While watching the iPhone launch presentation several months ago, I had a bad feeling that Apple might ruin this amazing design the same way Samsung did a few years back on their Samsung S6. In order to make way for wireless charging, Samsung used glass for the front and back covers. While wireless charging sounds like a innovative feature, I'm not willing to give up device strength to get it. Apple specifically stated that this was the strongest glass they have ever used during the launch. I've been monitoring the internet chat rooms and have found that this claim may be totally bogus. In fact, CNET did a recent drop test from 3 feet, the typical distance these devices fall and the results were very disappointing to say the least. Here's the reality... You have to be a total idiot not to put this device in a case and add a screensaver. Doing so totally defeats the purpose of buying a sexy device like this. That's because after the bulky case to protect it, it's bigger, not as pocket friendly, and no longer has the sex appeal. Even worse though is the fact that AppleCare does not cover accidental drops. That means at best, a $250 screen replacement, at worst, a $550 charge to fix major damages. That's the cost of a new iPhone 7.
As a T-Mobile subscriber, I have another problem. T-Mobile spent $8 billion dollars to win the FCC spectrum auction early this year. They will be the only major carrier to operate on 600mHZ. Anyone savvy with wireless bandwidth knowledge quickly realizes the lower the frequency, the better the indoor and underground coverage will be. Who doesn't want better indoor coverage? LG was the first company to make a device that supports TM's 600mHZ. Samsung's newest Galaxy S8 Active also supports it. So why doesn't the Apple iPhone X support it this? Maybe because they felt it better to leave this for the next iPhone Xs in May? While I'm waiting for everything to shake out, I'm going to pick up the Android version of the iPhone X, the SAMSUNG S8+ and give the "Darkside" a try again.
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Apple has finally caught up to Samsung in regards to technology. Unfortunately, to get what I really want from Apple will cost $1k. As tempting as it is to get an iPhone X, which I may ultimately do, I can't help feeling that Apple is extorting their buyers. Everyone is fawning over the new OLED screen on the iPhone X like it's never been offered before. Samsung not only offers these screens on nearly all models - they actually make Apple's too. I've been waiting a long time to upgrade my iPhone 6s+. The iPhone 7 series and 8 series really didn't impress me. The iPhone X/64GB model for $1000 would serve my needs fine. At the same time though, I have been admiring several other models that also interested me. Those include the Huawei Mate 10, the One Plus 5+, the LG-G30, the Note8, and the Galaxy S8 Active. The last one, the S8 Active has military grade specs for durability which is one of two giant attractions for me. The other is this is the first Samsung SmartPhone to support T-Mobile's newest 600mHZ bandwidth. After all, if T-Mobile thought 600mHZ was important enough to pay $8 billion for it, I'm not dropping over $1,000 for an extremely fragile model that doesn't support this. Putting an ugly case on the new iPhone X is like taking a shower with a rain coat on. I also don't like the fact that with wireless charging, it's necessary to buy a compatible case, or remove it every time you need to charge it. I kind of like the fact that the S8 Active "doesn't need no stinking case"! I'd even bet Apple intentionally ignored offering this new 600mHZ frequency so they could offer value to their next "S" version of the iPhone X. The tough Samsung Galaxy S8 Active is the latest 600MHz capable device to hit the Un-carrier and it gets the job done! No matter where your work or life takes you, the Active’s military-grade design is up to the challenge. Beginning November 22, customers will be able to pick up the rugged new Samsung Galaxy S8 Active will be available to order via ship-to on November 17! Contact Dr Wireless to get yours.
This is the first SmartPhone that offers support for T-Mobile's newest 600mHZ network which will be a game changer once fully built out. New and existing postpaid customers (including T-Mobile for Business and T-Mobile/NonTMO employees) who buy a new LG G6, V20, or V30 on EIP can get a second G6 or V20 on us OR $500 back on the V30 (of equal or less value; $500 max value via rebate) when they purchase it on EIP and activate or add on at least one new line on a T-Mobile ONE or select Simple Choice Unlimited with unlimited high speed data plan. Ask Dr Wireless for details.
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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. |