26 Oct
Blog

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Review: A Step Above the Competition

iPhone 12 Pro

"The iPhone 12 Pro is the choice for those who want to take their phone experience beyond the ordinary."

  • Exceptional design and workmanship

  • Fantastic photo and video quality

  • High quality display

  • Universal 5G network

  • The MagSafe utility is questionable

  • Limited improvements over iPhone 12

The range of phones from Apple has grown steadily in size and thus in complexity. For the end of 2020 we also have four iPhone 12 models in three sizes and several hundred dollars the iPhone SE, iPhone XR, and iPhone 11 these are still on sale. Apple will sell you a new iPhone that will suit just about every possible need, regardless of size, features, and budget.

However, in the eyes of many people, there is only one choice: the latest Pro model. The iPhone 12 Pro differs less from the “standard” model than the Pro from last year and still has a premium of 200 US dollars. Is it still the one to get? Let's discuss.

Hardware, design and display

After three years of the same rounded design, we have something fresh to put our eyes and hands on. The iPhone 12 series has a wonderfully angular, plate-like appearance. For the 12 Pro, an upgraded stainless steel frame that's not excusingly heavier than the aluminum 12 is beautifully finished with an intense sheen and a flat glass back that maintains the 11 Pro's etched matte texture.

iPhone 12 Pro

The color "Pacific Blue" is not nearly as strong as the candy-like blue of the iPhone 12, but it does match the overall subtle atmosphere of the Pro line. The hyper-glossy sides are undoubtedly luxurious, but they do collect fingerprints at an incredible rate – on top they offer some support to counteract the slippery back. The 12 Pro may not be as ergonomic as the 11 Pro, but the glossy sides and sharp edges provide plenty of grip if you want to use it without a case.

It's refreshing to see a brand new iPhone design, and the Pro interfaces take it to a new level.

As a total object to keep your eyes on, it is as great as you would expect from an Apple product. Lines, tolerances and overall finish are perfect. However, this design suffers from a flaw: a "window" cut in the lower right to make room for a mmWave antenna – something exclusive to the US model that you can never really miss after you noticed it.

Apple kicked it out of the park again. A new OLED has now been increased diagonally to 6.1 inches (from 5.8 inches) and runs at a solid 460 pixels per inch. It's calibrated fantastically, balancing gorgeous colors with accuracy. The subtle True Tone adjustments made to match the ambient lighting conditions are the icing on the cake. The display also has smaller bezels on all sides, which appear even smaller thanks to the sharp vertical sides that have replaced the previous subtle curves. Although the 12 Pro is a bit bigger than the 11 Pro, it really doesn't feel like it. You still have a big notch at the top that my eyes never entirely forget, but Face ID is so amazing I can forgive it.

Apple threw it out of the park again with this new display.

It's noteworthy that the 12 Pro operates at a refresh rate of 60 Hz – every other phone over $ 700 is 90 Hz or 120 Hz. However, IOS is so fluid and well-managed that it's not a massive loss, but your eyes are Definitely notice the drop after using another phone. It's just a quality of life improvement that you know you could have elsewhere. We look at our screens for hours a day, so I think we deserve a high refresh rate.

The screen doesn't get as bright as the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, but the viewing angles and reflectivity are so great you'll never have trouble seeing the screen outdoors. It shows a brightness of "1,200 nits" for this display, but that's a misnomer. When viewing HDR photos or videos, 1,200 nits can be achieved. That's cool, but not regular. The important number is 800 nits, which corresponds to the typical full screen brightness. That's still very bright and a place where the display beats the cheaper iPhone 12, which beats 600 nits (but interestingly still 1,200 nits for HDR).

iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro

Aside from the significant changes you can see to the hardware, there is one big change you can't see: new "Ceramic Shield" glass over the display. It looks and feels the same as any other smartphone, but Apple claims it has four times the durability – which, of course, I didn't move out of the way to test it out. Given the number of phones we all use with broken screens and the number of pop-up screen repair shops, this is obviously a necessary improvement.

Notably, the back is still made of the more common ion exchange glass and is still likely to crack at about the same rate as any other glass-backed phone. Nor does Apple claim that Ceramic Shield is any less scratch sensitive than any other glass, which is only part of the deal – there is an inherent trade-off between scratch resistance and crack resistance. This is something we will all have to deal with over time – although there are screen protectors for the paranoid.

Features, software and performance

Apple has cultivated an extraordinary holistic experience of combining hardware and software, the core of which doesn't really change from generation to generation. This is especially true because iOS 14 is available again for the iPhone 6S, so almost anyone upgrading from an old iPhone won't expect any surprises on the 12 Pro. There's no need to go into a complete look at how iOS is a great operating system, especially since so few people are actually switching between Android and iOS right now.

The iPhone 12 Pro simply expands and enhances the iPhone experience you already know. With the A14 Bionic chip that runs the show, the 12 Pro does everything at a breakneck pace – there is nothing you can do to slow it down. Playing games, multitasking, taking photos and videos, and going through every app imaginable is easy and worry-free. It turns out that it also has 6GB of RAM, compared to 4GB in the iPhone 12, which improves performance and makes iOS updates even better for years to come.

iPhone 12 MagSafe accessories

A whole new iPhone experience is MagSafe – an old name with a new purpose. With a magnetic ring on the back of the phone, you can connect standardized accessories that come in almost any shape. Apple has a $ 39 MagSafe charger that delivers 15 watts of power (more than a standard wireless charger) and it's convenient because you know with 100% certainty that it will charge when you plug it in. It's also great for playing with the phone in landscape mode.

MagSafe has promises, but you shouldn't expect it to change your life on Day 1.

However, the true promise of the MagSafe experience has yet to be fulfilled. The first-party covers (read: expensive) from Apple all support MagSafe because they have magnets that are guaranteed to work with other attachments. However, no magnets are required for these cases. Using a thin case eliminates the need for magnets to work with the MagSafe charger. But you can bet the vast majority of iPhone 12 cases will have the magnets anyway.

Any accessory company can make MagSafe products, so there are some amazing ideas out there – from multi-device desktop chargers to vehicle mounts to modular bike and tripod mounting systems. And all of this is especially exciting if you don't normally use a suitcase, as you no longer need to put on a company's suitcase for that company's accessories to work – your phone is fully compatible on its own.

Welcome to the 5G future (and present)

iPhone 12 5G speed tests

It would be almost impossible to know the iPhone 12 and not know it has 5G. Apple and every carrier in the world have emphasized it. But is that really important? Similar to the discussion about MagSafe, 5G is full of potential for the future and unfulfilled promises in the present.

iPhone 12 and 5G: How It Will (Eventually) Make a Difference

First and foremost, your 5G experience depends on your network operator and where you live. (Attention: Nerdy Talk Ahead.) T-Mobile has the largest 5G network footprint as it is based on the far-reaching and easy-to-implement Sub-6 standard that is based on low-band spectrum. AT&T is in a tight second place as it is also mainly based on Sub-6.

Verizon, on the other hand, just turned on its Sub-6 network with a limited amount of spectrum after years of investing money into its high-band mmWave (millimeter wave) 5G network. While mmWave is incredibly fast and leads to absurd potential downloads in excess of 4 Gbps, it is also (currently) incredibly unreliable as it has an absurdly short range. We talk about losing a signal by taking a few steps, turning around, or letting a dense tree blow in the wind. T-Mobile and AT&T also have mmWave networks with a small footprint, but this is not the core of their 5G network.

There is no reason to buy a 5G phone for mmWave. It is only available in tiny parts of a handful of cities nationwide. It's just a bonus if you see it a couple of times.

Sub-6 5G, on the other hand, is basically like charged 4G: widespread coverage, faster speeds, no impact on battery life, and a seamless transition to 4G. With Sub-6 on T-Mobile in New York City, I routinely had download speeds in the 100Mbps to 300Mbps range and uploads in the 25Mbps to 75Mbps range. Not mind-blowing, especially when the ping times (30ms to 50ms) often match 4G, but it's just faster and works just like you're used to.

5G is not yet groundbreaking, but you can see a remarkable and consistent improvement in daily speed.

Knowing that 5G networks are not fully developed, Apple has a number of smart controls in place to reduce the impact of transitions between networks. By default, voice and data are set to “5G Auto”, which prioritizes the best overall network experience. You can set it to “5G On” to stick to 5G as much as possible. You can also set your data mode to “Allow more data on 5G” from “Standard”. This allows the phone to use full 5G cloth for all sorts of things, maximizing video quality when streaming or chatting.

Apple's default settings are the correct ones here, and most users shouldn't touch these settings. Network usage is handled pretty well between the phone and the carrier to give you the best combination of speed and battery usage. I stuck to the default settings and saw 5G almost 100% of the time, barring trips on the subway and some buildings.

Battery life

Whenever Apple introduces its phones, it always cites very ambiguous battery life like "17 hours of video playback over WiFi", which isn't the least bit useful. This time around, however, it was significant that Apple made no claims about longer battery life. And now we know why: the iPhone 12 Pro's battery is actually smaller than the 11 Pro's. However, capacity has never been a major concern for the iPhone as the chipset and operating system work together to get the most out of it.

That’s the case again. The A14 Bionic is clearly an exceptional piece of silicon and works perfectly hand in hand with iOS 14. With the 12 Pro, as I did with my 11 Pro months ago, battery life was generally great. In a full day of casual use with email, social apps, messages, photos, maps, maps, and numerous pocket casts, I would use 3 to 4 hours of screen time and still have 20% to 30% of my battery life at the end of the day leave.

The battery still dramatically outperforms its capacity, although it doesn't offer the same confidence as the 11 Pro.

The only limitation is that you hit the phone hard, especially when networking. It turns out that you use a 5G connection that is over 200Mbps a lot! When you stream videos, they are of the highest quality. If you can download and upload large files in a moment, do so now instead of waiting to get home. And when you're running your hot spot, you can use your laptop as if it had great WiFi at home – and that takes a lot of battery power.

With 20% to 30% leeway, those tough days put me in low power mode to get through the evening – but I made it anyway. I certainly feel that the 12 Pro's battery has less headroom than my 11 Pro's, but that doesn't matter.

The only limitation is that you are regularly using an mmWave 5G network, which is currently consuming more and more power as your phone is almost constantly switching to and from the network for data transfers, constantly looking for new towers. This is primarily an issue for Verizon customers and less so for AT&T and T-Mobile, but there is something to be aware of. It's also a problem that is a problem "right now" as mmWave is still struggling to build a sizeable footprint.

I also have to praise Apple for their battery-saving charger, which by default slows down the charge rate after 80% charge to minimize the time the phone spends at 100%. Spending a lot of time on 0% or 100% on a charger is bad for batteries, and tons of smartphones implement these protections to help extend battery life. The Apple version is seamless.

Cameras

The iPhone 12 Pro takes a well-known 12 megapixel sensor and combines it with a new lens with a larger f / 1.6 aperture, resulting in a 27% improvement in low-light performance. The physics is well known: a larger aperture lets more light into the sensor and requires faster shutter speeds and lower ISO values. That means sharper and smoother photos in all lighting conditions.

I'll focus on photos in low light for now as there's an improvement this year that is clearly visible. Low-light photos on the 12 Pro are consistently smoother, less grainy, and yet sharper than before. Apple's multi-frame and "Deep Fusion" processing, which relies on the A14 Bionic's "Neural Engine", superimposes frames to create incredible shots with good detail, correct colors and white balance. You can now also use the night mode for the ultrawide camera, which provides far weaker results compared to the main camera, but is dramatically better than last year without it.

Night photos show the greatest improvement and the results are incredible.

I'm not going to say outright that the 12 Pro's Night Mode shots are better than the Google Pixel 5's Night Vision, but it's neck to neck in most situations, and an extra point goes to Apple's camera app for a smooth transition between the modes. You don't have to switch to night mode like with Night Sight – it just happens automatically.

Photos with good lighting are more like the same. Apple takes an incredibly consistent, solid, and relatively neutral approach to camera processing. Colors pop, but not too much. The exposure is nailed to perfection throughout. Highlights and lowlights are rarely blown out, but you don't get an overworked faux HDR look. All in all, the iPhone 12 Pro is difficult to take a bad photo – and it's easy to take a great photo.

The 12 Pro's LiDAR camera, which is mainly used for auto focus in low light conditions, also allows for better depth imaging for effects in portrait orientation. Portrait mode continues to be a love-hate relationship to me because when the camera pegs it it's mind-blowing, but when it's missing it ruins a photo. There are still cases where Portrait Mode can make your subject look like a cardboard cutout against a background, and in many cases there are fun mix-ups where an ear, arm, or item of clothing is defocused. Portrait mode still works best for an actual portrait – also known as shoulder-on – where there are far fewer potential sources of error.

The lidar camera also allows recordings in night portrait mode, so the function is only available for 12 Pro and Pro Max. As long as you can bring your subject to a standstill, the results are surprisingly good. There are actually fewer ways to handle foul ups as the shot will be softer and smoother overall, although it is far less likely to come out sharp where it matters – that just comes with the territory.

Daylight shots are consistently great, and the portrait mode approaches perfection.

I'll save you from seeing a gallery of selfies, but Apple hasn't upgraded the 11 Pro's front camera hardware. There's better processing, including Deep Fusion and "Smart HDR 3", as well as night mode. I found the photos to be the same – aka very good – as before. Night mode added little to the experience as it was far too difficult to stay still and keep your arm still enough to get a sharp shot.

Aside from the improvements in the stills, Dolby Vision HDR video recording is Apple's other massive marketing push alongside 5G. Dolby Vision is really cool as it makes your video look just amazing – better highlights and lowlights, better peak brightness, everything. Unfortunately, you can only view Dolby Vision on a latest generation iPhone, MacBook, or Apple TV connected to a compatible TV. Otherwise, everywhere you export your video, you will get converted SDR video.

Dolby Vision can be displayed in many more locations in the future. For this reason, I would recommend just leaving it enabled in the settings. But otherwise, just expect the standard iPhone video experience: it's great looking video that is incredibly stable even on handhelds and while walking, and even if you stick to the standard 1080p resolution (see above). Increase the image size up to 4K 30 frames per second for even better results, although the file size triples in the process. Fortunately, the iPhone 12 Pro has a base of 128 GB of storage.

Dolby Vision is an amazing tech demo, but it has a lot of limitations. Thankfully, SDR video is still great.

