Smartphone Insurance: Is It Worth Paying?

Most of us have been there. You’ve been going about your day and drop your phone, shattering the screen. Or maybe you leaned over a little too far to reach something in your kitchen, only to knock your phone into the sink? Been Rushing to get to work and dropped your phone in a puddle?


It’s nearly impossible to find someone who has never accidentally damaged theiriPhone or Android device these days. Our smartphones are a huge part of our daily lives, so it’s only natural to expect they might become damaged at some point.

But is spending money on smartphone insurance in Warsaw, Indiana really worth it?


The Details On Smartphone Insurance In WarsawOn its surface, smartphone insurance is just like any other type of insurance policy you purchase. You buy a plan and either pay a monthly fee or an upfront annual cost. The idea is if something happens to your phone, you’ll get reimbursed for the cost after meeting your deductible.
The most common plans are offered by phone manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google. Basic plans should cover manufacturing defects in your phone, battery replacement, and loss or theft. There are also options through your cell phone service provider such as Verizon, T -Mobile, etc).


It’s important to realize that you can often only receive these benefits after meeting a deductible. That means not every repair will be completely covered and you’ll likely need to pay some amount out of pocket.


If you need to send your phone to the manufacturer to fix it, it can take anywhere from 3-10 business days in most cases. If you buy phone insurance from a third-party provider you might get a refund for your phone instead of a replacement if they can’t fix the problem.
Manufacturer WarrantiesRemember that manufacturer warranties are not the same as phone insurance. Your warranty usually only covers phone defects, so if you drop your phone or lose it, your warranty won’t help.
Decide If Phone Insurance Is Worth The CostBefore you decide to spend your hard-earned money on smartphone insurance, take a few minutes to ask yourself a few questions:


Who is using the phone and what type of device is it?What plans are available and at what cost?What will insurance cover?Is an alternative to insurance a better choice?ExampleYou own the latest iPhone, which will automatically put you in the highest cost for an out-of-pocket deductible. But, iPhones are expensive, so you may want to protect your investment.
6 months after you bought your phone, you drop it and crack the screen and the backglass shutters. AppleCare+ can be a decent deal for iPhone users, but you are usually limited to 2 accidental damage repairs and you will still need to pay out of pocket .


If you don’t have an Apple store nearby (like those of us in the Warsaw, IN area), you’ll be facing days or even weeks without your phone if you need to mail it in for repairs.
Trust The Lab With Your Phone Repairs In Warsaw, IndianaOne of our most popular services at The Lab is our iPhone back glass repair. It’s a repair that a lot of people put off because it’s expensive and inconvenient for Apple to fix. Apple usually charges anywhere from $349 – $599, since it doesn’t fall under their standard “screen replacement” repair.


We use Warsaw’s only state-of-the-art laser machine specifically designed to repair your iPhone’s back glass. The best part is that the repair only takes 4 hours and usually costs $130 – $150 (+tax) depending on the model.
From screen repairs to battery replacements and more, The Lab is often your most cost-effective solution for phone repairs. 


If you’re buying a new phone and aren’t sure whether it’s worth buying phone insurance, give us a call and we’ll be happy to walk you through your options. We’re always ready to create smiles through our outstanding customer service !

We Can Fix That: Phone Speaker Problems

When your cell phone’s speaker stops working properly,it can negatively impact almost everything your phone does. The music stops playing, you can’t make calls using the speakerphone, and you don’t hear notifications. Your phone uses its speaker constantly and that means there is a high likelihood that it will eventually become damaged or simply wear out.


The speaker on your cell phone is constantly exposed to the environment and all the debris it contains. While your phone itself is built to withstand a lot of these environmental factors, its speaker doesn’t always protect itself well against small particles that can damage or muffle it.


Before you worry that you have a broken phone speaker in Warsaw, try:
Rebooting your phoneChecking for software updatesMaking sure your volume levels are turned up. If you have an iPhone, make sure it isn’t set on “do not disturb” or vibrate.Ensuring your speaker isn’t set on “mute” in any appTaking your phone off “Headphone Mode”Being sure your phone isn’t set to play sound through a Bluetooth speaker, TV, or other devicesCommon Broken Phone Speaker Causes
Once you’ve tried all of the above simple fixes for a muffled or broken phone speaker in Warsaw, Indiana and haven’t been able to get your phone working, it’s time to bring it into The Lab.

Our certified repair technicians can take a look at your iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel and diagnose the problem with your speaker. Whether you need your speaker repaired or completely replaced, The Lab can handle it for you.
Dirt & Debris In The SpeakerYour cell phone’s speaker vents collect all kinds of debris over time (makeup, dead skin cells, pocket lint, etc.) and that can cause the sound to become muffled. 


This isn’t a repair you want to try to do yourself. Using compressed air, chemicals, or water to try to clean your speaker at home can damage not only the speaker but your entire phone!


Liquid DamageDamage from a liquid is a common cause of speaker problems. If you’ve spilled water on your phone or dropped it in a puddle, even if your phone starts working again, your speaker still might need to be repaired or replaced.
If you’ve spilled something like soda, juice, coffee, or tea on your phone, that can leave a sticky residue on the mesh that covers your speaker. Until that film is cleaned, the sound on your phone will continue to be muffled and distorted.


Improper Phone StorageIf you aren’t storing your phone in a clean, dry place, it can easily be damaged. Because your phone’s speaker is one of the most delicate parts of your phone, it is very susceptible to damage. 


Make sure to keep your phone in a protective case whenever possible. If you’ve dropped your phone recently without its protective case, that could be the cause of your speaker damage.
Software IssuesIf your phone’s software isn’t working or is outdated, your phone might not be the right signals to its speaker. The good news is that most software problems are easy problems to fix that can be remedied with sending a simple software update or reinstall.


