The iPhone

IPhones have long been a trend since the first generation iPhone was realised, the first generation of iPhone was announced on January 9, 2007. Yes, the iPhone 1 which some people never knew even existed; it’s these phones that have now developed into the iPhone 6s of today. It is pretty much like evolution, how apes evolved into man the iPhone 1 has evolved into the iPhone 6s and will continue to develop as technology continues to expand. Most of us have or want the latest iPhone, but some will find that it long surpasses their budget, well not at Hot Bargain Phones!

 

At Hot Bargain Phones our prices are so low they can be suitable for everyone! The iPhone has many significant features, it is like your personal portable assistant, the function of ‘Siri’ allows you to ask it anything and it will find the answer for you with the touch of a button, technology is making it easier for humans to do less. Now Apple is introducing its latest function which is the Apple Pay tool, paying in shops or within apps has never been easier or safer. Gone are the days of searching for your wallet, or the wasted moments finding the right card, as now you can use your credit cards, store credit cards and rewards cards with just a touch. 

Apple Pay is simple to use and works with the cards you already have on the devices you use every day. And because your card details are never shared when you use Apple Pay, in fact, they aren’t stored on your device at all; using Apple Pay on your iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad is the safer and more private way to pay! This is one of the many new features the iPhone has, the moment you use iPhone 6s, you know you’ve never felt anything like it. With just a single press, 3D Touch lets you do more than ever before. Live Photos bring your memories to life in a powerfully vivid way and that’s just the beginning. Take a deeper look at iPhone 6s here at Hot Bargain Phones and you’ll find innovation on every level.

Smartphone Trends and Usage Statistics [Infographic]

Smartphones offer more advanced computing power and connectivity than a contemporary mobile phone. Apart from basic services, smartphone also provide advanced functionalities to access internet, to share news and communicate with friends. Smartphone market has seen a massive growth in recent years. Android and IOS devices are ruling over the market. Below infographic, brought to you by Hot Bargain Phones, highlights smartphone trends and usage statistics.

Refurbished Phones

There’s no getting around the fact that Smartphones are expensive but the latest Smartphones are even more costly. We all want the latest phone and a model which is supposedly the best brand and has all the advanced features inbuilt in it! At Hot Bargain Phones our refurbished handsets are no less than the brand new sets, most of our handsets are as good as new ones. We can guarantee our customers that our phones will work just as well as the new model, the only difference is that our prices are much more affordable. Unlike a handset which is described as “used” or “second hand”, a refurbished handset is one which would have been inspected by the manufacturer to meet their original specifications. 

At Hot Bargain Phones our products function identical to a new handset. Personally, I have had my phone replaced by a refurbished one a number of times and there is no difference apart from the sheer fact that the phone does not come in its original packaging. The phones are reset to their original settings, just as a “new” phone, so what’s the actual difference? Refurbished handsets are the handsets that were either previously used by someone else, unwanted handsets that were returned to the retailer (even if unused, a handset can’t be sold as new if the seal on the box has been broken), or a handset that was previously leased by a company. 

Buying a refurbished phone can cut the costs considerably in comparison to buying a new phone, and there are not any obvious differences, everyone has a Smartphone in this generation, so why miss out just because of the expensive prices when you can purchase the latest phones from us at an affordable and reasonable price? Smartphones are beneficial for many things, for example if you are a business orientated person then not having a Smartphone is out of the picture, you basically need it if you want to survive in the business world! It is most likely that your Smartphone is used as your own portable, personal assistant, as it comes in handy when using it to plan journeys, write memos, set reminders and visit the social media sites that have pretty much become a long obsession for some people, this is just to name a few of the many things a smart phone is useful for. 

23 Interesting Facts About Apple iPhone [Infographic]

iPhone brought a sort of revolution in the smartphone market. Since the first iPhone announced publicly, we have seen lots of changes in the iPhone features and technology. Apple has turned into a technology giant and many companies are following its footsteps. As interesting as its name sounds, there are many fun facts about Apple which I bet you didn't know.

This infograpahic, created by Hot Bargain Phones, revolves around 23 amazing facts about Apple. 