The only real downside is knowing that despite the fact that it is a "Pro" model, it is not the best camera Apple makes. This is the case with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, which has a larger main sensor with a new optical image stabilization system (OIS) as well as a different telephoto lens with a longer focal length. The 12 Pro also has only minor advantages over the Base 12, with a (honestly weak) telephoto camera and a lidar sensor – the core camera experience is otherwise identical. Taken together, knowing it's not that different from the 12 Pro takes some shine from the "Pro" feel of the 12 Pro, and the 12 Pro Max has the real Pro camera.

Our opinion

The iPhone 12 Pro has a smaller addressable market this year as it is under pressure from multiple angles. It's a relatively small year-over-year upgrade of the 11 Pro, is only marginally more interesting than the base iPhone 12, which costs $ 200 less, and doesn't have the same “Pro” camera as the larger iPhone 12 Pro Max .

There's no need to talk about how much value 5G, MagSafe, Dolby Vision, and general camera improvements add to this experience as they can all be found on the base iPhone 12. For most people, the iPhone 12 Pro is over the top – it's more marginal utility money. But it's better, and sometimes that's all you need to know to go pro.

There's still reason to want the iPhone 12 Pro. The stainless steel frame gives you a reassuring weight and sense of quality, and the finish and colors are arguably nicer than the base 12's. The telephoto camera and lidar sensor are just the icing on the cake overall represents an extraordinary camera experience. The battery life is good, the screen is fantastic, and the A14 Bionic, coupled with plenty of storage and 128GB of base storage, gives you years of care to keep this phone for a long time to come.

I recommend most undecided iPhone buyers choose the iPhone 12 instead, as it is so similar and costs less. However, if you know from the start that you are a Pro user, there is no need to convince you: the iPhone 12 Pro is the phone for you.

Are there any better alternatives?

The clear alternative to the iPhone 12 Pro is the base iPhone 12. It costs $ 200 less and still offers a nearly identical everyday experience. They're exactly the same size, run the same software, have the same battery, and offer the same core functionality. The 12 Pro simply offers more memory, more basic memory as well as a telephoto camera and a lidar sensor and looks significantly different with new colors and a steel frame. Most users should start their iPhone searches with the 12 and only choose the 12 Pro if they know they need the advanced features.

On the Android side, there's a big argument in favor of saving money as well Get the Pixel 5 for just $ 700. It follows the simple "less is more" mood of the iPhone taking the best of any Android device and having a comparable camera. There is also the OnePlus 8Tthat offers a similar experience for the same price, but with a little more flair. At the upper end a Galaxy S20 + can be found for about the same price as the iPhone 12 Pro and judging by hardware quality and features. It also comes from the only brand that Apple is really asking for credit.

How long it will take?

IPhones are known to have an incredibly long lifespan thanks to support for software updates that lasts for several years. With the A14 Bionic chip, 5G network, and a top-end display, you'll have no problem getting three years out of the iPhone 12 Pro before you feel like you're a little behind the times. The only questions will be how the Ceramic Shield display glass will hold up and whether the battery will degrade properly over time.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The iPhone 12 Pro is the perfect embodiment of Apple's great smartphone experience that doesn't cut corners or skip specifications for cost savings.

Editor's recommendations




09 Oct
Blog

Apple Pencil 2 Review: Everyone’s New iPad Sidekick

Apple pencil no longer for graphic designers 2

Apple Pencil (second generation)

“Like a good wine, the apple stick got better with age. An improved design goes perfectly with iPadOS 14 improvements. "

  • Classy, ​​comfortable design

  • Magnetic loading is cool

  • Works great with iPadOS 14

  • Useful for more than art

  • Expensive

  • Not compatible with basic iPad

The Apple Pencil has been a go-to for digital artists and graphic designers for years. The second generation of the Apple Pencil is compatible with all iPad models. However, the model you have determines which Apple Pencil model you can use.

Given the plethora of new features made available to the Apple Pencil in iPadOS 14, we felt it was time to revisit the Apple Pencil, especially given the fact that these new features mean anyone can use the device.

Now that features like Scribble are available, should you buy the second generation Apple Pencil for your iPad Pro or the new iPad Air? We put it to the test to find out.

A natural design

The first generation Apple Pencil featured a completely round design, and while some may appreciate the look, I find that the new Apple Pencil 2 looks and feels a little more natural with its flat edge. Something about letting my index finger rest on that flat edge gives it a better grip.

Of course, the reason Apple added the flat edge has less to do with gripping the pen and more to do with charging. Gone are the incredibly unintuitive and cumbersome charging technology with which the pen is connected to the Lightning connector on your iPad. With the second generation Apple Pencil, simply place the device on the magnetic charger at the top of your iPad and it will be charged. This is also a good place to keep when you are not using it. However, if you don't stick it out of the Lightning connector when you're not using the original pen, then you're going to be crazy.

The second generation pencil is slightly thicker than your average pen or pencil, but not excessive and not enough to keep it uncomfortable. It's also pretty light without feeling cheap or thin.

The magnets in pencil and iPad keep it in place nicely most of the time. During a weekend trip where my iPad Pro and Pencil were put in and out of my backpack several times, it only came out when I didn't even want it. It stayed firmly in place the rest of the time – and it's generally a good place to keep your pencil on the go.

The only downside to the new Apple Pencil is that it only works with a few select iPad models. It works with all iPad Pro models from 2018 and with the 2020 iPad Air (4th generation). The hope is that the Apple Pencil will be universal again as soon as Apple gives the rest of its iPad line the latest flat, modern design with the base iPad and iPad Mini.

Tools for everyone

Design is an important aspect of the Apple Pencil, but perhaps one of the best things about it is that, like fine wine, it gets better with age. This has proven itself with iPadOS 14, which saw Apple introduce a variety of features that frankly make the pencil a tool for everyone – not just graphic designers.

We're focusing a little more on hardware than software in this review, so we won't go into depth about these new features. The standout feature here, however, is Scribble, which allows users to write and automatically convert it to text using Apple's fancy word-recognition technology. This works across the operating system – anywhere you can type, you can now write.

This means you can use the device to jot down while still getting searchable text afterwards. This recognition text can come into play without actually having to use Scribble. For example, you can select the writing, copy and paste, and even paste it as direct text. If you enter a URL, address, phone number, or email address, iPadOS can use that data to make calls, navigate you to an address, and so on. It's convenient.

All Apple Pencil models have the same 9 ms latency, which has more to do with iPadOS than the Pencil itself. Combined with the 120 Hz refresh rate on the iPad Pro display, you get an incredibly smooth, natural experience.

Of course, there are still features that are hardware-based and not software-based. The most obvious of these is the ability to double-tap to switch tools or turn off the device. This is a handy shortcut. You can customize the function depending on the app used. Most apps, however, switch to the eraser tool by default. It will definitely be useful for graphic designers and artists – though perhaps less so for everyone else without adjustments.

Our opinion

The Apple Pencil isn't a perfect tool, but it's getting closer. It's a little expensive, but given the new features in iPadOS 14, it has features that pretty much anyone can use.

But it's still a luxury item for those who aren't graphic designers or artists. That said, you probably don't need an Apple Pencil to take notes. You can just type your notes with a keyboard if you have one, or use the old-fashioned pen and paper. That said, even if it's a toy to some, it's a really pretty toy, and if you have the money to spend on the pencil, you probably won't regret it.

Is there a better alternative?

No. Other companies offer their own pen, e.g. B. Samsung with its S-pen. However, this only applies to Samsung devices. The second generation Apple Pencil is second to none.

How long it will take?

As long as you take care of it, the Apple Pencil should last at least a few years. It's hard to know if Apple will ever release a third generation pencil, but as long as the company updates iPadOS with new pencil features, it should become more and more useful over time.

Should you buy one?

Yes. You may need one if you're a graphic designer or an artist, but even if you're not the Apple Pencil 2, it has a number of features that you can find useful.

Editor's recommendations




08 Oct
Blog

Apple Watch Series 6 Review: The Best Feature-Rich Watch

Apple Watch Series 6 review case

"The Apple Watch Series 6 is the most complete smartwatch package you can buy. If you want to get the most out of all of Apple's wearable offerings, this is it."

  • Comprehensive health and activity tracking

  • Reliable software

  • Always on the screen ensures visual appeal

  • New colors in blue, red and gold look great

  • The Apple S2 chip is a powerhouse

  • ECG and SpO2 measurements can only be used to a limited extent in practice

In my opening paragraphs on the Apple Watch SE review, I asked how Apple could improve on the already excellent Apple Watch formula and the answer was to cut the price where the Apple Watch SE is successful. Now the question is, where is the Apple Watch Series 6 for more than $ 389? How does it get you into buying the SE or upgrading from a previous generation model?

Interestingly, it does this in a typically watch-like fashion while making sure that the nerd among us also gets new technology.

design

Apple hasn't changed the look of the Apple Watch Series 6 from the Series 5, but it did what many watchmakers do when they come across a popular design: they change the colors and introduce a special edition. You can buy the aluminum Apple Watch Series 6 with a blue case, a new gold case, or a special (PRODUCT) RED finish that compliments the existing silver and room gray models. Along with the new case, there are two new strap designs, the Solo Loop and the Braided Solo Loop, as well as new colors for many of the existing straps. (The straps are of course backwards compatible with earlier models.)

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

You can see the blue version in our photos and it is very pretty. It's dark blue, so it contrasts well with other colors. It's not as flashy as the happy (PRODUCT) RED version. Combine it with the right bracelet and you have a modern, sporty watch that is more interesting to look at than the space gray or silver versions. It's the 44mm version on my wrist, and a 40mm version is also available for smaller wrists. The size and weight are virtually the same as the Series 5, except for a tiny, imperceptible reduction in depth.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I choose the Sport Loop in Deep Navy (because it contains a reference to the Tag Heuer Formula 1 Gulf Special Edition), which is made of a soft nylon fabric and secured with a Velcro system and is immensely comfortable. The gently curved ceramic and sapphire caseback adds to this comfort, and the smoothed screen and sides ensure that it slips happily under your sleeves. I've been wearing the Apple Watch SE and now the Series 6 for two weeks and never once felt the need to take it off because it is hot, scratchy, sweaty or generally annoying.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The cheapest Series 6 is made from 100% recycled aluminum. However, you can spend more to purchase a stainless steel model or a titanium “watch edition”. So should you These materials are more durable to some extent, but both are heavier than the aluminum model, and few will tell the difference between the three materials if not informed. Much of the usefulness of the Apple Watch Series 6 is that it can be worn all day. As you add weight it may be less likely to do so. So think twice if you want to spend more.

Always in the display

The screen introduced in the Series 5 is the feature most are using to consider the reason to spend more and get the Apple Watch Series 6 instead of the Apple Watch SE. Instead of the screen going dark as you fall asleep after not having used it for a minute or two, the watch face subtly changes design and dims so that the time remains visible. Aside from enhanced utility, the Apple Watch makes your wrist look more interesting.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I like the way the watch faces change. It's not a sudden change, but a slow animated change between the main dial and its surrounding alternative. On some faces, like the new GMT face, the change is almost imperceptible, while on others like the new artist face, the change is significant as the color is completely derived from the screen. The Series 6 screen is sharp and detailed, and also brighter than the Series 5 screen, and I never had to change the brightness to see it outside.

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The permanently visible screen is really all about the graphics, because as life with the SE has shown, the gesture to wake up the Apple Watch is so immediate and reliable that the time is always there when you need it. Keeping something on screen all the time changes the way the Apple Watch looks on your wrist from soulless technology to something with life and movement. Apple's diverse collection of watch faces is also highly customizable, adding another element of personalization beyond the bracelet and case color choices.

The always-on screen is one reason to buy the Apple Watch Series 6 through the Apple Watch SE. However, it is fashion, not utility.

SpO2 monitoring

"Blood oxygen app measurements are not intended for medical use." Not my words, but the words from Apple that were taken from the explanation page for using the Apple Watch Series 6's blood oxygen measurement (SpO2) tool.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Medically, pulse oximetry checks that there is enough oxygen in the blood and is important for people who have had a heart attack, lung disease, asthma, or other breathing problems. Because of this, SpO2 helps identify serious complications from COVID-19. However, when using a medical pulse oximeter in place of a consumer product like the Apple Watch. In this article on the benefits of owning such a device at home, Dr. Denyse Lutchmansingh of Yale School of Medicine: "Unless a patient has real lung disease, there is no need to monitor pulse oximetry."

What good is it if it's not intended for medical use? Based on the fact that outside of a medical setting, some data are better than no data, blood oxygen levels can initially help identify sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnea, generate recommendations for post-exercise recovery time, or assess altitude acclimatization in hikers or hikers .

Reading on Apple Watch Series 6 takes 15 seconds and requires nothing more than tapping the Start button in the associated app. It can also be set up to take regular measurements and notify you when a drastic change is detected. Seen in this way, the SpO2 measurement of the Apple Watch is another tool in its already well-equipped medical bag.

If you remember, it makes sense to think of SpO2 monitoring as a silent feature, rather than a feature that you use every day or record the readings regularly. Along with other health characteristics, it gradually creates a picture of your general condition, monitors trends, and can quickly let you know if things change dramatically.

Take an EKG

You can take an electrocardiogram (ECG) with the Apple Watch Series 6, just as you can with the Series 4 and Series 5. This feature is primarily used to provide data to your doctor and does not detect a heart attack, blood clot, stroke, or other heart-related disease . Not my words, but Apple's words on their support page for the EKG feature. Do you see a pattern here?

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, the EKG is more useful than measuring blood oxygen. It's approved for use in the US and the UK (apparently only for people over the age of 22), and Apple states that it will provide readings similar to the EKG machines your doctor prescribes. So, if you've been diagnosed with problems that may affect your heart, Apple Watch can help. Again, it can be helpful as an early warning system when used with other Apple Watch integrity functions. However, reports can be found questioning the validity of warnings emanating from the watch.

It takes 30 seconds to perform the ECG. You need to sit and rest in a certain way and touch the digital crown throughout the exposure. The results are displayed immediately and can be saved for further examination by your doctor. It worked consistently for me, just like the blood oxygen measurements, and the app is both clear and attractively animated.

The EKG is another nice to have feature that can be of real use in extreme medical emergencies. For most people, and for most of the time, you won't realize it's there. Neither it nor the SpO2 readings are reasons to buy the Apple Watch Series 6, but knowing they are there is somewhat comforting.

