Issue 41.17
Last month, Apple rolled out the new Iphone 8 and 8 plus. They also announced that the Iphone X will be coming out soon. This interesting approach has customers confused about whether to upgrade now, upgrade later or consider a different type of phone altogether.
The Iphone 8 series have added a few new features that may be attractive to some users, but many are waiting for the X series as it is pretty much a total redesign while the 8 is similar to the 6 and 7 Iphones with a few of the features of the X added. The options that I have discovered by reading through the reviews are as follows.
Both – Glass enclosure front and back (allows wireless charging)
X – Edge to edge display
8 – Home button with fingerprint recognition
X – New face recognition security (no home button)
X – New interface system for starting apps, etc.
Both – Blutooth 5 integration
Both – Better and louder stereo speakers
Both – No Headphone jack
Both – Wireless headphone and speaker options (8 is reported as not as good as the X version)
Both – A11 processor (faster than the A10 in the Iphone 7)
Both – High frame rate video with higher resolution compared to the 7
There are still a number of questions about the Iphone X and some of the specs may change before it is actually released, but the biggest difference for many people is the price. The 8 is selling at around $600-$700 or through cellular carrier contracts for $25 – $35 per month (slightly lower through AT&T on their 30 month contract as opposed to everyone else’s 24 month). The X is projected to sell at around $1000 and Bestbuy lists their contract prices at between $33 and $48 per month. It should be noted that many people upgrade to whatever is new and “cool” even if they don’t need to and many people will be on contract for their old phone for a while yet which may encourage them to wait to make a decision. Alternatively, they can pay off the old phone or, in some cases, trade it in for a credit on the new one.
Also important to note is that the high end Android phones (such as the LG V30 and the Samsung S8) have already added some of the features that Apple is touting as new while keeping a lower price point. That said, some people really want to stay with the Apple OS because it is the “default” for many and they are used to it and the apps that work with it. There is a bit more security and a bit less likelihood of the phone being hacked or virused with the Iphones, but they are no longer immune to those issues and whichever you choose, you will want to add some protection to keep it safe.
Buying depends on whether your contract is up, if you need one and if you want to look at other options. Do a little homework and comparison before you buy and as always – make sure you remember to protect your data, documents, pictures and your computer, phone and tablet by always backing up anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 34 years, 27 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or mccausland.shaun54@gmail.com .