The iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, which just launched Friday, September 20, have seen a record-breaking number of sales. Apple also said that iOS 7, also released last week, is running on more than 200 million devices.

Apparently, there haven’t been enough iPhones to meet the incredible demand of the public. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, said in the release, “While we’ve sold out of our initial supply of iPhone 5s, stores continue to receive new iPhone shipments regularly.” He added that Apple is attempting to work hard and “build enough new iPhones for everyone.”

Apple has blown the projections out of the water. According to MarketWatch, analysts estimated Apple would receive around 6 million in sales as just 5 million units of the iPhone 5 were sold during its opening weekend last year. Apple far surpassed this number and has reported that its results for the September quarter will come in higher than its pre-issued forecast.

This was the first time Apple launched two iPhone models at the same time, but the company did not state how many units of each version sold. It appears that more units of the iPhone 5s sold (in comparison to the iPhone 5c) because it sold out, but that is only speculation. Furthermore, Apple also did not specify sales by geography. This was the first time iPhones launched in China, which may have given a large boost to the numbers. The launch weekend also included the US, France, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and more.

According to MarketWatch, Apple has announced that its revenue for the fourth quarter will come at the high end of its estimated $34 billion to $37 billion. Additionally, Apple stock was up 3.8% at $485.43 a share by midday Monday.

Though critics had been harsh on the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c before the release, it seems that Apple has proven them wrong. Reviewers (such as this review from PocketNow) criticized the specs of the iPhone 5s and the color scheme of the lower-end iPhone 5c, but the number of sales speaks for itself. As the phones flew off the shelves opening weekend, it seemed that Apple returned to the company it used to be and is back on track as one of the most innovative tech companies in the world.

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Features and Specs

The Galaxy Note 3 features a Full HD 1080p 5.7-inch display — far larger than that of previous models. It’s also thinner and weighs just 168 grams (about 6 ounces). Users can choose between a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 or 1.9GHz Exynos Octa CPU processor. Both versions have 3GB RAM and a 3,200mAh cell battery for an unsurpassed battery life. The 13-megapixel camera includes HD video recording and image stabilization. The device runs Android 4.3 and Bluetooth 4.0.

Samsung has also greatly improved the functioning of the S-Pen. Now, uses can use the S-Pen to unlock “Air Command,” which opens up a quick commands menu. Users can open an “Action Menu,” which converts a scribbled note into formatted content or a function (such as making a call, looking up a contact, searching the web, and more). The Note also includes “S Finder,” which help users search across apps on the device and the web. Finally, the updated S-Pen can use the “My Magazine” function to compile data from various sources, including web, apps, social media, and more, while still allowing users to browse the web and use apps.

The new features don’t end there, however. The Note 3 can run two applications at once, including a duplication of a single app, reports Engadget. The S-Pen can even drag and drop content across the two applications.

Samsung has also updated the security features on the Note with its KNOX software. KNOX allows user to store sensitive information and apps include a container that protects against malware, phishing, and hacking if the device is lost or stolen.

Availability and Pricing

According to Engadget, Samsung will begin shipping the Note globally starting tomorrow, September 25, 2013. Those in the US and Japan should expect to see the newest Note sometime in October. The phone will cost $299 with a contract ($799 without a contract). This price keeps in line with that of the two previous Galaxy Note models.

Does Bigger Mean Better?

With Note 3’s massive amount of new features, bigger screen, and updated specs, it only makes sense that the device will be better than its predecessor. However, many reviewers aren’t crazy about the sudden explosion of features. According to the Guardian, its new features can be puzzling and complicated to operate. It seems that perhaps there are just too many new features to learn. With mobile devices, sometimes less is better than more. That being said, it really comes down to personal preferences. The Galaxy Note 3 may be just what Samsung needs to outshine the success of the previous Notes. The newest edition includes plenty of updates to tempt existing Note users, with enough amazing specs and features to appeal to everyone else.

