Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra might be the only way to avoid its Exynos chips

Samsung’s best phone might be all Qualcomm, all the time.
According to a reliable leaker, all models of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will feature Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, regardless of the region.

 Samsung has a close relationship with Qualcomm in terms of Snapdragon chips. Buyers of the Galaxy S24 Ultra can expect a super-fast flagship phone no matter where they are located, but confirmation on the chips will only be provided at the official announcement next year.If you pick up the best Samsung phone next year you’re going to also get the best chips, according to a new report.

We’d been expecting Samsung to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the United States but go with the Exynos 2400 in other parts of the world, including South Korea and Europe. Now, it appears that will only be the case for the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus – choose the Galaxy S24 Ultra and you’ll get Qualcomm silicon, no matter where you happen to be located.

That’s according to a new report by one X leaker who has a reliable track record when it comes to these kinds of things, although it’s always important to note that nothing is 100% guaranteed with leaks this far out. The Galaxy S24 lineup isn’t expected to be announced until January or February of 2024, for example.
All Qualcomm, all the timeThe leaker in question is @tech_reve, and they believe that “regardless of the region, all models of the S24 Ultra feature Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.” That will surely be music to the ears of some, although this Exynos chip might not be the poor performer that we’ve come to expect from Samsung’s in-house chip designs.


Regardless of the region, all models of the S24 Ultra feature Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. — Revegnus A recent Ice Universe leak, again on X, shared details of the Exynos 2400 clock speeds with the chip expected to have a 1o-core CPU. But given Samsung’s close relationship with Qualcomm and the fact it’s likely to use overclocked versions of the Snapdragon 8 gen 3, many will surely prefer to carry a phone with that chip inside.

Regardless, it’s looking increasingly likely that buyers of the Galaxy S24 Ultra will get a super-fast flagship phone no matter what part of the world they are in at the point of purchase. We’ll get confirmation of exactly what chips will go where when the new phones are announced next year of course, and givenSamsung’s leaky history we might even find out before then, too.

Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Plus rumours: Everything we know so far

This is everything we have heard so far about the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to be announced on September 12, with pre-orders starting on September 15. The standard iPhone 15 models may have a frosted finish and new color options, while the display size is expected to remain similar to the iPhone 14. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus could feature a 48-megapixel main camera sensor like the iPhone 14 Pro, but may not have the same camera upgrades as the Pro models.Apple iPhone leaks typically run throughout the entire year. No sooner does the latest iPhone series arrive – sometimes even before – then rumours start about the next models. For 2022, there were four iPhone models: the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
We’ve covered off what the rumours are saying about the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Ultra in a separate feature, but here we are looking at what we can expect for the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.


iPhone 15 release dateApple has sent out invitations to an event on 12 September, where we’re expecting to see the launch of the iPhone 15. The iPhone 14 series arrived on 7 September 2022, which was a week earlier than most expected, with Apple now falling back into its usual launch cadence.


That would likely mean the iPhone 15 is available to pre-order on 15 September, and available to buy from 22 September. It’s possible that not all models will go on sale at the same time, as has been the case in the past. iPhone 14 Plus was later than the iPhone 14 for 2022, so the same could happen this year too.
iPhone 15 designThe Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are likely to look the same as each other, aside from their physical size. They will also probably be a little less premium in their material choice than the iPhone 15 Pro models – aluminum instead of stainless steel or titanium for example. So far, details have been thin on the ground in terms of their designs, though there have been a number of suggestions that the iPhone 15 models will be getting the Dynamic Island cutout we saw on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2022. It’s also said that the Dynamic Island will include a proximity sensor within it rather than underneath it for the iPhone 15 models, though this shouldn’t change its appearance.
There wasn’t a huge design change between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 so we wouldn’t be surprised to see a bigger difference in the iPhone 15 models, though Dynamic Island would sort of do this.
It’s also been claimed the iPhone 15 models could come in cyan and magenta color options and it’s been claimed the finish could be frosted rather than glossy, matching what we currently see on the iPhone 14 Pro models. Elsewhere, it’s also been suggested the iPhone 15 models could see a switch to eSIM only for the UK and Europe, matching what Apple did for the iPhone 14 models in the US.


iPhone 15 displayIt’s claimed the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will feature the same display sizes as their predecessors – or at least very close to the same size. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with 2532 x 1170 pixel resolution. This results in a pixel density of 460ppi. The iPhone 14 Plus meanwhile, has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a 2778 x 1284 pixel resolution, resulting in a 458ppi.
Both devices have a 1200nits peak brightness and both support True Tone, Haptic Touch and HDR. It’s expected the iPhone 15 models will offer the same, though there is some talk of a 6.12-inch or 6.2-inch display for the standard iPhone 15. There was also talk of slimmer bezels around the display, though this appears to be for the Pro models rather than the standard models.
Whether the iPhone 15 models will adopt the Always On Display featured on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max isn’t clear yet, though it would require them to also adopt ProMotion, and rumours are suggesting that won’t be the case.


iPhone 15 hardware and specsThe Apple iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro opted for the same chip as the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max models rather than running the A16 chip featured on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s possible Apple will do the same for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, moving them onto the A16 chip rather than the A17, which is what is expected to run the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Ultra.
It’s also claimed that Apple will use Qualcomm’s 5G modem for the iPhone 15 models rather than a modem built in-house as it was initially thought for this year. Rumors suggest the first model to run an in-house 5G modem will be the iPhone SE (2024).
In terms of storage, no rumours have appeared detailing any changes to storage as yet. If the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus offer the same as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, then we can expect 128GB, 256GB and 512GB options. There have been suggestions of improved RAM though.


While there might not be huge changes, we’d also expect some battery improvements on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 14 Plus has an excellent battery performance, so we’d expect similar from the iPhone 15 Plus. It’s also been claimed this will be the year Apple will finally make the switch from Lighting to USB-C, though it’s said you will need a certified cable and charging speeds may be restricted depending on the cable. That said, we might see a bump to 35W charging – and there’s also talk of braided cables for some models, or color-matched cables for others.


iPhone 15 camerasWhen it comes to cameras, there have been reports suggesting the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus could see an upgrade to the 48-megapixel main sensor, though it may not be the same as the one found in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s also claimed that the standard iPhone 15 models might feature a stacked image sensor that will allow more light to get in, though it’s said a couple of different configurations have been tested. It’s also not clear if the iPhone 15 Pro models will get This upgrade.


If the standard iPhone 15　models do move to a stacked image sensor with a 48-megapixel resolution, we don’t expect to see the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus offer the telephoto lens offered by the Pro models in order to continue to offer a differentiation between the standard and Pro models.
We would expect to see similar features across the four models though, with perhaps a couple of extras on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

iPhone Battery Health explained: Why Apple throttles iPhone performance and how you can control it

Apple slows down processors used in legacy iPhones – but what does that mean?
In 2017, Apple revealed it slows down older iPhones such as the iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, and the first generation iPhone SE in order to prevent unexpected shut downs by managing the performance peaks.

