Tag Archives: iphone

Apple iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S3

Now that Apple has announced the iPhone 5, it’s time for a side-by-side for comparison against the de facto Android flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S3. By the numbers alone, you can see that Galaxy S3 has set the bar and that the iPhone 5  is hard-pressed to match it. And the Galaxy S3 has been out for months now.

The significant advantages of the iPhone is size, weight, iOS 6, and the App Store. Size and weight is a matter of personal preference. While I like small phones, a lot of people love their phones with big-ass screens. As for iOS 6 and the App Store, both are under threat by the much-improved Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and fast-growing Android Play.

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It’s Almost Here

Apple has finally sent out invites to their much anticipated September 12 press conference. What is almost here? Why, the iPhone 5, of course!

It’s not the new iPhone because, well, there’s that shadow there. It will be a taller phone with an aluminum back but still following the general design pattern of the iPhone 4/4S. Pretty much what all those leaked purported iPhone 5 photos all over the net show.

Although the display will be taller, the horizontal resolution will remain the same as the iPhone 4/4S because they want to leverage the current existing Retina apps. Apps not automatically supporting the new display size will be letter-boxed.

It will have a quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 64GB storage in line with current smartphones specifications. But these will not be highlighted or maybe even mentioned.

Finally, it will support glasses-free 3D and will have a second rear-facing camera at the lower section for taking 3D photos and videos.

Now let’s see if I got anything right.

OtterBox Commuter for iPhone 4/4S (Class A)

The Otterbox Commuter is a mid-level risk case slotting between a bumper and a heavy-duty case like the Otterbox Defender. Unfortunately, they’re rather expensive at P2,100 or thereabouts at local shops. And then I saw Edong’s Class A OtterBox Commuter case for his Samsung Galaxy S-III. “Class A” is a euphemism for knock-off so it was way cheaper. I was impressed with the quality (for the price) so I got one for my own phone.

Just like its “inspiration”, the case is composed of two pieces: a silicone inner layer and a polycarbonate outer layer. The silicon layer covers the back and wraps around the edges giving the screen a slightly raised protective rubber bezel. This protects the screen from direct contact when the phone is face down. The buttons have touch-through covers but are still reasonably easy to press. The proprietary Apple USB port is covered by a flap and should be easily accessible to most accessories. There are cutouts for the camera, flash, and silent switch. The silent switch is still easily accessible with a finger.

The polycarbonate layer clips onto and around the silicone layer giving it another layer of protection. The whole case fits the iPhone snugly and makes it look like it could bounce off the floor. I’m just concerned about the the durability of the polycarbonate considering this is just a “Class A”. But at P300 (and could be lower) a pop, it should be less painful to replace.