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iPhone, Reviews

Which iPhone Smartphone Offers the Best Value?

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Which iPhone Offers the Best Value?

With so many smartphones and iPhones to choose, deciding which iPhone offers the best value isn’t always easy. Apart from specifications and features, you should also consider the iPhone’s age, price, and re-sell value to find the best value iPhone. To help you out, we have selected three iPhones that tower above the rest in terms of the value for money they provide.

Best Value iPhone: iPhone 8 Plus

Iphone 8 Plus Best value smartphoneOut of the three new iPhones Apple released in 2017, the iPhone 8 Plus offers the best value iPhone. Even though it’s $200 less expensive than the iPhone X, the two smartphones share basically the same internal components.  We found them on Amazon starting from $915.

But the iPhone 8 Plus has the same design?

Yes, the iPhone 8 Plus still sports the same tired design as the iPhone 7 Plus, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For example, if you currently own the iPhone 7 Plus, all your current accessories should work just fine with the iPhone 8 Plus, including cases and car mounts. Some people may even prefer to stick with the familiar design instead of learning the several new gestures that are required for navigating the iPhone X.

Thanks to the A11 Bionic chipset, the iPhone 8 Plus is considerably faster than all older iPhones, so you can rest assured knowing that your smartphone is going to remain breezy for a long time. The iPhone 8 Plus also features basically the same rear dual-lens camera module that is present in the iPhone X. This means that you can take 12 MP wide-angle pictures with one lens and then capture 12 MP closeups with the telephoto lens. You can also record 4K video at 60 frames per second or Full HD video at 240 frames per second.

What about screen quality on the iPhone 8 Plus?

The only major thing that the iPhone 8 Plus sacrifices in the name of value when compared to the iPhone X is screen quality. The iPhone X has a beautiful, edge-to-edge OLED screen with 2436 x 1125 pixels and support for HDR. The iPhone 8 Plus, on the other hand, has the same Full HD 5.5-inch IPS LCD as the iPhone 7 Plus.

But because there’s no real reason to go beyond the Full HD resolution on a 5.5-inch screen, apart from virtual reality, we stand behind our opinion that the iPhone 8 Plus offers the best value for people who want an all-around excellent iPhone and can live without the latest and greatest design.

Best Value Iphone Alternative: iPhone 7

Since the release of the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X, the second-hand Iphone 7 Best value Smartphonesmarket with the iPhone 7 has exploded. For a very attractive price, you can get this one generation old performer, which looks almost identical to the iPhone 8, but lacks some of the bells and whistles of its younger brother.

Most notably, the iPhone 7 has the A10 Fusion chipset, which is not nearly as impressive now as it was when it was first released. While the chipset still has more than enough power for just about anything that you can find in the App Store, you may notice that it occasionally has trouble keeping up with heavy multi-tasking or bloated web pages.

As such, you shouldn’t buy the iPhone 7 brand-new from Apple. The smartphone only really makes sense if you don’t intend to use it for more than two years—but ideally just one.  A refurbished version is available on Amazon for a fraction of the price.


The iPhone 7 also lacks wireless charging support, only has up to 128 GB of storage capacity, and has a lesser camera than newer iPhones. That said, we don’t think that the lack of support for wireless charging is something to worry about unless you now own a smartphone that has this feature and don’t remember the last time you’ve charged it with a cable.

Photography with the iPhone 7

The camera is then perhaps the biggest weakness of the iPhone 7 because it doesn’t support the special portrait mode nor any other newer features, such as Face ID. But make no mistake, the iPhone 7 still takes stunning pictures. It’s just that flagship smartphones have evolved since 2016, but the iPhone 7 stayed the same.

Apart from its reliable performance and attractive price, the iPhone 7 also offers very manageable size as well as nearly all of the strengths of the iPhone 7 Plus. If you don’t feel like splurging a large sum of money on a brand-new iPhone 8, and you don’t like larger smartphones, you should definitely consider getting a second-hand iPhone 7.