The performance management feature – or throttling as some have described it in the past – is also included on the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, but it only kicks in after an unexpected shutdown first occurs on a device with a battery that has diminished ability to deliver maximum instantaneous power.

Apple iPhonesfrom the iPhone 6 and later also have a Battery Health tool that was introduced with iOS 11.3 back in March 2018, along with the ability to turn off the iPhone’s batterymanagement feature. Here is everything you need to know about Apple iPhone’s Battery Health and performance management features and how to control them.
What is the iPhone performance management feature?Apple’s performance management feature is specific to iPhones and it’s designed to prevent a device from unexpectedly shutting down so the device can still be used. Unexpected shutdowns can occur for a number of reasons, be that extreme cold temperatures, or a device with a battery of high chemical age, for example.


Apple’s iOS software will dynamically manage performance peaks in order to manage shutdowns. It looks at a combination of things, like device temperature, battery state of charge and battery impedance. The software then assesses whether action is required and if it is, the maximum performance of some of the system components, like the GPU and CPU, will be managed in order to balance out workloads and allow for a smoother performance overall.

Some of the things you might notice when the performance feature has kicked in are: Longer app launch times, lower frame rates when scrolling, backlight dimming, lower speaker volume, gradual frame-rate reduction in some apps, disabled camera flash in extreme cases and apps refreshing in the background may require reloading upon launch.
Some of the things that won’t be impacted by the performance feature are: Mobile call quality and networking performance, captured photo and video quality, GPS performance, location accuracy, sensors like gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer and Apple Pay. 


With regards to the performance management feature, Apple describes it as: “If the battery health is able to support the observed peak power requirements, the amount of performance management will be lowered. If an unexpected shutdown occurs again, then performance management will increase. This assessment is ongoing, allowing more adaptive performance management.”
iPhone Battery Health explained: Why Apple throttles iPhone performance and how you can control it photo 2Apple
What is the Battery Health feature? Apple iPhones running iOS 11.3 and later have a Battery Health tool built in. To access the tool, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. From there, you’ll see information about your iPhone’s maximum capacity and peak performance capability. 
You’ll also see if your iPhone is being slowed by Apple’s performance management feature.
For example, we have an older iPhone XR showing as having a 94 percent battery capacity. Apple is not yet throttling the phone though: “Your battery is currently supporting normal peak performance”.
In the Battery Health feature, you’ll also see whether your iPhone needs service and you can subsequently turn off the controversial performance management feature that’s throttling your iPhone if you want to.


How to disable throttling on an iPhoneThe ability to disable – and even enable – throttling is only available for iPhones more than a year old running iOS 11.3 and later.
Under Battery in the Settings app you’ll notice the Battery Health option. Tap it. You’ll then see a screen with a link to more information about lithium ion batteries. Below that, you’ll see your battery’s maximum capacity.

If this indicator is under 80 per cent, you’ll see another message at the bottom of the screen that warns your iPhone’s battery is “significantly degraded”. There will be another link that will point you to a page about how to get your phone serviced. 
Disable ‘performance management’ featureIf your device has shutdown due to battery degradation, this same screen will tell you that “performance management has been applied to prevent this from happening again”.
There will also be an option to disable the throttling. You can’t enable the performance management feature until you experience another shutdown. Your iPhone will auto-enable it should that ever happen.


It’s also worth noting that “all iPhone models include fundamental performance management to ensure that the battery and overall system operates as designed and internal components are protected. This includes behavior in hot or cold temperatures, as well as internal voltage management. This type of performance management is required for safety and expected function, and cannot be turned off”. 

What do those percentages mean?In the Battery Health menu, you’ll see a percentage that indicates your iPhone battery’s maximum capacity, followed by a message explaining your iPhone battery’s peak performance capability. The message you get depends on the percentage shown.
For instance:
100 percent: Your battery is currently supporting normal peak performance.95 percent: This iPhone has experienced an unexpected shutdown because the battery was unable to deliver the necessary peak power. Performance management has been applied to help prevent this from happening again. Disable…


79 percent or less: Your battery’s health is significantly degraded. An Apple Authorized Service Provider can replace the battery to restore full performance and capacity. More about service options…Unknown: This iPhone is unable to determine battery health. An Apple Authorized Service Provider can service the battery. More about service options…
Maximum capacity and peak performance

Maximum battery capacity measures your iPhone’s battery capacity to when it was new. Batteries will start at 100 per cent when first activated and will have a lower capacity as the battery ages. According to Apple, a normal battery is designed to retain up to 80 per cent of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles when operating under normal conditions.

Now, as far as peak performance capability goes, it is the ability of your iPhone’s batteryto supply adequate charge. If your iPhone’s battery maximum capacity is under 80 per cent, then its health has been significantly degraded and it needs replacing.

How to maintain your iPhone’s battery health

Are you tired of constantly having to charge your iPhone throughout the day? If your iPhone’s battery health goes down, it cannot keep up with your busy schedule. Battery health reducing fast is one of the most common complaints among iPhone users. But don’t worry. I will share ways to maintain your iPhone’s battery health. 

First, you should know why your iPhone’s battery health is reducing so fast. Here are some of the most common reasons:

High usage: Constantly using your phone for streaming, gaming, browsing, and downloading large files can put a strain on the battery and cause it to reduce fast. Leaving apps running in the background: When apps run in the background, they continue to use power, especially those that track your locations, even when you’re not actively using them. Battery life can be significantly reduced as a result.

Exposure to heat: High temperatures can damage the battery and cause it to reduce more quickly.Not updating the iOS: The update patches contain iOS optimizations. So, not updating your iPhone can also affect the battery’s health.Using third-party battery cases or chargers: If you use non-Apple accessories, it can cause damage to the battery and degrade its overall health over time.Battery age: Batteries have a limited lifespan. And as they age, they will naturally lose some of their capacity.

11 Ways to maintain your iPhone’s battery healthTo view the current health status of your battery, go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging and check the Maximum Capacity percentage.
Go to Settings, Battery, Battery Health & Charging, Check Maximum CapacityApple considers 80% and above battery capacity to be ideal. To avoid going below that mark and stopping your battery from malfunctioning, you must employ best practices and maintain your iPhone’s battery health.
1. Don’t let your iPhone overheatYour iPhone battery’s worst enemy is extreme temperatures and heat. According to Apple, your iPhone can operate without harm at temperatures as high as 95°F. Beyond that, the battery may suffer irreparable harm, and even your iPhone may explode. Though your iPhone has built-in safety features to temporarily turn it off in certain circumstances. 

To prevent your iPhone’s battery from overheating, don’t leave it in the sun or in front of a heater vent in your car. Moreover, temperatures below 32°F (0°C) also degrade battery life. It impairs the battery’s capacity to store charges. So, taking precautions will assist in keeping your iPhone’s battery in good shape.


