones come with Apple’s arguably best cameras, but if the upgrades aren’t enough, you’ll want to think about waiting for the potential change coming with the next iPhone.  the iPhone 11 rumors have repeatedly pointed to a new camera setup. Specifically, hinting at a triple-lens rear camera system complete with advanced 3D sensing (for use with Augmented Reality) and stereoscoping imaging.

 

Wait for Potential Apple Pencil Support

Trendforce claimed Apple would be bringing Apple Pencil support to the 2018 iPhone models but this didn’t happen. Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple Pencil Support will come to the iPhone at some point, but he hasn’t said anything about the iPhone 11.

 

Wait for Better Wi0Fi & LTE

The 2019 iPhones might not support 5G, but they could come with improve Wi-Fi.  According to a Barclays analyst, Apple’s new iPhones could deliver support for Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax.  Apple may take its time with 5G, but there still stands a chance Apple is among the first to offer the new Wi-Fi standard on its product line.

If Apple does install Wi-Fi 6 support on its new iPhones, we can expect better data rates, better service in crowded areas like sporting events and concerts, and improved battery performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Wait for Performance Improvements

The new iPhones will likely retain Apple’s Lightning standard, but it looks like they will come with some improvements to the internal better and a new charging capability.  A report out of Korea claims the new version of the iPhone XR will come with a 3110 mAh battery which would be more than a 5% improvement from the 2942 mAH battery on the current model.  In addition, it looks like the new devices will include “bilateral wireless charging for charging other devices.” So in other words, we might be able to use the phones to charge other devices like your AirPods.

Wait for Better Speakers

There is a rumor that suggests Apple is making some improvements to the stereo speaker setup.  There isn’t much in the way of specifics, but if you want booming sound on your next iPhone, you might want to hang around and see what Apple does with this year’s models.

Wait for Face ID Improvements

According to some other credible rumor reports, Apple is preparing an upgraded system that lets you use wider angles with unlocking your phone.  iOS will bring improvements to Face ID as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wait for New Colors

It looks like the 2019 version of the iPhone XR will come in some new colors.  Japanese blog Mac Otakara claims the new iPhone XR will come in six colors like its predecessor but it looks like two colors will get swapped out.  Specifically, it is looking like Blue and Coral will be swapped out for Green and Lavender. Apple will continue to offer the iPhone XR in black, white, yellow, and (Product) red.

Wait for More Base Storage

Rumor has it that Apple plans to increase the base storage on this year’s iPhone models.  According to some leaked news, Apple’s 2019 iPhone lineup will start with 128GB of storage. Right now, Apple’s flagship iPhones start at 64GB of storage and then jump up to 256GB.  This is a huge deal if Apple keeps the base models at the same starting prices. The iPhone XS starts at $999 USD without a trade-in and the larger iPhone XS Max starts at $1099.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hope we’ve provided ample amount of great reasons why the 2019 iPhone could be your next ideal phone. Plenty of what we’ve discussed here are based on credible news and report sources but expect more details and specifications to be further speculated on in the coming weeks.

As the new iPhone launch date quickly draws near, we’ll continue to share more about our thoughts and opinions on what the public can expect from the next great Apple phone. Stay tuned as we continue with our insights and what we can expect with the launch of the new iPhone.

What are your thoughts? does what we share here stand for good reasons to wait for the next iPhone?  Feel free to share your comments.

Thanks for Reading!

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