(Pocket-lint) – We all know someone genuinely cool. Someone a whiff of designer air about them. So why not show them you understand their chic by treating them to something a little bit cool itself this Christmas?
Here are a selection of gifts for those that like gadgets, but also like style, like subtly, like quality, and are happy for you to pay for it without breaking the bank too much.
We aren’t talking £1,000 bags here, but great affordable designer focused tech that makes the perfect Xmas gift. Here are our favourites.
Pocket-lint
Michael Kors Access MKGO
This Fossil-made Michael Kors smartwatch will work with most Android or Apple phones and gives a stylish take on the smartwatch. It’s got a distinctive look that’s perfect for anyone who isn’t afraid to style it out. The digital crown is used for scrolling through the apps, and of course the watch face can be customised to suit the wearer’s style that morning, afternoon, or night.
Michael Kors Access MKGO review: A smartwatch for the active Kors fan
Skagen
Skagen Hybrid Smartwatch
The Skagen Connected unisex hybrid smartwatch delivers a more traditional looking circular watch with a hidden fitness tracker so you can ditch the Fitbit look. Because it’s a hybrid it doesn’t need daily or weekly charging and with a range of different styles available, you’re sure to find the perfect one for a friend or family.
Skagen Connected: More than meets the eye
Pocket-lint
Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch
Smartwatches don’t have to be clunky, and Fossil’s newest generation of smartwatches certainly prove that. Able to work with both Android and iPhone, the touchscreen watch offers activity tracking and notifications on the go. Fossil makes a number of different styles too, if you want to shop a precise look.
Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch review: That’s more like it
Ted Baker
Ted Baker Cable Tidy Bag
This one’s for those that already have plenty of gadgets and are always on the go. A cable tidy bag that’s got multiple compartments to store your chargers, cables, and other bits and bobs when you’re out and about.
Ted Baker
Ted Baker Qi Wireless Charging Pad
If they’ve got a new smartphone, chances are it’s capable of wirelessly charging. Power up your Qi enabled phone with this stylish 7.5W wireless Qi charging pad from Ted Baker. Charging never looked so good.
Mipow
Mipow Mirror Power
Why settle for just a boring power bank when you can get that “always-after-power-friend” in your life a power bank with not only a funky pattern but also a compact make-up mirror built-in to the design. Better still there is an LED backlight below the front mirror for using the mirror in the dark.
Transparent
Transparent Speaker
View offer on Transpa.rent
Speaker design can often be a little uninspiring – there are some broad trends toward fabric finishes and speakers that try to blend into the background, all looking pretty similar.
This range of gorgeous speakers from Transparent, though, is a glaring exception, with a striking see-through design that’s sure to start conversations. The prices are pretty sky-high for what you’re getting, but if you know someone who’d love this aesthetic it could be the perfect gift.
Kate Spade
Kate Glitter Liquid Case for iPhone 11 Pro
View offer on Kate Spade
Who says iPhone cases have to be boring? This beautiful iPhone 11 Pro case from Kate Spade brings a vibrant feel to any smartphone. Plus, if your stylish friend has a little one in their life, they get a bonus distraction in the form of its mesmerising glitter movements. Protected in style.
Kate Spade
Kate Spade Apple Watch strap
View offer on Kate Spade
This Kate Spade floral Apple Strap is perfect for anyone who’s a fan of the designer and owns an Apple Watch. Far more accessible than the Hermes Apple Watch strap below, the delicate design will fit any 38mm or 40mm strap and instantly move the wearer away from the bog standard Apple Watch look.
Hermès / Apple
Apple Watch Herms Strap
View offer on Apple US or View offer on Apple UK
How to do you match style with function? Get them an Apple Watch Hermès strap. Handmade using Barenia leather that’s super smooth to the touch, or more textured Epsom leather or supple Swift leather depending on taste, the stainless steel buckle recalls those on the straps of a saddle, apparently as a nod to the equestrian heritage of Hermès – classy stuff.
(Pocket-lint) – Apple announced its iPhone 12 series during an event in October, with four devices to choose from: the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
You can read about how all four iPhone 12 models compare to each other in our separate feature, but here we are looking at how the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max compare to their predecessors, the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.