2.Use Apple’s original chargersApple always advises using its official cords, adapters, and wireless chargers. The third-party chargers have poor wires and don’t maintain standards properly though they may juice your iPhone. Moreover, the official apple accessories prevent power surges and short circuits.
Use Apple original chargersSome petty companies make copy products. So, if you bought MagSafe products online, it’s good to check the Apple MagSafe charger firmware and ensure you’ve got a genuine product.


3.Avoid letting your iPhone dieLetting your iPhone battery discharge is one of the worst things you can do to it. If a discharged lithium-ion battery is left in that condition for a long time, it will go into a deep discharge state and never function again. So, Apple addressed the issue and made iPhone batteries retain some reserve energy after being dead. 
However, if your iPhone runs out of power, charge it as quickly as you can. Also, use your iPhone’s Low Power mode when the battery is 20% or less. It prolongs the battery life until you can go to an outlet. Usually, I juice my iPhone multiple times a day to avoid completely draining it.


4. Don’t charge overnightMost people charge devices overnight. But do you know overcharging your iPhone harm the battery and reduce the battery’s health? Maybe your iPhone needs one hour of charging but plugging it in for 7-8 hours results in overcharging. It pushes more current into already charged cells. 
Therefore, to avoid overcharging turn on adaptive charging. It’s a built-in feature in your iPhone to maintain the battery healthy. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health → toggle on Optimized Battery Charging. So, it will enable your iPhone to learn your charging pattern.


enable optimized battery charging on iphone5.Avoid full charging your iPhoneApple claims that after 500 full charge cycle counts, iPhone can’t maintain 100% battery health. When battery capacity depletes, your iPhone will not be able to hold the charge for long.
Besides, juicing iPhone fullest generates heat. You may notice the charging speed becomes slow after 80%. Therefore, I suggest avoiding charging your iPhone to 100% and keeping the battery level between 40% and 80%.
6. Get the best wireless charging iPhone casesIf you are using wireless channelargers, always use an official MagSafe case for that. So, your iPhone will not struggle to maintain a good magnetic connection and capture the charge properly. Besides, premium cases tend to have plugs to close the charging port. Therefore, dirt and dust won ‘t be gathered. 


Ringke Magsafe case for iPhone 14Also, waterproof cases safeguard your iPhone from water damage and protect the battery. But keep your eye out to check if your iPhone is overheating due to the case. If required, take off your iPhone cover while it’s charging to avoid this problem.
7. Measures to store iPhone for the long termAs I said before, keeping your iPhone switched off for a long could result in battery malfunction. So, if you are storing your iPhone, charge it to 50% and turn it off. Also, don’t forget to juice it once every six months. Don’t charge to 100% while storing your phone for a lengthy period of time.
8. Optimize your iPhone’s settingsWithout a doubt taking the mentioned precautions will help to maintain your iPhone battery health. Besides, I have optimized a few settings to improve my iPhone battery capacity and fix the battery drain issue. I’d suggest you do the same. 


9. Turn off the Always-On displayFor the iPhone 14 Pro lineup, Apple added a new feature called Always-On display. It keeps the lock screen turned on in low-power mode. So, the display is updated once per second with dimmed screen brightness. As the function is always in operation, turning off the Always-On display will get you the most use out of your iPhone’s battery.

How to interpret your iPhone’s battery health

The battery is one of the most important aspects of the iPhone and we always try to make it last as long as possible. Things like controlling the brightness or analyzing the applications we use can help it last longer.

An essential part of understanding how long our battery lasts is understanding battery health. We are going to show you where to find this information and how to interpret the data to make your iPhone battery last as long as possible.What is battery health?The battery of an iPhone is a physical and consumable element. Like a car battery, the iPhone battery wears out over time and with use. The iPhone helps us to know the state of the battery in order for us to make decisions.


How does an iPhone battery work?The iPhone battery is made of lithium-ion – currently the most advanced technology. With such batteries, it is not recommended to either keep them at 100%, or leave them at 0%, for a long time.


The iPhone and its battery have a certain number of charge cycles. A charge cycle is achieved by charging the battery to 100%. However, this does not have to be continuous, ie you can charge the iPhone 80% at work, and 20% more at home. Both charges will add up to a full charge cycle. In short, with lithium-ion batteries there is no need to continuously charge your iPhone to 100% every time. Simply charge it when you want and need to.


Analyzing Battery Health Data on your iPhoneAll batteries have a limited life. As time goes by, you are bound to notice changes in its performance due to the aging of the battery.Where can we find this data to know more about the state of our battery? 

You simply have to go to Settings>Battery>Battery health. Here you will find two sections:- Maximum capacity.-Peak performance capability.
The maximum capacity is followed by a percentage (95%, for example). This refers to the wear and tear it has undergone undergoing. It comes from the factory at 100% and, after two years, it may be around 80%. What does this mean? Well, if before it lasted ten hours watching videos; after two years, it would last eight hours.


If your battery health has degraded significantly, you will see that you can turn the Peak Performance Capability on or off. This means that your battery may at some point find itself without enough power for some processes. If you enable Peak Performance Capability, your iPhone will limit the speed of the processor so you don’t have unexpected shutdowns. This is similar to the contracted electricity you have at home. If you exceed what the differential can give, the power will go out.
How to take care of the battery health?


First of all, as explained above, we must remember that all batteries have a limited lifespan and inevitable wear and tear. Even so, you can take into account the following things so that the health of your iPhone’s battery will last as long as possible:- Avoid high temperatures: don’t charge your iPhone in direct sunlight, or while outdoors with an external battery in the summer, unless it’s really necessary.

– Don’t be afraid of charging it for short periods: It is better to make small charges than to take the battery to an extreme (0%) and charge it up to 100% every day.- Leave it to charge at night without worrying: The iPhone is smart enough to manage the battery charge at night. Leaving it charging all night is not going to influence the health of the battery.
When do I need to change my battery?
When the battery health is below 80%, battery replacement is recommended. Generally, this is about two years after you buy your iPhone, but it depends on your usage. There are many cases where 80% is reached after four years.

If you decide to change the battery of your iPhone, you are in luck, at K-tuin we provide official Apple technical services and you can change youriPhone battery with us. When you are ready, you can come to any of our stores, or even request a battery change online. Now that you know everything you need to know about the health of your iPhone’s battery, how is it doing?

iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 15: the rumored key differences

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best iPhone available right now, but it probably won’t be for long, as the iPhone 15 line is set to launch on September 12. It’s almost guaranteed that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be a better phone , but what about the standard iPhone 15? Will that in any way better Apple’s current top handset?


That’s what we’ll aim to answer below, by looking at the key differences between these two phones. Obviously, until Apple unveils the iPhone 15 we won’t know anything for sure about that phone, but leaks and rumors have given us a good idea of ​​what to expect.