Fitness and health monitoring

In my Apple Watch SE test, I went into more detail about the Apple Watch's training plans, the hand washing function, and sleep tracking. Since all of this applies to the Apple Watch Series 6, take a moment to read the sections on these aspects in this review as my experience here was identical.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Apple Watch is a great tracker for everyday activities. The activity ring system is clear and motivating for people who want to increase their daily activity and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The data provided in the Apple Health app is clear and simple. It is not for the serious athlete concerned with running cadence, interval training, or high-precision remote-rate heart rate monitoring.

This approach is reflected in the sleep tracking feature introduced in watchOS 7. The data that is made available all night after wearing the Apple Watch is actually only permanent and does not contain any information on sleep phases, interruptions or quality. It's just another piece of the health puzzle that Apple Health uses to keep you in the loop instead of bombarding you with detailed data.

Battery and performance

Keeping the screen on all the time does affect battery life, but it might not be as severe as you fear. The Series 6 can be used for a day and a half on a single charge. This includes all health monitoring functions, e.g. B. active SpO2 monitoring and overnight sleep monitoring. It lasts until the afternoon of the second day. At this point, it is recommended to switch to power saving mode to last several hours, but with limited functionality.

Adding an hour of fitness tracking (without GPS) drains the battery about 10% more, which seems to cut average usage time by about an hour. If you use GPS – the Apple Watch Series 6 has its own GPS so you can use it without your phone – it is likely to have a significant impact on battery life. Turn off the clock overnight and two full working days are possible.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Charging the Apple Watch when you want to track sleep becomes an issue. It takes about 80 minutes to fully charge from zero. This is a sizable chunk of the time to determine if you're not putting it on the charger overnight. Incidentally, the Apple Watch does not come with a charging stone, just the USB cable with a magnetic charging base.

The Apple Watch Series 6 features Apple's new S6 processor and promises a performance improvement over the Series 5 and Apple Watch SE, which use the older S5 processor. The speed of the Series 6 is obvious. Navigating watchOS 7 seems to be 1.5x because everything is so snappy. It's the little things that get you noticed. It's faster to tell when you're washing your hands than the SE, which usually has the timer on the screen between 10-15 seconds after your 20-second wash, but the Series 6 is 10 seconds and less The watch face gives you instant access to your data without any lag in the lightning-fast animations.

These aspects really only show up in comparison, but those who upgrade from a much older Apple Watch will really notice. If you get to the Series 6 from Series 4 or even earlier, you'll think Apple has strapped a big turbo to the side of the processor that feels so fast.

Life with the Apple Watch Series 6

Daily life with the Apple Watch Series 6 is not that different from life with the Series 5, except for the slight increase in speed that you will notice at first. It's practically the same as living with the Apple Watch SE except for the always-on screen. The Series 6 offers the same helpful functions as Apple Pay support, comprehensive music control, the walkie-talkie function, reminders to get up every hour, the relaxation exercise to breathe, Apple Maps and Siri.

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You can buy a Series 6 with cellular connectivity if you want to use data services without having to carry your phone around. However, this will cost you extra each month. Without this feature, Apple Watch will continue to process calls as long as it's connected to your phone, and the speaker will be surprisingly loud too. However, callers don't always hear you well when you're outside. The notifications it receives are clear and concise, and almost all of them can be interacted with in some way.

Since wearing and using the Series 6 every day is so similar to the Apple Watch SE, check out my review of this watch I wore before the Series 6 for more information on how it looks for general use.

Price and availability

The aluminum Apple Watch Series 6 with a sports loop, solo loop, or sports band costs $ 399 for the 40mm model or $ 429 for the 44mm model. When you add cellular connectivity, it costs $ 499 and $ 529, respectively. If you want the solo braided loop strap, you need to add $ 50 to these two prices. Stainless steel Series 6 models start at $ 699, titanium models start at $ 849, and Hermés models start at $ 1,249.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

In the UK, a 40mm aluminum series is £ 6,379 or £ 479 with cellular connectivity while the 44mm model is £ 409 without or £ 479 with cellular. Stainless steel models start at 649 pounds, titanium models from 799 pounds, and the Hermés models from 1,199 pounds.

All are available through Apple's own online shop. Most of the models can be purchased through Amazon and other retailers, while wireless carriers also offer the cellular models.

Our opinion

The Series 6 is Apple's most complete smartwatch to date. While there are some features that you probably won't be using that often, this is the ultimate smartwatch package for your wrist. What if you own an Apple Watch Series 5? There's no really compelling reason to upgrade unless you absolutely have to have the blue, red, or new gold case. It's probably better to see what Series 7 brings next year.

If you've only ever used a Wear OS smartwatch, especially one connected to an iPhone, the Apple Watch will surprise you with its performance, reliability, and capability. If you've never used a smartwatch connected to an iPhone and are tempted, the Apple Watch is the only way to go.

Is there a better alternative?

No. Apple Watch Series 6 is the best smartwatch you can buy. However, ask yourself beforehand if you will ever need EKG or SpO2 readings and if the always-on screen is essential. If the answer to any of these questions is no, take a look at the Apple Watch SE as it is also great and will save you some money.

The only realistic competitor if you don't have an iPhone and don't plan on buying one is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, which outperforms smartwatches with Google's Wear OS software with its better usability and nifty control system. Samsung also offers two sizes, and the Galaxy Watch 3 has both an EKG and SpO2 meter.

How long it will take?

At least three years. The old Apple Watch Series 3 got the latest watchOS 7 software to give you an idea of ​​how long the Series 6 will be supported, for example. The Series 6 is the better buy over the SE when it comes to longevity as it already has all of the top features. The aluminum case isn't particularly sturdy, but if handled well it won't be easily damaged, while the Apple Watch Series 6 is water-resistant to 50 meters and also swim-proof.

Should you buy one?

Yes, it's the best, most feature-packed Apple Watch out there this year and the best smartwatch you can buy if you own an iPhone.

Editor's recommendations




01 Oct
Blog

The Best Cheap Apple TV Deals and Sales for October 2020

Apple TV is to an iPhone what a bottle of good wine is to a cheese platter – a match made in heaven. But like a decent bottle of Bordeaux, the Apple TV isn't cheap. These cheap Apple TV deals make things a little easier on the old bank account, however, bringing prices down to just $ 117 for the latest Apple TV HD and just $ 169 for the top-of-the-line Apple Apple 4K.

Apple also offers a free 12-month Apple TV + subscription worth $ 60 for every sale of a factory-sealed (unrefurbished) Apple TV. For those who didn't know, this is the company's own on-demand streaming service that has a unique selection of original movies and shows with big names like Jennifer Anniston, Hailee Steinfeld and Steve Carell.

If you don't see an offer that you like, you may want to wait until Prime Day to see if more Apple Prime Day offers are available.

Today's best Apple TV deals

Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV 4K, released in 2017, is the latest Apple TV in the product range. It's also the most advanced streaming content in 4K Ultra HD with HDR. There are few deals on this model and the discounts are not as high as on previous models. Every now and then, however, an offer will come up with one cheaply centered on your entertainment setup.

More Apple

Of course, Apple TV 4K doesn't just work with Apple TV +. It's compatible with all the common streaming suspects like CBS All Access, HBO Now, Hulu Plus, Netflix, and YouTube. Amazon Prime Video and Google Play Movies as well as TV also work, but not automatically. Instead, they have to be streamed via AirPlay on an iPad, iPhone or Mac.

Apple TV HD (4th generation)

Designed for HDTVs rather than 4K televisions like the Apple TV 4K, the Apple TV is nearly identical to the top-of-the-line console in that it can get and control the same collection of on-demand content, Siri and Siri offers one-click mirroring from an iPad, iPhone or MacBook via AirPlay. The main difference is that only Full HD can be streamed with SDR.

Released along with Apple TV 4K in 2017, this model is the newest non-4K Apple TV. As such, it is rare to find it in the discount container at a significant discount. However, like the Apple TV 4K, every now and then a retailer like Walmart will hold an “Apple TV sale” that drops the price by a few dollars – money better in your pocket than theirs.

Apple TV (3rd generation)

Apple TV 2012 front remote control

Welcome to the reduced zone. Apple TV (3rd generation) was introduced in 2013 and was the first Apple TV that could stream content in Full HD. It can use the same range of streaming services as Apple TV 4K and Apple TV, streaming in Full HD with SDR and supports AirPlay. How is it different from the Apple TV HD? There is no Siri or built-in memory.

If you are shopping on a budget, this is without a doubt the best model. It costs $ 99 new, but it's not uncommon to find a sealed model in the discount container for a range between $ 50 and $ 75. You can even take it home with you for less money if you don't mind a refurbished model (there's absolutely nothing wrong with that – we even recommend it).

Apple TV (2nd generation)

Apple TV 2012 front remote control

It wouldn't be fair to talk about cheap Apple TVs and not talk about Apple TV (2nd generation), the cheapest Apple TV on the shelves right now. It's not hard to see why either: this puppy debuted in 2010. He's still trudging along, however, entertaining millions of people monthly. Here, too, all leading streaming services can be accessed. The catch? The maximum is 720p HD.

But for what it costs if you want to spruce up an HD TV in the basement or bedroom, the Apple TV is it for the job. Fortunately, Apple TV (2nd generation) is a veteran of Apple TV sales. It's impossible to stroll past a bargain basket and not see one there. There are also a ton of refurbished models out there that are worth considering if you are on a tight budget.

Apple TV 4K versus Apple TV HD

If there's a 4K TV in the middle of your entertainment setup, the Apple TV 4K is for you. Why? Because it can stream content in 4K Ultra HD with HDR – either Dolby Vision or HDR10 – and Dolby Atmos Surround Sound. The result is more detailed, more precise colors and lifelike audio. The Apple TV offers maximum HD resolution with SDR (HDTV).

Like the Apple TV HD, the Apple TV 4K also has Siri on board. This is used to do everything from providing recommended content on the home screen to enabling the option to search for specific material for all supported streaming services such as CBS All Access and Netflix with just one voice command. It can even answer questions.

So the main difference between Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD is resolution. If you want to see the latest show or movie on a 4K TV, we recommend going for the more expensive Apple TV 4K. However, that would be too much of a good thing for a standard HDTV setup. So if you rock with it, the Apple TV HD will make you feel right at home.

Now let's throw a wrench into the works. The difference between Full HD and 4K Ultra HD is enormous – and that without HDR. If you are considering upgrading to a 4K TV in the near future, take the Apple TV 4K home with you while it's on sale. It does all of the Apple TV HD's jobs while connected to an HDTV, and has the added benefit of 4K HDR when connected to a 4K TV.

Apple TV HD versus Apple TV (3rd generation)

We're not going to dig too deep into this topic than we touched on earlier, but there's little between Apple TV HD and Apple TV (3rd generation). Both can stream the same selection of content via streaming services such as Netflix in Full HD with SDR. The difference? The Apple TV HD looks a bit more modern, comes with a new remote control and has Siri on board and integrated memory.

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we carefully and independently select what we cover. The prices, details and availability of the products and offers in this post are subject to change at any time. Make sure they are still valid before making a purchase.

Digital Trends can earn commissions on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.

Editor's recommendations




29 Sep
Blog

Apple Watch SE Review: The Best Apple Watch for Most People

Apple watch se review case

"The Apple Watch SE foregoes some of the more noticeable features of the Series 6, but retains almost all important functions with the same design at a lower price."

  • Stylistic look

  • Very customizable

  • Comprehensive health surveillance

  • Responsive, fluid performance

  • Reliable, user-friendly software

How exactly do you make the Apple Watch better? It's already a feature-rich, well-made, easy-to-use wearable to buy as a smartwatch if you have an iPhone. The answer is, they're making it cheaper, and that's exactly what Apple did with the Apple Watch SE. A price cut comes with a reduction in functionality, of course, but how much does this affect the SE and should it put you off?

The answer is no, it definitely shouldn't put you off. In fact, it will be the Apple Watch model that is slated to be purchased this year.

design

The Apple Watch SE looks exactly like the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 6. It has a 1.78-inch retina screen under Ion-X reinforced glass with a density of 326 pixels per inch. The digital crown is on the side with a single button underneath. The aluminum housing is available in sizes 44 mm (shown in our photos) or 40 mm and can be made in silver, space gray or gold. If you like the look of the Series 5 or 6, you will like the SE.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I picked a gold version that is paired with the Charcoal Sport Loop band and as you'd expect everything is beautifully done and presented, right down to the packaging that it arrives in. The SE is only available in aluminum with the posher. more expensive and slightly more durable surfaces made of titanium and stainless steel, which are reserved for the 6 series. The gold is less on your face than the renders on Apple's website suggest, and it's a more brassy tone than I expected. It works very well with the blue and gray accents of the carbon ribbon. Since the screen is usually black, the overall picture is more noble than the silver model and more interesting than the room gray version.

The screen is often black because the SE doesn't have the always-on screen feature of the Series 5 and 6 and only shows the time you raise your wrist or tap the screen. If the last Apple Watch you used was Series 3 or 4, this is nothing new. After using the Series 5 last year, I miss it on the SE, but the wake up gesture is so accurate and immediate that figuring out what time it is is never difficult.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 44 mm Apple Watch SE is light at 36 grams and the Sport Loop bracelet adds practically nothing to it, so it is comfortable to wear not only during the day but also at night. The SE supports WatchOS 7's sleep tracking feature, so if you want to wear it while you sleep, this is a good combination. Replacing the belts only takes a few moments. So if you need a metal band during the day and want to keep the sports loop or other band for the night, you can do it without a fuss.

Learn about the square shape of the Apple Watch. When you put on the Apple Watch SE or an Apple Watch, you will immediately notice how little it affects clothing and movement. The digital crown is never in your wrist, and the tabs on the strap have only a slight overhang so they don't get caught on the sleeve of your shirt. The lack of sharp or sharp edges combined with the smooth ceramic and sapphire caseback means you will never feel it on your wrist regardless of your movement. Round smartwatches that mimic traditional watch designs are rarely as convenient.

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The shape of the Apple Watch may be controversial to some, but it makes a great smartwatch that can be worn all the time. It's by far the least intrusive watch-like wearable out there, and that wearing and forgetting is essential if you want to get the most of it. You will often forget that you are wearing the Apple Watch until a haptic tip reminds you.