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Newest Specs of the 5s

The new iPhone features a 4-inch screen with in-cell IPS LCD at 326 ppi with a 1136×640 resolution. The camera features an 8-megapixel dual LED flash with a 1.2-megapixel front camera, which should improve low-light performance. The new iPhone 5s also features a fingerprint reader called “Touch ID” under the home button, which allows users to unlock their phones just by swiping a finger across the home button. The device runs the new iOS 7 software and an Apple A7 dual-core 64-bit processor. It has LTE and Bluetooth 4.0 LE capabilities, but it does not offer support for 802.11 ac WiFi. Apple has touted that the battery will handle 10 hours talk time, 10 hours of browsing, and 250 hours standby. The RAM has yet to be announced. The price point starts at $199 with a contract and the full price starts at $649 for 16GB of storage. It is available in gold, silver, and space gray.

iPhone 5s vs. Samsung Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 boasts a Snapdragon 600 processor 1.9GHz quad-core processor, compared to the iPhone’s Apple A7 dual-core 64-bit processor. The Galaxy S4 also boasts a 5-inch 1080p 1920×1080 display, much larger than the 5s’s 4-inch display and with far greater pixel density and screen resolution. The Galaxy S4’s camera also outclasses the iPhone’s, as it has 13-Megapixel rear camera and 2-Megapixel front camera. The Galaxy S4 also boasts long battery life. However, the iOS 7 software may surpass the Samsung Galaxy S4’s TouchWiz UI. The Samsung Galaxy S4 starts at the same price point as the iPhone, at $199 with a contract.

iPhone 5s vs. HTC One

The HTC One also has a larger screen, at 4.7 inches, and boasts a quality display with full 1080p HD SLCD3 and a 1920×1080 resolution. The iPhone’s camera surpasses the HTC One’s 4 megapixels, but it does boast a 2-megapixel front camera. The Snapdragon 600 processor also surpasses Apple’s A7 dual-core 64-bit processor. However, the iOS software will far outclass the HTC One’s current Android 4.1.2 software. The HTC One also starts at $199 with a contract.

iPhone 5s vs. Nexus 4

The iPhone display surpasses Google’s Nexus 4 screen display, which boasts a 4.7-inch 1280×768 IPS LCS display at 320 ppi. The iPhone processor also outclasses the Nexus’s Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor with 2GB RAM. The Nexus 4 runs the latest Android 4.3 software, and it remains to be seen if the iOS 7 will surpass this in efficiency. The Nexus 4 features an 8-megapixel LED 1080p camera and 1.3-megapixel 720 front camera, which iPhone’s new camera also surpasses. The Nexus 4 also starts at $199 with a contract.

The specs of the iPhone 5S don’t appear to far surpass some of the current Andriod flagships. In fact, its rivals seem pretty capable of holding their own in terms of design, camera, and other features. It remains to be seen if users flock to the new Apple flagship or opt out and choose a top-notch Andriod instead.

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According to Apple, “With iPhone 5s, getting into your phone is faster, easier, and even a little futuristic.” Apple touts the features as convenient and “highly secure.” Users can also use fingerprint authentication to make purchases from the iTunes and App Store, so they don’t need to enter a password. Interestingly, Apple has also given the Touch ID the capability of 360-degree readability. This means that you can swipe your fingertip despite your phone’s orientation. You can also enter up to five alternative fingerprints, so you can allow your family members access to your phone. However, they won’t be able to make purchases.

On older models of the iPhone, entering a passcode to activate the device could lead to frustration. Users often lowered the difficulty of their passwords (such as the obvious “1234”) — or turned off the function altogether. That meant that if their phone ever fell into the wrong hands, their bank details and other sensitive data would be left open to whoever found the device.

The technology behind the Touch ID (explained in-depth in this video) is pretty neat. The sensor is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. A steel ring encompasses the sensor and can detect when your finger passes over it. Then the sensor takes an image of your fingerprint and analyses it by three fingerprint characteristics: arch, loop, and whorl. Additionally, it reads details in the ridges of the fingerprint and changes in ridge direction that are smaller than the eye can see. This means it won’t likely be fooled by fake fingerprints or the like.

In order to activate the fingerprint sensor, users must repeatedly hold their finger against the Home button in order for the sensor to get a complex picture of their fingerprint. Interestingly, each time you swipe your finger across the sensor, it becomes better adept at identifying your finger.

This new feature offers top-notch security to which passwords cannot compare. A fingerprint makes the perfect form of identity protection because it’s always with you and completely unique. However, using fingerprints to unlock your device does have some downsides. For one, while Apple claims the fingerprint data remains locked away on your phone and never uploaded onto their servers, it only stands to reason that the data can leak out once it’s created.

Additionally, users can bypass the fingerprint sensor and just input passwords instead. However, it remains unclear if users can set up a multi-layered security approach, wherein they would have to swipe their fingerprint in addition to entering a password to unlock their device.