Best Value Older Iphone: the iPhone SE

Best older smartphone Iphone SEReleased in March 2016, the iPhone SE is old. But despite its advanced age, this wonderful little ode to the short-lived era of 4-inch smartphones still has plenty to offer to people who need a smartphone only for the most basic tasks, including taking pictures and making video calls.

The price of the iPhone SE is the winner here.

Perhaps the best thing about the iPhone SE, apart from its adorable size, is its very attractive price of just $349. That’s right, $349 for a new iPhone straight from Apple. It’s true that you can find newer iPhones, such as the aforementioned iPhone 7, for better prices on sites like eBay and Craigslist, but you need to be willing to get a second-hand iPhone to begin with, and not everyone is.  Personally id check out Apple on amazon for a great deal (see here)

We think that it’s perfectly reasonable to spend $349 on a new iPhone SE, knowing that it doesn’t come with the latest bells and whistles and doesn’t have as much processing power to spare as newer iPhones do.

What it does have is a sharp 4.0-inch IPS LCD with 640 x 1136 pixels, the A9 chipset, up to 128 GB of storage space, 2 GB of RAM, 12 MP rear camera that can record 2160p video at 30 frames per second or 720p video at up to 240 frames per second, 1.2 MP front-facing camera with face detection and FaceTime support, and front-mounted fingerprint reader with Touch ID support.

 

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iPhone video tips – How To Shoot Like A Pro

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iPhone video tips. How To Shoot iPhone Video Like A Pro

It appears that iPhones have replaced standalone video cameras. There is no doubt that smart phones are still quite far from the quality offered by DSLR videos & cameras.

It is often said that the best camera is the camera you have with you at the time.  Although there is often a real distinct difference in the quality between smart phone models and devices. Whilst the gap in quality is due to lenses and technology issues within iPhones, the biggest issues is often bad user habits.  In this article we hope to give you some tips to improve your videos with your iPhone or smart phone.

iPhone video Apps

One of the first tricks to shooting on your iPhone like a pro is not using the stock standard camera app from Apple. Apple’s camera app lacks important controls that are vital when shooting footage at a professional level. iPhone 7 limits the bit rate of a 4K video down to 47 Mbps.  This limitation will keep the file sizes low, but will also  impact the quality of your iPhone video.



Using a third party application is the way forward if you want to record higher quality of recording. These apps have the ability to turn your iPhone into a pocket DSLR video. Additional options like white focus control, custom pre-sets and control exposure.

Eliminating the white balance is another tip.  The white balance often makes the iPhone footage look amateur.  This is quite simple, to start with, change the settings on the white balance and exposure before you press play. Some of these apps may seem like pricey purchases, but they are worthwhile if you find yourself shooting a significant amount of video content.

Who wants shaky footage?

Unless you’re watching cloverfield, shaky camera work is a tell-tale sign that something has been filmed by a hand held device.  It’s also fairly easy to tell that the device was a phone. We understand not everyone wants to use Steadicam rigs or tripods, but without them your viewers might feel a sense of nausea.

You don’t need to splurge on expensive professional grade accessories, although the make things easier.  You can go for low cost alternatives, which if used well can offer similar results. The best DIY option, although simple, is leaning on an object.  This can cut the amount of camera shake while filming, and of course can limit your movement too and range to video. If you can afford a small investment.  Its worth putting some cash towards a iPhone tripod. Tripods can range from $7 upwards, a simple and small piece of equipment can not only hold your iPhone steady but make a huge difference to the overall quality of your video footage.

Even better again, a gimbal could also be a useful contraption for keeping your iPhone camera steady, it will reduce shakes and vibrations caused by movements.


Should you use the iPhone Zoom for videos?

A lot of iPhone users go wrong when they starting using the zoom whilst filming the videos. This ruins not only just the quality but the clarity of the video. If you start using the zoom your footage results will be grainy and stretched. Instead of using the zoom, try to move closer to the object.  Moving closer will retain the quality and give your footage of depth of field.  Lighting plays a very important role in your video quality, any good selfie taker will know this. Take care when choosing the location to film in, and how it is lit.

iPhone

Photography on the go – Essential iPhone Camera Accessories

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Photography on the go – iPhone accessories for great photos. 6 of the best must haves to get you amazing photos with your smart phone.