Bring Your Phone Into The Lab In Warsaw, IndianaMuffled, distorted sounds caused by a broken phone speaker can make using your phone nearly impossible. Stop stressing about your phone’s damaged speakers and bring it into The Lab so we can help.

How to Record Calls on Your Phone

Learn how to use software or gadgets to record calls on Android or iPhone.

OUR MEMORIES ARE imperfect, so it can be helpful to record important calls. As a journalist, I often record phone calls to preserve a subject’s words. It is surprising how often there are differences when I check my impressions against what was actually said. If you expect perfect recall of the details of a meeting, you must record it. There are various ways to record a phone call on your iPhone or Android phone, and I’ ve tried them all. These are your best options.


The laws on recording phone calla vary from country to country, and for the US, from state to state. Sometimes consent is required from both parties. Sometimes consent from one person on the call is enough. Recording a call you are not participating in is Generally illegal. For folks in the US, this law firm document breaks it down clearly. Check your legal obligations before you record any calls.


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Use the Phone App (Android)


Some Android phones offer call recording built right into Google’s Phone app, or the manufacturer’s phone app. Whether it appears for you depends on your phone manufacturer, carrier, and the region you are in. Here’s how to use the feature if you have it:


Open the Phone app.Tap the three vertical dots at the top right (a gear icon on some phones).Choose Settings.Tap on Call Recording (Record calls on some phones).You can choose Always record or pick Selected numbers.Once you have turned this feature on, you should also see a Record button on screen during any calls. Tap Stop recording or simply end the call when you’re done.
You can listen to recorded calls in the Recents section in the Phone app. Tap the caller’s name, select the recording from the list of calls, and tap Play to listen.
Use Google Voice (Android or iOS)If you are in the US, you can use the Google Voice app for Android or iOS to record incoming calls (it cannot record outgoing calls). This voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) service is free to sign up for and easy to use. Here’s how:


Go to Google Voice and create an account.Tap the gear icon at the top right.Choose Calls on the left-hand side.Toggle on Incoming call options.Now you can simply press 4 on the dial pad during a call to start and stop recording.To listen to recorded calls, choose the Recorded option from the menu in the Google Voice app or website.
Use a Third-Party Call Recording App (Android or iOS)While Google’s crackdown on apps using Android’s accessibility APIs for non-accessibility reasons effectively purged many call recording apps, and Apple never allowed those kinds of apps in the first place, there are still several options if you want to use a third-party app to record calls. Unfortunately, most of them are awkward to use or expensive or both
They tend to fudge by creating three-way calls where you merge in the recording line. If you plan to try one, ensure your carrier supports three-way calling, and check for technical issues with your phone model and carrier first. We also advise reading the privacy policy to ensure your calls stay private.


Perhaps the best known option is TapeACall for Android or iOS. The free version is limited, and the price for a subscription fluctuates, but it usually starts from $3 per month for unlimited recording. Additional features like transcriptions and word search are also available as in -app purchases.
Use Another PhoneIf none of our suggestions thus far work for you, maybe consider using another device to record calls. You will probably have to crank the call volume up or put it on speaker for this to be effective. We will look at dedicated devices in a moment , but if you have a second phone you can use, there’s no need to buy anything else.


All phones come with a voice recorder app. Google’s Recorder app for Pixel phones is my favorite because it can automatically transcribe conversations and has a dedicated site where you can review or download them. For other Android phones, your manufacturer has likely included an app. For example, Samsung phones have an app called Voice Recorder. You may also consider a third-party recording app, such as Easy Voice Recorder, but always read the privacy policy first. You can use Voice Memos on an iPhone.


Use Another Recording DeviceFor frequently recording conversations in person and on the phone, you might consider a dedicated device. Aside from the cost, you must activate it at the right time, and be aware that it may pick up background noise, so it likely won’t work well for you if you can’t take or make calls in a relatively quiet space.
I tested the iZyrec Mini Recorder ($100) recently and was quite impressed by the audio quality of recorded calls. It’s small enough to hold against the back of your smartphone, easy to use, and can record both sides of a call without the need for speakerphone mode. The companion app connects via Bluetooth, enabling you to download and review recordings on your phone. Sadly, the voice activation is a bit flaky.


The Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo Recorder ($47) is an old-school digital recorder that’s affordable and works well. You get 4 GB of storage built in with a microSD card slot to expand if required. It can record for up to 55 hours from two AAA batteries, and plugs directly into your computer via USB-A to download calls.


One final option is the RecorderGear PR200 Bluetooth Recorder ($109), which connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and acts like a remote handset. Calls are channeled through the device, and you simply tap a button to record. It has 8 GB of storage inside , and the battery lasts up to 12 hours. There’s also a USB-A connector to plug directly into your computer to review calls.

Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2 Have Arrived. Here’s What’s New

The new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones have price jumps and a slew of new features, and Google’s latest smartwatch and earbuds got upgrades.Google Pixel 8 smartphones in various colors on a table

GOOGLE’S OCTOBER HARDWARE event took place this morning in New York City. During its presentation, the company showed off three new pieces of hardware: the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, and the Pixel Watch 2. The new phones are flush with new features, from secure face authentication and seven years of software support to a built-in thermometer, while the second-generation Pixel Watch has more modest improvements over its predecessor. There are also some software upgrades coming to the Pixel Buds Pro, Google’s wireless earbuds. 


Today’s event wasn’t just about hardware. Google also unveiled its plans to inject Google Assistant with its Bard large language model, imbuing the voice chatbot with artificial-intelligence-fueled conversational powers. You can read more about that in a separate story. Below is everything you need to know about the Pixel 8 series phones and Pixel Watch 2.