Wash your damn hands

While it's technically a WatchOS 7 feature, the automatic hand wash timer is one of the many health and fitness monitoring features on the Apple Watch SE and excellent. The Apple Watch SE is a product of its time. She listens to the tone and waits for the movement in which you wash your hands. She then starts a 20-second timer to make sure you are doing the recommended exertion. It's shockingly effective.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The timer credits you with the time already spent washing and shows a soap countdown before a haptic tip lets you know you're done. It never failed to tell when I was washing. In contrast to the manual hand wash timer from Wear OS, which you have to start yourself, this function is completely input-free. The Apple Health app even has a dedicated section for hand washing data. It's a dream feature for 2020 clean freaks.

Sleep and fitness tracking

Sleep Tracking is another new feature of WatchOS 7. With the right band, Apple Watch SE is comfortable enough to wear while you sleep and automatically detects when you go to sleep. You can also set up a sleep schedule with Wind Down, which will prepare the phone for the night. It will still add helpful shortcuts to the lock screen, such as: B. access to the timer, the alarm or the music. This will reduce the distraction while the watch only shows the time and your alarm until it gets dark while you sleep.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The sleep data shown is not very comprehensive. It lists your bedtime and calculates averages, but does not provide detailed sleep phase metrics. Sleep Tracking is a nice addition to Apple Health and helps to create an overall picture of your lifestyle. However, it does not provide a thorough analysis of sleep patterns. It's intended for occasional use only, and while the impact on the battery is relatively minor, the time between charges increases, which can prove to be more useful.

Workout tracking is excellent. The workout can be started on the watch and there are a variety of specific activities to choose from. Data is collected in the Apple Health app and displayed along with daily activity data. Apple Health doesn't go into the details and instead simplifies goals using the activity ring system. The idea is to close every ring – goals based on exercise (represented as burning calories), exercise, and standing – each day, which is easy to understand and motivating.

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The Apple Watch SE is not for marathon runners, hardcore cyclists or anyone else fixated on their VO2 Max. It provides a comprehensive view of daily activities and overall health without getting too nerdy. It shows you if you are burning fewer calories than usual, if you are exercising more than the week before, and how far you need to go to reach a daily goal.

You won't get electrocardiogram (EKG) or blood oxygen (SpO2) monitors on Apple Watch SE, but there is a heart rate sensor on the back that detects irregular rhythms, as well as fall detection and noise monitoring. Apple's mindfulness feature, Breathe, is there, and the watch can be set up to remind you to take a few moments each day to relax. It also reminds you to get up once an hour if you've been sitting for too long. It all adds up to a comprehensive, coherent and complementary package of functions that keep you up to date and motivate you.

All health monitoring functions on the Apple Watch SE work outside of the initial setup with very little input from you, while the data in the app is displayed attractively and clearly. Serious sports enthusiasts may not find the data in sufficient detail and may also benefit from the Series 6 SpO2 monitoring, but for everyone else, the Apple Watch SE is the wearable health monitor they need. Apple's new Fitness + program, which works in conjunction with your Apple Watch SE, will be rolled out later this year and has the potential to make it an even more rounded package.

Use the Apple Watch SE

The health and fitness features make up a large part of the watch's appeal, but what about everything else? Everything you do on the Apple Watch SE is incredibly polished, straightforward, and quick. It has the same dual-core processor as the Series 5, not the updated S6 Series 6 processor, but I didn't even wish the SE had any more power as the response is almost instantaneous, even when running data-intensive applications how to use cards or access to e-mail. The Digital Crown is a joy to use as the feel of it matches the rotation required to move it through the operating system. The button below activates the dock, which can be filled with current apps or a selection of favorites for quick access.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Notifications are handled professionally. Let's use a Twitter notification as an example. If there is an image in it, the watch will display it without waiting for it to appear. You get an extremely tactile haptic alert, you raise your wrist and the message is displayed almost instantly, where it can be viewed, liked and retweeted in its entirety from your wrist. It is great.

Now, take advantage of this experience with Apple's messaging, email, and many other apps, including Microsoft Teams. Usually you can do with most – such as B. Reply, mark, like or delete – interact quickly and easily without reaching for your phone. Then extend that speed and functionality to the vast majority of other installed or third-party apps that you might install yourself. If you choose the cellular model (for $ 50 more upfront plus monthly service charges), you can make and receive calls regardless of your phone. Even if you don't, you can still use the Apple's phone functionality to watch with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The voices are loud and clear and useful when your hands are full.

The watch supports Apple Pay, shows music controls when music is playing on my phone, there are plenty of fun and useful watch faces to choose from, and there is Siri too. You can even create Memoji on the Apple Watch. This process is incredibly quick and smooth given the multitude of choices and animations. This is a very good example of the great fluidity and performance of the Apple Watch SE no matter what you do.

battery

The Apple Watch SE can be used for two days before charging. This will vary based on your use, but for me from 9 a.m., usually with an hour of tracking exercise, then overnight to track sleep, and by day two it was up to 18% less than 6 p.m.

Monitoring your sleep overnight has used up between 15 and 25% of the battery. This variant makes the second full day a hit-or-miss. If you don't bother with sleep tracking and instead charge or turn off the watch overnight, two days of use is no problem at all. Even with an hour of fitness tracking, the SE will last from early morning until after midnight with about 60% of the battery left.

Not that it matters. In order for a smartwatch with Google's Wear operating system to last two days, it takes special modes, a clever second screen, or very careful use. In other words, you can't really rely on it. The Apple Watch SE doesn't require any special attention, and that makes life a lot easier.

Price and availability

The 44mm Apple Watch SE is $ 309 while the 40mm model is $ 279, assuming you choose a Sport Loop, Solo Loop, or Sport Band strap (including the Nike models ). If you want the braided solo loop, pay $ 329 or $ 359 – or buy it later for $ 99. Add cellular connectivity to both models for $ 50 plus a monthly carrier fee.

In the UK, the 44mm Apple Watch SE is £ 299 or £ 349 with cellular connectivity and the 40mm model is £ 269 or £ 319 with cellular connectivity. Adding the solo braided loop increases the cost to £ 349 for the 44mm model and £ 319 for the 40mm model.

Apple Watch SE is available immediately through the online and retail stores of Apple, Amazon, and many other retailers.

Our opinion

The Apple Watch SE is almost flawless and Apple is once again showing everyone else how smartwatches are made. But what about the missing features – are they preventing it from being a must have? Keeping the display on all the time is the most unfortunate omission that can affect everyday use. Knowing that these are series 5 and 6, they are just a little more enticing. The EKG and SpO2 features are more specialized, and those who feel like they're using them regularly enough can justify the extra $ 120 to buy a Series 6. Anyone else won't miss it.

Spending more on a stainless steel, ceramic, or Hermés Apple Watch gives you only boastful rights as they are all technically identical and the SE's performance is excellent on last year's processor. I have no hesitation in recommending the lower-cost, almost fully featured aluminum Apple Watch SE, but will have to wait until I've worn the Series 6 for a while to be sure if the SE is the Apple Watch bought this year shall be . However, at this point in time, it looks like it could be very good.

Is there a better alternative?

Not really. If you own an iPhone and are thinking about buying a smartwatch, then you should get the Apple Watch. However, what about the $ 399 / $ 429 Apple Watch Series 6? Several features are added – including the ECG, SpO2, and the always-on screen – but they look the same. The jump in price is significant if you're not expecting to use the advanced health features. You can also find a Series 5, which may be available at a slightly cheaper price than the Series 6, and enjoy the always-on screen and an EKG.

Smartwatches that use Google WearOS, Samsung Tizen, and Huawei Health can connect to iPhone, but they don't offer the same level of integration with iOS, and you'll miss out on some features, including messaging support. Many cost about the same price as the Apple Watch SE, but the performance and features aren't that good.

The only other alternative you should seriously consider for your iPhone is the $ 299 Withings ScanWatch. It has all the health tracking features from the Series 6 including an EKG and SpO2 measurement, better sleep tracking and a very attractive design. There is less emphasis on the related elements like notifications, but they are there and work well enough.

How long it will take?

Smartwatches don't follow the same upgrade cycle as a smartphone, and the Apple Watch should easily last three or more years if handled well. For example, the aluminum body can be damaged if you are careless. However, the Apple Watch SE is waterproof up to 50 meters. The abundance of replacement belts also helps to extend the service life.

Your own needs will determine whether the additional health-related features of the Series 6 will become more useful in the near future. If you think it might, the increased spending on the Series 6 may prevent you from feeling like you need to update the SE early on. Software support should last at least three years. For example, WatchOS 7, the latest version, is compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 2017.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the Apple Watch SE has almost everything you would expect from a smartwatch.

Editor's recommendations




25 Sep
Blog

Apple iPad 2020 (10.2-inch, 8th Gen) Review: Great for $329

Apple iPad 8th generation 2020 rating space gray 11

"When you need a tablet at a reasonable price, the iPad should be your first choice."

  • Exceptional software with long support

  • Great battery life

  • Colorful and clear display

  • Connects to a robust Apple ecosystem

  • 32 GB of basic memory is not enough

  • Single tinny speaker

  • Still flash, not USB-C

In the technology world, “iPad” is just as general a word as “Kleenex”. As Apple's iPad product range was expanded to include the Air and Pro models, a basic iPad was retained to anchor the group. It's just the iPad. No year, no generation, no name. It's for people who go online or go to a store and say, "I want to buy an iPad today." You can have one for just $ 329.

This is Apple's 2020 iPad – the 8th generation for those who count. It's the perfect tablet for people who just want a computing device.

Hardware, display and design

Apple introduced a brand new design with the iPad Pro line and brought this design along with a beautiful new color palette to the new iPad Air. It hasn't yet achieved the economies of scale that are supposed to be included in Apple's cheap iPad – this looks and feels the same as the last few iPads. What is there to say that hasn't been repeated in years? Apple has perfected this design.

The aluminum plate has a perfectly flat back, pleasantly curved sides and a small bevel that fits perfectly on the front glass. There is no such thing as thriving. It's simply a portal to iPadOS 14. It's an appliance no different from your toaster or Keurig.

The 10.2-inch display is a step down from the iPad Air, but not in its 2160 x 1620 resolution, which produces the same density as the Air. However, you will find that this is not a laminated display. There is a visible gap between the screen and the glass cover that is different from the iPad Air, iPad Pro and any modern smartphone.

Despite this shortcoming, the screen's colors and clarity are superb, and you will only see the gap at certain viewing angles. The maximum brightness is stated as 500 nits, which is sufficient – although I have always set the brightness to 100% outdoors. The lack of lamination can cause problems outdoors, which are more reflective in daylight than most tablets.

If you don't spend a lot of time outdoors, you'll love this display.

I don't really have anything against the old-school iPad's circular Touch ID sensor for functionality, but it feels dated compared to other alternatives like a built-in fingerprint sensor or the sensor built into the side of the iPad Air on the power button. I bet this will be the last iPad with the Touch ID button.

And I hope when the switch is made the screen bezels will shrink too because they look weird. Bezels are useful for holding the tablet without touching the screen, but they don't have to be that big.

The iPad sits comfortably at 1.08 pounds and the weight is well distributed. However, you will be reminded of the age of this design again as it is heavier than the iPad Air and iPad Pro, both of which offer dramatically more features and larger displays. Regardless, it's easy to hold up the tablet with one hand in portrait mode or with two hands while watching a long video.

However, when it comes to audio, video falls short. There is only one speaker on one side, which can be easily covered by your hand and is quite thin. The back is also slippery. If you'd like to help them for an expanded display or input, you'll need Apple's tri-fold Smart Cover – that will bring you back a cool $ 50.

Software, features and battery life

iOS 14 is the biggest change to iPhone software in years, but the same can't be said for iPadOS 14. The iPad benefits the most from moving to iOS 14, as notifications and warnings don't cover the entire screen and there's a new Spotlight -Search interface. That being said, it's effectively iPadOS 13.

Perhaps the biggest new feature is Scribble, which lets you use Apple Pencil to recognize handwriting to text through the user interface. This of course requires a $ 99 accessory and is a whole different discussion.

Unfortunately, iOS 14's app library isn't here, so you can no longer manually manage the pages of apps and folders, which now seems archaic. You also have nowhere to move widgets anywhere on the home screen, which I consider a massive oversight. However, you can pin the widget area to the left third of the main home screen in landscape orientation.

Multitasking remains complicated – there's a lot of power here, but it's hard to spot and seemingly impossible to master. There's an awkward dance of gestures to bring up apps, use the split screen, and trigger floating windows with no hints of detectability – all you have to do is try things out.

iPadOS 14 seems simple, but it hides a steep learning curve for multitasking.

Apple probably knows that the typical basic iPad customer will multitask far less than those who buy an Air or Pro. However, don't let that stop you from making the most of it.

With the A12 Bionic processor and plenty of screen, there is a lot you can do when you dig into the depths of gesture controls for multitasking. And the iPad never skips a beat – with two or three apps at the same time, even with other apps in the background, it never misses a step. The iPad is clearly packed with specs to handle the high features and capabilities of an upcoming iPadOS 17, not 14.

The only place not ready for the future is storage. The base of 32 GB is simply not enough. After a few days, I had already used 23 GB – but luckily I ordered a 128 GB model. I suggest everyone do the same. It's just a shame Apple is hollowing you out for another $ 100 or 30% more to get it.

As expected, the battery life is fantastic. The 32 watt hour cell offers a long service life. Apple advertises its usual "10 hours of surfing the Internet or watching videos", which of course is by no means representative of the use of iPads. I used it a few hours a day for a full work week, keeping up with a mix of any kind of light load from social media apps, email, and messaging, and YouTube and podcasts – and I didn't have to charge anything Once. The iPad is especially good at sitting idle for hours (or days) without using a noticeable amount of power. If you're not actively using it, the iPad won't go blank.

Unfortunately, along with the relics of design and the Touch ID sensor, the iPad continues to use Lightning for charging. Let's hope this is the last iPad to use the old port and that it will connect to every other iPad (and MacBook as well as Android phone) on USB-C. It's just so much better. At least the charger in the box is now USB-C on the wall side.

The iPad has a rear camera, but it might as well not. The 8 megapixel sensor is useful for taking photos of receipts or sending an explanatory message to a friend, but that's about it. The 1.2 megapixel front camera handles video calling tasks in the app of your choice (up to 720p). The quality is roughly equivalent to that of a laptop, but lags behind a modern telephone. The ease with which you can make a FaceTime call with loved ones is more important in many ways than the quality of the camera itself.