Design
iPhone 12 Pro: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm, 185g
iPhone 11 Pro: 144 x 71.4 x 8.1mm, 188g
iPhone 12 Pro Max: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm, 228g
iPhone 11 Pro Max: 158 x 77.8 x 8.1, 226g
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max both have the same design, offering a glass rear with three camera lenses housed in the top left corner. Both devices have a polished stainless steel frame and the frame is squarer – similar to the iPhone 5 – rather than the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max also have a glass rear and polished stainless steel frame but the edges are much rounder than the newer models. Last year’s devices also have three camera lenses in the top left corner though, and all four devices have a notch at the top of their displays with Face ID.
The 12 Pro models and the 11 Pro models are all charged via Lightning – though the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max do not come with a charger in the box. All models are IP68 water and dust resistant.
Display
iPhone 12 Pro: 6.1-inch, 2532 x 1170, 460ppi, 1200nits
iPhone 11 Pro: 5.8-inch, 2436 x 1125, 458ppi, 1200nits
iPhone 12 Pro Max: 6.7-inch, 2778 x 1284, 458ppi, 1200nits
iPhone 11 Pro Max: 6.5-inch, 2688 x 1242, 458ppi, 1200nits
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super XDR Retina display with a 2532 x 1170 pixel resolution, offering a pixel density of 460ppi. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch Super XDR Retina display with a 2778 x 1284 pixel resolution for a pixel density of 458ppi. Both are larger than their equivalents from last year.
The iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch Super XDR Retina display with a 2436 x 1125 pixel resolution for a pixel density of 458ppi, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 6.5-inch Super XDR Retina display with a 2688 x 1242 pixel resolution, also offering a pixel density of 458ppi.
All four models have HDR support, True Tone technology, a maximum brightness of 1200nits and Haptic Touch. It’s only the size that has changed and the bezels surrounding the display have become thinner, allowing for more display in a similar footprint.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: A14 chip, 5G, 128/256/512GB, wireless charging and MagSafe
iPhone 11 Pro Max: A13, 4G, 128/256/512GB, wireless charging
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max both run on the A14 chip with the next generation Neural Engine. They are both available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options and they both offer wireless charging and MagSafe charging.
The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max have the A13 chip under their hoods with the third-generation Neural Engine. They too are available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options and they both offer wireless charging, but they don’t have the MagSafe feature.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are both 5G compatible, while the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are 4G. All four models are Dual SIM.
Cameras
iPhone 12 Pro: Triple rear, 4x optical zoom, Night Mode on front and rear cameras
iPhone 11 Pro: Triple rear, 4x optical zoom, Night Mode on rear cameras
iPhone 12 Pro Max: Triple rear, 5x optical zoom, Night Mode on front and rear cameras
iPhone 11 Pro Max: Triple rear, 4x optical zoom, Night Mode on rear cameras
There are three camera lenses on the back of all four of the iPhone Pro models being compared in this feature, but while all models have a 12-megapixel main wide sensor, 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor, their specifications differ.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro’s main sensor has a f/1.6 aperture, the ultra-wide sensor has a f/2.4 aperture and the telephoto lens has a f/2.0 aperture. It is capable of 4x optical zoom and there is dual optical image stabilisation and Night Mode on board, as well as Night Mode for portraits.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max meanwhile, has a new telephoto lens that has a f/2.2 aperture and is capable of 5x optical zoom, while its main wide angle lens has an aperture of f/1.6 too, like the iPhone 12 Pro, but it has larger 1.7µm pixels. It also offers sensor-shift optical image stabilisation.
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max both have a similar make up to the iPhone 12 Pro, but they have a slightly narrower aperture on their wide angle lens at f/1.8. Night mode is on board, but not for portrait shots and they aren’t capable of HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, which both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are.
All four models have a 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera on the front, but the
(Pocket-lint) – Apple announced the iPhone 12 series at an event in October, with four models to choose from: the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
We’ve compared the four models in a separate feature, but here we are looking at how the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini compare to the iPhone 11 and 2018’s iPhone XR.
Should you upgrade from the iPhone XR, or if you have an older iPhone, should you buy the iPhone XR or the iPhone 11 instead of the iPhone 12 or 12 mini given they are being sold alongside each other?
Note that the iPhone SE is also in Apple’s portfolio, so that’s worth checking out if you’re happy to have the Touch ID Home Button instead of Face ID.