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Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 ProGoogle Pixel 8 Pro smartphone
It’s year eight for Google’s Pixel smartphones, which means the handset line has officially survived longer than Google Reader. (I’m not salty.) 
The Pixel 8 is a bit smaller than last year’s Pixel 7, with a 6.2-inch screen; the Pixel 8 Pro retains the 6.7-inch screen size of its predecessor. Both phones have more-rounded edges than before—they mold to my hands quite nicely!—and the Pixel 8has a matte camera bar with a glossy glass back, whereas the Pro model has a soft-touch matte back glass with a glossy camera bar. Both of the new models have frames crafted out of 100 percent recycled aluminum. 


Google’s going the Apple route of giving its OLED displays a proprietary name—the Pixel 8 has an “Actua display” and the Pixel 8 Pro has a “Super Actua display.” Like Apple’s Liquid Retina Display, the cute name doesn’t really mean anything special. What’s new, however, is that the Pixel 8 can hit a peak brightness of 2,000 nits in outdoor conditions, 42 percent brighter than last year’s Pixel 7. The Pixel 8 Pro pushes this to 2,400 nits. Both phones support a screen refresh rate up to 120-Hz, making the animations on the display look smoother than ever, but only the Pro model has a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide screen, meaning it can dial back the number of frames per second displayed—anywhere from 120 to 1, based on what’s happening on the screen—to conserve battery life. 


One of the more surprising additions to the Pixel 8 series is support for secure face authentication. If you’ve been following Pixel hardware over the years, you’ll remember that the Pixel 4 was the only one to ever support facial recognition as a secure biometric authentication method, utilizing Google’s radar technology. The Pixel 8 series doesn’t have the Soli chip that powered that function in the older handset, but these new phones have the same capabilities. This means you can use your face to securely access banking and payment apps, or anything that usually requires a PIN or fingerprint authentication. If you don’t like face recognition, both phones still have fingerprint sensors.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find this next new feature on another smartphone: a temperature sensor. This is exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro. Google says you’re able to measure the temperature of almost anything by pointing the sensor on the back of the Pixel to an object. I measured cups of hot and iced water, and it delivered results quite quickly, though you have to get very close to the thing you want to measure, and you’ll get more accurate results if you choose one of the preset options on the material you’re trying to read, like glass or ceramic. (Google says these presets help calibrate the sensor.) Theoretically, you can even measure someone’s body temperature. Google has submitted the app to the FDA for this purpose, but it hasn’t been cleared for such use.


These new phones are powered by Tensor G3, Google’s third generation of its custom silicon processor, and the company says “every subsystem has been upgraded,” including the image signal processor to improve the Pixel’s picture-taking capabilities. Speaking of, the Pixel 8 has an upgraded 50-megapixel primary camera with what Google claims is a 20 percent improvement in light sensitivity. (More light sensitivity means brighter and sharper photos, especially in low light.) It’s joined by a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera that supports macro mode from the Pixel 7 Pro, so you can capture close-ups. 


The Pixel 8 Pro has upgraded light-gathering capabilities in all three of its cameras: a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel ultrawide, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with 5X optical zoom. Its macro mode can now get even closer to a subject, and the Pro’s autofocus system is now “multi-zone,” allowing for a wider cone of focus in photos. This Pixel also gets an exclusive Pro camera mode that allows shutterbugs to tweak things like ISO and shutter speed while still taking advantage of the Pixel’s computational photography.


Both phones have a 10.5-megapixel selfie camera, but I have good news and bad news. There’s finally autofocus on the front-facing camera, allowing you to see all your pores in sharp detail. Unfortunately, this is available only on the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8’s front camera has a fixed focus.


There are some new camera software tricks this year. The coolest is Video Boost mode, yet another exclusive for the Pixel 8 Pro. Here, when you take a video in low-light conditions (up to 4K, 30 frames per second), the clip is sent to Google’s cloud servers for processing and is then sent back to you—depending on the length of the video, it can take several hours. However, the improvements are startling. Google showed me clips using this mode versus those from the iPhone 14 Pro, and the Pixel’s video was much brighter and sharper, with better stabilization.  

How to Get a Battery Replacement for Your Aging Smartphone

Most manufacturers want you to believe you can’t replace your battery, but that’s not true. Doing so can add years of life to your device.


YOU MIGHT BE in the habit of replacing your smartphone every couple of years, but most phones can last a lot longer than that. Like your car, they might just need a new part every now and then, and the best repair you can do on your phone to make it last longer is a battery replacement. But most batteries aren’t user-replaceable. So how do you actually get one?


Unfortunately, user-replaceable batteries are becoming increasingly rare, and most smartphone manufacturers don’t go too far out of their way to let you know that you can get a battery replacement at all. In fact, when Apple briefly lowered the cost of iPhone battery replacements, it resulted in about 10 times as many people replacing their batteries as usual (and, coincidentally, far fewer new iPhones sold that year). However, even if your battery is locked inside your phone, you can get a new one and keep your phone lasting longer.


Some Things to Consider Before Replacing the BatteryEven though battery replacements are very useful, they can also be a hassle to get done. In fact it’s not unlike getting work done on your car: You might be able to do it yourself, but it’s probably easier to pay someone else to do it , and you should expect to be without your phone for a while as you wait for the repair to finish.
Many places offer same-day repairs, as long as the battery for your device is in stock. That is, for repair places with physical locations near you. If you have a local Apple store or a uBreakiFix location near you, they might have what you need. But in some cases you’ll need to mail in your phone to get a repair, which could leave you without it for days. And while you may be able to get a loaner phone from some places, it can still be a hassle. On the other hand, it’s a lot better for the environment, not to mention your wallet, if you replace the battery rather than buy a new phone.


