 Unless you are new to my blog, you know that we never recommend doing software upgrades immediately, especially if you only have one device. That's because there are often stability issues, and battery life issues. With over a million third party applications available in the Apple and Google stores, it's impossible to really know how these applications will play with the new software until it's out there.
Generally, when Apple introduces new iPhone models, they usually bring out a newer iOS version too. While these are tested extensively on the new model(s) being released, there is no guarantee that the software will run flawlessly on your current model. Almost everyone I have talked to that has an iPhone 7 that upgraded to iOS11 regrets it. I'm seeing reports of additional battery drainage of up to 60%. What this means is if you buy an iPhone 8 or 8+, it will be running iOS11 and you will likely be okay. It's the folks with the iPhone 7 series, 6 series and especially the 5 series that should hold off doing this upgrade. Whenever a new operating system or upgrade comes out, the first thing I do is google it. "Problems with iOS11". This time around, I found many iPhone 6 and 7 users that had done the upgrade had a giant loss in battery capacity. If you have an iPhone 6 or before, you really need to upgrade the device, especially if you are a T-Mobile subscriber. That's because the iPhone 6 and older models did not yet support T-Mobile's 700mHZ band. The 6s model did offer 700mHZ support. Unfortunately, none of the new models including the not yet released iphone X will support T-Mobile's newest 600mHZ frequency, aka "Band 71". In a perfect world, we would be able to buy an iPhone X that supports Band 71 in November when it comes out. After all, the lower the frequency the better it works indoors. Until last year's $435 million purchase of 700mHZ spectrum, that was TM's achilles heal. Early this year, T-Mobile dropped $8 billion to be the exclusive major carrier offering 600mHZ bandwidth. AT&T, Sprint and Verizon should be thankful that Apple isn't supporting this yet. When they do, the other carriers are in big, big trouble. Today, the only manufacturer that has a model supporting this new technology is LG. I suspect Samsung is working on this. I'm guessing that Apple will launch an "S" model early next year adding support for Band 71. Until then, I can't see dropping four figures for a device that lacks something this critical.
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 Maybe it was the success of Samsung's S8 series and the NOTE 8 release a week before Apple's own iPhone 8 release. In any case, the iPhone 8 series has not even been around for a full week and here is what we already know. These phones should have been designated the iPhone 7s and 7s+ because they are not different enough to be anything else. The iPhone 8 has a slightly better camera feature with some portrait options but aside from the new glass casing, there's very little difference to the 7 model. If I was to get an 8 series model, though, it would have to be the 8+ model. This one does have a far better battery life and a much better shooter than the regular 8 model. It also adds the super retina screen and dual optical image stabilization. The glass backs facilitate wireless charging but at what cost? Our colleagues at BGR say APPLE totally lied about the strength of their new glass cases.
I could care less about wireless charging, especially if it compromises the strength of my device's case. The same thing happened to the Samsung model that was tested. Both totally shattered upon impact after being dropped. This tells me that this feature may not be ready for prime time. While I have not heard much from anyone using iPhone 8 series models yet, I have heard from folks who have downloaded the new iOS 11 operating system from Apple on their current iPhone models. Don't do it! The biggest complaint is applications slowing down and battery drainage up to 60% more than the previous iOS 10. speaking of battery performance, a recently read an interesting article by Lance Whitney explaining that most people overcharge their SmartPhones which results in depleting their battery life faster than necessary. Don't charge overnight unless necessary was the most interesting message. I held on to my Apple 6S+ until now, because I did not see a substantial upside to moving to the iPhone 7 series. I was also not willing to lose my 3.5mm headset jack or have to use (and ultimately lose) a stupid dongle to make my JBL Stereo headset compatible. I also like the way my device lays down on it's back flatly. The new iPhone 7+ and 8+ seem to have a bulge where the camera is and are not flush with the back case. I've been eying the 8+ model but have decided to wait until the end of the year to first evaluate the soon-to-be released iPhone X. There is no question that the iPhone 8 series is more of the same and the iPhone X is a glimpse of things to come. A great analogy one of my colleagues made was, "Do you want the most proven and best Piston engine on the market, or a new jet engine. The X model is that jet technology (augmented reality) and a total re-make of everything Apple has done. Yes, this model will set the standard for years to come. I can understand Apple not providing support for T- Mobile's new "Band 71" on the iPhone 8 series. I cannot understand why this would not be available on the iPhone X model though as it has not even been released yet. If I'm going to drop $1k plus on a Smartphone, it better have the latest and greatest bandwidth support. The iPhone X will not. The only question is will it be $300 better than the iPhone 8 series.  