Our opinion

The 8th generation iPad isn't exciting, but it's an exceptional tablet for $ 329. Easy to learn and use, iPadOS 14 can be extremely powerful for multitasking and light productivity work if you spend time learning. The battery life is exceptional and the display is great for the money. The hardware looks and feels old, but it's incredibly effective – and most importantly, it's built to last a long time, both physically and in terms of internal specs.

To say that the iPad costs $ 329 is a misnomer, however. For that money, you only get 32GB of storage, which is not enough. You have to spend $ 429 to get 128GB. Ouch. Basically, you need a smart cover that every iPad needs. That's $ 50 more. So it's really a total package of $ 479.

But even at $ 429, it's impossible to find a better tablet experience. Yes, if you need a keyboard to turn an iPad into a work device, consider buying a Chromebook instead of a keyboard accessory for $ 159. If you are on a budget as a tablet, nothing better than the iPad can be done.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 is cheaper and of a similar size. But iPadOS is completely superior to Android on tablets, and the app selection is so far ahead that it deserves no comparison. The Tab A 10.1 is only a better choice if you are on a very tight budget and don't need the tablet other than just to surf and watch media.

If you need your iPad for work or school, there is a good argument why you shouldn't buy an iPad. Once you get the higher storage option and the Apple keyboard, you are well within the realm of buying a laptop. A Lenovo Chromebook Duet or an Asus Chromebook Flip are better choices, but then you have to miss out on the iPad app ecosystem.

How long it will take?

Apple has an exceptional track record of updating the software on its tablets. For example, iPadOS 14 will be available from 2017 through the 5th generation iPad. You are expected to receive at least three annual software updates for this iPad, and it is clear that there is enough internal hardware to run it.

The Lightning charging port and Touch ID sensor with a physical home button are areas that feel old faster. However, these are only a minimal part of the experience compared to being able to keep using the latest software and apps for years to come.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you don't have the budget for an iPad Air and just need a basic tablet as a secondary device for casual use, there is no better choice than the iPad. Just be aware of the potential budget scare when looking to buy the 128GB model and a smart cover for it.

Editor's recommendations




15 Aug
Blog

Apple iMac 5K 27-inch (2020) Review: A Dying Breed Lives On

Apple Imac 5k 27 inch review 2020 06

"The 27-inch 5K iMac may not have Apple Silicon, but it is still the best all-in-one you can buy."

  • Better memory and RAM options

  • Improved graphics

  • Significantly improved performance

  • Nano textured glass is revolutionary

  • Speakers and webcam are top notch

  • Outdated design

  • No Apple Silicon

Apple Silicon Macs are coming. They'll be here before the end of the year, just in time for you to regret buying an Intel Mac.

Why would Apple do this to us? Why release an Intel-based Mac while trying to improve support for the upcoming processor transition? Your guess is as good as any other. In a strange year of product delays, we now have an updated 27-inch 5K iMac that isn't part of Apple's grand vision that was unveiled at WWDC. It will be remembered as the swamp – the last of the old guard.

As a potential iMac buyer, you are in a difficult position. Why spend thousands of dollars on a system that is on the verge of extinction? Shouldn't you just wait for the next generation iMac?

Possibly. However, based on my time with and testing Apple's latest 27-inch iMac, this old dog managed to learn some new tricks.

design

The iMac has evolved internally, but stagnated on the outside. It's still a beautiful piece of hardware – just not one that looks like it was designed in 2020. It has absolutely massive bezels, a stand that cannot adjust its height, and a fairly thick case. Put a 2020 iMac next to a 2015 iMac and you won't be able to tell the difference between the two.

All-in-one devices like the Dell Inspiron 27 7790, the HP Envy 32 All-in-One, and the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 ensure that the current iMac feels a bit clunky. None of these Windows PCs are as sophisticated and low-key as the iMac, but a redesign is long overdue. Even the rounded shape of the corners and the back looks a bit out of date for Apple's current design language. As with Apple Silicon, you'll have to wait until at least 2021 to get a fresher look. That's a bitter pill to swallow when you're spending more than $ 3,000 on a computer.

The ports are still in the far right corner, making them difficult to get to, especially if you're standing against a wall. The choice of ports includes an Ethernet jack, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB-A ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a full-size SD card slot. Here you can connect an external monitor and at the same time supply power to accessories or external drives.

Do I wish Apple had added two more Thunderbolt 3 ports for the Mac mini and MacBook Pro? Naturally. All-in-one devices like the HP Envy 32 even have an HDMI input if you want to connect a Nintendo Switch, for example. Still, it's a nice selection of ports old and new, and far less controversial than what Apple offers for other products.

For an additional $ 100, Apple is also offering a 10 Gb Ethernet connection. This is faster internet than most people know what to do with it – but faster connections are never a bad thing.

display

Most of the improvements to the 2020 iMac are under the hood. The screen is the only exception. The 5K panel itself hasn't changed, but Apple now offers an option for "nano-texture" glass, a feature first introduced as a $ 1,000 upgrade to the Pro Display XDR. Even as a $ 500 upgrade to the iMac, you might be wondering how on earth could that cost be worth it.

Here's what it does: you get the same brilliant brightness and contrast from a glossy screen with no reflections. The upgrade reduces glare almost completely, even when the brightness is lowered. The combination of 497-nit brightness and nano-textured glass makes for an insanely bright, clear screen. Even next to a bright window, you will find it difficult to find a single reflection or glare.

I want nano-textured glass on every other device I use. It's so cool

You have to see for yourself, but there really is nothing like it. An anti-reflective coating or layer is often used on matte displays, which can reduce the visible contrast on the screen. This is not a good thing when you are doing precise color editing or even trying to enjoy the full color range of a video.

It's hard to tell if it's worth $ 500 or not, but after using it I've wanted it on every other device I use.

The panel itself has not changed from the previous models, regardless of whether you opt for the nano-textured glass or not. It is a 16: 9 "5K" screen with a total resolution of 5,120 x 2,880. Even though it's a couple of years old, it's still a clear screen. However, it is no longer the champion of pixel density. The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 has a larger and more pixel-rich screen, as does the 6K Pro Display XDR. There are even 27-inch external monitors available these days that match the resolution of the iMac.

The iMac display still scores across the board. The color gamut is fantastic at 93% Adobe RGB, the colors are very accurate, and the contrast is decent too. It's neck to neck with the Surface Studio 2, the only other all-in-one that can compete on this level.

Am I eagerly awaiting a redesign that will reduce the size of the front panel, increase the resolution and maybe even switch to mini-LED technology? Absolutely. However, the iMac's display is still one of its highlights for now.

The same cannot be said of the sad 1080p 21.5-inch model that Apple unfortunately still sells.

performance

The original iMac started with a focus on balance and beauty, not performance. It was the computer you put at the front desk desk, not in the back of the office where the developers, artists, and engineers sit.

When the use of the Intel Core i9 processors began in 2018, that changed. iMacs have evolved into powerful desktops with surprising performance.

The latest iMac continues that trend. My test device came with a 10th generation Intel Core i9-10910 processor that contains 10 cores and 20 threads. We are grateful to Intel for these two additional cores this year that offer a significant improvement in photo editing, video rendering, and most other forms of content creation. Outside of the iMac Pro, there isn't another all-in-one PC that even tries to use a chip this powerful. Up to 128 GB of RAM and 8 TB of storage space are permitted. That makes the 5K iMac a completely unique computer in terms of form factor and performance.

Very hot chips are of course useless if the system cannot cool them properly. I ran Cinebench R20 and Geekbench to see how the processor performance compares to other computers I tested. This new iMac was again 20% faster than the previous year's model in the Geekbench 4 multi-core test thanks to the additional cores and threads. It destroys a Core i7 All-in-One like the HP Envy 32 and circles around the slow Surface Studio 2.

To further test the processor, I turned to video encoding in Handbrake, a processor-limited application. The iMac was extremely fast, completing H.265 encoding 20% ​​faster than the HP Envy 32, 28% faster than the Dell XPS 17 (with the 8-core Core i7-10875H), and 19% faster than that iMac from last year. A beefy gaming desktop or workstation PC with the same chip is likely to outperform it, but the iMac's unique form factor completely puts it in its own category.

The iMac outperformed last year's video video export by a whopping 48%.

However, I knew that a real performance test had to include the GPU upgraded to AMD's latest Radeon Pro 5000-series graphics. My device came with the fastest card in the AMD arsenal, the RX 5700XT. Adobe Premiere Pro can use a powerful graphics card to speed up project export. I've seen this on laptops like the Dell XPS 17 and Microsoft Surface Book 3. This new iMac outperformed last year's model in the same video export by a whopping 48%. That's a fantastic improvement on last year.

However, other solutions are also improving quickly. I was surprised to see that the XPS 17 was barely faster when exporting the same 4K project to ProRes 422. The XPS 17 was equipped with an Intel processor with eight cores and the powerful Nvidia RTX 2060.

Still, the 27-inch iMac is a very capable workhorse for content creation and would likely be even faster when running Apple's own proprietary applications like Final Cut Pro. Meanwhile, the system stays calm and cool and its fans only hum a little under the heaviest loads.

Gaming performance

The iMac is not a gaming PC, especially not for fast-paced shooters or 3D action games. The Radeon Pro RX 5700XT is a fantastic GPU for gaming, but the screen isn't designed for high frame rates. Take a game like Fortnite, for example. It plays flawlessly and can record an average of 60 fps (frames per second) at Epic settings, even at a resolution of 1440p. However, because the screen is locked at 60Hz and doesn't have adaptive sync technology, I've constantly struggled with the screen tearing and stuttering. Even with Vsync, the gaming experience wasn't as smooth as you'd expect from the graphics card.

However, a game like Civilization VI was a better experience. It plays at 1440p with settings at Ultra without skipping a beat and hovering just below 60 fps. The same goes for most of the lighter games you can find in the Mac App Store or with Apple Arcade.

The game library at your disposal is far sadder than the iMac's gaming performance. That's not a bug with this particular iMac – it's in no way, shape, or form a priority for Apple. The light at the end of the tunnel for Mac games comes in the form of Apple Silicon, which could open many new ways for developers to bring their games to the Mac. Now, of course, that won't help you, and it will never help this Intel-based iMac.

What about Apple Silicon?

As one of the last Macs to not run on Apple's own silicon, the durability of this new iMac is likely to be an issue. For most people considering a new iMac, this is a shadow over the potential excitement of buying a new iMac. However, if you fall into the target market of this powerful iMac, it might not be as important as you might fear. Apple is determined to make the transition to the ARM system architecture as smooth as possible from both an app and a performance perspective. That means replicating the Intel experience comes first for Apple, and not trying to change anything dramatically.

Additionally, Apple has promised to support Intel systems for many years – likely longer than you would want to keep using this iMac. So what are some of the goodies you might miss out on staying at Intel? Well, you can't run iPhone apps on your iMac, that's for sure. And if Apple's transition goes particularly well, you might be missing out on some of the apps that support this architecture with exclusive features. However, the apps you know and use every day today are going nowhere, and iMac's performance won't be impacted anytime soon.

Webcams, speakers and microphones

Outside of performance, Apple also made some welcome changes to the quality of life on the new iMac.

I appreciated the upgrade to the FaceTime webcam the most. Going from 720p to 1080p, it's now the best built-in webcam you'll find on a Mac. It also outperforms any laptop webcam you can buy – though that doesn't say much.

Not only does Apple have razor-sharp image quality (thanks to the higher resolution), it also has a few other tricks to improve the image. First, Apple has a new sensor that uses the backlight, resulting in improved low-light performance during late-evening zoom meetings. To sweeten the business, Apple even introduced face recognition for automatic exposure adjustments and tone mapping.

I happily joined my morning zoom scramble and enjoyed having the sharpest video feed for the call. The sensor doesn't overexpose the image like many internal webcams, which means your face may not be as bright as it used to be. You still have to be careful about how bright your background is, but overall, this is a big step up from last year's model.

These speakers surpass the volume and audio quality of many cheap bluetooth speakers.

This greatly improved webcam is of course not just a new camera module. With the T2 co-processor included in the MacBooks (and pro-level Mac desktops), Apple can directly control the camera to make these tweaks and improvements in image quality. It's technically the same camera you'll find in the iMac Pro. So let's hope it will be available for MacBooks at some point.

It is similar with the speakers. The speakers themselves haven't changed, but the T2 allowed Apple to tweak some additional settings. The result is a richer, fuller sound. These speakers surpass the volume and audio quality of many cheap bluetooth speakers.

The microphones also benefit from the T2, although Apple actually introduced new hardware this time around. I was skeptical of the studio-quality three-mic array, especially for anything but the occasional Zoom call. While the system blocks out background noise quite a bit, it's still better to use AirPods or a headset to get the clearest voice quality.

Peripherals

Apple has ignored many aspects of the iMac over the years, but the peripherals are the most frustrating. The Magic keyboard is great, but it lacks many of the features found in MacBook keyabords, such as: B. the touch bar – or even the Touch ID. Unlike every other Apple product you can buy in 2020, you have to rely on an old-fashioned password to sign in with the iMac.

The Magic Mouse 2 is the real kicker. This is a mouse that should have been replaced years ago. It's uncomfortable, only supports a few gestures, and cannot be used while charging. Thanks to the downright hilarious placement of the Lightning connector, it's often referred to as one of the worst-designed products Apple has ever made.

Fortunately, Apple is offering the excellent Magic Trackpad 2 as a $ 50 upgrade that is well worth the money.

Our opinion

The lack of Apple Silicon will no doubt sway a large chunk of opinion about the new iMac – for better or for worse. Sitting on your hands by 2021 to get a redesigned iMac isn't a bad idea, but not everyone can afford to wait. The two additional processor cores and the significantly improved graphics are a tempting upgrade and offer a significant increase in performance compared to the previous year's model.

Plus, some quality of life changes, from the 1080p webcam to the nano-textured glass, are breathing life back into the iMac.

Are there alternatives?

There are a number of solid Windows all-in-ones out there like the HP Envy 32. It's much cheaper, but can't keep up in terms of performance.

The Surface Studio 2 is a beautiful all-in-one with a sophisticated floating hinge. However, it is a severely under-utilized computer based on a laptop processor and outdated graphics.

After all, the iMac and iMac Pro are now closer in comparison than ever before. The iMac's 10-core processor is cheaper than the 1o-core iMac Pro and uses more recent Radeon graphics. Of course, the 18-core iMac Pro is hard to beat if you don't want to question the ultimate in performance and price.