So from the price to the design, display, cameras, performance, and battery, here’s how the iPhone 15 is likely to compare to the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
IPHONE 14 PRO MAX VS IPHONE 15: SPECS COMPARISONBefore discussing the differences between these phones in detail, it’s helpful to get an overview of their core specs, so we’ve included that in the table below. In the case of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, these are confirmed specs, while for the iPhone 15 they’re based on leaks, rumors, and educated guesses.
IPHONE 14 PRO MAX VS IPHONE 15: PRICE AND AVAILABILITYApple iPhone 14 Pro Max angle with screen on
The iPhone 14 Pro Max will probably cost more (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)The iPhone 14 Pro Max is globally available and starts at $1,099 / £1,199 / AU$1,899, for which you get 128GB of storage.


The iPhone 15 release date is set for September 12, and while we don’t know for sure what this phone will cost, it’s sure to be at least as pricey as the iPhone 14, which starts at $799 / £849 / AU$1,339. That’s again for 128GB of storage.
If anything, the iPhone 15 price will possibly be a bit higher, as some sources suggest as much, with one saying the iPhone 15 costs 12% more to produce than its predecessor.
But not all sources agree that the price will be increasing, and even if it does, it will probably still be a fair bit more affordable than the iPhone 14 Pro Max – though note that the latter phone will likely see a price drop when the new models land.
IPHONE 14 PRO MAX VS IPHONE 15: DESIGN AND DISPLAYUnofficial renders showing the front and back of the iPhone 15 Plus


An unofficial render showing how the iPhone 15 might look (Image credit: 9to5Mac)The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a matte glass back, a stainless steel frame, and a large screen, leading to dimensions of 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9mm and a weight of 240g.
The iPhone 15 might also have a matte glass back, but will probably have an aluminum frame, and be much smaller. We don’t know the exact dimensions but they’re likely to be similar to the iPhone 14, which is 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm. The weight will probably also be similar to that phone’s 172g, making it much lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
It will probably match the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s IP68 rating for dust and water resistance though, as well as looking generally similar, with a Dynamic Island on the front and a square camera block on the back.


However, the iPhone 15 might have curved edges if leaks are accurate, which the iPhone 14 Pro Max doesn’t, and the colors will almost certainly differ. Specifically, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is available in Deep Purple, silver, gold, and Space Black, while the iPhone 15 colors are rumored to include Cyan, Light Blue, Pink, Midnight, Starlight, and Product (RED), or a subset of those.
As for the iPhone 15 screen, that will probably be similar to the iPhone 14’s, meaning a 6.1-inch 1170 x 2532 OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of at least 1,200 nits. will probably just be the presence of a Dynamic Island.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max also has a Dynamic Island, but attached to a much larger, 6.7-inch 1290 x 2796 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a likely higher peak brightness of 2,000 nits. than we’re expecting the base iPhone 15 to have.


IPHONE 14 PRO MAX VS IPHONE 15: CAMERAApple iPhone 14 Pro Max camera array
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has more cameras than we expect from the iPhone 15 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a triple-lens camera on the back, consisting of a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP telephoto, offering 3x optical zoom. There’s also a 12MP camera on the front for selfies.
The iPhone 15 camera is unlikely to match this, with rumors widely suggesting it will have just a dual-lens rear camera, with no telephoto snapper. However, the ultra-wide and selfie camera will likely have 12MP sensors, like those on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
That just leaves the iPhone 15’s main camera, which will reportedly be 48MP, like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but possibly with a smaller (and therefore weaker) sensor.
IPHONE 14 PRO MAX VS IPHONE 15: PERFORMANCEA picture of the A16 Bionic chipsetOne area where these two phones could be very similar is their performance, as the iPhone 15 might inherit the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s A16 Bionic chipset, and will probably also have the same amount of RAM (6GB).
So you likely won’t get a power upgrade by replacing your older iPhone 14 Pro Max with a newer iPhone 15, but nor will the 14 Pro Max beat any model in the iPhone 15 line for performance, assuming leaks are accurate.
IPHONE 14 PRO MAX VS IPHONE 15: BATTERYApple iPhone 14 Pro Max bottom edge
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a Lightning port (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)iPhone 15 battery leaks suggest the phone will have a higher capacity one than its predecessor, at 3,877mAh, up from 3,279mAh battery in the iPhone 14. However, even if that’s true it will still have a smaller battery than the 4,323mAh iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Of course, the iPhone 15 will also have a smaller screen to power, and if it has the same chipset as the iPhone 14 Pro Max (as we’re expecting) then it will likely be similarly power efficient, so it’s unclear which phone will last longer between charges. The iPhone 14 Pro Max should have its variable refresh rate on its side though in terms of minimizing battery drain, as it can move between 1Hz and 120Hz as needed, whereas the iPhone 15 will probably be locked to 60Hz.


It’s also unclear which phone will charge faster. The iPhone 14 Pro Max officially supports up to 20W charging, though third-party tests have found it can charge at around 27W. However, the iPhone 15 may get 35W charging according to one report. haven’t heard this from other sources though, so we’d take it with a pinch of salt. Alternatively it will probably top out at 20W like the iPhone 14.
One big difference though will be how you charge these phones, as while the iPhone 14 Pro Max charges via a Lightning port, the iPhone 15 will probably switch to USB-C.
IPHONE 14 PRO MAX VS IPHONE 15: VERDICTThe iPhone 14 Pro Max might be a year older than the yet-to-be-launched iPhone 15 but it will almost certainly be the better phone in most ways.
Going by what we’re expecting from the iPhone 15, it’s likely that the iPhone 14 Pro Max will have a larger screen, a higher refresh rate, better (and more) cameras, and a bigger battery.


However, there’s a chance the iPhone 15 will charge faster, and it will also probably use USB-C rather than Lightning, which many people will likely consider an upgrade. A lot of other aspects will be similar between the two phones too, such as their chipsets and the presence of a Dynamic Island. All that, and the iPhone 15 will almost certainly cost less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
So depending on what you want from your phone, an argument could definitely be made for buying the iPhone 15, rather than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. But if you already have an iPhone 14 Pro Max, there’s no real reason to buy the standard iPhone 15 – you should look to the iPhone 15 Pro Max instead.

The best smartphones in 2023

Smartphones are at the center of our digital lives — they’re what we use to communicate with loved ones, handle important business, binge on TikToks and everything in between. And since you’ll likely use your phone more than any other gadget you own , picking the right one to last you through years of use is crucial.
But with new phones coming out seemingly every month, it can be hard to figure out which one is actually right for you. That’s why we’re always testing the latest flagships from the likes of Apple, Google, Samsung and more to make sure you get the best smartphone for your needs.

The best smartphones
Apple iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 looks and feels a whole lot like the previous iPhone 13 model and that’s not entirely a bad thing. The lighter 6-ounce iPhone 14 is the kind of device that feels great to pick up and hold. And while its aluminum design isn ‘t quite as strong and sturdy as the stainless steel iPhone 14 Pro, it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.
The iPhone 14 has an upgraded dual-lens camera system that’s enhanced by some fancy new software magic called the Photonic Engine. To make it simple: The new iPhone is designed to capture wider, more detailed photos (particularly for moving subjects), offers improved flash, promises far better low-light photography and can even auto-stabilize your shaky videos. In real-world use, this all translated to a camera that was a joy to use during daily adventures.