Starting September 22 for a limited time, the existing $100 off Apple iPhone Offer for businesses will improve to $120 off eligible iPhones (via EIP bill credits) when activating a new T-Mobile ONE voice line — no trade-in required. But that’s not all: Business/Government customers that do want to trade in an older iPhone can get $300 or more when they combine their trade in with this amazing $120 offer. For example, if you trade in an iPhone 7 with Clover before December 31, you’ll get $180 in trade in value. Add that to the $120 EIP credit and you save $300 on a new iPhone 8! Dr Wireless always offers at least $50 -$100 more than Clover, so you can save well over $300 if you trade in your iPhone 7 to us directly. Remember, the ONE Plus add-on is free for business and government new activations right now, and all these offers are exclusively for T-Mobile for Business Direct (including Inside Sales) and Indirect channels. Offer Details • The following iPhones are eligible for $120 off via EIP bill credits: Apple iPhone 6s/6s Plus, Apple iPhone 7/7 Plus, Apple iPhone SE, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus(Ship-to and backorders are eligible.) • Credits will be issued via 24 monthly bill credits for a total of $120. • Customers must purchase the devices on EIP and activate on a T-Mobile ONE plan. • All taxes, fees and any applicable down payments are due at the time of purchase. For details, contact Dr Wireless.   When Palm and Blackberry used to send me devices for review, I found it both enjoyable, yet extremely frustrating. The reason for this was the fact that the easiest way for me to test these devices was using them as my primary cell. The one thing that new hardware and new software have in common is unpredictable issues. Apple cannot deny that Android has newer technology sooner. Many of the features just now coming out on the new Apple models like facial recognition and OLED screen technology are not new to Android. That being said, APPLE iOS is far more secure and less likely to cause problems. Apple's been beta testing iOS11 and is convinced it is ready for primetime. Unless you are getting paid to beta test it, I'd advice sitting back for a week or so and doing Google searches like the one I did above. I did the above search within 48 hours of the release so it's too soon to know what the issues are. Obviously, battery issues are one of the issues that is showing up immediately. Since there are millions of third party applications, it's impossible to immediately know how well this software plays with all of them. Many of my colleagues at CNET, BGR, Engadget, PC-Mag, MacWorld, and others do a great job reviewing products and software so I know longer have to personally.    Now that all of the rumors have been confirmed, here is what we know for sure. Pre-orders for the new iPhones 8 and 8+ will begin September 15 with the first batch of devices shipping from the carriers on September 22nd. The newest iPhone X will not become available until November 3rd with pre-orders beginning October 22nd. The newest iOS11 will be officially released on September 19. All iPhones from the iPhone 6 on should benefit from this but I would not load it for the first week or so to see if anyone has any negative repercussions. Sometimes new software doesn't play nice with existing 3rd party applications. I always google. "Problems with new iOS" and see what comes up. If you see dozens of complaints for the same problem, ...wait!
As far as the new devices go, the 8 series has the new A11 processor with 6 cores which can all run together for blazing speeds 70% faster than the previous A10 processor. The casing consists of a glass front and rear, connected with an aluminum alloy. The glass back is necessary for the wireless charging. It has an improved retina display, new stereo speakers, and a new image sensor which works better in lower light levels. The 8+ model is not only larger than the 8, it incorporates a few goodies that the 8 is lacking. While the shooter is improved on the regular iPhone 8 model, it is far improved on the iPhone 8+ because that model also includes the dual camera optical image stabilization, Portrait lighting feature, Studio lighting and contour feature, and real time analysis - all soon to be found on the iPhone X model. You can even change the background from blurry to totally black after the fact which is very cool. This model also has a video encoder that supports 4k video at 60 frames per second with 2,000,000 tiles per second. In 1080p resolution mode, you'll get 240 frames per second. The 8+ camera is already calibrated for Augmented Reality which is going to be the next big thing. The iPhone X, is the Aston Marton, or Maserati of SmartPhones. It's faster, sleeker and far more costly with a $1000 entry level model featuring just 64GB of memory. Unlike the 8 series utilizing an aluminum alloy to bind the device together, the X (Ten) uses stainless steel. It adds an amazing new Super Retina display with OLED screen technology. The device offers an 5'8" screen boasting 2436 x 1125 pixel resolution. This model also does away with the home button and biometric finger unlocking. Replacing this is facial recognition. That feature is obviously not quite ready for prime time as was demonstrated during the Apple launch announcement when they had to go "old school" and input the 6 digit unlock code. Once unlocked, swiping up from the bottom wakes up the home screen with your icons. So why does Dr Wireless feel the iPhone 8+ is the wisest choice? Anytime a