Today, Apple announced two new iPhones: the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. This is the second time Apple has released two smartphones in one year; the company released both the iPhone 5c and 5s just last year. Nonetheless, this is a huge reveal: the 6 and 6 Plus sport two distinct sizes, though both are larger than previous iPhone models.
Dimensions and Architecture
The iPhone 6 is a 4.7-inch smartphone, and the iPhone 6 Plus hardware measures at 5.5 inches diagonally. They mostly share identical components, though the iPhone 6 Plus has a larger battery with a longer lifespan and optical photo stabilization. Both devices are super thin, the iPhone 6 measures in at 6.9mm and the 6 Plus is 7.1mm wide. By comparison, the iPhone 5s measures 7.6mm wide.
The two phones are also reminiscent of the original iPhone design, rounded at each of its corners, unlike the current iPhone 5s and 5 but nearly identical to the iPod Touch.
Efficiency
Both models also share the latest A8 processor, which is 25 percent faster and up to 50 percent more energy-efficient, according to The Verge. In turn, this performance boost will help with some basic new functions, like 240-frame-per-second video recording and an enhanced graphics processor for games. It’ll also include NFC technology for payments, which Apple plans to roll out in partnership with numerous businesses over the course of the next year. Only these two new products will support mobile payments.
The iPhone 6 Plus will specifically work in both portrait and landscape mode, much like the iPad, allowing users to view the larger phone’s menu screen in either orientation.
Wi-Fi, So Good Users Can Hear It
Wi-Fi calling is now a reality with Apple, as the iPhone 6 models will start supporting this function on the T-Mobile network. The company noted in its launch presentation that other networks are expected to offer the service in the near future. Users can expect higher-quality voice calls thanks to Voice over LTE support (VoLTE): Through nationwide LTE from the two largest carriers, Sprint and T-Mobile, and other growing networks, almost everyone with one of the new phones will enjoy a better call experience.
Camera
The 8-megapixel camera is also being updated, though the significance of those updates may be subjective to the user. The newest iPhone sports an 8-megapixel shooter, just like the last two models, with the same f/2.2-aperture lens. The image sensor, however, now uses iSight for a much more intuitive auto-focus. The iPhone 6 Plus hardware uses optical stabilization, meaning that those with shaky hands can take shots from a steady lens despite sudden motions. The front-facing camera sensor is also being improved, along with a speed shot “Burst Selfie” function that takes multiple selfies very quickly.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will be available for preorder on September 12 starting at $200 and $300, respectively, with a two-year contract. They will be available for purchase on September 19.
Which model are you most interested in? Is the 6 Plus too much?
Image courtesy of Flickr
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