How long it will take?

The 27-inch 5K iMac should last at least five years. It's incredibly well built, and Apple is committed to supporting Intel-based Macs with updates, so don't worry.

Apple of course offers the best warranty and customer support of any computer hardware manufacturer through AppleCare, which covers hardware repair and includes 90 days of free technical support. However, the initial limited warranty is only one year.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you can wait until next year for a redesigned iMac, you'll have more power. In the meantime, the 27-inch 5K iMac remains the best all-in-one computer you can buy.

Editor's recommendations




06 Jun
Blog

Apple AirPods Pro Review | Apple’s Best Buds Yet

Apple Airpods Pro review DB 18

"Terrifyingly good, the AirPods Pro are a big win for Apple."

  • Clear, responsive sound

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Comfortable

  • Superior call quality

  • Wireless charging case

  • Questionable long-term battery life

This review was last updated by Nick Woodard, employee of Digital Trends A / V, on June 5, 2020.

I can't remember the last time an Apple product switched from a credible rumor to a product on the shelf in less than three weeks, but that's exactly what happened to the new AirPods Pro.

When Apple confirmed its existence, real name, and arrival date, many of us were surprised in the technical media. But here we are. You can now purchase the AirPods Pro – a new in-ear version of the radio buds with active noise cancellation – for $ 250.

I hadn't expected much from the AirPods Pro, other than the fact that they would almost certainly be off the peg. The standard Apple AirPods have never impressed me, although I will admit that I understand why tens of millions of people use them. AirPods are both a communication tool and a way to listen to music and movies. To my great surprise, Apple has a pair of buds here, and rightly so.

Still iconic, just smaller

Apple hasn't given up its golf tee design for the AirPods Pro – the tee is just a little shorter now. Instead of opting for a large disc or an oval shape, as we see with so many competing radio buds, the AirPods Pro offer a more covert aesthetic than their non-professional counterparts. Love it or hate it, the design has become an icon and even a kind of badge of honor for Apple believers.

The shorter stem poses my only real concern. Battery life. We know the battery is not replaceable, and although Apple offers a "battery service" option for its AirPods, it means a slight discount on a pair of brand new buds.

This is a problem when the life of the super-small, noodle-shaped battery in the standard AirPods is limited to charging cycles of 2 to 3 years. I am concerned that this problem will worsen with the AirPods Pro because the battery is necessarily smaller.

The Pro has a similar battery power as the standard AirPods and achieves a listening time of around 4.5 to 5 hours and / or a call time of 3.5 hours per charge. The charging capacity of the supplied wireless charging case (wireless) is more than 24 hours. The charging case is an upgrade for the standard AirPods. However, the battery bar has since been raised. Options like Sony's WF-SP800N offer nine hours of active noise cancellation and 13 hours of playback without ANC.

Here's a tip for you

Aside from the shorter stem, the most obvious visual change to the AirPods game book is the addition of a silicone earplug.

Instead of sitting outside your ears and shouting at them through the door and allowing so many other outside noises, the AirPods Pro use an in-ear design that seals the entrance to the ear canal and transmits the sound directly across the hallway to your eardrum. This seal is important to block out noise and, as a bonus, provides better bass response.

The AirPods Pro come with three sets of silicone earbuds – unfortunately not Comply foam people – but these are not ordinary earbuds. Instead of sliding (with difficulty) on a small knob, as so many other in-ear buds require, the AirPods Pro tips snap into place with a satisfactory click that is both easier to replace and as safe as the more conventional design.

Siri is always listening

As expected, Siri is on deck for iOS users and is constantly waiting for voice commands such as "call mom", "pause music", "how do I get to the gym?" And my personal favorites: "What does the fox say? ”

It would be more appropriate to call these "grip controls" or perhaps "grip controls".

If you want to control music playback, answer a call, or turn noise cancellation on and off without saying a word or taking your phone out of your pocket, you can use the touch controls built into each of the two earphone sticks. It would be better to call these "grip controls" or maybe "grip controls" because you have to grip and squeeze the stems.

If you are an Android user and want to access Google Assistant, you can download one of the many apps that the AirPods can use on an Android phone like an iPhone from the Google Play Store. If you're looking for native Google Assistant support instead, check out the Google Pixel Buds 2.

Let it in or exclude it

As is common with most active noise canceling headphones, AirPods Pro offer the option to either turn off noise or let everything in.

Apple calls the latter function "transparency mode" and it is a fitting title. As we found on the Beats Solo Pro, the sound fed in by the outside world is surprisingly natural – so close to just pulling out the buds as we've heard so far.

This is ideal to keep an eye on the bus that will mow you at an intersection. I wish the function would be adjustable, like in the Amazon Echo Buds, where I can choose how much of the outside world to dial in.

What is more impressive than Apple's transparency mode is how well the noise cancellation technology works. To be honest, I was shocked. Since Apple bought the company, I haven't been impressed by the noise canceling brand. So I didn't expect much from the AirPods Pro, but Apple's first attempt at active noise cancellation is right up there with Sony and Bose.

When I first pushed the second AirPod Pro into my ear (which activates noise cancellation – it turns off when a bud is removed), I had the same disturbing growl that I had on many when I first put the Bose QC 35II on years ago. The effect is immediately noticeable and very impressive.

I compared the AirPods Pro to the Sony WH-1000XM3 in any noisy environment I could use – in the office, on bus-lined streets, on a light rail train, and pretty much everywhere except on an airplane – and found that the Noise canceling effect between the two was practically indistinguishable. I haven't had a chance to compare the AirPods Pro with the Bose Soundsport Free yet, but I expect a similar experience.

Also a note on call quality. The Apple Airpods Pro hit the pants of the Sony WH-1000XM3 for phone calls. Not only did they master the windy conditions better, they also almost eliminated background noise. I was standing next to a bus engine during a call and it was almost inaudible. Bose is likely to launch a new product that is a leader in call quality, but the AirPods Pro should work very well for most users.

Clean, full, detailed

Just when I was amazed at how well the AirPods Pro operated noise cancellation, I was just as impressed with the sound quality. Sure, I'll look at the sound profile of the Sony WF-1000XM3 or the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 in a direct comparison, but the fact that the AirPods Pro even play in the same league is again a bit of a shock.

Hats off, Apple. You did it well.

I don't think AirPods Pro demography is the most demanding audiophile, so I think most owners will find the sound quality impressive. Buyers will be more than satisfied. The fact that the AirPods Pro can resolve fine details, has a full, rounded bass that is just as coherent as punchy, clear mids and a noticeable transient response that goes with some piquant highs is remarkable when you consider Apple's weak history in terms of sound quality, department considered.

Hats off, Apple. You did it well.

Our opinion

Apple's Airpods Pro doesn't have to be great for people to buy. Their simple user interface ensures that iPhone owners treat them as standard. All the more remarkable is the fact that they are great. Even Android owners might want to give them a look.

Is there a better alternative?

The Sony WH-1000XM3 mentioned above offers a slightly superior sound quality with a loss of call quality and a compact form factor. The Amazon Echo Buds are much cheaper, but they don't sound as good and are not as effective in noise cancellation.

How long it will take?

Based on reports from original AirPods that will die out after 2 to 3 years, I expect the AirPods Pro to experience battery failure in about the same amount of time.

guarantee

The AirPods Pro is only guaranteed for one year against manufacturer defects – this does not cover any damage. Adding AppleCare + for $ 29 will give you much better protection for up to two years.

Should you buy it

Yes. These are great compact, comfortable, and remarkably effective real wireless earbuds.

Editor's recommendations




22 May
Blog

Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch Review: For The Hobbyist

Apple MacBook Pro 13 review 2020 03

Macbook Pro 13-inch touch bar

"The new keyboard of the MacBook Pro makes it a worthy choice for aspiring creatives."

  • Industry leading display

  • Thin and light design

  • Excellent new keyboard

  • Hard-as-rock processing quality

  • Confusing processor selection

  • Average battery life

The MacBook Pro 13 plays a crucial role in the Apple product range. It's not a real "pro" laptop – that's the MacBook Pro 16. It's for the hobbyist. The amateur. The aspiring professional.

Let's be honest. The number of people who actually need professional services is relatively small, while hobby graphic designers, YouTubers, music producers and photographers are a dozen. It's a demographic group that includes some of Apple's biggest fans, and the MacBook Pro 13 shows why.

Price and configurations

The way Apple rates the MacBook Pro reflects the emerging hobby nature of this laptop. It is expensive. Even more expensive than before. The base model starts at $ 1,299, which sounds like a fair price.

Until you find that Apple sells old hardware in a new laptop. Except for the keyboard, this “new” MacBook Pro is identical to the one it sold a year ago.

This is not what other laptop manufacturers do. You can purchase the latest 10th generation processors in the Dell XPS 13, Surface Laptop 3, or HP Specter x360 in configurations starting at $ 1,200 or less. This is also not Apple's standard practice. The company tends to update its Macs more slowly than other companies. However, when a new model comes out, it often has the latest silicon.

And I can't imagine Apple launching a new flagship for iPhone or iPad that uses last year's processor. Instead, old designs are released with new processors like the iPhone SE.

This makes configuring a MacBook Pro a complete mess. Good luck choosing between the 8th generation Core i7 and the 10th generation Core i5. Oddly enough, it's the 8th generation that costs $ 100 more with a similar configuration. Apple charges you $ 200 for the modest leap from 8th generation Intel processors to 10th generation Intel processors. It also costs more for faster memory, perhaps when trying to sweeten the business with high-end models.

There is a glimmer of light in the new configurations. Warehouse. The base model now comes with a 256 GB SSD instead of 128 GB, and the $ 1,799 model has 512 GB. This is already the standard for many laptops, and I'm happy that Apple is following this example.

performance

One thing could change my bad impression of the MacBook Pro 13 hardware options. Performance. Maybe Apple has invented something special. This is possible because the 10th generation Intel Core chips in more expensive configurations are specific to the MacBook Pro.

My test device had the Intel Core i5-1038NG7, a 25-watt processor with four cores and eight threads. It is similar to the Intel Core i5-1035G7, a 15-watt processor that is used in many 13-inch laptops such as the Dell XPS 13, the HP Specter x360 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3.

Those 10 extra watts do bring some power, but as I've learned, it's a modest increase. The MacBook Pro 13 beats most other 13-inch laptops in Cinebench R20 and Geekbench 5 – especially laptops that don't put a heavy load on the CPU, like the Specter x360 or the Razer Blade Stealth. The Dell XPS 13 is a notable exception. It uses thermal tricks to push the processor more than others, and although it has a lower-performing chip, it outperforms the MacBook Pro 13 in most benchmarks.

The performance of the MacBook Pro 13-inch is a must for a hobbyist.

However, the MacBook Pro 13 strikes back in real applications. I encoded 4K video in Handbrake to H.265 in just over 3 minutes, which is 10 seconds faster than the Dell XPS 13. This is the best video encoding rating I've seen from a 13 inch laptop so far but not by much. This also applies to the $ 1,799 model with the 10th generation Core i5, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage.

This does not mean that the MacBook Pro is a content creation machine. Exporting a 4K 2-minute clip to ProRes 422 took a painfully long 16 minutes. The 16-inch MacBook Pro does this in about half the time thanks to more processor cores and a discrete graphics card. The problem is that starting at $ 2,499, the laptop is more than twice as expensive as the entry-level MacBook Pro. The $ 1,799 is priced in between, but not in terms of performance.

However, the MacBook Pro 13-inch will come over for a hobbyist. If you're producing music in logic, photography in Lightroom, or YouTube videos in Final Cut, the 13-inch MacBook Pro won't stand in your way too much unless you use the device with high resolutions or codecs. If you don't make a living from these applications, it's not possible to pay at least $ 2,499 for a laptop. In this case, you only have problems with hiccups or longer render times.

Of course, the MacBook Pro 13 can easily handle dozens of Chrome tabs, Slack, Spotify, and video streaming. If that's all you need to do, the cheaper MacBook Air is probably the better choice.

design

The four-year-old design of the MacBook Pro 13 is now being repeated for the fourth time. This is not unusual for Apple and is not necessarily a bad thing. There are areas where the MacBook Pro is still a leader. You can open it with one finger, but the screen isn't shaky. The speakers are unprecedented, blowing every other 13-inch laptop out of the water. They have more bass and a rich stereo spread that highlights details in songs like you've never heard in a laptop.

However, there are some wrinkles, including the screen bezels. With the MacBook Pro 16, Apple has reduced the frame in favor of a larger screen. This is less wasted space and more screen space. However, the MacBook Pro 13 is stuck with chubby bezels. Rumor has it that a 14-inch MacBook Pro is in the works that follows a similar approach, but is unlikely to be launched in 2020.

It has a super slim profile that dozens of laptops have tried but failed to replicate.

But you can't blame Apple for its unibody aluminum case. Many have tried to duplicate Apple's machined aluminum case. The space gray color scheme still looks fresh and sophisticated, especially when it sits next to light gray surface devices or one of the countless nondescript black laptops. I wish the MacBook Air's gorgeous gold finish was an option.

I also can't complain about the size. The MacBook Pro isn't the thinnest or smallest 13-inch notebook in the world, but it still feels slim. Without the setting next to the 0.58-inch XPS 13, it wouldn't be crazy to assume that the 0.61-inch MacBook Pro is thinner. The unibody structure gives it a super slim profile that dozens of laptops couldn't replicate.

The MacBook Pro 13's Thunderbolt 3 ports were a trendsetter when first released, but they're pretty standard today. The $ 1,799 model has four Thunderbolt 3 ports, while the $ 1,299 model only has two. In the cheaper model, Apple places both ports on the left side, which is somewhat impractical for charging purposes.

Display quality

The MacBook Pro series is a leader in display quality, although this image has slowly changed in recent years. The MacBook Pro 13's 2,560 x 1,600 screen is particularly sharp for a 13.3-inch screen. If you are used to a 1080p screen, you will immediately notice the difference in sharpness.

Laptops like the XPS 13 or Specter x360 now offer 4K screen options that are even richer in pixels and yet are just as bright, vivid and color accurate. The 4K Specter x360 is $ 500 cheaper while the XPS 13 is $ 140 cheaper. HP even offers an OLED option that offers incredible black levels that traditional LEDs can't match. These days, these screens are even better equipped than MacBook Pro for precise photo editing.

Rumor has it that Apple is investing in the next development of its display technology, the mini LED, but it looks like we have to wait further.