Hot Bargain Phones is the market leader when it comes to refurbished and used smartphones. Here you can find smartphones at the lowest prices.

Best Deals on Refurbished Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy

A refurbished phone is normally a lot less pricey than buying a similar cell phone new. Refurbished phones are not new but it does not mean that they have been used much. Many people buy new smartphone and then return it to buy another latest phone, although the previous phone was working just fine. A properly refurbished phone should have been tested and any part that does not work has been replaced or repaired.

Here are some of the great deals you can find on refurbished phones:

1. Apple iPhone 6 - Unlocked 128GB 

Price: £649.95  £545.00

This phone is available in gold, silver and space gray. Factory unlocked and open to use with any network provider in UK, iPhone 6 features a touch id, a new 8MP iSight camera with focus pixels, faster LTE wireless, an A8 chip and IOS 8. This phone comes with 1 year warranty provided by the seller. Hurry, grab this amazing deal today! 

2. Apple iPhone 6 Plus - Unlocked

Price: £789.00  £630.00

iPhone 6 plus is available in silver, space gray and gold. Refurbished and all previous data is cleared so no need to worry about the condition of the phone. This phone features an A8 chip, IOS 8, a touch id, 8MP iSight camera with Focus Pixels and faster LTE wireless. For £630.00 this phone is your best bet. You can use iPhone 6 plus with any network provider in UK and around the world. Comes with a 1 year warranty provided by the seller, grab this deal now! 

3. Apple iPhone 6 - Unlocked 64GB

Price: £619.00  £485.00

Open to use with any network provider in UK and worldwide, iPhone 6 features an A8 chip, faster LTE wireless, 8MP iSight camera with Focus Pixels, IOS 8 and touch id. All previous data has been cleared. Buy this 64GB variant of iPhone 6 for £485.00 today from Hot Bargain Phones.

4. Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Charcoal Black

Price: £349.99  £304.99

This revolutionary phablet from Samsung features 5.7 inch HD screen, 5 pen input and long lasting battery. Turn you everyday tasks into fun and transform your lifestyle with Samsung Galaxy Note 4. This phone is fully tested and comes with USB data cable, wall charger and generic box. Grab this amazing deal today, only available at Hot Bargain Phones. 

5. Samsung S4 i9500 Factory Unlocked

Price: £210.00  £149.99

Available in white and blue black, comes with a 1 year warranty. This phone is in a good condition. It can be used with any network provider of your choice.  

Evolution of iPhone [Infographic]

From 2.5G to LTE, from multi-touch to Siri, from widgets to apps, there have been major updates with each unveiled iPhone. The first-generation handset offered iTunes, Google maps, stocks and weather reports. Apple announced the launch of iPhone 3G just a year after the revolutionary first-gen iPhone went on sale. The new handset was upgraded from 2.5 to 3G with improved battery life and support for 3rd party apps.

With the launch of every new handset, Apple introduced something new to win the hearts of tech enthusiasts. iPhone has completely changed the way we used to communicate via text and the modern functionalities made iPhone the largest selling phone of our decade.

Below infographic, brought to you by Hot Bargain Phones, revolves around the evolution of iPhone. Go through the same and don’t forget to hit the share buttons.

Our Top 5 Apps for iPhones

There is a saying nowadays that is floating round “There’s an app for that” and it completely true. From balancing your budget to keeping fit, there will be an app for it.

So we’re going to give a small rundown of our current top 5 favourite apps that you should definitely download. The apps are of course free.

Microsoft Translator 

For any frequent travellers or learners of different languages, this is the one for you. This app allows you to type in or speak phrases and get them automatically translated into dozens of languages, and will also help you with the pronunciations. If someone stops you in a street and asks a question in a different language, you can use the app to help you translate directions. A pretty nifty app, we must say. 

Snapseed

For photographers, amateur or professional, or you just simply like to edit your photos, Snapseed is a wonderful app that brings you powerful and professional photo-editing software. Easy to use and understand, you can turn your average-looking snap into artwork in minutes. A must-have for sure. 