Design
iPhone 12 mini: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm, 135g
iPhone 12: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm, 164g
iPhone 11: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm, 194g
iPhone XR: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm, 194g
The Apple iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 feature identical designs, differing only in size. They both feature aluminium frames that are squared off rather than rounded, they both come with a notch at the top of their displays and they both have glass backs with a dual rear camera system in the top left corner.
The Apple iPhone 11 and the iPhone XR offer a similar design to the iPhone 12 models in that they both come in a number of colours, offer an aluminium frame and a glass rear. There’s a notch at the top of both their displays too, but they have rounder edges than the iPhone 12 models.
The iPhone 12 mini is the smallest, followed by the iPhone 12. The iPhone 11 and XR are identical in terms of footprint and weight, and both slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone 12.
The iPhone XR is IP67 water-resistant, however, enabling it to be submerged up to one-metre for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are all IP68 rated.
The iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 and iPhone 11 all have a dual rear camera, with a camera housing that features frosted glass to differentiate it from the rest of the glossy body. The iPhone XR meanwhile, has a single rear camera.
The colour options also differ between the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 11 and iPhone XR.
iPhone 11: 6.1-inch, LCD, 1792 x 828 pixel resolution, no HDR, 625nits
iPhone XR: 6.1-inch, LCD, 1792 x 828 pixel resolution, no HDR, 625nits
Both the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 have OLED displays with HDR and a maximum brightness of 1200nits. The iPhone 12 mini has a 5.4-inch display with a 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution for a pixel density of 476ppi, while the iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch display with a 2532 x 1170 pixel resolution for a pixel density of 460ppi.
The iPhone 11 and the iPhone XR both have a 6.1-inch, Liquid Retina LCD display with a 1792 x 828 pixel resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 326ppi so the iPhone 12 models will be sharper and more vibrant.
All four models being compared here have True Tone technology, along with a wide colour gamut, and there is still Haptic Touch over 3D Touch.
Neither the iPhone 11 or iPhone XR have HDR and they aren’t as bright as the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, though you’d likely only notice the lack of HDR if you placed them side-by-side with one of the iPhone 12 devices.
Otherwise, the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR deliver great displays with ample brightness and arguably more realistic colours compared to OLED panels.
Cameras
iPhone 12 mini/iPhone 12: Dual rear camera (12MP wide angle and ultra wide angle), 12MP TrueDepth front camera
iPhone 11: Dual rear camera (12MP wide angle and ultra wide angle), 12MP TrueDepth front camera
iPhone XR: Single rear camera (12MP), 7MP TrueDepth front camera
The Apple iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 both have a dual rear camera, comprised of a 12-megapixel wide angle sensor with a f/1.6 aperture, and an ultra-wide angle sensor with a f/2.4 aperture.
The iPhone 11 also has a dual camera on the rear, comprised of a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor with an aperture of f/2.4 and a wide-angle sensor with a slightly narrower aperture of f/1.8 compared to the iPhone 12 models.
There’s optical image stabilisation, a brighter True Tone flash and Portrait Lighting with six effects, as well as next-generation Smart HDR for photos and Night Mode, all of which the iPhone 12 models offer too.
The iPhone 12 models also have HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 30 fps though.
The iPhone XR meanwhile, has a single 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilisation and digital zoom up to 5x. It also only offers three effects for Portrait Lighting and first-gen Smart HDR for photos.
The iPhone XR also has a 7-megapixel TrueDepth camera system with an aperture of f/2.2 on the front, allowing for Face ID, among plenty of other features. It offers 1080p video recording at 30fps or 60fps.
The iPhone 12 models and the iPhone 11 meanwhile, have a 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera on the front, with an aperture of f/2.2, next-gen Smart HDR for photos and 4K video recording at 24fps, 30fps and 60fps.
One of the main differences between the iPhone 12 models and the older iPhone 11 and the iPhone XR is hardware. As you would expect, the iPhone 12 has a bump in hardware, moving from the A13 chip found in the iPhone 11 and the A12 in the iPhone XR to the A14 chip.
All four models come in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options and microSD for storage expansion isn’t available on any model.
All four devices also support dual SIM with a nano-SIM and eSIM and both devices are charged via Lightning. The iPhone 12 models don’t come with a charger in the box though. All models also offer Apple Pay.
(Pocket-lint) – Apple announced the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max at an event on 13 October, succeeding the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max from 2019, though the iPhone 11 will still be available alongside the new models.
How do the four latest models differ though? We’ve run up the specs for the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max against each other to help you work out which is right for you.