The iPhone 14 is more of the same on the display and performance front, which is to say that it still has a beautiful screen and is still ridiculously fast as with other Apple models. Movies and shows looked great on the phone’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, particularly while taking in the crackling neon blues, reds and yellows that filled the screen during the epic final battle of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The iPhone 14’s display remains a fantastic canvas for bingeing TV and catching up on your TikTok feed .
The iPhone 14 is more evolution than revolution; an entry-level phone takes fantastic pictures, can last all day on a charge and packs a great display, all within a beautiful and lightweight design that feels good to use for hours at a time, and it’s still faster than the vast majority of phones you can buy.Other smartphones we recommend


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

From $1,800 at SamsungThe Galaxy Z Fold 5 is an extremely strong runner-up for the title of best foldable phone, and if you’d rather have a smartphone/tablet hybrid over the more compact design of the Flip 5, Samsung’s bigger foldable is worth the splurge. It’s got a huge and vibrant 7.6-inch main display for on-the-go multitasking, great overall performance for productivity and big-screen gaming and S Pen support for quickly jotting down notes. Its cameras could benefit from an upgrade and its cover screen isn’t as intuitive as the Pixel Fold’s, but it’s still our favorite big-screen foldable overall.


Motorola Razr+

$1,000 at Best BuyThe Motorola Razr+ is also a close contender to the Z Flip 5’s throne, and one of our favorite foldables we’ve tested yet. Like the Z Flip 5, the Razr+ has a huge cover screen that lets you use all of your critical apps without having to open the phone up (and get distracted by doomscrolling in the process), as well as longer battery life and a cleaner software experience. It’s a great Flip alternative if those features are important to you, but better cameras and performance give Samsung’s phone the edge.


Google Pixel Fold$1,799 at Best BuyYet another strong debut in the foldable phone space, the Google Pixel Fold is a smartphone/tablet hybrid that competes directly with the Z Fold 5. It has an excellent front display that makes it feel like a regular ol’ smartphone when the device is folded up, in addition to the same clean software and excellent camera smarts you’ll find on a traditional Pixel handset. However, not all apps work well on the big screen just yet, and its screen has a much more visible crease than that of the Z Fold 5 when folded up.


Nothing Phone (2)

From $599 at NothingIf you’re on a slightly less-than-flagship budget — and are looking for something a little different — the Nothing Phone (2) is worth considering. Its transparent design (complete with dynamic lights on the back that react to things like notifications and volume control) is truly one of a kind, and you get great cameras and performance for a $600 phone. However, you’ll have to live without the robust customer support and carrier availability of the bigger phone brands, and the Pixel 7 and 7a give you a similarly great experience for an even lower price.Galaxy S23 UltraFrom $1,200 at SamsungIf you want all of the perks of the Galaxy S23 with even more outstanding cameras, a bigger screen and an included S Pen for taking notes, the S23 Ultra is well worth the splurge. regular Galaxy S23 is the best Android option for most people.


iPhone 13
From $699 at ApplePreviously our best pick from Apple, the iPhone 13 had all most critical upgraded features from the iPhone 12: a better display, more processing power and new camera capabilities.


iPhone SE (3rd Gen)From $429 at AppleOur best budget iPhone pick, the iPhone SE delivers a whole lot for $429. You get the same powerful A15 Bionic processor found in the iPhone 13 series as well as 5G support and a pretty good camera for the price. the Apple ecosystem and on a Budget, it’s a no-brainer. But for everyone else, we think the Pixel 6a’s superior cameras, design and battery life give it the edge.

We’ve tested every iPhone — here are the best ones

Apple currently sells a whopping eight different iPhones, including the high-end iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, the flagship iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, the budget-minded iPhone SE and some older holdouts like the iPhone 12 and 13. Confused? where we come in.
We’ve tested every iPhone model extensively, and have picked out the models that are actually worth buying — and who they’re for — out of Apple’s vast lineup. Ready? Let’s dive in.


Best iPhone overall: iPhone 14From $799 at AppleiPhone 14 leadMike Andronico/CNNThe iPhone 14 looks and feels a whole lot like the previous iPhone 13 model and that’s not entirely a bad thing. The lighter 6-ounce iPhone 14 is the kind of device that feels great to pick up and hold. And while its aluminum design isn ‘t quite as strong and sturdy as the stainless steel iPhone 14 Pro, it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.
The iPhone 14 has an upgraded dual-lens camera system that’s enhanced by some fancy new software magic called the Photonic Engine. To make it simple: The new iPhone is designed to capture wider, more detailed photos (particularly for moving subjects), offers improved flash, promises far better low-light photography and can even auto-stabilize your shaky videos. In real-world use, this all translated to a camera that was a joy to use during daily adventures.


The iPhone 14 is more of the same on the display and performance front, which is to say that it still has a beautiful screen and is still ridiculously fast as with other Apple models. Movies and shows looked great on the phone’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, particularly while taking in the crackling neon blues, reds and yellows that filled the screen during the epic final battle of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The iPhone 14’s display remains a fantastic canvas for bingeing TV and catching up on your TikTok feed .
The iPhone 14 is more evolution than revolution; an entry-level phone takes fantastic pictures, can last all day on a charge and packs a great display, all within a beautiful and lightweight design that feels good to use for hours at a time, and it’s still faster than the vast majority of phones you can buy.
Best iPhone for photography: iPhone 14 ProFrom $999 at AppleiPhone 14 Pro Pros and Cons 2Mike Andronico/CNNThe iPhone 14 Pro doesn’t look too different from the previous 13 Pro when it’s turned off, but once the screen lights up, you immediately notice the notch has moved down, slightly, and now lives within the screen. Well, technically, it’s not called a notch. Instead of letting users and the media name the new cutout that houses the FaceID TrueDepth sensors and front-facing camera, Apple dubbed it the Dynamic Island.
But instead of simply delivering a less distracting camera cutout, Apple has built a software experience around this new module — and it’s where Dynamic Island truly earns its name.
The Dynamic Island is used as an interactive area, where you can view any Now Playing information from media apps like Spotify or Apple Music. You’ll also see information such as the volume status of your connected AirPods, a new FaceID unlock animation, or a timer icon when you have an active countdown going. The Dynamic Island can even display two icons at once, so you can, say, view your current song and the status of your timer at the same time.
Perhaps the most notable difference in the iPhone 14 lineup is the camera, which is one of the biggest upgrades we’ve seen in an iPhone. The main camera sensor goes from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels, while the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras stay Photos look slightly sharper, with more accurate colors and detail. And Apple has added a new Action video mode to the camera app. When enabled, the camera acts more like a dedicated action camera — GoPro or otherwise — to capture stabilized footage recording during activities with a lot of movement.
The camera upgrades on the iPhone 14 are more iterative than substantial, but the upgrades on the iPhone 14 Pro are setting the tone for iPhone cameras for years to come.Best budget iPhone: iPhone SE 2022From $429 at Apple and Amazon15-apple iphone se 2022 cnn underscoredJacob Krol/CNN UnderscoredIf you want modern iPhone performance but don’t want to spend $1,000 on a new phone — or just prefer something smaller — the iPhone SE 2022 is for you. Apple’s $429 iPhone makes very few compromises in the power department, packing the same speedy A15 Bionic processor you’ll find on the latest iPhone 13 range. You’ll have no issues multitasking between apps or playing the newest iOS games here.


