Uswitch mobiles expert, Ru Bhikha, comments on the Apple iPhone 14 range and the Apple Watch Series 8

Uswitch mobiles expert, Ru Bhikha, comments on the Apple iPhone 14 range and the Apple Watch Series 8

iPhone 14 handsets

Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “It’s been 15 years since the first iPhone and with the iconic device now in its mid-teens, Apple has set its sights on keeping fans excited about the next generation. With four in ten Apple users planning to buy one of the latest models, the pressure is on[1].

“Apple has stuck to its guns and reserved its biggest leaps in innovation for its most premium handsets, despite the economic challenges facing many consumers.

“While the entry level iPhone 14 is more durable than its predecessor and inherits the A15 Bionic chipset from the iPhone 13 Pro, its higher-spec sibling has a more powerful and speedier new A16 chip.

“The iPhone 14 Pro has finally ditched the notch display which became infamous due to the number of devices on the market integrating the front camera into the screen. 

“The single pill-shaped Dynamic Island now gives Apple fans a smooth replacement to the notch and is a clever way to utilise screen real estate that was previously wasted. We should eventually see this design trickle down to more basic Apple phones in the coming years. 

“With its new always-on display, the iPhone 14 Pro not only brings the handset in line with many rivals, but goes further by offering weather, calendars, stocks, activities and other data on the lock screen - all while using minimal power. 

“The return of the Plus model will be welcomed by those looking for a larger screen, but who don’t want to pay for the top-of-the-range Pro Max. Yet while the tech giant has given with one hand, it has also taken away the iPhone Mini, the cheapest and most pocket-friendly phone from the main series. 

“Apple is also showcasing innovation in its camera, with a 48-megapixel main lens in the iPhone 14 Pro that will be popular with smartphone photographers and is one of the biggest camera updates we've seen on the ‌iPhone‌ line in years. There are advanced low-light capabilities, courtesy of its photonic engine, along with enhanced stabilisation. 

“The new flagship also has an out-of-this-world SOS feature, allowing users to link to a satellite when all other connectivity is down - you never know when you might need it, but you’ll be happy when you do.”

Apple Watch Series 8

“The new Apple Watch Series 8 made its debut today, and while we might not be seeing any differences in design, the hardware is where your money is going. A temperature monitor which helps to alert the wearer of a possible fever and a new ovulation tracker to help fertility planning puts Apple at the forefront of home health wearables. 

"Another landmark feature of the Apple Watch and iPhone 14 is a motion sensor that can detect if the user is involved in a car crash and, using GPS, contact the emergency services - which could mean the difference between life and death.

“The Series 8 also solves a bugbear of many Apple Watch users - managing the battery life. The new low-power mode gives you 36 hours of charge, while sacrificing some of the more battery-draining features such as automatic fitness tracking.

“The line-up has been expanded this year, with a cheaper SE model and the new Apple Watch Ultra, featuring a bigger 49mm case and a larger battery that can be optimised for up to 60 hours of use. 

“Clearly aimed at seasoned adventurers, the new addition is more rugged and less curved, with an entirely flat display, made of stronger materials. With bright orange accents comparable to the Ploprof Omega, the Ultra aims to be taken seriously among luxury divers. One for those wanting to keep up with the Indiana Joneses.”

-ENDS-

Notes 

1. Opinium survey from the 23rd to 25th August 2022. 38.2% of iPhone owners said they were planning on buying the next iPhone handset