What’s the same between the iPhone 12 models?
Similar squarer design
OLED displays
Front camera
A14 chip
iOS 14 software
5G
There are several similarities between the iPhone 12 models. They all feature a similar squarer design – even though there is some variation between the models in terms of finishes and camera lenses on the rear. The Pro models are more premium in appearance. They all run on the same A14 chip with next generation Neural Engine though, they all run on iOS 14 software and they are all 5G compatible.
They also all have OLED display panels with True Tone and Haptic Touch – though their resolutions differ – and they all come with the same front-facing camera, whilst also all being IP68 water and dust resistant.
All four models have Face ID, differentiating them from the iPhone SE model, which uses Touch ID. You can read more about the iPhone SE in our review.
What’s different between the iPhone 12 models?
Whilst the four new iPhones have some similarities, there are of course a number of differences.
Physical size
12 mini: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm, 135g
12: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm, 164g
12 Pro: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm, 189g
12 Pro Max: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm, 228g
The four new iPhones all vary in physical dimensions. The iPhone 12 mini is the smallest and lightest, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the largest and heaviest. The standard iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro have identical measurements, but the Pro is a little heavier.
Display size
12 mini: 5.4-inches
12: 6.1-inches
12 Pro: 6.1-inches
12 Pro Max: 6.7-inches
The iPhone 12 mini has the smallest display at 5.4-inches. It features a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels.
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are both 6.1-inches with resolutions of 2532 x 1170 pixels and the iPhone 12 Max is the largest at 6.7-inches with a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels.
Cameras
iPhone 12 mini/iPhone 12: Dual rear camera
iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max: Triple rear camera
As you might expect, the rear camera setup is one of the main differentiating features between the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 and the Pro models.
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 have a dual rear camera, comprised of a 12-megapixel wide-angle main camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide angle camera.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max have a triple rear camera. Both have a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide angle camera and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera.
To make things even more complicated though, the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s main lens and telephoto lens differ from the iPhone 12 Pro’s main lens and telephoto lens.
The 12 Pro has a telephoto lens with a 4x optical zoom capability and an aperture of f/2.0, while the 12 Pro Max’s telephoto lens is new, offering 5x optical zoom and an aperture of f/2.2. The Max’s main sensor is also new with 1.7µm pixels, though it has the same f/1.6 aperture and resolution as the iPhone 12 Pro.
The Pro models also have a LIDAR sensor for augemented reality, which you can read more about in our separate feature.
Storage options
12 mini/12: 64GB to 256GB
12 Pro/12 Pro Max: 128GB to 512GB
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 come in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options.
Colours
12 mini/12: Five colours
12 Pro/12 Pro Max: Four colours
The iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 come in Black, Blue, White, Green and Product(Red) colour options.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max come in Pacific Blue, Gold, Graphite and Silver options.
Prices
As you would expect, the four iPhone 12 models all differ in price, with the Pro models sitting at the higher end and the iPhone 12 mini at the cheaper end.
The iPhone 12 mini starts at $699. It will be available to pre-order from 6 November, available 13 November.
The standard iPhone 12 starts at $799. It will be available to pre-order from 16 October, available 23 October.
The iPhone 12 Pro starts at $999. It will be available to pre-order from 16 October, available 23 October.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at $1099. It will be available to pre-order from 6 November, available 13 November.
Conclusion
The only differences between the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 12 is physical size, display size and cost. Otherwise, the colours, storage options, camera and hardware is identical between the two models, as well as the design.
The iPhone 12 is the same size as the iPhone 12 Pro model, but the Pro model has a more advanced rear camera setup, as well as a more premium finish and different co
(Pocket-lint) – Have you got tired of noticing little circular grips on people’s phones without knowing what on earth they are?
They’re called PopSockets, if you need an answer, and they’ve become pretty much ubiquitous these days, whether you’re in the US or the UK. It’s a big business, too – the maker of PopSockets was the second-fastest growing US company in 2018, according to Inc, and has sold well over 100 million of those cheap, door knob-shaped gadgets.
Best iPhone 11 and 11 Pro cases 2020: Protect your new Apple device
It’s a simple enough idea: the original PopSocket sticks flat to your phone, and then it can be popped out whenever you need it. They are best used as a grip for when you want to take the perfect selfie, or as a stand for when you want to read or watch something, hands-free. Part of the appeal, too, is the endless custom choices they offer, and that range has grown even more over time, thanks to additions like the Swappable PopSocket, which allows to keep the same mount and yet instantly change the top designs based on your mood or outfit. PopSockets also makes a range of cases and accessories, though we’re sticking to their original product for now.