The magic keyboard and touch bar

In addition to the internal updates, the Magic Keyboard is the most important feature of the MacBook Pro. Is it a sad state? Perhaps, but on the one hand you can count how often Apple has reversed the course so sharply. It's big business.

I am not convinced that this will be Apple's last attempt to reinvent the keyboard, but at the moment it has withdrawn to a traditional design. Each key has a scissor switch, a rubber dome and a full millimeter of travel.

However, it's not a return to the MacBook Pro 2015. The keycaps are more stable and less shaky, and the keystrokes have a sharper click. It's fantastic – a quiet, comfortable keyboard that made me feel right at home. The reverse T-shape of the arrow keys is available again, as is the Esc key. All of this came first for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 16-inch, but I'm still happy.

The Magic keyboard is a quiet, comfortable keyboard that made me feel right at home.

The trackpad hasn't changed and it shouldn't. A lot of technical magic happened on the first design in 2016, and it's still the best trackpad on a laptop.

The touch bar is instead of the function line and has not grown as I hoped in recent years. It still freezes occasionally and I can't decrease my music or screen brightness. It is rarely useful and I often forget that it is there. I was thrilled when Apple introduced it in 2016. What an exciting innovation! Since then, however, Apple has done very little to develop a function that is considered necessary.

The Touch ID is still located in the top right of the touch bar and offers quick registrations and purchases for applying payments. I miss facial authentication in terms of Face ID or Windows Hello. The Mac is still the only major operating system that doesn't implement facial recognition.

Battery life

The current MacBook Pro has never had excellent battery life. You can expect a single charge to last around 6 to 7 hours, depending on how hard you push it. In my typical workflow for web apps, the average was 6.5 hours.

Compared to 1080p laptops like the XPS 13 or the Specter x360, the MacBook Pro breaks down. The XPS 13 should give you an extra 4 hours of battery life, which makes the MacBook Pro look rather weak in comparison.

However, once you jump on the 4K screen, the score is a bit more even. I haven't tested the latest 4K model of the XPS 13 yet, but in previous generations it lasted 45 minutes less than the MacBook Pro when surfing the Internet in the same battery test.

Our opinion

The MacBook Pro 13-inch is a mixed update. It fixes the problematic keyboard, but Apple's decision to stick with legacy hardware for entry-level configurations is a big issue. The design ages in some ways, but remains slim and can be compared well with most alternatives. The MacBook Pro gives you the feeling that you can do anything, but you only have the right tools if you choose the most expensive configurations – which are indeed very expensive.

Are there alternatives?

The best 13-inch laptop is the Dell XPS 13. It beats the MacBook Pro in most areas and looks just as good. Even the 4K model undercuts the price of the MacBook Pro.

If you're set up on a Mac, your other two options are the MacBook Air and the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Both offer better value for money than the MacBook Pro 13. The MacBook Air configured with the quad-core Core i5 is ideal for students and anyone who runs simpler applications. The MacBook Pro 16 is the best choice for serious creatives.

How long it will take?

The MacBook Pro 13 should last for at least five years. Apple is known for making extremely reliable products. However, if you buy the entry-level model for $ 1,299, this processor lags a year behind other new laptops you buy in 2020.

Should you buy it

Yes. It offers just enough extra power to be a solid option for aspiring creative professionals.

Editor's recommendations




24 Apr
Blog

Apple iPhone SE (2020) In-Depth Review: Buy This iPhone

iPhone SE

"The new iPhone SE is the fastest phone you can buy for $ 400."

  • Light, compact design

  • Class leading performance

  • Loud, pleasant audio

  • Great camera

  • iOS is excellent

  • Not a great display for $ 400

  • The battery life is ok

Apple develops devices for a long service life and not just because they like them. Apple can also refurbish an old device with new specifications and sell it as a new one. The iPhone SE is the latest example, but hardly the first. Apple took a similar approach to the iPhone 8 and continues to sell a MacBook Pro 13 with a touch bar that is essentially the same as the 2015 model.

It's a polarizing strategy, and the new iPhone SE has created a schism for the usual reasons the moment it was announced. Some see the wise reuse of a great design that still makes sense. Others see a rotten rebranding of an outdated phone. People in both camps tend to have their opinions ready before they ever put their hands on the phone in question.

Whatever your thoughts may be, one fact is undeniable: the iPhone SE ($ 400) is the cheapest iPhone, and that makes it important regardless of design or hardware. Many people will buy it because it is the new standard selection.

But is it a good phone?

design

I'll get an uncomfortable shot out of the way. As a technical appraiser, you can expect me to update my equipment every year. Not me. My everyday phone is an iPhone 7 Plus, which despite the lack of knockout functions on modern devices is still a nice phone.

The only thing I don't like is a disadvantage that it shares with the iPhone SE: chunky frames around the display. They are massive compared to other modern phones. Every Android competitor in this area offers slim frames with maximum screen size for a certain space requirement.

Can you live with them Certainly. I have been for years. However, this is certainly the biggest problem with the design of the iPhone SE. You get jealous when a friend pulls out a Google Pixel 3a or Moto G stylus. While the iPhone SE replaces the iPhone 8, its design is based on the iPhone 6 – a phone that came out in 2014. It's not unfair to say that the new iPhone SE looks like a six-year-old phone.

Fortunately, the bad news ends here.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Despite its frame, the iPhone SE remains a slim, slim device with pockets. It's 5.45 inches tall, 2.65 inches wide, 0.29 inches thick, and weighs only 5.22 ounces. It is the lightest of the current iPhones. The Google Pixel 3a, which is one of the smaller mainstream Android phones, is still half an inch larger, more than a tenth of an inch wider, and a tenth of an inch thicker – although it has the same weight.

If you compare the iPhone SE with a powerful Android phone like the Moto G Stylus, you will notice a bigger difference. The phone with a 6.4-inch display is three quarters of an inch larger, a quarter of an inch wider, and much thicker. It's also about 30 percent heavier. That's a difference you'll notice easily, and I complained that the G stylus felt too heavy and too thick in my test.

As a small phone, the iPhone SE answers the prayers of those who preach the path of using one-handed smartphones. I am 6 feet, 1 inch tall and never needed two hands to use it. In fact, it feels a bit silly to put two hands on it.

Owners under 5 feet, 4 inches can find a way to reach the top edge, but the maneuver is still possible with a slight flicker. In this sense, the new iPhone SE lags behind the highest one-handed use of its 4-inch predecessor. Still, it's small enough that I don't think most people find this a problem.

Here you will find all the usual buttons: power supply, volume up and down and a physical switch for switching vibrations on and off. Like the chassis, they are all made of aluminum and feel good.

The Touch ID sensor, which enables error-free registration via fingerprint, continues to serve as a home button. This is a subtle but significant design decision. Since the iPhone SE has a home button, it does not use the new gesture navigation system of other new iPhones. I like that. Gesture control is clearly the new normal, but I like the button that I think is more intuitive.

As for the ports, you get a Lightning connector – a proprietary dead horse that I don't have to dig up and whip. You just need to know that you need either wireless audio or a Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapter that is not included.

display

The iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch IPS multi-touch display with a resolution of 1,334 x 750 (or 326 pixels per inch). It is a true tone screen (ie it adapts to the light in your environment) with a wide color support, haptic touch and a maximum brightness of 625 nits per Apple.

Is a 4.7-inch screen too small for a smartphone sold in 2020? No … but it's close.

This is an undeniably small screen next to what you might find elsewhere. Many Android competitors offer 6.2-inch to 6.5-inch screens at the same price, and some may even be OLEDs. I'm not going to say that these displays look "more realistic", but they'll please your eye in a way that the iPhone SE's 4.7-inch IPS screen can't. They are of course larger and often look more powerful and lively.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Let me put it differently. The screen of the new iPhone SE is about 23 percent smaller than that of a Google Pixel 3a and 40 percent smaller than that of a Moto G stylus or Samsung Galaxy A51. It's also 33 percent smaller than Apple's iPhone 11. It is much smaller than other phones that you will see in this price range.

I had no problem using it every day. In fact, the smaller size feels more comfortable in normal everyday use.

The new iPhone SE is a great device to create a quick text response, take a few photos, or go to Yelp to see what foods are nearby. It's small, nimble, easy to get to, and shows just enough information to get the job done.

The longer I used the device, the more I felt restricted. This starts on the home screen, where apps are icons that are much closer together than on most iPhones. Text can be more difficult to read because it is smaller and you need to scroll more when navigating websites.

Then there is a video. Mobile video consumption is a big deal for many people, and here the iPhone SE has to make a sacrifice. Viewing a video on the 4.7-inch display is nowhere near as comfortable as on a larger 6.4-inch or 6.5-inch screen. Even the 5.5-inch display of my iPhone 7 Plus belongs to a different league.

Audio

While the display of the iPhone SE impressed me just as I expected, the audio quality was a surprise. This little phone can rock.

The iPhone SE offers stereo playback with enough volume to fill a living room with sound. There's even a hint of bass that opens the sound stage and reduces distortion on complex tracks.

While listening to lo-fi hip hop beats, I noticed a depth of sound that I don't often hear on a midrange smartphone. It sounds like an older Oontz speaker that I use a lot, although the maximum volume of the iPhone SE is much lower.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

The clear middle section also helps in films. Large explosions and deep bass soundtracks usually destroy the smartphone speakers, with smaller and cheaper phones suffering the most. The iPhone SE isn't free of subdued dialogues, especially in action scenes where explosions and dialogues often occur simultaneously, but it's better than most of the others.

And yes, it's a huge upgrade for anyone still stuck on the original iPhone SE.

As already mentioned, there is no 3.5 mm audio jack here. To use external audio devices, you need wireless audio or a Lightning-to-3.5 mm audio adapter.

camera

Take a look at the specs and the iPhone SE's camera doesn't look impressive. It is a single lens system with a 12MP shooter. It has optical image stabilization, portrait mode, panorama mode and Smart HDR among other things, but none of it is really remarkable.

Apple claims the secret sauce is its image pipeline, powered by the powerful A13 Bionic Neural Engine. And you know what? It's a good sauce. This is the entire camera I will ever need for a phone.

Outdoor picture quality

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iPhone SE outdoors "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se_outdoors-3-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

iPhone SE outdoors "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se_outdoors-2-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

The new SE takes appealing photos outdoors. I wouldn't call it neutral, but the iPhone SE is less prone to dramatic, vivid shots than most Android phones. This can make the iPhone SE look flat, but the iPhone largely avoids excessive color saturation. Photos look realistic and balanced.

I have to praise the new SE's ability to handle bright light. This is a place where Android phones in the middle range are often neglected. It's not perfect, but the blue sky is less likely to overwhelm a photo's background, and the new SE usually sets the right white balance without the need for tricky adjustments.

Indoor picture quality

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iPhone SE inside "class =" m carousel - picture dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn6.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se-indoors-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / / www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

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The interior quality of the new SE didn't inspire me so much. The phone is still setting the correct white balance. However, due to the tendency towards neutral, realistic shots, some photos may look flat.

This is a different problem than the noisy, grainy images you see on a below-average smartphone camera. I think the photos look very sharp. You just lack the wow factor that you can see from a flagship smartphone.

However, I still think that the new SE does well in its category and you can take great indoor shots. I don't like taking test photos and I haven't done anything to improve the lighting. Simply turning on a lamp will significantly improve your results.

Image quality in low light conditions

iPhone SE in low light conditions "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn8.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se_poor_lighting-3-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: //www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

iPhone SE in low light conditions "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn1.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/iphone_se_poor_lighting-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: // www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

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I can't fault the performance of the iPhone SE in low light. Color saturation and contrast are missing, but I'm a little surprised at how clear and sharp these photos have become. You can see grain in the photo, but it's not that bad that the photo looks ugly – which is certainly the case with some medium-range phones.

However, please note that the iPhone SE does not have a night mode (or similar). If you try to take a photo outdoors at night, you won't see a lot of anything.

Enlarge image quality

Matthew Smith / Digital Trends

As a single-lens shooter, the iPhone SE lacks a zoom lens that can be used to take distant subjects. It only supports digital zoom up to 5x. However, I'm not sure if this is a big disadvantage.

Adding an optical zoom lens felt like a big deal the first time you spoke on the phone, but reception of the idea has cooled off over time, especially when the lens is only a 2, 3, or 5x zoom . I found it difficult to use and largely ignored it when I wasn't testing its quality.

I think the zoom performance of the new SE is fine for a midrange phone, even solid. If you zoom in all the way, you will see a drop in quality, but the photo is still sharp enough to use. This is better than some inexpensive phones that I have tried.

Image quality of the front-facing camera

The iPhone SE has a 7 megapixel front camera and did not impress me. It fights indoors and often delivers grainy, flat photos. Take it outdoors and it struggles with white balance and contrast. It is a functional shooter that can take good photos in ideal situations, but is not well suited for quick selfies. The salvation is the fact that all phones in this price range have similar problems.

Image quality of the portrait

Apple iPhone Se Review 2020 portrait mode 1

iPhone SE portrait mode

iPhone SE Portrait Mode "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-19-2486446

  • 3rd
    Portrait mode on the front-facing camera

The portrait mode remains breathtaking.

Suddenly, photos from the front-facing camera are raised from disappointing to not bad. The main camera, meanwhile, can take fantastic portrait photos. Remember, I am not staging the associated photos. I don't use special lighting or turn on lights in a room to take photos better. Nevertheless, I would like to share the photos I took in portrait format with friends.

It is not perfect. Portrait mode is handled entirely in software and can cause errors. Take a close look at my curly locks and you will see that sometimes they are out of focus when they shouldn't be. This is a common problem on phones with a lens that try a depth of field.

On the positive side, you can edit the pictures after taking them in different ways. You can change lighting and aperture, or omit the background entirely. It all happens with surprising speed and is a lot of fun to play with.

