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.

Upgrading – what to choose?

The time has come. It has perhaps been long overdue and you’ve decided to put some time aside to make it happen. You want to upgrade your phone.

While you may feel like you are late to the party in upgrading your phone from an iPhone 4 or 4S, you really aren’t the only one.

There are plenty of people out there who don’t upgrade as soon as a new iPhone comes out. Some like to stick with what they have, others are tempted but wait until their contract ends.

But the question now is: Which iPhone?

Here we are going to list the pros and cons of the iPhone 5S and 5S which are available on our website.

iPhone 5S

 
Pros:

•    Sleek, thin and lightweight design with durable aluminium back panel
•    Improved front camera quality
•    Extremely fast – great 4G LTE speeds
•    Fingerprint sensor
•    Above average battery life – long enough to provide all day use for many
•    The screen is bigger and better
•    Supports iOS 7 & 8

Cons:

•    Aluminium back panel can be subject to dents and scratches.
•    Camera lacks optical zoom
•    Can be expensive

 iPhone 5C

Pros:

•    Available in a larger range of colours including pink, blue, green and white
•    Made from a polycarbonate shell, crafted from a single piece of plastic making it lighter
•    Has a better front camera than the iPhone 5
•    Relatively inexpensive upfront if tied to an expensive contract
•    Internally similar to the iPhone 5

Cons:

•    There is no 64GB version of the 5C meaning less storage then the 5S
•    Rear camera is of lower quality when compared to the 5S
•    The four inch Retina Display feels small compared with most Android phones.
•    No MicroSD Slot


To sum up overall: If you would like a cheaper phone and don’t mind compromising on storage space, then the 5C is the phone for you.

If you are looking for speed, durability and more storage, the iPhone 5S is the phone of choice. There is also the choice of the now discontinued iPhone 5 which is also available on our website www.hotbargainphones.com.