When You Should Replace the BatteryAs a general rule, if you’ve had your phone for a couple years and it’s starting to show its age, that’s a pretty good time to look into a battery replacement. That’s right around the time you might be thinking about getting a new phone anyway–many carriers still offer upgrades or payment plans that renew every two years to entice you–but you can also check your battery’s health manually if you want to see if you need an upgrade sooner.


On iPhones, you can navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to find a Maximum Capacity value that will show what percentage of your battery’s initial charge capacity is left. This isn’t how full your battery is right now but rather how much charge it can hold relative to how much it could hold when it was new. If this gets down to 80 percent (especially if it’s still under warranty), get a new battery.


As always, Android phones are a little more complicated; there are many different models and they don’t all work the same. Instead, you can use an app like AccuBattery to get detailed stats on the health of your battery. The app uses an estimate, not an official report, and it may take a few days to get a full picture of your battery’s health. But if it’s below 80 percent of its original capacity, it might be time to take a look at a replacement battery.


Take Your iPhone Into an Apple StoreIf you have an iPhone and you want a battery replacement, you’re probably in the best position. If you’re still under warranty or AppleCare+, you can get a free battery replacement on most phones from the last several years. If you’ re outside of coverage, the fees range from $49 to $69, depending on which phone you have.
If you can bring your phone into an Apple store, they can often repair your phone the same day and have it back to you in a few hours. If the repair job is more complicated, the store may need to send it off to an Apple Repair Center, which can take up to 3 to 5 days to complete the repair. However, this is how long it would take to get a repair job if you mailed the phone in yourself anyway, so it makes sense to try an in-store repair first.


Try Third-Party Repair Shops for Android PhonesFor Android phones, there’s no single manufacturer that also handles all repairs, like there is with Apple, but you can still get same-day repairs done with third-party repair shops. The most prominent of these is uBreakiFix, which has locations in most US states. Some major manufacturers like Google and Samsung give uBreakiFix access to OEM parts, which means they can repair your phone with the same materials those companies would use if you send them in directly.
Prices on Android battery repairs can vary, but usually are around or below $100, but you might need to call in to get an estimate. In some places, the company can even send a rep out to you to repair your phone on-site, in addition to the usual options of either going into a store or mailing in your device.


When All Else Fails, Do It YourselfIn some cases, it might not be feasible (or even possible) to bring your phone into a store or mail it in somewhere. If you really want to keep your existing phone, and you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you can try replacing the battery yourself. Repair site iFixit has guides for replacing batteries on most major phones that will explain in detail what tools you need and how to take apart your phone, with pictures for every step.


You might need a specialized toolkit (which iFixit also sells) that has the proprietary screwheads and other tools that might be required for opening up your phone. Also keep in mind, while you can replace a part without voiding your warranty (and in fact those warranty-voiding stickers are illegal!), the manufacturer still might try to fight you on the warranty if you break anything while doing so.

And potentially even if you don’t. If you’re comfortable with that–or if you’re already out of coverage anyway–then order a replacement battery for your phone online and give it a whirl.

When To Replace Your Cell Phone Battery

Did you know that the average cell phone battery only lasts two years? But just because your battery is slowing down or won’t hold a charge doesn’t mean you need a completely new phone. 

You might be able to simply replace the phone battery in Warsaw, Indiana, and get another 2-3 years out of your phone!
Signs Your Battery Needs To Be ReplacedYour phone battery won’t usually just stop working with no warning. There are signs you can look for in order to plan for a replacement.


Sluggish PerformanceYou might start noticing that your phone is responding slower to taps or prompts. Do apps take longer to launch than they used to?


Increased Battery DrainIf your phone’s power isn’t lasting as long as it used to, that is a sign that your battery needs to be replaced. If you need to charge your phone more than once a day, it’s definitely time to bring it into The Lab.


Won’t Hold A ChargeHas your phone stopped powering up to 100% or shuts down unexpectedly? If this keeps happening, especially if it’s paired with your phone overheating, it’s a sign that your battery should be replaced.
Tips For iPhone UsersIf you have an iPhone 6 or newer, you can use the Battery Health feature to check in on your battery.

Photo provided by digitaltrends.comThis iPhone feature gives you crucial information about your battery’s performance. “Maximum Capacity” shows you how well your battery is performing compared to when it was brand new. 
While a slightly lower percentage is lower as your phone ages, it should still retain about 80% of the capacity at 300-500 charge cycles. If it starts dropping below 80%, it’s time for a battery replacement.


Tips For Android Phone UsersMost current Android phone models provide a battery usage setting similar to the iPhone. If your Android phone doesn’t offer that setting, try looking for a third-party app in the Google Play store that can help.

Photo provided by digitaltrends.comWith Android devices, you still want to keep your phone’s battery at 80% and above percentage the same way you would with an iPhone. 
When It’s Time To Get A New Cell Phone Battery In WarsawIf you have a new phone that you’re using the way a typical phone would be used, your battery should work at 80% and above for 2-3 years.


You can keep your battery lasting even longer by keeping it protected from extreme cold and heat and charging it appropriately.
Replacing cell phone batteries is one of the most common repairs we do at The Lab. Replacing the battery in your smartphone is often much cheaper than recycling it and purchasing a new device.


Check out the estimated battery replacement costs on our Phone Repair page and bring your phone into The Lab today! Our expert repair technicians can get yourbattery replaced and your phone back in your hands fast.

How to choose the best case for your Samsung Galaxy S8?

Admit it, curved screen phones are well recieved.For example the new coming Samsung Galaxy S8 . You must have already been excited about this Samsung new flagship. It sounds fantastic, a curved, bezel-less infinity display, dual pixel 12MP rear camera, Bixby, the new intelligent assistant, a free Gear VR headset with Touch Controller (for those that pre-order), a pair of Harman AKG ear buds, the list goes on and on. Although, there might still be a shred of doubt about the reliability given what happened with the Note 7 battery debacle, seriously, we don’t want that happening again.