Photo quality: iPhone SE vs. Google Pixel 3a

The Google Pixel 3a, like the iPhone SE, costs $ 400 and is often considered the master of mid-range cell phone photography. Fortunately, I have a Google Pixel 3a XL so I can compare it directly.

iPhone SE (left) and Google Pixel 3a XL (right)

iPhone SE "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-20-2486462

Google Pixel 3a XL "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-20-2486455

iPhone SE "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-20-2486460

Google Pixel 3a XL "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-20-2486453

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Apple iPhone Se Review 2020 Google Pixel 3a portrait mode "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-20-2486464

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Apple iPhone se rating 2020 Google Pixel 3a xl "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-20-2486475

  • 1.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 2nd
    Google Pixel 3a XL
  • 3rd
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 4th
    Google Pixel 3a XL
  • 5.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 6.
    Google Pixel 3a XL
  • 7.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 8th.
    Google Pixel 3a XL

I prefer the new SE, but it's not a blowout. I think Apple's phone does a better job with white balance. This can be seen most clearly in the photo of the pizza logo against a partly cloudy sky. The iPhone delivers an accurate photo much better, while the color temperature of the Pixel 3a XL becomes too cool.

The new SE also takes the lead in portrait format. I think the image quality is comparable – but have a look at mine! The Pixel 3a XL's algorithm is significantly less aggressive. While the iPhone blurs some unpredictable locks, the Pixel 3a gives me a strange halo.

However, Apple doesn't win every photo. I prefer the photo of the Pixel 3a XL from the lush garden sidewalk. It is more alive and still looks natural. You can almost smell the fresh spring air. The photo of the iPhone SE is too flat and cannot capture my memory of the scene.

Photo quality: New iPhone SE compared to the original iPhone SE

You may be wondering what 4 years of progress you will bring. What is the answer after versions 2016 and 2020 of iPhone SE are pitted against each other? A lot of.

iPhone SE 2nd generation (left) and iPhone SE 1st generation (right)

iPhone SE Portrait Mode "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-21-2486447

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iPhone SE "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-21-2486460

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iPhone SE "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-21-2486462

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iPhone SE groceries "aria-descriptionby =" gallery-21-2486474

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  • 1.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 2nd
    iPhone SE (2016)
  • 3rd
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 4th
    iPhone SE (2016)
  • 5.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 6.
    iPhone SE (2016)
  • 7.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 8th.
    iPhone SE (2016)
  • 9.
    iPhone SE (2020)
  • 10th
    iPhone SE (2016)

The most striking thing is the enormous improvement in the white balance and color temperature of the new SE. The original iPhone SE suffers in many outdoor situations. It can't even deal with a cloudy sky. This results in excessively bright images that lack color, contrast, depth, and other features that you would associate with a good photo.

The inside photo of a hearty piece of coffee cake shows less difference in lighting and color, and you can briefly confuse the photos of each SE. However, if you take a closer look, the photo of the new iPhone SE is obviously much sharper.

Portrait mode isn't available on the original iPhone SE, of course, and that makes a big difference. Portraits of the new iPhone SE look sharper, with better contrast and far better focus on the subject.

IPhone SE camera quality summary

The new iPhone SE has a great smartphone camera. I think it outperforms the Google Pixel 3a, which is generally considered the benchmark in this category. It works well in most situations and can deliver some really great shots.

I miss something the lack of an additional camera, such as. B. an Ultrawide to improve versatility. You can find that on some competing phones. However, these phones cannot keep up with the main camera of the iPhone SE.

What the new SE lacks in versatility makes up for it by making solid recordings with little preparation.

Video quality

You can record 4K videos at up to 60 frames per second on iPhone SE or videos with extended dynamic range at up to 30 frames per second. Optical image stabilization ensures even shots, and the digital zoom works up to three times. The phone also supports slow motion 1080p videos up to 240 fps.

I don't shoot videos on cellphones often – or not at all – so I admit that I'm not the best quality assessor. I think it looks great, especially at 4K. I can imagine that most casual users will do the same. Professionals and enthusiasts can have a different opinion.

What struck the most was not quality, but speed. The new SE is a snappy performer, even when shooting 4K 60 fps. There is no delay to start recording and no delay during recording. This definitely does not apply to medium-range phones, some of which cannot record 4K at 60 fps.

performance

Apple's decision, P.A. The half-year 2008 is easily one of the most important in the company's history. Outstanding performance is a key feature of Apple phones and tablets in all price ranges.

The iPhone SE is proof of that. Although it starts at $ 400 and is significantly smaller than other newer iPhones, the SE has the same A13 Bionic processor that you find in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. This is paired with 3 GB of RAM.

  • Geekbench 5 single core: 1,324
  • Geekbench 5 multi-core: 3,192
  • Antutu: 484.479
  • 3DMark Sling Shot: 4,024

The iPhone SE is a mid-range phone, but its performance corresponds to a flagship. The new SE's single-core Geekbench 5 score of 1,324 is almost four times faster than that of a Google Pixel 3a, and the multi-core score is almost two and a half times better. The CPU of the iPhone SE easily defeats the more expensive Google Pixel 4 XL. With the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and the OnePlus 8 Pro it goes from head to toe, wins in single-core and almost in multi-core.

All of this performance is achieved on a 4.7-inch screen with a resolution well below 1080p. The iPhone SE doesn't just fly. It screeches through apps and games like a supersonic jet. The performance is almost perfect as I have never seen it before. It's not just great. It sets new standards for mid-range phones, which I doubt Android competitors will be affected by in the next few years.

The iPhone SE doesn't just fly. It screeches through apps and games like a supersonic jet.

This is the part where I would normally try digging deeper and highlighting a few nitpicks that affect the experience. Not here. I have nothing to add. It's perfect.

warehouse

The iPhone SE for $ 400 has 64 GB of storage space. You can upgrade to 128 GB for $ 450 or choose 256 GB of storage for $ 550. You have to choose the right amount from the start, because like with other iPhones, you won't be able to add more storage later.

In contrast to some earlier entry-level iPhones, the basic storage of the new SE is sufficient. My iPhone 7 Plus has 256 GB of storage, but I only use half of it, and more than half of my use is old podcast episodes and unnecessary photos. I think a lot of people can get by with the 64GB model.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

Still, it's not a bad idea to spend an additional $ 50 on the 128GB model. Memory is something you don't really care about until you run out, but doing so can be annoying. The 128GB model lets you create podcasts, photos, and apps without constantly deleting old files.

I do not recommend the 256 GB model. Anyone who uses so much storage space is a serious smartphone enthusiast, and the iPhone SE's small screen doesn't take this into account for most heavy users. I know there are a handful of die-hard small phone lovers who want the 256GB model, but for most, it's overkill.

Wireless connection

The iPhone SE is not a 5G phone. Apple has been slow to adopt 5G, and the technology hasn't yet been filtered down to that price. This makes little difference for me and most buyers as 5G availability is limited. As far as I know, I would have to travel more than 250 miles to get a 5G signal.

This is a dual SIM device that can be useful for travelers and is somewhat surprising given the price of the phone. The iPhone SE supports Bluetooth 5.0 and the Wi-Fi 6 standard.

Battery life

A 1,821 mAH battery supplies the iPhone SE with power. Apple claims a battery life of up to 8 hours when streaming videos or 13 hours when playing videos from the phone's local storage. The phone supports fast charging with an 18-watt adapter (unfortunately not included in the scope of delivery) and wireless charging via Qi chargers.

Like all iPhones, the new SE draws very little juice in standby mode. I suspect it could take a week, though I didn't have it long enough to test it.

At heart, I'm not a heavy smartphone user. My personal iPhone tells me that I switched on the display between one hour and one and a half hours every day. It's been years since I last tested a phone that can't hold all day, and many can hold two. The iPhone SE is no exception.

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digital Trends

I suspect heavy users would have more problems. A half-hour benchmarking of the phone, for example, cost 12 percent of the full charge. If you want to play demanding 3D games or use the phone to watch streaming movies, it may be necessary to charge a lunchtime fee.

As already mentioned, the iPhone SE is not aimed at these owners, since the small screen size is not suitable for games or films. If you want this, buy a bigger phone.

But let's face it: Android phones can affect the battery life of the iPhone SE, just as the iPhone SE can affect the performance of Android. The Moto G Power that I recently tested has a 5,000 mAh battery. In my hands it could take two to three days. The iPhone SE can certainly not keep up.

However, battery life is not a problem for me. The iPhone SE can hold in my hands all day, and I can't get anything from a phone that lasts longer.

software

On the iPhone SE, of course, runs iOS 13. It is the killer function of the phone. Since I bought my first "real" smartphone, the HTC Thunderbolt, in 2011, I've been switching back and forth between iOS and Android phones. I always found iOS to be preferable.

Apple's iOS is faster, safer and more attractive. I despise the bloatware and the flood of senseless notifications that attack most Android phones. Yes, it is possible to configure Android to (mostly) fix the problem, but I prefer not to.

I'm not going to cover every aspect of iOS 13 here, but there are a few key features to keep in mind.

On the iPhone SE, of course, runs iOS 13. It is the killer function of the phone.

Switching from another iPhone is a breeze. Place the new and old phones side by side and use the new phone to take a photo of a pattern that appears on the screen of the old phone. This will start the transfer. This can take minutes if an iCloud backup is available. Your apps and files are making the leap, and although you'll need to sign in to some accounts again, this isn't always the case. I had the iPhone SE ready for use in 20 minutes with all my previous data.

Since the face ID is missing and the home button is present, the new SE does not use the new touch gesture navigation of the iPhone X and newer models. Wenn Sie ein alterndes iPhone wie mich besitzen, wird es Ihnen nichts ausmachen. Wenn Sie ein neues Modell besitzen und verkleinern möchten, seien Sie jedoch vorsichtig. Sie müssen alles verlernen, was Sie über das Navigieren in neuen iPhone-Modellen gelernt haben. Das könnte eine frustrierende Erfahrung sein.

Dem iPhone SE fehlt auch die Gesichtserkennung. Ich mag Gesichtsanmeldungen, wenn sie schnell und sicher sind, wie es auf dem iPhone der Fall ist, aber es ist purer Luxus. Touch ID ist schnell, flüssig und sicher. Auch hier richtet sich das iPhone SE an Personen, die ältere Telefone besitzen. Wenn Sie Face ID noch nie verwendet haben, werden Sie es nicht verpassen.

Garantie

Apple liefert das iPhone SE mit einer einjährigen Garantie. Das ist der Industriestandard.

Sie können zusätzlichen Schutz über AppleCare + erwerben, wodurch die Garantie verlängert und einige Unfälle abgedeckt werden. AppleCare + kostet 80 US-Dollar für eine Versicherungsdauer von 24 Monaten, oder Sie können von Monat zu Monat 4 US-Dollar bezahlen. AppleCare + mit Diebstahlschutz kostet 150 US-Dollar oder 8 US-Dollar monatlich.

Ich empfehle AppleCare für dieses Telefon nicht. Dies ist ein kostengünstiges Telefon und ein kleines Telefon, das (theoretisch) weniger wahrscheinlich fallen gelassen wird. Schlagen Sie einfach einen Fall darauf und nennen Sie es gut. Das Brechen eines Telefons ist zum Kotzen, aber in diesem Fall ist es nicht wahrscheinlich, sodass Sie wahrscheinlich keinen AppleCare-Dienst benötigen.

Es sei daran erinnert, dass Apple im Gegensatz zu den meisten Marken über ein großes Netzwerk von physischen Geschäften verfügt, die Service anbieten können. Ich hatte mehr Glück beim Lösen von Problemen bei einem Besuch in einem Apple Store als beim telefonischen Support anderer Marken.

Unsere Stellungnahme

iPhone SEMatthew Smith / Digitale Trends

Das iPhone SE ist ein gutes Telefon und einen Wert von 400 US-Dollar. Es ist nicht jedermanns Sache, aber für viele großartig, und ich würde es ernsthaft in Betracht ziehen, wenn ich jetzt ein neues Telefon kaufen müsste.

Gibt es eine bessere Alternative?

Googles Pixel 3a ist der klare Konkurrent. Es ist ein großartiges Android-Handy zu einem niedrigen Preis. Das iPhone SE ist schneller und hat eine bessere Kamera, aber das Pixel 3a hat ein größeres Display, und Sie können sich für das Pixel 3a XL für ein etwas größeres entscheiden. Derzeit kostet das Pixel 3a XL bei Amazon nur 420 US-Dollar. Ich bevorzuge iOS, daher würde ich das iPhone SE kaufen, aber Sie könnten sich für das Pixel 3a entscheiden, wenn Sie ein Fan von Android sind.

Der Platzhalter ist Googles Pixel 4a, der erwartet, aber noch nicht angekündigt wird. Dies wird wahrscheinlich zu Verbesserungen der Kamera und einer noch besseren Anzeige führen. Die Leistung wird jedoch immer noch zurückbleiben, da derzeit niemandes Silizium den A13 Bionic von Apple übertreffen kann.

Sie könnten auch das Samsung Galaxy A51 oder den Moto G Stylus in Betracht ziehen. Diese Android-Handys der Mittelklasse bieten Ihnen mehr Funktionen, von denen einige sehr schön sind. Das Galaxy A51 hat ein schönes OLED-Display und der Moto G Stylus hat einen Stylus. Es handelt sich um größere Telefone mit großen Bildschirmen, die trotz günstiger Preise für starke Benutzer geeignet sind. Sie sind solide Telefone, aber das iPhone SE bietet ein zusammenhängenderes, intuitiveres Gerät mit einem Prozessor, der beide umkreist.

Einige Käufer werden das iPhone 11 in Betracht ziehen. Es ist deutlich teurer, hat aber einen viel größeren Bildschirm und eine Ultrawide-Kamera. Machen Sie keinen Fehler, das iPhone 11 ist ein besseres Telefon. Die 300-Dollar-Lücke zwischen dem iPhone SE und dem iPhone 11 ist jedoch beträchtlich, und nicht jeder wird feststellen, dass die Vorteile des größeren Telefons den Preisanstieg wert sind.

Wie lange wird es dauern?

Das iPhone SE ist ein Fünfjahres-Telefon. Die Leistung ist ausgezeichnet und Apple liefert im Gegensatz zu den meisten Android-Marken jahrelang Betriebssystem-Updates, nachdem ein Telefon veröffentlicht wurde. Das einzige zu beachtende Problem ist die Akkulaufzeit. Es ist nur in Ordnung und nach fünf Jahren Abnutzung müssen Sie sich wahrscheinlich mit dem Aufladen am Mittag befassen.

Solltest du es kaufen?

Yes. Das iPhone SE ist ein solides iPhone für Einsteiger. Sie können ein besseres Gerät kaufen, benötigen jedoch kein besseres Gerät. Wenn Sie, wie ich, ein Smartphone als eines von vielen Geräten betrachten, für die Sie Geld ausgeben könnten, kann die Entscheidung für die 400-Dollar-SE sehr sinnvoll sein.

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