The SE is also the smallest iPhone in the lineup, packing all of that power into a 4.7-inch design that’s especially ideal for those with small hands (or small pockets). thick display bezels at the top and bottom, but also a Touch ID fingerprint sensor you won’t find on more premium models. Its Retina HD display looks great for watching movies and playing games, and while it doesn’t have the same two- to three-camera arrays of the iPhone 13 series, its single 12-megapixel lens captures solid photos — and has the ability to shoot in Portrait mode for professional -looking headshots.
So, what are you giving up at this price? The iPhone SE’s display isn’t as big or as seamless as what you’ll find on the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, and it lacks the latter’s ProMotion technology that allows for extra-smooth scrolling and streaming at 120Hz. You also won’t get MagSafe capabilities for magnetically attaching compatible chargers and cases, nor will you be able to unlock your phone with your face via Face ID. But if you can live without having the most advanced camera system , the sleekest design or the biggest screen, the iPhone SE is a compact, great-performing iPhone that will last you for years — and at a fraction of the price of an iPhone 13.
• Related: The best smartphones we’ve tested


Oldies but goodies you should still consideriPhone 13From $699 at AppleThe iPhone 13 checks off the core boxes in a size that lets you get a lot done. The 6.1-inch screen size is plenty big for browsing webpages, scrolling through timelines and, more crucially, using the keyboard. Plus, the iPhone 13 features one of the best dual-camera systems we’ve ever tested, consisting of a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The 13 is only bested by the newer iPhone 14 model as our top pick
iPhone 13 ProFrom $900 at AmazonOur previous pick for the best iPhone for photography iPhone 13 Pro has a trio of lenses are paired with a buttery smooth and vibrant display, class-leading performance and seriously long battery life.
iPhone 12From $599 at AppleTechnically the iPhone 12 isn’t that old, at less than a year. But with the launch of the iPhone 13, Apple has reduced the cost of the iPhone 12 to a starting price of $699.
And let’s be clear — the A14 Bionic processor that powers the iPhone 12 is nearly as fast as the one in the iPhone 13. It’s really a nominal upgrade that boosts efficiency and results in applications opening slightly faster. More processor-intensive tasks, like batch exports or video editing, will see boosts in the newer iPhone 13, though. We’d also hedge that the iPhone 13 will keep ticking a bit longer than the iPhone 12 as the devices age.


One potential downside for opting for the iPhone 12 model is that the base storage amount starts at 64GB, while the iPhone 13 lineup starts at 128GB; 64GB is pretty slim, and if you have a large photo library, lots of songs downloaded or a large amount of apps you’ll likely get a storage alert sooner than later, so the iPhone 13 would be a better choice for those who tend to hoard digital files on their phone.
The iPhone 12 offers a good camera experience. You won’t get the new Cinematic video or Macro mode that the iPhone 13 has, but you’re still getting two rear-facing 12-megapixel cameras — one wide, the other ultrawide. offer crisp details and accurate colors, but if you’re keen on photography you’ll notice the 13 does a better job lighting the shot. With shots taken on the iPhone 13, there’s clearer depth between the foreground and background, like for a classic shot of someone in front of a sunset. Still, you’re getting a very capable shooter in the iPhone 12.


Both phones run iOS 15, the latest operating system from the iPhone, and are sure to remain supported for years to come. That’s good news, since it’s still a hefty price and you don’t want to invest in a phone that won’t be supported in a few years.
iPhone 11From $359 at AmazonIf you still want a modern iPhone 11 with a nearly bezel-free screen and Face ID for easy unlocking, the iPhone 11 is an option that mixes solid performance and modern features — all at a more manageable $499 for the 64GB model ($549 for 128GB).
The key difference between the iPhone 11 and newer models is that it opts for a 6.1-inch LCD screen instead of an OLED. It’s not as bright or crisp as newer models, but it still offers a clear viewing experience that ultimately extends the battery life .
There are two rear cameras on the back of the iPhone 11, one for ultrawide shots — a favorite feature of ours — and a standard camera, both of which are 12 megapixels. Images offer a strong amount of details and are still Instagram-worthy but don’t offer the level of detail the iPhone 13 can deliver. Low-light shots are lackluster in comparison with ones taken on any of the newer models.
All in all, theiPhone 11 is a worthy pick for those who want a modern design with Face ID and are shopping on a specific budget.

Apple currently sells a whopping eight different iPhones, including the high-end iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, the flagship iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, the budget-minded iPhone SE and some older holdouts like the iPhone 12 and 13. Confused? where we come in.
We’ve tested every iPhone model extensively, and have picked out the models that are actually worth buying — and who they’re for — out of Apple’s vast lineup. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Best iPhone overall: iPhone 14From $799 at AppleiPhone 14 leadMike Andronico/CNNThe iPhone 14 looks and feels a whole lot like the previous iPhone 13 model and that’s not entirely a bad thing. The lighter 6-ounce iPhone 14 is the kind of device that feels great to pick up and hold. And while its aluminum design isn ‘t quite as strong and sturdy as the stainless steel iPhone 14 Pro, it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.
The iPhone 14 has an upgraded dual-lens camera system that’s enhanced by some fancy new software magic called the Photonic Engine. To make it simple: The new iPhone is designed to capture wider, more detailed photos (particularly for moving subjects), offers improved flash, promises far better low-light photography and can even auto-stabilize your shaky videos. In real-world use, this all translated to a camera that was a joy to use during daily adventures.


The iPhone 14 is more of the same on the display and performance front, which is to say that it still has a beautiful screen and is still ridiculously fast as with other Apple models. Movies and shows looked great on the phone’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, particularly while taking in the crackling neon blues, reds and yellows that filled the screen during the epic final battle of “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” The iPhone 14’s display remains a fantastic canvas for bingeing TV and catching up on your TikTok feed .
The iPhone 14 is more evolution than revolution; an entry-level phone takes fantastic pictures, can last all day on a charge and packs a great display, all within a beautiful and lightweight design that feels good to use for hours at a time, and it’s still faster than the vast majority of phones you can buy.