However, the fact is, the Samsung Galaxy S8 has broken all the pre-order records over the previous model, the Galaxy S7, in South Korea and it has also seen double digit growth in the USA.


The feedback and general public perception is positive regarding the S8 and it seems to be that the Note 7 problems are slowly becoming a distant memory.
As you can clearly see from the news headlines echoing around the Internet, Samsung is on the rise once more:
“What Note 7 recall? Samsung Galaxy S8 pre-orders see double-digit growth in the US” (ZDNET)
“Samsung says its new phone is selling well, showing consumers have gotten over the Galaxy Note 7 disaster” (CNBC)
“Maybe the Galaxy Note 7 Debacle Didn’t Hurt Samsung That Much After All” (Fortune)
samsung note 7 explosion1. The tremendous popularity of Samsung S8 and curved screen phonesOK, enough of the sorry tale of the Galaxy Note 7, let’s focus on the new world, the exciting world of the Samsung Galaxy S8.


Before I sat down to write this blog, I went through countless online reviews about the Galaxy S8, watched dozens of YouTube video reviews and poured over magazine articles about the latest and greatest phone. The overall view shows that there is almost 99% satisfaction, amazing.
Now, to be fair, that is not surprising when you consider the number of firsts that this delivers phones, the latest display technology, the latest battery technology, Bixby the new AI assistant, the new Gear VR headset etc.
Of all of these new and exciting features, the one I want to focus on is the curved surface screen.


samsung galaxy S8 holds an infinity displayThe experts at DisplayMate Technologies described the Samsung Galaxy S8 as the best you can buy right now. They went on to say that the S8 is pioneering the very latest in full screen OLED displays.
“It has many major and important state-of-the-art display performance enhancements, features and functions, with mobile OLED display technology now advancing faster than ever. The Galaxy S8 is the most innovative and highest performing smartphone display that we have ever lab tested. So the Galaxy S8 becomes the Best Performing Smartphone Display, earning DisplayMate’s highest ever A+ grade.”
The Galaxy S8’s screen has been highly praised due to its curved design, higher resolution, more accurate color representation, HDR video support and strong Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.


And the curved screen design does make a lot of sense. It’s built using AMOLED technology with better flexibility and less fragility, reducing the chances of screen cracking. Also, curved screen phones feel more comfortable to hold and offer up a better visual effect.
Thanks to the front and back curved design, the S8 instantly feels comfortable in the hand, easing itself perfectly into the palm of your hand.


“Better even than the LG G6, which has similar proportions but no curved screen, and sleeker than the iPhone 7 Plus, which puts a smaller screen on taller, wider body.” Jessica Dolcourt from CNET commented the S8 like this. It showed that it’s the curved 4K display makes the Galaxy S8 stand out. According to Business Insider, Apple and Google are forecast to borrow the curved screen design on their upcoming devices.
In just two days, from April 7 to 8, something in the region of 550,000 Galaxy S8 units were pre-ordered, consequently breaking the record previously set by the Galaxy S7. This solidified the overwhelming popularity of Galaxy S8 and has introduced the new era of the curved screen.
However…


The things that excite consumers can be monumental challenges for phone case manufacturers.
2. Curved screen phones: A growing headache for case makersA curved screen is wonderful to touch and to use, but from a case maker’s perspective, it’s an absolute nightmare. The design challenges are significant and difficult to solve without ending up with a bulky, ugly case, which is not going to appeal to the person who has just purchased a shiny new Galaxy S8.
implied, as reported by Nikkei Asian Review, Apple has ordered 70 million display panels from rival Samsung Electronics for the upcoming iPhone 8.
iPhone8-concept-graphiPhone 8 (Concept Graph)


And another report from South Korea’s Electronic Times, noted that Google has offered to invest at least $880 million in LG Display Co., so as to guarantee a stable supply of OLED screens for its next Pixel phone  .
And what you might be surprised to know is that before the Samsung Galaxy S8, there were other curved screen phones that were well received, the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, the Huawei Honor Magic, the Huawei Mate 9 Pro, the Xiaomi Note 2 and the Vivo Xplay 6.


vivo xplay-6 vs. xiaomi note2 vs. huawei mate 9 proLet’s be honest here, curved screen phones are simply gorgeous. The Galaxy S8 is, in my mind one of the nicest android phones out there.
But the sad truth is, that you will find very few phone cases that fit the curved screen design perfectly.
To be fair, it’s not the phone case makers’ fault, most of them are frantically trying to solve the design constraints that a curved screen presents, although a lot of them seem to have just given up.


Just take a look at how many Galaxy S7 edge cases are out there and you will see my point.
Now, the biggest issue is how to strike the balance between protection and style so that it protects the phone in the event of a fall but doesn’t make the phone look fat and ugly.
Sadly, few have achieved this balance and if you look around at the phone cases out there, most of them are in fact fat and ugly, which completely ruins the design ethos that Samsung crafted into their latest baby.


curved screen phones will be a trendWhat is even more worrying when it comes to protection is that some cases out there do not leave enough room for a tempered screen protector. That means those seemingly most protective case will do interference on the tempered screen protector. As you can see the vast majority of Samsung Galaxy S7 edge tempered screen protector are full coverage ones to protect the beautiful curved screen fully. So those protective cases just don’t allow for a good tempered screen protector.

You’d either choose those bulky full covered phone cases or full covered tempered screen protector. In most occasions, I found  SmartphoneGalaxy S7 edge users used a bulky case and left the screen bare. That’s fine but I am jua bit of concerned about the gorgeous curved display.  