Pacifica

Stress, anxiety and depression happens to the best of us. It creeps up quietly sometimes without us noticing. This app is an excellent way to break the cycle of thoughts that trouble us. Day by day you will learn to manage stress, anxiety and depression at your own pace without any false promises. It has a Daily Mood Tracker with Mood History, Thought Analysis, Daily Health Tracker and more. It is definitely worth a try. 

1Password

From time to time we get our passwords and pins all mixed up, and it can be incredibly frustrating when the incorrect email address or password (which one is it??!) error shows up. 1Password is a fantastic app that keeps all your vital information in one secure vault. Store your logins, credit cards, identities, secure notes etc. The 1Password vault is protected by a Master Password that only you know. It’s made life a lot easier for many people. 

Triposo

One travel guide for the whole world. If you are travelling to a brand new destination this is the ultimate app for you. For each destination you get offline maps, offline routing and offline city walks (no eating through your overseas date allowance, yay!), smart suggestions that surprises you with hidden gems and much more. You can also take a look at their website if you are unsure before downloading.  

If you have any apps worth sharing, let us know! Find all the unlocked Smartphones and unlocked iPhones you need on our website. 

 

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Examined

More often than not, we have grown very attached to our phones. They have seamlessly integrated themselves into our lives – sometimes without us even noticing.

Some can’t remember life before the iPhone and others remember the old days where you would have to find a phone box to call home.

For pretty much everything we require there is an app for that. From fitness and health, to flight check –in and personal finance.

Now the time is approaching or has come for you to upgrade your phone. And from what you can tell, the main difference between the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is the size. Unfortunately this is where you are wrong. The obvious difference is indeed the size, but there are other main differences so we’ve put together for a few highlights for your reference when it comes to choosing between the two.

Size

We have already established there is a noticeable size difference between the two phones; it’s either a blessing or a curse – depending on your view of Phablets in general.

So let’s get down to business.

The measurements are as follows:

Battery

As expected the iPhone 5 Plus packs a much larger battery due to needing to be able to power its larger screen. 

Talk time on the 6: 14 hours on 3G. iPhone 6 Plus: 24 hours 3G

Internet usage on the 6: Up to 10 hours on 3G and up to 11 hours on Wi-Fi. iPhone 6 Plus: Up to 12 hours on 3G and up to 12 hours on Wi-Fi

Video playback on the 6: Up to 11 hours. iPhone 6 Plus: Up to 14 hours

Audio playback on the 6: Up to 50 hours. iPhone 6 Plus: Up to 80 hours

Looking at the details above, if you are a power user then your best bet would be to pick the iPhone 6 Plus.

Camera

The iPhone 6 will be easier to handle in one hand than the 6 Plus but with the larger screen on the 6 Plus, there will be more viewfinder screen space.

Both phones feature the same camera lines – an 8 megapixel shooter (just like the iPhone 5S, but features an improved f/2.2 aperture so your pictures are always going to look better in all conditions.

And finally the Specs

Reasons to Buy Unlocked Smartphones

Any smartphone that uses SIM card has the potential to be unlocked. A SIM card stands for subscriber identity module. It contains all the encrypted and personal information about the smartphone user. All smartphones, which have SIM cards, will operate on the GSM phone network. This means these smartphones could be unlocked and used on another GSM phone network.

It is possible for smartphone users to unlock some models; many people prefer to purchase unlocked phones. The main reason behind this is most of the users don’t know how to unlock phones and there are detailed instructions for unlocking smartphone on the Internet in which some models require complex procedures to unlock. And if the procedure is not followed properly then the phone will be hard-locked or dead and not used further.

Many service providers require consumers to sign a service contract, which is usually for two years and if the user breaches the contract then it will be quite costly for the consumer. Another option is, purchase the unlocked version and insert the SIM of pervious smartphone into it. This will also prove beneficial for those users who frequently travel abroad because it can be used on many other worldwide service provider networks. International roaming is quite expensive and purchasing a SIM card of local service provider is better option.

Smartphone users who break phones frequently are also advised to purchase unlocked smartphone and also for those users who purchase new models more frequently have to pay a service fee to the service provider for switching the information to a new phone. Users who purchase unlocked phones can only switch the SIM card between phones without paying any fee to the service provider.