Best iPhone for photography: iPhone 14 ProFrom $999 at AppleiPhone 14 Pro Pros and Cons 2Mike Andronico/CNNThe iPhone 14 Pro doesn’t look too different from the previous 13 Pro when it’s turned off, but once the screen lights up, you immediately notice the notch has moved down, slightly, and now lives within the screen. Well, technically, it’s not called a notch. Instead of letting users and the media name the new cutout that houses the FaceID TrueDepth sensors and front-facing camera, Apple dubbed it the Dynamic Island.
But instead of simply delivering a less distracting camera cutout, Apple has built a software experience around this new module — and it’s where Dynamic Island truly earns its name.


The Dynamic Island is used as an interactive area, where you can view any Now Playing information from media apps like Spotify or Apple Music. You’ll also see information such as the volume status of your connected AirPods, a new FaceID unlock animation, or a timer icon when you have an active countdown going. The Dynamic Island can even display two icons at once, so you can, say, view your current song and the status of your timer at the same time.
Perhaps the most notable difference in the iPhone 14 lineup is the camera, which is one of the biggest upgrades we’ve seen in an iPhone. The main camera sensor goes from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels, while the ultra-wide and telephoto cameras stay Photos look slightly sharper, with more accurate colors and detail. And Apple has added a new Action video mode to the camera app. When enabled, the camera acts more like a dedicated action camera — GoPro or otherwise — to capture stabilized footage recording during activities with a lot of movement.


The camera upgrades on the iPhone 14 are more iterative than substantial, but the upgrades on the iPhone 14 Pro are setting the tone for iPhone cameras for years to come.Best budget iPhone: iPhone SE 2022From $429 at Apple and Amazon15-apple iphone se 2022 cnn underscoredJacob Krol/CNN UnderscoredIf you want modern iPhone performance but don’t want to spend $1,000 on a new phone — or just prefer something smaller — the iPhone SE 2022 is for you. Apple’s $429 iPhone makes very few compromises in the power department, packing the same speedy A15 Bionic processor you’ll find on the latest iPhone 13 range. You’ll have no issues multitasking between apps or playing the newest iOS games here.


The SE is also the smallest iPhone in the lineup, packing all of that power into a 4.7-inch design that’s especially ideal for those with small hands (or small pockets). thick display bezels at the top and bottom, but also a Touch ID fingerprint sensor you won’t find on more premium models. Its Retina HD display looks great for watching movies and playing games, and while it doesn’t have the same two- to three-camera arrays of the iPhone 13 series, its single 12-megapixel lens captures solid photos — and has the ability to shoot in Portrait mode for professional -looking headshots.


So, what are you giving up at this price? The iPhone SE’s display isn’t as big or as seamless as what you’ll find on the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, and it lacks the latter’s ProMotion technology that allows for extra-smooth scrolling and streaming at 120Hz. You also won’t get MagSafe capabilities for magnetically attaching compatible chargers and cases, nor will you be able to unlock your phone with your face via Face ID. But if you can live without having the most advanced camera system , the sleekest design or the biggest screen, the iPhone SE is a compact, great-performing iPhone that will last you for years — and at a fraction of the price of an iPhone 13.
• Related: The best smartphones we’ve tested


Oldies but goodies you should still consideriPhone 13From $699 at AppleThe iPhone 13 checks off the core boxes in a size that lets you get a lot done. The 6.1-inch screen size is plenty big for browsing webpages, scrolling through timelines and, more crucially, using the keyboard. Plus, the iPhone 13 features one of the best dual-camera systems we’ve ever tested, consisting of a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The 13 is only bested by the newer iPhone 14 model as our top pick
iPhone 13 ProFrom $900 at AmazonOur previous pick for the best iPhone for photography iPhone 13 Pro has a trio of lenses are paired with a buttery smooth and vibrant display, class-leading performance and seriously long battery life.
iPhone 12From $599 at AppleTechnically the iPhone 12 isn’t that old, at less than a year. But with the launch of the iPhone 13, Apple has reduced the cost of the iPhone 12 to a starting price of $699.


And let’s be clear — the A14 Bionic processor that powers the iPhone 12 is nearly as fast as the one in the iPhone 13. It’s really a nominal upgrade that boosts efficiency and results in applications opening slightly faster. More processor-intensive tasks, like batch exports or video editing, will see boosts in the newer iPhone 13, though. We’d also hedge that the iPhone 13 will keep ticking a bit longer than the iPhone 12 as the devices age.


One potential downside for opting for the iPhone 12 model is that the base storage amount starts at 64GB, while the iPhone 13 lineup starts at 128GB; 64GB is pretty slim, and if you have a large photo library, lots of songs downloaded or a large amount of apps you’ll likely get a storage alert sooner than later, so the iPhone 13 would be a better choice for those who tend to hoard digital files on their phone.
The iPhone 12 offers a good camera experience. You won’t get the new Cinematic video or Macro mode that the iPhone 13 has, but you’re still getting two rear-facing 12-megapixel cameras — one wide, the other ultrawide. offer crisp details and accurate colors, but if you’re keen on photography you’ll notice the 13 does a better job lighting the shot. With shots taken on the iPhone 13, there’s clearer depth between the foreground and background, like for a classic shot of someone in front of a sunset. Still, you’re getting a very capable shooter in the iPhone 12.


Both phones run iOS 15, the latest operating system from the iPhone, and are sure to remain supported for years to come. That’s good news, since it’s still a hefty price and you don’t want to invest in a phone that won’t be supported in a few years.
iPhone 11From $359 at AmazonIf you still want a modern iPhone 11 with a nearly bezel-free screen and Face ID for easy unlocking, the iPhone 11 is an option that mixes solid performance and modern features — all at a more manageable $499 for the 64GB model ($549 for 128GB).


The key difference between the iPhone 11 and newer models is that it opts for a 6.1-inch LCD screen instead of an OLED. It’s not as bright or crisp as newer models, but it still offers a clear viewing experience that ultimately extends the battery life .
There are two rear cameras on the back of the iPhone 11, one for ultrawide shots — a favorite feature of ours — and a standard camera, both of which are 12 megapixels. Images offer a strong amount of details and are still Instagram-worthy but don’t offer the level of detail the iPhone 13 can deliver. Low-light shots are lackluster in comparison with ones taken on any of the newer models.
All in all, the iPhone 11 is a worthy pick for those who want a modern design with Face ID and are shopping on a specific budget.

Apple shares fall after reports that China banned iPhone use by government employees

Apple  Shares fell about 3% on Thursday, following a 4% decline on Wednesday, after several reports suggesting that Chinese government workers could be banned from using iPhones.


The reported restrictions, which have not been publicly announced by the Chinese government, raise concerns that Apple’s products could get caught up in international tensions between the US and China.


Greater China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, is Apple’s third-largest market, accounting for 18% of total revenue of $394 billion. It’s also where the vast majority of Apple products are assembled. The tech giant declined to comment.