Everything You Need to Know About iPhone Battery Replacement

A well-kept iPhone can last for years, but everyone knows how smartphone batteries degrade over time. Similarly, when it comes to iPhone batteries, there’s no exception. Eventually, you will need to consider a replacement. Fortunately, a weak battery does not mean you need a new iPhone – a simple iPhone battery replacement can do just the trick!


Apple users should know that replacing a battery is a no-brainer since the benefits will always outweigh the costs. The very first step is to check if you still fall under warranty with Apple. If yes, there are no additional charges for changing your battery – a good idea to go for it. So, let’s explore the options and conditions for replacing an iPhone’s battery.  


Is it worth replacing the battery of the iPhone?

Replacing batteries might be a good idea, considering how it will breathe new life into your device by improving its performance. It usually depends on how old your device is. If you feel like your Apple device takes too long to send a message or download files , there might be issues with its battery. 


Similarly, if your phone hangs up while looking at pictures, scrolling, or you keep it plugged into the charger to make a call – are clear signs that an iPhone battery replacement is required. Also, the much-needed mobility that comes with these smart devices is an obvious reason why replacing a battery is totally worth it.  
Given below are some signs telling your phone needs a battery replacement urgently:
iPhone running slowerFunctions like uploading pictures, loading files and GIFs, and receiving or making calls are all affected due to an aging iPhone battery. Hence, as the battery efficiency declines, phone performance can degrade and make it slower. You can avoid this by replacing your battery as soon as possible.  


Powering down unexpectedlySmart devices like iPhones tend to have a mind of their own. Users can experience this in the form of abrupt powering down. If the powering issue happens while you are working on a task, defragging only provides a temporary solution by increasing your device’s processing speed . Hence, opting for an iPhone battery replacement would be the best decision.


Prolonged charging periodIf your battery performance is in top condition, it should take about two hours or less to charge fully. One of the most classic symptoms of a dying battery is taking longer or not charging at all after being plugged in for hours. 
Apple throttling older devicesApple announced that it throttles older devices to avoid failing batteries. This has long-lasting implications since your phone’s health depends on how soon you notice a problem with it. You can see if you’re a victim of iPhone throttling by going to Settings > Battery > Battery health. Here you can get insights on battery conditions and turn off throttling anytime.  


How much does it cost to replace an old iPhone battery?

Replacing an iPhone screen is expensive, ranging between US$ 120 to US$ 329, while replacing the battery only costs between US$ 49 to US$ 69. It is obvious how this amount is only around 10% of your iPhone’s original price – helping you save on additional expenses. As intelligent buyers, one should bear in mind to always look at the phone’s battery status before purchasing an iPhone.
Generally speaking, replacing batteries for all iPhone models still falling under warranty with AppleCare+ is free. Out-of-warranty models require you to pay for an iPhone battery replacement. As mentioned earlier, for iPhone X and all models released afterward, the price is US$ 69, and for all the rest of the older versions, you are to pay US$ 49. 


Can I replace my iPhone Battery myself?It is possible to replace your iPhone battery yourself but not one of the most desired solutions. These devices have strong glues attached to hold parts together and you may need to remove some of these to gain access to the battery.  


The task is time-consuming, and if you’re not well equipped, there is a high risk of damaging your phone. The self-replacement procedure will also void any warranties remaining on your iPhone. It may also affect the waterproof capabilities making it more vulnerable to harm in the future.  
If you have an in-store replacement facility within your reach, then it’s better to seek help from them. Otherwise, numerous kits are available in the market with in-depth guides on replacing your iPhone’s battery. However, you need to remember that these guides do not guarantee success for battery replacement and if you damage your device in the process, purchasing a new one is the only option left.


PITAKA Naturally Charged Solution – MagEZ SliderBattery replacement can be a hassle since it is an extra expenditure on phone costs. Also, it can be challenging if you do not have a proper replacement facility within your reach. So, to prolong its life, users are advised to utilize their device’s battery health efficiently. Here are some ways to help you achieve that:


Keep your battery from going to 0% or 100%Do not charge beyond 100%Avoid using fast chargersKeep WiFi and Bluetooth off if you’re not using themLet go of assistant features like Siri that further drain your batteries 
Sounds easy, right? No one wants to let their battery drop to 0%. But sometimes you don’t have access to power outlets for quite a long time, or you’re just too busy with other stuff. That’s why it’s wise to carry a power bank. PITAKA has this MagSafe power bank that makes charging so much easier. 

The MagEZ Slider is a 3-in-1 wireless charger with a portable wireless charging power bank. It magnetically attaches to the back of your phone to juice up the battery while you travel. It’s so portable and ergonomic that you can hold both devices comfortably . 
Most importantly, the power bank has a dedicated charging dock. When you don’t use it, slide it into the dock, and it will charge. So the power bank is always ready when you need extra juice on the road. 


In addition, you can charge your iWatch and Airpods at the same time. And the charger works as a phone stand as well, freeing your hands from holding your phone constantly during long work-related meetings happening all day long. If you receive a notification while working on your laptop, you can quickly glance to check if it’s something requiring your immediate attention. 


Final wordsThere are many ways users can maintain their iPhone batteries so they do not have to go for a replacement too soon. And a power bank like the MagEZ slider can make things a lot easier. The MagEZ slider is an all-in-one packing deal for all your iPhone batteryreplacement concerns.

iPhone 14: Everything You Should Know So Far

With one and half months away from that BIG day, news or rumors about the Apple iPhone 14 are circulating more wildly than before. 

No surprise. We’re excited about the new iPhone, too. And we’ve got some surprises this year for the iPhone 14 cases. 
Anyway, in case you’re too tied up with your routine and don’t feel like missing out, here’s what’s new about the iPhone 14 that we think would happen and what’s worth discussing. 