Unlocked smartphones are better than locked smartphones and offers a variety of advantages, including the freedom to select the network service provider of our choice and ability to use in overseas without incurring costly roaming charges. The consumer will have to pay more for unlocked smartphone rather than locked smartphone but the freedom of choosing the network provider of your choice justifies the money spent. 

Two New Members of The Lumia Family

Not many of us have forgotten the Nokia brand. Even some five years ago, Nokia was one of the most reliable and leading manufacturers across the globe. Howsoever, tuff competition from the smart phone front and huge operating losses running into €4.1 billion led to acquisitions and on April 25th, 2014, the Nokia brand name was replaced by Microsoft. Since then, Microsoft has been taking care of the Lumia brand and before the series is completely undone, we probably have the last batch of devices to be unveiled shortly by Microsoft.

The only thing that went wrong with the Lumia series is that they arrived at the party too late. By 2012, Samsung and Apple were already defining the smart phone market and the low end segments were being taken care of by a variety of manufacturers that included Sony, HTC, Verizon and several local manufacturers. Even Blackberry was early to adapt the smart phone technology. Nokia kept to its ‘essential’ properties and the devices gradually lost interest among the consumers. Lumia was first introduced by October 2011 and immediately faced a loss of 368 million Euros. Nokia’s rank as the number 1 manufacturer fell to the tenth spot.

Since April 2014, all the three Lumia phones that Microsoft had launched were entry level low cost phones. They were exactly successful launches either. It’s now been a year that Microsoft has come up with its next flagship but according to reports, two new phones would be unveiled soon.

Though an official statement is pending, “Unleash the phones” claims to have exclusive information about the hardware and software of the upcoming Lumia devices, which could well probably be the last of “Lumia” series. As per the disclosure, Microsoft is working on a 5.7 inch QHD display, the first time that a high end spec has been attached to the Lumia series. The phone could be using the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core processor complimented by a 3GB RAM. The devices are expected to have a 20 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front alternative. Other important features include a 32 GB of internal memory to be supported by MicroSD and a 3,300 mAh battery.

The other rumored addition that has been codenamed as “Talkman” will supposedly sport a smaller 5.2 inch QHD display and powered by hexa-core Snapdragon processor. The device would be slimmer than the Lumia 930, Microsoft’s flagship launch last year. Further, the battery of the Talkman would store some 300 mAh less power than the 5.7 inch launch. The devices will further sport triple-LED flash (with each providing a different shade) for a more natural photo. 

Both the Lumia launches will support 64-bit processing. Also, Microsoft is expected to integrate a new feature into the Windows 10 for Phones platform. It could be similar to the OS X update of the “Hand-off”. This feature would allow the user to receive calls on his/her phone but reply / SMS back through Windows PC.

The new and the last of the Lumia models are expected to be out in the second half of 2015 after Microsoft gets done with the release of the Windows 10 for PC and phone.

Both Nokia and Microsoft have targeted the emerging and low-end market with the Lumia phones but this time the results should be different. It can as well be a game changer for Microsoft.

The Biggest Thing to Happen to iPhone was the iPhone 5

Codenamed N41/N42, the iPhone 5 was the fourth major redesign and second major improvement to the phone’s display since the original iPhone.  Unveiled in September of 2012, the phone was the 6th generation of the iPhone succeeding the iPhone 4S and preceding the 5S and 5C.

This redesigned phone included an aluminium-based body which was thinner and lighter – 25% thinner than previous models, a taller screen with nearly 16:9 ratio – giving more of a cinematic feel, LTE support and lighting and a new compact dock connector replacing the 30-pin design used by the previous iPhone models.

Apple switched to in-cell technology which allowed them to combine the touch sensor and LCD into one layer. The pixels on the iPhone 4 and 4S looked like they were painted beneath the glass; the pixels on the iPhone 5 looked as though they were painted inside the glass. This reduced reflection and made everything look that much better.