manufacturer makes major changes from their proven model line, there are often repercussions that need to be addressed and corrected. While the iPhone 8 does have Apple's new A11 processor and is better than any previous models, the camera capabilities of the 8+ are far superior to the regular iPhone 8 and include many of the new features that will be included on the iPhone X. Apple is obviously out of Sync with the wireless carriers and this is going to cost them dearly in iPhone X sales. In August, I was recommending the Verizon network as the best carrier to use an iPhone X on once it was released. Unfortunately, that was before Verizon decided to cap their network video bandwidth resolution at 720p. That means that you cannot even enjoy 1080p when streaming video. So getting one of these on Verizon is not very bright. It gets even worse with T-Mobile though. T-Mobile was poised to finally blow by Verizon and AT&T with the fastest data speeds and best coverage nationally. Their recent 600mHZ spectrum auction victory earlier this year should have left the other carriers in their rear view mirror. It didn't and evidently won't until next year. The biggest problem for them is Apple would not add "Band 71" to their new iPhone X or any other new models. That means the soonest we are likely to see Apple support for this will be in 2018. Did I also mention the iPhone X model is North of $1k with pricing starting at $1000 for the basic 64GB model? While the iPhone 8+ won't have the fancy stainless steel, the 5.8" OLED display or facial recognition, it will have the Home button and the biometric fingerprint unlocking that we have all become accustomed to. Another consideration... These days, almost all iPhones look the same, so determining value at a glance is difficult. This iPhone with the giant bezel-less screen with stainless steel band will stand out like a sore thumb. For those who like to impress, go for it. Just be aware that this model will get the "bad hombres" attention faster than a Gold Rolex President watch.   Apple's iPhone X (TEN) with 5.8" Super Retina Screen This is what we have been waiting for! Unfortunately, we're going to have to wait a few more months for it. The Apple series 8 models come out September 22nd though and are also pretty cool. Apple is finally back in innovation mode, instead of catch up mode. The first thing you'll notice on the new X model is the giant 5.8" bezel-less OLED screen. It features a beautiful glass design on both sides of the device with a stainless steel band attaching them. The glass back is also found on the new iPhone 8 series and is necessary for the new Ti wireless charging feature. This model has a new A11 Bionic processor which is 70% faster than the previous A10. It's Super Retina screen is brighter and better than ever. Apple's OLED screen does not have the tradeoffs of their competitors. The resolution is stunning at 2436 x 1125 with 458 Pixels per inch. The Home button is gone! Now, you raise your phone or touch the screen to wake it up. It will use facial recognition to unlock it. This is far better than the previous biometric touch. There was a 1 in 50,000 chance the someone might have the same finger print. There is a 1 in 1,000,000 chance that someone will have the same face recognition - unless you have an evil twin. In that case, use the traditional 6-digit unlock technique. Apple's new bionic neural engine processor makes all of this possible. The cameras are better too. True Depth gives a more realistic experience. They have added Animojis which are animated emojis which you can customize and even use your voice with. The dual 12mp cameras both feature dual optical image stabilization. If that wasn't enough, Apple's new Quad LED TrueTone Flash should also help you get great photos. They have tweaked the front camera to take also incorporate the new True Depth Portrait and Lighting features. This means you can blur or black out the background totally. Very cool! They added 4k video recording too. You would think the new A11 Bionic processor with all this new capability would eat up battery life. Nope! They actually increased the battery life a couple of hours. The new iPhone X will be available with either 64GB or 256GB memory capacity. It will be available in Space gray, or Silver colors. It will start at $999.99 and become available November 3rd. I want it!  Apple iPhone 8 will become available September 22nd The new iPhone 8 series adds a glass front and back with an aluminum alloy band. There is a new retina display. They also addressed the crappy sound by adding stereo speakers 25% louder with deeper base. The new A-11 Bionic chip is not only 70% faster but all 6 cores can be used simultaneously. Apple has also added a new image sensor processor that is faster and operates better with low lighting. The 12mp camera features deeper pixels and a new and improved color filter. This model adds wireless charging and will start at $699.99 for the iPhone 8/64GB. They will also offer an 256GB model. Apple's iPhone 8 + will also become available September 22nd. The iPhone 8's big brother boasts a larger screen and a few other goodies like Optical Image Stabilization, Portrait Lighting, and Studio and Contour lighting. You can even see real time analysis and change the background later which is pretty neat. A new video encoder makes for faster video frames, 4k@ 60 Frames per second with 2 million tiles per second. It also supports 1080p@ 240 frames per second. These cameras are pre-calibrated for augmented reality which is coming.  Apple's Series 3 Watches are better than ever and now add cellular.