Photography with a macro lens

A macro lens works like a strong magnifying glass that can be snapped onto an iPhone to give a variety of amazing photography options.  A macro lens allows users to capture close up photos of small objects. This is the type of accessory that is very difficult to go without once you’ve started using it. You’ll find it easier to take photos of animals and nature.

These lenses can vary in magnification from 6x to 15x zoom, with some more high power lenses also on the market. Top manufacturers for iPhone macro lenses include ExoLens and Olloclip.
Click here for the latest ExoLens prices.
Click here for the latest Olloclip Prices.

Tripod, makes photography so easy

A tripod will save you your hands and improve the quality of your photos on those moments you need to hold your smart phone camera deadly still during photography so you can capture video or a slow shutter image. Tripods come in lots of different varieties but all of them have the same purpose and goal. The tripod means you don’t need rush photography and your footage will come out looking much more professional.

GorillaPod is one of the top brands for tripod and Lollipod’s selling feature is the ability to extend.
Click HERE for the latest price on GorillaPods.
Click HERE for the latest price on Lollipods.

A waterproof iPhone case, gives you more photography options

The ability to photograph underwater is the biggest selling point of waterproof iPhone casing. These type of cases are perfect for those regular adventurers and photography lovers or the accident prone types. There are several good brands for this accessory, the most popular being Watershot Pro.
Click HERE for the latest price on the Watershot Pro.

Hardened iPhone case

iPhone are fragile and many of us have learnt that the hard way. Many people have lost their technology to trips, drops, puddles and the laundry, this case will certainly give people a safety net.

Although not particularly necessary for great photography with your iPhone or smart phone, a  hardened case can lead to other possibilities like taking your phone out in the rain, on hikes or whilst skydiving. These types of cases can come in lots of different price points and colours.

We like the Lifeproof range of Hard cases, you can find the latest price for them HERE.

There are many other options and price points, you can find the latest styles and prices HERE.

Shutter release – for that perfect photo

A remote shutter releases can let iPhone users take up close photos from far away. This is perfect for holiday photography or taking photos where you want to capture images of a faraway location or if you’re looking for a new perspective. The widest available remote shutter release is a user friendly switch that comes on Apple earbuds, this doesn’t work on significant distance but will improve your images.

There are also a wide amount of Bluetooth products that offer a remote shutter option, these come with a range of features and in a variety of prices. Some of these shutters allow you take photos from as far away as 30 meters.

You can find the latest prices on Apple’s earbuds HERE.
You can find the latest prices on Bluetooth Remote Shutter Releases HERE.

Battery charger

One of the most frustrating things about smartphones is the battery. No matter how advanced the model of your phone or your photography accessories, the last thing you want to miss is the perfect photography opportunity, or extra photos if the battery is unlikely to last the day. We all need a battery charger than can recharge the phone throughout the day, no matter where you are.

There are a huge variety of portable battery chargers and power from basic $10 options to $100 models. Some last will charge a phone once, others up to six times.

 

iPhone

Using Apple iPhone – some hidden features you may not know

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Using Apple iPhone – some hidden features you may not know

Time and again there has been too much of a hullabaloo, created around iPhone and its list of exceptional features. The Apple brand smartphones is a prized possession of many, but not many can claim, that they have complete knowledge of all its functions. With the era of using digital cameras declining, the iPhone has become the new memory capturing device. There are many things which can be done to improve the picture quality, without the need to download an app. But, how to do that is a secret formula, which needs a little bit of research. Similarly, have you ever thought of what can be the shortcut of redialing in iPhones? The answer to all these and many more secret functions of the iPhone is listed below:

Switch on the burst mode

Often we encounter situations where the subject is in motion and the pictures being taken are turning out to be blurred. In conditions as such, suppress the shutter button for one second, the smartphone will trigger the burst mode and start off clicking pictures continuously, this will enable to get that one perfect click that you are looking for.