We’ve compiled a list of the coolest patterns and designs currently available. Of course, if nothing on our list catches your eye, then check out the create your own section of the PopSocket site to make your own stellar look.
Best PopSocket designs
PopSockets
Black
Keep things basic with this swappable black number – just be aware it works best with hard, plastic cases.
PopSockets
Moon
Add a celestial feel with this swappable option – perfect for both black or white cases.
PopSockets
Star Wars – The Child Cup
Show your love for Baby Yoda with this swappable Popsocket. Go on, before we have to use The Force on you.
PopSockets
Color Burst Gloss
Add a colorful, playful touch to your setup with this glossy PopGrip – ideal for replicating the chaos of a Coldplay concert.
PopSockets
Leopard Of The Night
You don’t want to go completely left-field with your PopGrip, but you also don’t want to just have a plain option – let us introduce you to Leopard Of The Night.
PopSocket
Ghost Marble
The ghost marble design is a non-swappable design and would look great with a black case.
PopSocket
Opal
A pretty-looking opal PopSocket that can be used to accent your jewelry nicely, with an iridescent feeling to it.
PopSocket
All Black
Here’s a classic, all-black, non-swappable design.
PopSocket
Peace Mandala
This Peace Mandala PopSocket is a great swappable choice for the hippies and yoga enthusiast in our lives.
PopSocket
Death Star
Ever wish you had the power to destroy Alderaan in you hand? Here ya go. This is an original pop grip that’s not swappable.
PopSocket
Vinyl Record
This record design is swappable and ideal for the music lovers out there.
PopSocket
Blue Nebula
The Blue Nebula design is for people who’d rather look up at the stars than down at their phones. It is also swappable.
PopSocket
Mermaid Scales
A great swappable choice for big fans of The Little Mermaid and avid fishers alike.
PopSocket
Sparkle Party
Who doesn’t love a good sparkle party? This design features the swappable pop top, too.
PopSocket
Blush
This one is glittery and pink. It’s also got the swappable pop top. What’s not to love?
PopSocket
Basketball
A basketball for the hoop lovers. PopSocket also offers football and baseball PopSockets. They’re swappable, too, so you can switch them for whatever season you’re in at the moment.
PopSocket
Saffiano Rose Gold
This PopSocket is made from premium vegan leather. It has a swappable pop top. If you love the vegan leather, then be sure to check out the other colours.
PopSocket
Replicator
This is a cool, trippy design that resembles some of the marble patterns. It’s also available in the swappable pop top.
PopSocket
Palm Trees
Nothing like some palm trees to help you through winter, and its swappable, so it can be changed whenever you want.
PopSocket
Holographic
This PopSocket has a nice tie-dye like design that features the swappable pop top.
PopSocket
Golden Silence
This beautiful mandala looks great set against a black phone case and features the swappable pop top.
PopSocket
Wave
This cool design is great for surfers and beach lovers. It’s an original pop top, so no swapping with this one.
PopSocket
Space Grey Aluminium
This design is part of PopSocket’s metallic lineup of pop tops. It’s also swappable.
Writing by Maggie Tillman. Editing by Dan Grabham.
(Pocket-lint) – Apple’s latest flagship iPhones, the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, all have a heck of a lot going for them on the design front, with all of them featuring premium build qualities. That comes with some risk, though – the three devices all have both a glass front and rear, meaning protecting them is a good idea in order to keep them looking pristine.
Which is the best iPhone? iPhone SE, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro?
There are numerous options when to comes to iPhone cases, with some focusing on the ultimate protection, while others offer less protection but allow you to still see some of the device’s lovely designs.
We’ve rounded up the best iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max cases we’ve found so far to help make sure your new iPhone stays looking as good as the first day you take it out of its box.
Apple
Apple
Apple offers a number of cases for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max including a Clear Case, Silicone Case and a Leather Folio Case, though the leather option is only available for the Pro models. The Clear Case shows off the design of all models, offers precise cutouts for all devices and is made from polycarbonate.
