Apple unveiled the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the eighth generation of iPhones on Sept. 9 in Cupertino, California. Many eager fans and developers attended and streamed the conference online.
Apple CEO Tim Cook says these new models are “better in every single way” than the iPhone 5s. Alongside the smartphones, Cook unveiled Apple’s newest endeavor: the Apple Watch. But the main focus of the Apple unveiling, as always, was the latest generation of iPhones.
These two new models represent a dramatic increase in size compared to previous iPhone generations. According to TechRadar, the iPhone 6 measures 4.7 inches diagonally and the iPhone 6 Plus measures 5.5 inches. The previous model, iPhone 5s, had only a 4-inch screen.
In regards to resolution, TechRadar reports that the iPhone 6 contains Apple’s “Retina HD” technology. Despite having more pixels on the screen, the iPhone 6 has relatively the same amount of pixels per square inch. The iPhone 6 Plus stands out in this category. It has a full HD, 1920×1080 pixel resolution. That means it has over 2 million pixels total, over twice the number of pixels the the 5s has.
Apple has continued to tinker with the design of the iPhone. Both iPhone 6 models feature rounded edges, a major design move reverting back to the earlier iPhone shape. The original, 3G and 3GS iPhones all had rounded backs. The iPhone 4 through iPhone 5s have all had flat backs.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus design is intended to be more ergonomic than ever before. The Apple website states, “The first thing you will notice when you hold the iPhone 6 is how great it feels in your hand.” The 6 and 6 Plus are the thinnest iPhones to date measuring at 6.9 mm and 7.1 mm respectively. The lock screen button was moved down to the right side of the phone for easier access.
This latest release has only kindled further debate about supremacy in the smartphone market. While iOS users, such as those at CultofMac.com, laud these new developments as a continuation of Apple’s dominance and creativity, many Android users, particularly those from AndroidandMe.com, say they believe that even these new iPhones are merely catching up to Google’s latest. In June, Google previewed to the public its new Android L operating system, introducing major updates to the notification system and battery life management. Android L is not going to be released to the general public until late 2014.
Apple’s website says iOS 8 will be available to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 17. iOS 8, like Android L, is renovating the notification system and will be updating its native camera app. The new camera app will allow more powerful editing features to be native to iOS. In iOS 8, users will be able to install 3rd party keyboards. TechRadar reports that many popular Android keyboard developers have already committed to taking advantage of this feature including SwiftKey, Minuum and Swype.
TechRadar says, “The competition has never been tougher for a new iPhone.” The two operating systems, Android L and iOS 8 are getting to be closer to each other than ever before.
Tim Anderson, a member of Cedarville’s IT Department and an Android user, said, “I think Android is better because iOS can only be used on Apple products, whereas Android can be used on Samsung, LG, Motorola and many different types of phones.”
This difference was evidenced by the rapid evolution of the many different types of phones. The screen sizes available on Android models quickly outgrew the competing Apple phones.
Steve Proulx, a computer science major, said he believes that ease of use is the more important factor.
“Everything is easier to find in iOS. It was designed with the user in mind,” he said.
Proulx also said he believes that Android is behind in this area.
“Android has glitches and bugs that haven’t been fixed,” he said.
Proulx explained that by not allowing other companies to build their own devices or edit the operating system, Apple has a better control over the user experience. Although there are far more variations of Android devices available than different types of iPhones, the iPhone always has a consistently good user experience.
Anderson also brought up price, saying, “Apple products are incredibly overpriced.”
When comparing the phones and prices offered from Verizon, the iPhone 6 (4.7-inch screen) costs $199 and the iPhone 6 Plus (5.5-inch screen) is $299. Among Verizon’s Android collection the HTC One M8 (5.5-inch screen) costs $149, the LG G3 (5.5-inch screen) costs $199, and the Samsung Galaxy S5 is $199.
According to PocketNow, “Apple and Google have really shown each other a great show this year. Apple improved iOS where it previously fell short while Google sanded away the burrs and rough edges.”
Brandon Best is a freshman English major and writer for Cedars. He enjoys writing, life and all the seasons of the year.
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