China has ordered officials at central government agencies not to bring iPhones into the office or use them for work, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. It was unclear how widely the bans were issued. The ban could spread to other state companies and government- Backed agencies, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.
While a ban on all government employees could reduce iPhone unit sales in China by as much as 5%, Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi wrote in a Thursday note, it would be a larger threat to Apple if the bans sent a signal that everyday citizens should instead Use electronics made by Chinese companies.


“Perhaps more importantly, restricted use of SmartPhones among government employees could negatively impact sales among consumers (related family members; general populace) and could be part of a broader move by the Chinese government to promote usage of domestic technology,” Sacconaghi wrote.
Dan Niles, portfolio manager at Satori Fund, said on Thursday he sold his stake in Apple and is now shorting the company, citing the possibility of a government iPhone ban and increased competition from Huawei.


New competitionLast week, several Chinese retailers started taking orders for a new Huawei phone, the Mate 60 Pro, which quickly became a hot topic on social media in the country.
The phone starts at 6,900 RMB, or about $954, and uses a Chinese-manufactured chip from Huawei’s chip subsidiary, HiSilicon. Early tests suggest the phone can access 5G speeds, although Huawei’s specification pages don’t mention that capability.
Huawei was placed on the US entity list in 2019 over fears that its technology could give the Chinese government backdoor access to communications.

The move requires US companies like Google and Qualcomm to get permission from the US government before supplying Huawei.The sanctions significantly hampered Huawei’s phone business, which was rising before the sanctions, forcing it in recent years to spin off some of its phone brands and contributing to a $12 billion shortfall back in 2020.
Huawei’s new phone has a chip, manufactured on China’s mainland, that uses the 7-nanometer production process. Smaller production processes tend to translate to faster and more efficient chips. This year’s upcoming iPhone is expected to use a 3nm process, manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., and Apple first went with a 7nm process to make its A12 chips, which were used in new iPhones in 2018.


But Huawei’s chip raises questions about how well separate restrictions on chip-manufacturing technology, which aim to prevent Chinese companies from making cutting-edge processors, are working.
“From my perspective, what it tells us is that the United States should continue on its course of a ‘small yard, high fence’ set of technology restrictions focused narrowly on national security concerns, not on the broader question of commercial decoupling,” Jake Sullivan, US national security advisor, said Tuesday in a briefing.


In Apple’s most recent quarter, ended in June, Greater China sales increased 8% on an annual basis to $15.76 billion. It was Apple’s fastest-growing region. On the company’s earnings call, CEO Tim Cook said Apple was seeing users switch from Android phones to iPhones, mentioning that was “at the heart” of its results.


“We continue to try to convince more and more people to switch because of the experience and the ecosystem that we can offer them,” Cook said.

The iPhone 15 Pro Will Have Thinner Bezels in Step Toward Apple’s Dream

Apple is just weeks away from introducing the iPhone 15 and next-generation watches. The new lineup will mark another stepping stone toward the company’s dream iPhone, though changes to the Apple Watch will be more modest. Also: Samsung unveils its own new phones, tablets and watches.
Last week in Power On: Apple Vision Pro headset hinges on apps, but don’t expect developers to flock to it.


Apple Inc. designers have long dreamed of an iPhone that is truly all-screen — with no borders around the display and no cutouts for cameras or sensors. With the iPhone 15 this fall, Apple will take another step toward that goal.

The process began in 2017 with the iPhone X. With that model, the screen extended right to the edge at the top and bottom for the first time (the bezel width was similar to prior phones on the left and right). have a notch cutout near the top to accommodate Face ID, the speaker, front-facing camera and other sensors.
Another step was taken in 2020 with the launch of the iPhone 12, which had slightly thinner bezels than the X, XS and 11 lines before it. With the iPhone 13 Pro in 2021, Apple reduced the size of the notch. that element was replaced by the Dynamic Island, making the area even smaller.


This year, two of the biggest changes to the 15 line will get Apple closer to that dream iPhone. The standard iPhone 15 models will trade in the notch for the Dynamic Island, while the Pro and Pro Max displays will be made with a new technology : low-injection pressure over-molding, or “LIPO” as it’s dubbed inside Apple.


That new process will shrink the border size around the display to 1.5 millimeters (from about 2.2 millimeters on current iPhones). LIPO was first used in the Apple Watch Series 7 to make that device’s borders thinner and increase the size of the display. And Apple plans to eventually bring the feature to the iPad as well, I’m told.
Beyond the new screens, the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro lines will get a series of other new features, marking the biggest update since the device added 5G capability three years ago.
Let’s start with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. As has been expected, those phones will look similar to the current models but add major camera improvements and the A16 chip from the iPhone 14 Pro line. They’ll also swap out the current Lightning connector for USB-C.

Apple Inc. Debuts New iPhones At Product Launch Event The iPhone X, which Apple sold as its first “all-screen” iPhone.Photographer: David Paul Morris/BloombergBesides the new display technology, here’s what to expect with the iPhone 15:
As I wrote in January, the pro models will get a new design, replacing the shiny and fingerprint-prone stainless-steel edges with something stronger, lighter and more premium: titanium. Apple has long sought to bring titanium to the iPhone and using the metal with recent watches was a test for bringing that material to its highest-volume device.The design of the Pro models retains the frosted glass back of the prior few phones, but the edges connecting the side and front are now less sharp than before.

The inside of the iPhone 15 Pro is redesigned to match the revamped aluminum chassis from the regular iPhone 14 (iFixit has a rundown of the changes).As I indicated in May of last year, the iPhone 15 is moving to USB-C. That will enable faster data transfer speeds for those who still sync with a cable, but some consumers will see the change as a costly headache.Major rear camera upgrades, including updated lenses and the ability to get a much wider range of optical zoom on the largest model.

With the regular iPhone 15 models getting last year’s A16 processor, the new pro phones are moving to a 3-nanometer chip that is noticeably snappier.Apple had planned another major feature for this year’s pro models: touch-sensitive buttons with haptic feedback for the volume controls, the mute/ring switch and the power button. Like trackpads on Macs, the buttons wouldn’t physically press in, allowing new software tricks and reducing the number of breakable components on the device.

The enhancement, codenamed Bongo, was canceled after a slew of engineering problems.There were also concerns about the cost increase compared with regular buttons.In the end, the company decided to keep standard buttons for volume and power, but turn the mute/ring switch into a so-called Action button — like on the Apple Watch — that users can customize via software.


Developer Steve Moser at MacRumors discovered code in iOS 17 that hints at the possible options for the button. It suggests you’ll be able to choose among several possibilities: the standard mute switch mechanism, a Focus mode like Do Not Disturb, launching the camera , turning on the flashlight, or opening features for accessibility or translating text.


Samsung copies theApple playbook with modest phone and watch upgrades. Samsung Electronics Co. is in the 2021-utside of the US. I also wouldn’t rule out a price increase in the US — at least for some of the pro models — given the move to titanium and the costlier camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.