Pocket-lint
Woolnut
Swedish company Woolnut make a variety of leather tech accessories, and we’re huge fans of their iPhone covers, exemplified by this gorgeous green leather cover. It’s mottled with a really nice texture and is also both sustainably manufactured and packaged – every little helps, after all.
It’s nice and solid, meaning that it offers good protection from drops and nicks, while perhaps its most impressive facet is how little bulk it adds to the phone, putting it right up there with Apple’s own cases on the slimness side of things.
Mous
Mous
Mous has a few case options for the 2019 iPhones, including the Limitless 3.0 Phone Case that comes with the company’s Airoshock technology to help protect against drops. The Limitless 3.0 also has the Mous AutoAlignPlus mounting system, providing magnetic connection between the case and add-on accessories available through Mous, like a card wallet. The Limitless 3.0 comes in five finishes.
Moshi
Moshi
Moshi has a couple of different case options for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iGlaze case features drop protection thanks to its shock-absorbing materials and it has a metallic frame for a premium finish. The iGlaze is also compatible with the company’s SnapTo Series of magnetic mounts.
Apple
Otterbox
The Otterbox Symmetry Clear Series case is available for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. It has a clear back to show off the design of the new iPhones, while this Stardust model adds some sparkle to make the case a little more exciting. The rear of the case is recessed to avoid scratches and it has bumpers to protect the screen and cameras.
Razor
Razer
Razor has a couple of different case options for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Max, including the Arctech Slim that has a Thermaphene performance layer for improved heat dissipation. It is wireless charging compatible and it has a thin, ergonomic design.
Snakehive
Snakehive
British case manufacturer Snakehive offers its Vintage Wallet Case for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Crafted from full grain cowhide nubuck leather, this case protects the front and back of your phone and is available in six colour options. The company also offers in-house personalisation, enabling you to get your initials embossed on the front in gold, polished silver or rose gold foils.
Speck
Speck
Speck has a couple of case options for the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, including its Presidio Pro case that comes in several colour options and is drop tested to 13ft. The Presidio Pro case has a raised bezel on the front to protect the screen, while the rear has Microban antimicrobial product protection.
Tech21
Tech21
Tech21 has a number of different options for protecting the three 2019 iPhones, including the Evo Check case, available in three colours including Smokey Black, Indigo and Coral My World. The Evo Check is thin and light and it has built-in antimicrobial protection.
Amazon
Ted Baker
Ted Baker offers several case options for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max through Proporta. Each Ted case features a print from the company’s autumn/winter 2019 collection and there’s a choice of snap-on cases and folio cases. The Anti-Shock Back Shell cases are AirWall lined with TPU bumper edges and they feature a Ted Baker logo in gold foil.
UAG
UAG
Under Armor Gear have a few options when it comes to protection for the 2019 iPhone models, including the Plasma case that comes in four colour options. The Plasma case meets MIL-STD-810G drop-test standards, is Apple Pay and wireless charging compatible and it offers scratch resistant skid pads and a screen surround.
Writing by Britta O’Boyle. Editing by Max Freeman-Mills.
(Pocket-lint) – OnePlus has been on something of a journey over the past few years. Initially beginning life as a plucky upstart with one phone and a disruptive attitude, it has developed into more of a machine, growing in popularity, and needing to adapt to what customers want. It’s not the only company making powerful and well-priced handsets anymore, you see, so its phones aren’t ultra cheap anymore either.
With the OnePlus 8 series the company went for the traditional ‘regular’ and ‘Pro’ model phones – just like so many other manufacturers – but with this 8T (the typical semi-annual refresh) it’s done something different: launched a phone that doesn’t look like it belongs with the 8 series at all, despite the name.
For us the OnePlus 8T is more of a OnePlus Nord Pro. But that’s not a bad thing. Not at all.
A new direction (sorta)
Dimensions: 160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4mm / Weight: 188g
Colours: Aquamarine Green, Lunar Silver
Looking at a OnePlus phone – at least from the back – has been one relatively obvious way to determine which company’s phone it is you’re looking at. There was the tell-tale long camera protrusion right in the centre of the phone, even as all the other manufacturers in the world started pushing them off to the left corner, and then eventually building big rectangles there.
Now that’s no longer the case. The 8T has seen OnePlus follow the market trend, sticking its quad-camera system in a protruding oblong. If there’s any discerning feature, it’s perhaps the colour. Like the Nord and the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro before it, there’s a teal offering. Or what OnePlus likes to call ‘Aquamarine Green’.