So is the Touch ID a gimmick or the real deal? It certainly appears to offer convenience and security to the average user. However, it unlocks a whole new issue with regard to identity theft and misuse of the fingerprint data. It’s ultimately up to you if you want to jump onboard with this new feature, or skip it.

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iPhone 5S

Apple’s new flagship iPhone now comes in three colors: silver, gold, and space gray aluminum casing overlay the classic white and black hues.

Although the gold color wasn’t originally well received by reviewers (such as this review from PocketNow), it’s a hit with consumers. According to Mashable, Apple is already in the process of producing more gold iPhones to meet the high demand. The gold iPhone features a metallic gold trim, with a subtle silver tint. It’s actually quite an elegant effect.

Apple has also launched a line of leather cases to go along with the iPhone 5s in six classy colors (brown, beige, black, yellow, blue, and red. The leather covers the on/off switch and the volume button on the side of the device. The case is lined with a soft microfiber. It’s beautifully designed, chic, and sophisticated.

iPhone 5c

The iPhone 5c, the budget version of the iPhone, is the first iPhone to be offered in bright colors. The iPhone 5c comes in five colors: pink, green, blue, yellow, and white. The bright colors mimic the colors of the newly redesigned operating system — iOS 7. The device also comes with special wallpaper that matches the color of the device.

The iPhone 5c is also the first iPhone to feature a plastic exterior. According to a video released by Apple, “The iPhone 5c is beautifully, unapologetically plastic.” The iPhone 5c comes in a single-piece polycarbonate case made completely out of recycled materials. Though Apple has taken a lot of flak for releasing a plastic iPhone, it appears to be extremely well manufactured. While the 5c doesn’t offer much more than the iPhone 5 in terms of specs, the colors could attract those who don’t already have an iPhone 5.

As with the 5s, Apple has a line of cases that go along with the 5c. These are sold in the same five colors (pink, green, blue, yellow, and white) and are meant to be purchased in a contrasting color of the phone itslef. They feature see-through holes on the back of the case, which exposes the color of the phone underneath. They’re fun, plucky, and could definitely be a selling point for the multicolored 5c.

The new colors of the iPhone appear to be anything but ugly. The colors of the iPhone 5s are refined, elegant, and classy. The iPhone 5c offers some fun, bright colors for iPhone newbies. These two new devices appear to offer the best of both worlds. However, it remains to be seen how sales with play out.

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The deal is expected to close the first quarter of 2014 and will include Nokia’s CEO Stephen Elop stepping down and filling a new role as Nokia Executive Vice President of Devices & Services at Microsoft. The deal also includes approximately 32,000 Nokia employees switching over to Microsoft.

“Building on our successful partnership, we can now bring together the best of Microsoft’s software engineering with the best of Nokia’s product engineering, award-winning design, and global sales, marketing, and manufacturing,” said Elop in Microsoft’s press release.

Nokia and Microsoft have worked closely together since Nokia began to sell Windows Phone smartphones in 2012, and this demonstrates a serious partnership on the part of the two companies; it does not, however, mean the end for Nokia. According to the Guardian, the company plans to continue forward with its HERE Location & Services and Nokia Siemens Networks businesses. Risto Siilasmaa, Chairman of the Nokia Board of Directors and Nokia’s Interim CEO said in the release, “For Nokia, this is an important moment of reinvention, and from a position of financial strength, we can build our next chapter.” All the same, it will mean that the company will shrink to at least half of its current size and that the Nokia brand of handheld mobile device will be gone.

What does it mean for the market now that Microsoft buys Nokia? According to the Guardian, this bold move sets up Microsoft as a valid contender against Google and Apple. Google similarly bought Motorola in 2011. Microsoft will not hesitate to get their products into big businesses that can purchase thousands of devices at a time. In addition, whereas Nokia had been struggling to find a foothold in high-end smartphones and tablets, Microsoft can now fund those areas.

The acquisition also may mean that other companies, such as Samsung, that make Windows Phones may stop producing those devices. In addition, solo companies such as Blackberry and HTC must now confront big conglomerates of the order of Microsoft/Nokia, Google, and Apple. With no buyer in sight, these companies may begin to fizzle out.

Through the purchase of Nokia, can Microsoft succeed in taking the Windows Phone to new heights where Nokia had failed? Only time will tell. But if this move shows anything about Microsoft’s strategy, it is no holds barred as far as their competitive spirit is concerned.

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