When is the iPhone 14 Coming Out?

For many, this could be most important question to answer. Most rumors said September 13 will the release date. But recently, we also heard predictions that September 6 will be the launch date for the new iPhones. We will soon find out by August. 
No More iPhone “mini”You’ve probably heard that the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini are not selling. So, it’s quite possible that Apple is doing away with the “mini” line this year. 


Still, there will be four models, a 6.1-inch iPhone 14, a 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro, a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max, and a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s definitely good news for fans who prefer large screens. 


Bathtub Notch is Going AwayThis could be the biggest and the most-welcomed design change coming to the newest iPhone. Since 2017, after Apple released the iPhone X with the bathtub notch, we’ve heard many drums banging for getting rid of the notch. 
Last year, we saw a smaller display cutout at the top of the iPhone 13 screen, which clearly shows that Apple knows how people are unsatisfied with the design and can change it. So, we can totally expect them to go further.


iphone 14 leaked picture
According to the iPhone 14 design leak on Twitter, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max feature the same thinner bezel that looks like an exclamation mark or a pill plus a hole, while the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max have similar notches like that of the iPhone 13. 
Bigger and Better iPhone 14 CamerasEvery new iteration of the iPhone comes with updates on some parts or features. Maybe it’s the display refresh rate, battery, or chip. But we can always expect a camera update. 


Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that we will see a major camera improvement on the 2022 Pro iPhone lineup. They will feature a 48-megapixel rear camera, upgrading from the current 12-megapixel camera, and 8K video recording capability, which allows creators to capture higher quality video with more details and greater clarity. 
And the higher-resolution camera sensor will lead to a bigger camera bump. If that’s true, then you can’t use your iPhone 13 case for the iPhone 14.


As for the front camera on all four iPhone 14 models, it is said to have autofocus features and a wider f/1.9 aperture, which should make us all look better on those video calls. 
Bigger BatteryBattery capacity is another concern of many people. We heard all iPhone 14 models will receive bigger batteries, except for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The rumored 0.2mm increase in width may be dedicated to the bigger batteries. But looking at the rumored battery capacity , it’s hard to call that an “improvement”. The battery capacity of the iPhone 14 is said to be 3,279mAh, up 52mAh from its predecessor. And iPhone 14 Pro Max will feature a 4,323mAh battery, slightly less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 4,352mAh. 


If you think the battery is not enough to last a day, you can always bring a portable wireless charging power bank with you. 
Titanium Alloy ChassisThe iPhones released in recent years use either aluminum or stainless steel for the chassis design. This year, however, Apple might shift to a stronger metal, titanium.


Apple uses titanium for the Apple Watch, apart from aluminum and stainless steel. And the titanium Apple Watch case is the most expensive. But Apple probably will use titanium alloys instead of pure titanium for the new iPhone. 
Titanium alloys, a mixture of titanium and other chemical elements, have light weight, excellent corrosion resistance, and high hardness, thus have been used in aerospace, transportation, and chemical industries. 


New Processor A16Traditionally, every new iPhone is equipped with a new chip. The iPhone 13 uses A15 Bionic chip, so presumably, the iPhone 14 will get the new A16 chip. 
The report has it that the A16 Bionic performs 11% better and 22% higher in energy efficiency than the A14, though it’s unclear how much better the A16 is than the A15 chip. 
But, again, only the pro models will get the newest processor, and the entry-level iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max models might still use the chip from last year. 
Lightning PortThere’s a widespread notion that Apple will eventually remove the Lightning port for a portless design. The question is when. 


Well, chances are it won’t happen in 2022. The European Commission announced a mandate that forces all smartphones to use the universal USB-C port for charging by 2024. So, there’s still time for Apple to figure out a plan to deal with losses once it gives ups its proprietary designn. 
We believe that at least some of the iPhone 14 models will continue to feature a Lightning port. 


Satellite Emergency Texting This feature was previously rumored to be available on the iPhone 13 last year. It didn’t happen. So, it’s reasonable to expect it on Apple’s best iPhone this year. 
Satellite connectivity lets users send texts or SOS distress signals to emergency services when there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi network, which sounds like a life-saving feature. 
Vaper Chamber Thermal SystemThis is another rumor starting to abolish last year. It’s said that Apple is “aggressively testing” a vapor chamber thermal system that can cool down the device when it gets warm due to heavy stress.
It seems to be a nice and necessary feature for the iPhone 14 Pro models as the high-end phone usually are equipped with more powerful hardware and more functions than the standard ones. But, is it ready in time for 2022? We’ll see . 


iPhone 14 Colors Color may not trigger too many discussions like other iPhone 14 features. But for some people (me included), the color could be the biggest thing to consider before pulling the trigger.
We know from leaks that the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max will come in black, white, white, blue, red, and purple. Also, one source indicates that we might see a green iPhone 14. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available in graphite, gold, silver, and purple.


How much is the iPhone 14?According to a recent rumor from East Asia, the iPhone 14 is expected to be priced at $799, the same entry price as last year’s iPhone 13. On the other hand, some predicted that this year would see a $100 price increase for the iPhone 14 due to increased production costs.
SummaryGenerally speaking, the overall body design of the iPhone 14 models is identical to the iPhone 13, such as a flat-frame body and a speaker grill. The significant difference could be the smaller display cutout on the Pro models. 
And it seems that Apple is trying hard to differentiate the pro and the non-pro iPhone 14 models.


We will find out which rumor turns out to be true and which goes wrong on September 13th. Hopefully, we get the correct iPhone 14 release date.

Apple iPhone 15 Review: It’s My Default Recommendation Again

The iPhone 14 was hard to recommend in 2022 due to the lack of compelling features compared to the 14 Pro. Does the iPhone 15 change the narrative?


