The much anticipated launch date of Apple’s new iPhone finally arrived today September 9, 2014. In fact, there were two new smartphone models unveiled: the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Both these new Apple smartphones have bigger screens compared to their predecessor, the iPhone 5S, as well as a few new features which we will explore in a moment.I attended the Apple event via live streaming and it went longer than I expected it, I guess because Apple also unveiled their new Apple iWatch. On this blog post, I will just focus on the new iPhone models that Apple unveiled and cover some of the key aspects or specifications. At the end of this blog post, you will find a comparison chart comparing the iPhone 5S vs the iPhone 6 vs the iPhone 6 Plus.
Operating System: the new iPhone models are equipped with Apple’s new iOS 8 operating system which Apple claims to be the “world’s most advanced mobile operating system”. This new mobile OS offers advanced functionality like using Siri to control devices at your home, as well as communicating directly with doctor via health and fitness apps using your iPhone. iOS8 will be available for download on Sept 17, 2014.
Processor: apart from the new operating system, Apple has introduced their new 64-bit A8 processor with an M8 co-processor. This is another upgrade from the iPhone 5S which came with the A7 processor and M7 co-processor. This is supposed to translate into 25% more CPU power while providing 50% more GPU muscle.
Display & Screen Resolution: the iPhone 6 comes with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, while the iPhone 6 Plus comes with a 5.5-inch Retina HD display. It is an LED-backlit widescreen multi-touch display with IPS technology. Given that both the iPhones have larger screen sizes, their screen resolutions have changed: 750 × 1334 pixels (326 ppi) for the iPhone 6; and 1080 × 1920 pixels (401 ppi) for the iPhone 6 Plus, compared to the 640 × 1136 pixels (326 ppi) on the iPhone 5S.
Memory & Storage: besides the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB memory capacity models, the new iPhones will also come in a new 128GB model. I didn’t see any mention of RAM, so I’m assuming that there is no change to the 1GB RAM on the new Apple smartphones. Also, as usual, there is no microSD slot on the new iPhones.
Size & Weight: the new Apple smartphones are slimmer compared to the iPhone 5S. As Apple put it “iPhone at its largest and thinnest.” The dimensions (WxHxD) on the iPhone 6 are: 2.64 x 5.44 x 0.27 inches; and iPhone 6 Plus: 3.06 x 6.22 x 0.28 inches. Comparatively, the dimensions on the iPhone 5S were 2.31 x 4.87 x 0.30 inches. Basically, the thickness of the iPhone 6 is 6.9 mm, the iPhone 6 Plus is 7.1 mm, and the iPhone 5S was 7.6 mm.
Cameras: though the iSight camera still remains at 8MP, Apple claims that it is new and improved iSight camera. It has autofocus with Focus Pixels providing the camera sensor with more information about the image, thereby increasing the speed of the autofocus. Additionally, the 8MP camera will provide the option to capture video in 1080p Full HD resolution at 60fps (frames per second). Also, FaceTime comes improved face detection, as well as optical image stabilization for the iPhone 6 Plus.
Battery Life: the new iPhones come with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing improved battery life. The battery life on the iPhone 6 is expected to be up to 14 hours (3G talk time), and up to 24 hours (3G talk time) on the iPhone 6 Plus. Comparatively, the iPhone 5S has a battery life of 10 hours.
Wireless: the new iPhones will have improved wireless capability with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi compared to 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi on the iPhone 5S. Also, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will have built in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology which is designed to work with the new ApplePay payment system (currently only available for the US market).
Besides the built-in apps, the iPhone will include free apps like iMovie, Pages, Keynote, Numbers, iTunes U, GarageBand, Apple Store, Remote, Find My iPhone, and Find My Friends.
The new Apple iPhones will come in silver, gold, and space grey colours. The iPhone 6 is priced at $199 (16GB model), $299 (64GB model), and $399 (128GB model) with a two-year contract. And the iPhone 6 Plus is priced at $299 (16GB model), $399 (64GB model), and $499 (128GB model) with a two-year contract. Pre-orders of the new iPhones begin on Sept 12, 2014.
Overall, based on the above comparison of the two new iPhones smartphone models, looks like Apple has made some significant improvements. If you’ve always been an Apple fan, but wanted a bigger iPhone with a few more bells and whistles, then one of these new iPhones will surely fit the bill.
Below are is a specifications comparison chart for the iPhone 5S vs iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus:
Watch the video below for a first look at the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus:
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