Adds Cellular capability which was demonstrated at the launch when the host called his associated who answered immediately. They showed a camera shot of the employ who was called. Was she sitting at her desk at Cupertino headquarters? Nope! She was Stand Up Paddling on a lake when she took the call and sounded clear as day. The series 3 also features GPS, 18 hour battery life, and is water proof. The cellular capable model is starting at $399.99. The base model without built-in cellular starts at $249.99. Both will ship September 22nd. What's cool is it is now possible to stream up to 40 million songs using the wireless earbuds. Steve Cook demonstrated the new cellular capability by calling a colleague. They put a camera on the employee and it turns out she was paddling a Standup Paddle board while she was talking. Amazingly, she was clear as day with no wind noise. For more information of the latest devices and the real truth about Unlimited plans, visit Dr Wireless Sometimes the carriers even fool the professionals too. Yesterday, I skimmed through the fine print and everything looked okay. Today, one of my colleagues pointed out something that I missed the first time around. That is the fact that T-Mobile's two best deals, their $100 for Two lines of Unlimited service and their 55+ Unlimited deals are not eligible to receive Netflix. That means the new plans will cost $120 instead of $60 or $100 as they do now. It's cheaper to keep your current plan and pay $9.99 per month for your Netflix. This is a perfect example of why a professional negotiator is needed to watch your back.  Here's the deal, if you don't already have TM service, coming aboard with this deal is OK. Regardless of what T-Mobile representatives say, do not abandon your current 55+ or $100 for Two line deals because once you do, they are history. T-Mobile is acting very carrier like and doing what is in the best interests of their shareholders, not subscribers. After all, they are a business. It's just that they are no longer as transparent as previously. Just because Verizon decided to screw their new and existing users with their new plans, T-Mobile must feel compelled to do the same.
 Boy, I wish Las Vegas bookmakers took bets for this stuff! Every time Apple plans a major iPhone release, Samsung drops a bomb the week before. The last time they did this was the week before the iPhone 7 launch. That one backfired because their bomb, the long awaited NOTE 7, was literally exploding and I don't mean in sales. Well, Samsung is trying this again. This time with the NOTE 8. The reviews have been great and after all the Note 7 scrutiny, I'm sure this is going to be a successful model. Samsung has partnered with T-Mobile to make an amazing offer, Buy one and add a new line and get a second one, a GS8 or GS8+ for FREE. Wow! If that was not enough incentive, T-Mobile is even paying all of the fees and taxes on their plans. Act now and get a free Netflix Subscription. Just pays separate shipping and handling. Just kidding on shipping/handling stuff. *This offer has some restrictions and is not available for all channels, Ask us for details.   As I correctly predicted, iPhone pricing would drop $100 per model on all current models to make them more attractive since the new lines gets launched next week. There will be some great hardware deals along with carrier promotions like the below FREE Netflix offer. Starting September 8 for a limited time, select iPhones are $100 off (via bill credits) and two of T-Mobile's hottest entry level Smartphones are free (after bill credits), the Samsung J3 Prime and LG Aristo. Sound good? Of course it does. Offer Details
Eligibility & Additional Details
Introducing Netflix On Us, now included with T-Mobile ONE family plans at no extra charge, starting September 12. The most disruptive force in wireless is partnering with Netflix, who totally disrupted entertainment, for this industry-changing Un-carrier move! In addition, Family Allowances is included, enabling customers to manage minutes, messages and downloads for each line on their account. Get 4 unlimited lines for $40 each with taxes and fees already included PLUS Netflix On Us! The price you sign up for is the price you pay. Never more, regardless of whether you watch on your smartphone, tablet or TV. The best entertainment experience is all included with America’s Best Unlimited Network!
  Wow! Talk about a pre-emptive strike against Apple's new iPhone launch. First it was a FREE $230 360 degree camera. Now Samsung teamed with T-Mobile for this latest offer...
Just in time for the holiday weekend, T-Mobile is offering a Samsung Galaxy Note8 BOGO offer! Starting September 1, for a limited time, customers can purchase a Galaxy Note8 on EIP and add a line on a qualifying rate plan and get a second Note8 or GS8/GS8+ for free via rebate. And because this offer is retro-active for pre-orders, that means customers who already pre-ordered on EIP can take advantage of this offer too! With unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data, customers can get two lines on T-Mobile ONE for only $100 and DO BIGGER THINGS with the Note8 on T-Mobile, America’s Best Unlimited Network! |
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March 2021
CategoriesAuthorJoel Saltzman has over twenty years of wireless industry experience. He is currently CEO and Chief Wireless Analyst for Dr Wireless. |
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