Redial mode

The iPhone app allows the redial option for the last number dialed on the phone. Just press the green call button and the smartphone will display the last dialed number. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
  2. Press the Keypad at the bottom.
  3. Press the green Call button once.
how to use Redial Mode on Iphone
2. Keypad at bottom
how to use Redial mode on Iphone
3. Press the green call button once

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. You will see the number you last dialed at the top of the interface, press the call button again to call the last number that will be shown on the screen.

Siri can also help you to dial the last number, just ask her to “Redial the last number”

Activate your camera mode without unlocking

There are times when you want to capture a picture instantly, but keying in the password and getting the iPhone activated will make you lose the moment. In order to directly get on camera mode, go to your lock screen and press the camera icon by your finger , the camera mode will be activated instantly and allow you to shoot photos.

Get your numbers correct with a swipe

The easy mode to rectify an error in the calculator is by swiping left or right on the display screen (just over the section where the displayed number is). The swiping allows deletion of single digit numbers when you type a wrong digit on the calculator.

Swift reply to iMessage or SMS

While you are working on any other app and you get a notification of an SMS, simply pull down the notification to answer back. This feature doesn’t require you to leave your present screen you were working on.

Free your iPhone space

The phone is often subjected to unnecessary data that affects the speed of your iPhone. To regain back the speed and clear the RAM, just press the power button , till the time power off mode gets displayed, then long press the home button till the time screen appears blank and the home screen gets displayed. The RAM will be cleaned.

Silent Selfie

The iPhone allows clicking pictures through the volume buttons. This feature is particularly helpful when one wants to click a selfie at a particular position. Moreover, at public places, one can even plug in the headphones and click selfies through the volume button without anybody knowing about it.  So simple – While in camera mode just click either volume button to take the photo.

Get the latest Price on the latest iPhones and Accessories here

How-To, iPhone

How to Navigate your new Apple iPhone X with no home button

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So I’m sure you’ve seen by now that unlike every previous iPhone ever created, we have been left without an official home button on the brand new Apple flagship smartphone, the iPhone X.  Understandably, you might have a few questions about some of the commands the old home button used to control, and HOW TO adapt to Apple’s new design.

How to Unlock Your New iPhone X

Obviously, there is no TouchID anymore with the absence of the official home button, but not to worry! FaceID looks quite promising (and speedy, too).



It works exactly how it sounds it works. Look at your iPhone X and (given you’ve set up your security preferences) your phone will unlock, with a swipe of the screen to finish the process.

Now that you’ve unlocked your phone, you might want to know how to bring up the home screen?

How to go to the Home Screen on Your New iPhone X

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen. It probably couldn’t be any easier than this (unless we still had a designated button).

What about the Control Centre?

It’s as simple as swiping DOWN from the TOP RIGHT hand side of your new iPhone X.

To bring up your notifications, it’s the exact same action, but from the TOP LEFT hand side of the screen. (Even the centre of the screen will do the same job)

 

How do I Switch Between Apps?

Okay, imagine that your new iPhone X still has a home button. To swipe right, swipe your finger/thumb from the bottom left corner of the phone and draw an imaginary semi-circle over where the home button used to be. The same goes for swiping left, but swap sides.

Where is Siri?

If you don’t want to do the regular call for Siri – “Hey Siri”, not to worry! Just press and hold the power button on the right side of your new iPhone X.

What about Apple Pay?

This one can take some getting used to.

Double clicking the power button on the right side will bring up your wallet. You will then need to use FaceID to make and complete a payment.

How do I Screenshot?

Super simple! Simultaneously long hold press both the power button and the UP volume button. It’s handy that these two buttons are parallel to each other.

And finally, what about Hard-Resetting my new iPhone X?

It’s a little tricky, and you might not get it your first time, but bare with me.

Really quickly, tap the volume UP button, followed by the volume DOWN button, then HOLD the power button down. You should eventually see your screen go black and the Apple logo appear.

I hope this guide helps you overcome and adapt to the changes that have been made. Nothing is ever too difficult to adapt to for us Apple faithful.

Click HERE for the latest prices on the iPhone X.