In 2022, the standard iPhone 14 line was lacking value compared to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, which featured Dynamic Island, a significantly better camera system, and other Pro features. While the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have been in the spotlight , for better or for worse, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus bring many of the iPhone 14 Pro’s features at a lower cost, effectively tightening the gap between the different models.


Even though we’ve seen many of the features before, does history repeat itself? Should you skip it and go with the pro models? Let’s take a look.
The DesignThe iPhone 15’s design resembles the new Pro models in many ways. The edges of the iPhone 15 are also contoured, noticeably improving the comfort in the hand compared to the last few iPhones. Additionally, the back of the phone is now a matte glass back , departing from the glossy glass that was on the iPhone 14.


However, the iPhone 15 continues to use aluminum for its frame. One benefit of picking the iPhone 15 over the iPhone 15 Pro is that the aluminum sides don’t show fingerprints like the titanium ones on the Pro models.


As for color choices, the iPhone 15 comes in Black, Green, Yellow, Pink, and Blue. The colors are much lighter this year than previous versions. Surprisingly, there is no red or white version this time, both of which have been present on the regular iPhones since the iPhone XR. I don’t think the iPhone 15’s color palette is a bad choice, but it’s definitely had its share of criticism from others.


However, I still think the iPhone XR had the best color shades. If I had to pick one model for my daily device, I would choose the blue option for my iPhone 15.
Despite not featuring a more high-end material such as titanium or stainless steel, the iPhone 15 still has an excellent design that feels premium and comfortable to hold without a case or grip. And it’s good to see that it still comes in various colors for people to select from, even if they are somewhat muted.
iPhone 15’s Display: The Big 60Hz Debate


Similar to last year, the iPhone 15 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, with a slightly different resolution (2556×1179). There are two main upgrades for the display this time around. To start, the iPhone 15 gains the Dynamic Island. It replaces the notch, and adapts to what you are doing on the phone.
You can quickly access controls when using Apple Music, see the status of a timer, and more. While it may seem like a gimmick, I find it occasionally helpful and more aesthetically pleasing than the notch. I’m glad it is now featured across all the new iPhones.


The second improvement to the display this year is a higher peak brightness. The iPhone 15 can now hit 2000 nits of peak brightness when outdoors, just like the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. According to Apple, it also has a higher peak brightness when viewing HDR content (1600 nits vs. 1200 nits).
However, one aspect of the display that has been controversial is the refresh rate. The iPhone 15 still lacks ProMotion, meaning that it is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. For the price of the phone ($800), it’s a tough sell for many Enthusiasts who notice and appreciate a 120Hz refresh rate.


On the other side of the argument, many consumers likely won’t notice the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz. And that is the target market for the iPhone 15: the average user. Jon Prosser, host of Front Page Tech, made an excellent video that covers the controversy and links this debate back to the iPhone XR’s display resolution in 2018, since it was below 1080p for a $750 phone.
My opinion on this topic aligns with Prosser’s. If you don’t notice, care, or even know about your smartphone’s display’s refresh rate, you’ll be fine using the iPhone 15. People concerned about the refresh rate should look towards the iPhone 15 Pro, since it includes the best specifications for those enthusiasts.


Still, I would have liked to see at least a 90Hz display on this phone; the lack of 120Hz hurts the perceived value for many. But despite this, it’s still a solid display in terms of brightness, color, and resolution. So, I don’t think people should disregard the phone solely because of the 60Hz refresh rate.
The A16 Bionic Chip
For the regular iPhone models, Apple continues its trend of bringing last year’s new processor down to the standard phones. This means that the iPhone 15 uses the A16 Bionic chip from the iPhone 14 Pro. The chip includes a 6-core CPU and a 5 -core GPU, along with 6GB of RAM.


The chip delivered excellent performance in the iPhone 14 Pro series, and as expected, it has been the same experience here on the iPhone 15. This also means that the chip benchmarks similar to the iPhone 14 Pro Max in Geekbench 6.
While it might not include the latest SoC, which allows AAA games to run on the iPhone, Apple’s A-series chips still hold up over time, even if they are a year or two old. The A16 Bionic can still handle the everyday tasks that people purchasing non-Pro models typically perform. If that’s you, you will be happy with iPhone 15’s performance. We’ll have to see what processor the iPhone 16 will use since Apple gave the A17 chip a Pro moniker this year.


The Dual Camera SystemSince the iPhone 11, the regular iPhone models have included a dual camera system that features a main camera and an ultra-wide camera. And the iPhone 15 is no exception. However, it now has a new 48MP main camera, similar to what the iPhone 14 Pro offered. This increase in megapixel count allows for is more detail in your photos compared to the previous 12MP camera that was in the regular iPhone 14.


The iPhone 15 also now shoots 24MP photos by default, providing a bit more detail in the photos you take without needing to go all the way up to 48MP.
The photos come out true to life and not over-processed or with oversaturated colors. Similar to the iPhone 15 Pro, the 24MP photos from the regular 15 have a solid amount of detail. With the boat photo sample, I was pleased to see that the iPhone 15’s main camera was able to accurately present the light from the sun coming through the clouds, contributing to, in my opinion, a good photo.


If you want to take 48MP photos, you will have to enable the toggle through settings since it does not appear in the camera app by default. The 48MP photos that the iPhone 15 produces do contain slightly more detail than the 24MP photos, but the difference is not very noticeable on the surface.


Photos from theiPhone 15 are also a bit more zoomed in compared to the iPhone 15 Pro due to the main camera using a 26mm focal length, compared to 24mm on the 15 Pro and Pro Max. Unlike the Pro models, however, you can’ t change the focal length in the camera app.