Tech

iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 8: How to decide whether you should upgrade now – CNET

Published

4 years ago

November 1, 2020

Angela Lang/CNET

Out of the four iPhone 12 models that Apple announced in October, the iPhone 12 is best suited for most people, and it’s also one of our highest-rated phones ever. But if you’ve held back from upgrading since 2017’s iPhone 8, you’re probably wondering whether now is the time to do so. After all, the iPhone 12 boasts a string of significant new features like 5G, a ceramic-hardened display and MagSafe charging. While these updates and others are welcome additions to the iPhone 12, not all of them will materially affect your daily life, at least for now.

Here’s everything you need to know about how the iPhone 12 compares with the iPhone 8 before you make that decision to upgrade — or wait another year.

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Our in-depth review of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro

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iPhone 8’s single rear camera vs. the iPhone 12’s two

The camera systems on the iPhone 8 and iPhone 12 are one of the biggest differences between the two devices, and it’s something that will noticeably affect your experience and buying decision. During the three years since Apple launched the iPhone 8, the company has made impressive strides in improving camera technology

With the iPhone 12, you’ll see big gains in image quality and more flexibility around the kinds of photographs you can capture. For instance, the iPhone 8 only has one camera. It doesn’t have Portrait Mode nor does it feature a second, ultrawide camera, which is for capturing sweeping landscapes. Both those things are found in all four iPhone 12 models.

Combined with Apple’s powerful computational photography software, like Apple’s impressive low-light feature called Night Mode, the iPhone 12 takes some of the best smartphone photos no matter what time of day. And if you want even more camera upgrades, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max has a third telephoto lens, as well as lidar. (If you want to learn more about lidar, read this.)

iPhone 12 has 5G

The iPhone 12 models are the first iPhones to offer next-generation 5G cellular connectivity. Carriers have claimed that 5G speeds are almost twice as fast as 4G, and Apple spent a considerable amount of time during its launch event hyping up the new tech. But 5G coverage is patchy across the US, and your experience will vary depending on where you live. Some areas have absolutely zero coverage, while other parts (mainly big cities) have 5G networks from all major US carriers. The bottom line is: There is no universal 5G experience, so it’s important to research the 5G coverage in your area. If you do upgrade, at the very least you can take comfort in knowing your device is future-proof as 5G continues to expand this year and the next.

Decidedly different displays

The displays of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 8 are very different — they vary in size, type, resolution and even material. The iPhone 12 line has one of the best displays you can get on a phone today. All four phones use a premium OLED panel, while the iPhone 8 has an LCD display. OLED panels usually have better contrast and deeper black levels than their LCD counterparts.

The iPhone 8 has a 4.7-inch screen, while the iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch display. Because there are several iPhone 12 models, you can also choose the smaller 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini and the larger 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Apple debuts its MagSafe-branded charging system alongside the iPhone 12.

Apple

New to the iPhone line is the iPhone 12’s ceramic-hardened glass known as Ceramic Shield, which Apple says offers four times more drop protection. During our drop tests, CNET’s Vanessa Hand Orellana concluded that the Ceramic Shield is “as tough as it sounds.” The iPhone 12’s screen survived without a crack after it was dropped six times on a sidewalk, including three back-to-back drops from a height of nine feet.

The iPhone 8 uses a type of glass made specifically for Apple by Corning, but it’s not Gorilla Glass. When we conducted drop tests, we discovered that at 3 feet (0.9 meters), it survived. At 5 feet (1.5 meters), however, the iPhone 8 shattered.

Bring your own charger with the iPhone 12

Apple confirmed the fears of some iPhone fans when it announced that the iPhone 12 box wouldn’t come with either a wall adapter or wired earphones. The company is betting most people already own these accessories, but if you do need them you’ll have to buy them separately.

Apple’s reasoning to leave behind the wall adapter may also have something to do with its introduction of MagSafe. It’s a proprietary wireless charging system on the iPhone 12 that uses magnets. In addition to charging pads though, other nifty accessories can snap onto the back of the device too, and are sold separately. As for the iPhone 8, it comes with a Lightning cable and plug, and it also works with the existing Qi wireless charging standard.

Processing and battery life

With every next-gen iPhone, also comes next-gen processors. All four iPhone 12 phones use the same A14 Bionic processor seen in the iPad Air. The benchmark tests conducted by CNET’s Patrick Holland concluded that the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro were the most powerful phones we’ve ever tested. It’ll definitely be snappier than the A11 chip on the iPhone 8, but the average person will likely be hard-pressed to notice the difference.

Apple doesn’t release battery capacity numbers. But for battery life, our preliminary tests show that the iPhone 12 lasted 17 hours, 14 minutes with looped video playing at half brightness in airplane mode. The iPhone 8 meanwhile lasted 13 and a half hours.

Design and other differences

The iPhone 12 has a revamped design that, while reminiscent of the iPhone 5, still feels modern and premium. It also marks one of the biggest design changes since the iPhone X. The iPhone 8, on the other hand, has an old-school iPhone design with a home button and thick bezels. As such, you do not get that expansive, largely unobstructed screen that is the hallmark of a modern smartphone. Check out our iPhone 12 and iPhone 8 photo galleries to see for yourself.

Also, the iPhone 12 has several features that the iPhone 8 doesn’t. The iPhone 12 has a third storage option (128GB), and Wi-Fi 6 and UWB are notable for “future-proofing” your phone. (Here’s our Wi-Fi 6 explainer in case you want more info, and some speculation on what UWB will be used for.) And although this might not be a top priority at the moment, the dual-SIM feature on the iPhone 12 is useful for when you’re traveling or if you have a working SIM from another country that you want to store and use for your next trip. The iPhone 8 takes only one SIM.

For a spec-by-spec comparison between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 8, take a look at our chart below.

iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 8

	Apple iPhone 12	iPhone 8
Display size, resolution	6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels	4.7-inch LCD; 1,334×750 pixels
Pixel density	460 ppi	326 ppi
Dimensions (Inches)	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 in	5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)	146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm	138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)	5.78 oz; 164 g	5.22 oz; 148 g
Mobile software	iOS 14	iOS 11
Camera	12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)	12-megapixel (wide)
Front-facing camera	12-megapixel	7-megapixel
Video capture	4K	4K
Processor	Apple Bionic 14	Apple A11 Bionic
Storage	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 256GB
RAM	Undisclosed	2GB
Expandable storage	None	None
Battery	Undisclosed; Apple lists 15 hours of video playback	1,821 mAh (Apple doesn’t confirm this)
Fingerprint sensor	No (Face ID)	Home button (Touch ID)
Connector	Lightning	Lightning
Headphone jack	No	No
Special features	5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM)	Water resistant (IP67), wireless Qi charge compatible
Price off-contract (USD)	$829 (64GB), $879 (128GB), $979 (256GB)	$699 (64GB), $849 (256GB)
Price (GBP)	£799 (64GB), £849 (128GB), £949 (256GB)	£699 (64GB), £849 (256GB)
Price (AUD)	AU$1,349 (64GB), AU$1,429 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB)	AU$1,079 (64GB), AU$1,329 (256GB)

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

2 days ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

Tech

Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 9 Lineup Ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 Release

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Harry Miller

Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.

The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.

The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.

In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.

To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.

Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.

The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.

In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.

Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.

Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.