It’s not frosted glass-like its predecessor though, it’s got a glossy surface – yet somehow still retains an almost frosted appearance added by the layers beneath the glass. Like green glass over a layer of compacted sherbert. Because of that, it offers the illusion that there’s no fingerprint smudges on it, and you’ll only see those if you point it directly towards a light source at the correct angle.
There are some physical design features that it wouldn’t be a OnePlus without, namely the physical alert slider switch on the right side of the phone that lets you switch between silent, vibrate only and sound alerts.
There’s a power button below that, although to call it a power button these days is sort of inaccurate. It launches the Android 11 ‘power menu’ which includes Google Pay for payments and shortcuts for Google Home controls.
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Size-wise, the 8T is pretty big – but not enormous. It’s a similar thickness to the iPhone 11, but is slightly longer than that device. It does feel relatively comfortable in the hand, however, thanks to it featuring curved glass near the edges on the rear of the phone – the screen isn’t curved, though, which we think is only a good thing.
One design choice we’re quite fond of is the design of the bezels and screen on the front. The black frame around the display is so slim that it just allows the panel to dominate the space, making you more immersed in the content. Apart from a small camera cutout in the corner, there’s nothing obstructing the view. That might make the design seem a little boring, or less elegant to some, but it has its practicalities.
Fantastic flat screen
6.55-inch Full HD+ Fluid AMOLED
2400 x 1080 resolution
120Hz refresh rate
20:9 aspect ratio
There’s no denying there’s been an appeal in having curved screens on flagships. They serve two purposes: making the phone feel really skinny, and reducing the appearance of bezels on the side. Ok, so maybe three purposes: they always look cool too. But with all that said, there’s always a little trade-off with curved screens: accidental touches increase and sometimes distort content to the edges where the contrast falls off.
With a completely flat screen on the 8T, OnePlus has essentially ensured that you’re not looking at the tops and bottoms of your content curving around an edge and looking weird. And you’re less likely to get those accidental touches. So, while it’s less exciting and less futuristic looking, it’s the better choice in our view.
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As a purely visual tool, it’s a great display too. It has a fast 120Hz refresh rate for smooth playback, doubling the frame-rate of what’s typical on a more entry-level device. You’ll mostly notice this in the general user interface, when doing things like swiping down the notification shade or scrolling through the app drawer looking for apps. It means those parts of the experience stay sharp and look smooth even when you scroll quickly.
Whether or not that’s important to you is an entirely personal preference. When you launch most games or videos, you won’t really notice any difference at all since most content tends to max out at 60 frames per second or even 30fps.
Despite ‘only’ being a Full HD+ resolution panel, it appears crisp and only slightly misses out on that extra sharpness that comes from having a Quad HD resolution screen.
In its default setting, colours appear well-balanced, without over-egging the reds or greens. You can adjust the balance of colours and temperature to suit your own preference anyway. OnePlus offers calibration options within its settings menu to make it more or less vivid, or choose a standard colour gamut like sRGB and Display P3 modes.
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If there’s any criticism it’s that sometimes the images look a bit too contrasty. It’s not to the level where it negatively impacts viewing too much, but a little edge taken off the contrast would help some colours appear less dark and crunched.
Oxygen OS 11’s controversial redesign
Magazine redesign
Big headlines, reachable actions
Fluid animations
Here’s something we didn’t think we’d say before trying it out: we prefer Oxygen OS 11 to previous versions of the software. During its beta programme, there was some strong reaction to the departure from stock-like Android to something more similar to Samsung or Huawei’s more recent software, but unlike some of those other skins OnePlus has done a great job of keeping a light and fluid feeling.
Stock applications and interfaces have a new magazine-style hierarchy, where there’s big text at the top, lots of white space and reachable actionable items near the bottom of the screen. That makes it easier to reach with a thumb one-handed. Sadly this doesn’t include the stock Google apps like Messages, but just from a purely aesthetic point of view it looks nicer.
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More important, however, is the way OnePlus has managed to make the animations feel like they instantly respond to your gestures. It’s super quick in its traditions and movements, taking full advantage of the 120Hz refresh rate. At times, it may seem unnaturally responsive, but it helps add to that feeling that you’re directly interacting with the graphic interface on the display.
There are some additional features and apps, like Zen Mode, which encourages you to switch off for a set amount of time, blocking notifications and giving you a bit of time to unwind and disconnect.