Instead of a glass back and stainless steel band, Apple went back to the aluminium of the original iPhone, making a uni-body that covered the back and sides, and also included diamond polished chamfered edges.  A third mic was also added for noise cancellation and beam forming meaning we can talk at our phones and from all around them. Texting was also aided by the voice assistant who converted speech to text.

And many more improvements and changes were made; starting off the trend of the phones we know and love today.

Sadly, while the phone was the best Apple had created, it was discontinued just a year after the launch - despite the huge success. Two million units were sold in the initial 24 hours after pre-order.

The withdrawal of this phone made way for the 5S and 5C

Here at Hot Bargain Phones we stock the iPhone 5 and have some fantastic deals on offer.

Check them out today.

The lowdown on the iPhone 6S

It’s been 8 months since the launch and release of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus, and rumours have been swirling ever since as to whether there will be an iPhone 6S following or whether Apple will jump straight to the iPhone 7.

Both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus serve jointly as successors to the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S. The phones include a number of changes over its predecessor, including models with larger 4.7 & 5.5 inches displays, upgraded camera, improved Wi-Fi connectivity and a faster processor.
So can the iPhone 6S get any better?

The design and specs with an ‘S’ model tends to stay the same with a few tweaks here and there, it is likely the 6S will look the same as the current iPhone 6.
The screen size with an S model usually sticks with the same screen size so it could be likely remain at 4.7 inches. But if it is an iPhone 6S Plus, we’ll be seeing it remain at 5.5 inches.

Rumours are circulating that the upgraded iPhone will feature a rose gold casing colour which will match the Apple Watch Edition bringing the number of colour options up to four, joining the existing silver, gold and space grey, as well as featuring a 12-megapixel camera and 2-gigabytes of Ram.

There will also be a microphone added near the speaker to enhance voice quality, with the bending issue improved by different casing materials and internal mechanical design changes. If drop test issues can be resolved, it’s likely there will be a number of units with a sapphire cover lens.
Finally, the recognition rate of Touch ID will be further improved in a move to promote Apple Pay.

But as the rumors are just that, Apple may decide to jump ahead and launch the iPhone 7 with the same design and spec as per above.

While you wait for more updates on the iPhone 6S or 7, take a look at our range of phones. We’re going to be introducing the iPhone 6 which are second hand iPhones but will be as a good as new.
Keep your eyes peeled.

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iPhone 4S 4 U

Apple iPhones are everywhere. More often than not, you know somebody with an iPhone, whether it is the latest model or the oldest model you didn’t know was still sold.
And maybe you’ll be surprised to know that the iPhone 4S is still to this date the most requested iPhone.

Released back in October 2011, the 5th generation iPhone’s sales have gone from strength to strength. As recent as last year it was suggested the iPhone 4S accounted for 25 percent of iPhones sold by Apple drawing in nearly 10 million new users.
With the phone proven to be so popular, Apple has opted to keep the model around, while discontinuing its successor the iPhone 5.

If you are still having doubts as to whether to buy an iPhone 4S, here are some reasons why you should:

• The 4S is compatible with old accessories. Unlike the newer iPhone models which use a lightning connector, the 4S is compatible with chargers using a 30 pin cable. The 4S also takes a micro SIM which can be found on any other Smartphone while the iPhone 5C and 5S both use Nano SIMs.
• It’s the only iPhone with a 3.5 inch screen. The iPhone 6 has a 4.7 inch screen with the 6 Plus stretching ahead with 5.5 inches. The 5S and 5C respectively have the 4 inch screens. If you like your displays to be small, the 4S is the phone for you.
• It is relatively cheap. Lots of phone companies offer the phone for free with contracts, and on our website prices start at £162.50 unlocked. 
• The phone has a 1432 mAh battery capable of up to 200 hours of standby time or talk time. The iPhone 5S has a 1560 mAh battery which gives just 2 hours more talk time.
• It supports iOS 7, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, and 3G.

While the iPhone 5S & 5C are more up to date, the 4S is a comfortable and trustworthy phone. It’s stylish, user-friendly and affordable.
Buying Second hand iPhones or a Used iPhone 4S from us couldn’t be easier. Visit our website to find out how.