I want to say this upfront, that the design and hardware features for the next iPhone have likely been locked in months ago. But that doesn’t mean we can’t wonder how nice it would be to see some of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra features on the iPhone 12 or even an iPhone 13 — too soon?
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There are five features in particular that I think Apple should consider adopting. That said, we know that Samsung loves to cram in as many new features as possible into its phones. Apple introduces new features to solve a problem or improve your experience using an iPhone. That difference is significant, and I doubt Apple would add any of these features just to add them.
The iPhone 12 needs a real telephoto camera
In February, Samsung released the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, which has 13x optical zoom and 100x Space Zoom (aka digital zoom). The new Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a 5x optical zoom with 50x digital zoom. The iPhone 11 Pro has 2x optical zoom. I’m not saying that the iPhone 12 needs Space Zoom — no phone does, really. But having a 3x or 4x optical zoom on the next iPhone would be welcomed.
This is the gigantic camera bump on the back of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
Richard Peterson/CNET
Currently, Apple offers the best overall camera system for photos and videos on any phone. However, many high-end Android phones offer a better zoom range.
But who knows if Apple would solely rely on hardware to give the iPhone 12 a better zoom range? It could follow in Google’s footsteps and implement a software-based zoom that uses machine learning to improve the results like on the Google Pixel 4.
But those drop tests were conducted before the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and its Gorilla Glass Victus body came out. The new Gorilla Glass is twice as scratch-resistant as Gorilla Glass 6 and can survive drops from 2 meters versus 1.6 meters. In theory this means a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra could survive a drop when you’re holding it up to your ear on a call.
For years, Apple worked with Corning, the manufacturer of Gorilla Glass, on a custom version of Gorilla Glass for the iPhone. And I’m hopeful we’ll see a version of Gorilla Glass Victus for the iPhone 12.
Obviously the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra’s biggest feature is the stylus aka the S-Pen. The latest S-Pen when used on the Note 20 Ultra has a latency of 9 milliseconds. Meaning from the time you touch the screen with the S-Pen to the time the screen/phone reacts is fast. In fact, it has the same latency as the Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro.
The iPad Pro has Apple Pencil support and it would be great to have it on the iPhone 12, especially a larger screen version.
Sarah Tew/CNET
But one dream many of us hope for is to be able to use the Apple Pencil on an iPhone, especially the larger Max version. My fingers are crossed, hoping that Apple Pencil support will come with the iPhone 12. I mean, iOS 14 brought picture-in-picture video from the iPad to the iPhone. So let’s keep that trend going.
The S-Pen being used on the Galaxy Note 20.
CNET
And who knows, maybe Apple would make an Apple Pencil Mini that’s roughly the size of a golf pencil?
The iPhone 12 needs a smaller notch
I believe Samsung has the best approach when it comes to maximizing screen real estate and making room for the front-facing camera. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra sports a hole-punch screen that is both attractive and useful.
The iPhone 12 needs to find a way to revamp the iPhone notch, which seems large by today’s standards. Obviously Apple has more than just the front-facing camera to account for. FaceID has several components that are also on the front. So while I’d love to see a hole-punch display on the iPhone 12, I don’t think it’s possible.
Since the iPhone X, the notch on FaceID iPhones has remained unchanged. I hope it’s smaller on the iPhone 12.
Josh Miller/CNET
However, if Apple found a way to make the notch smaller on the iPhone 12, that would be a significant aesthetic improvement.
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First Look: Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
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Apple needs to add a high refresh rate display
The Note 20 Ultra display also has a high refresh rate. As opposed to the screen refreshing 60 times a second, the Note 20 Ultra is capable of refreshing its display 120 times a second. Similarly, the iPad Pro has a Pro Motion display with 120Hz. It’s time to see such a screen on the iPhone. Even if it was 90Hz, the iPhone 12 should have a high refresh rate. Apple Arcade games would look amazing. Animations in iOS would look super smooth. And if the iPhone 12 gets Apple Pencil support, that high refresh rate would be a must.
Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra come in a striking bronze shade
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
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.
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.