Market-leading speed
Snapdragon 865 processor
8GB/128GB & 12GB/256GB variants
As we mentioned in the software section, the OnePlus 8T feels very fast, which is something we’ve become accustomed to with OnePlus phones as the hardware is top of the range. It often uses the fastest types of memory and storage it can get its hands on and equips the phone with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. The end result, understandably, is a fast and fluid experience.
Part of it is obviously down to the optimisations within the software, but of course it still needs the processing power to make it load games and apps quickly, and thermal cooling to ensure it doesn’t get blazing hot when you’re sniping rivals in Call of Duty or trying to slay Baby Luigi in Mario Kart Tour. Games load so quickly and effortlessly.
This same reliability and consistent speed is visible when unlocking the phone too. We’re now a couple of generations down the line for the in-display optical fingerprint sensors, and any issues we had with reliability and failing to recognise or unlock have all but disappeared with the 8T. In our entire time testing, we’ve not had one instance of it failing to unlock – although periodically it asks for a PIN after a few days of only using the fingerprint sensor.
No battery anxiety
4,500mAh battery
65W Warp Charge + and PD compatible (finally)
One of the most freeing things about the OnePlus 8T is its charging speeds, and the versatility its charging system offers. OnePlus has used a similar system to Oppo’s flagship SuperVOOC, delivering 65W of power to the 4,500mAh battery in order to fill it up quickly. To be more accurate, it’s actually delivering 32.5W of power to two individual 2,250mAh batteries simultaneously.
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Technicalities aside what it means in your average daily life is that there’s no such thing as battery anxiety with the OnePlus 8T. With this phone, there’s no need to be a night time charger, ever. It can get you from zero to just over 60 per cent in just 15 minutes – that’s not a typo, it really is that fast.
As an example, with our iPhone – yes, we’re always running two phones at once – we typically just place it on its (relatively) slow wireless charging stand overnight to make sure we have a full battery the next day. With OnePlus, we just keep it running until the battery gets low, plug it into its crazy fast-charger for 15-20 minutes, and we have enough juice to get through a full day.
Put that capability into a normal working day and it means you just plug it in when you get up, go have a shower, have breakfast, and get ready for the day. By the time you leave for work – or sit down for work in the next room, as it is these days – you’ll have a fully loaded battery.
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Sure, it’d be nice to have the convenience of wireless charging for night time charging habit, but really it’s not needed here. If you do decide to use it to charge overnight, OnePlus has an optimised charging feature that learns your charging habits and makes sure it has a full battery when you wake up, but does it by charging quickly to 80 per cent and then trickling the rest in during the run up to your usual wake up time.
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As a last note on charging, the OnePlus 8T also supports Power Delivery – which is a first. That means you can charge it quickly from your laptop charger, or use the Warp Charge adapter to charge your other tablets/devices using up to 45W via Power Delivery technology. That makes it one of the most convenient and versatile chargers around, and it comes in the box with the phone.
As for the battery life itself, we almost forgot to care about it due to the speed of refuelling. However, the total battery capacity is more than capable of getting you through a full day. On a light day with a couple of hours of casual gaming, photography, social networking and browsing, it was typical to get to night time with around 40 per cent or so left.
OnePlus devices of the recent past have had a multi-camera system where one camera outshines the others. The same is true for the 8T. It’s a quad-camera system which – as a whole – isn’t really flagship level.
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The primary camera is the best of the bunch, as you’d expect. Results from it in good light are generally sharp, colourful and balanced – even if like the display there’s a tendency to over-egg the contrast a tad. If it was a single camera phone, we’d be perfectly happy with the results on offer.
When you switch to the ultra-wide camera, you get a much wider view, making it a relatively versatile system. However, the results don’t consistently match the colours, detail and balance of the primary lens. We noticed the shadows and darker areas become darker, while colours didn’t appear as rich and varied. It just gives the image a slightly harsher appearance than the main lens, so if you want that wider shot, you do have to sacrifice a bit of quality.
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As for the macro lens, it’s another instance whereby you’d actually be better served just using the main camera further back and selecting the 2x digital zoom. Using the macro lens just makes the picture darker, less detailed and full of more image noise. As we’ve said of all phones with a dedicated macro camera so far: it’s deadweight.
On the whole it’s a case of having one good camera and surrounded by a few sub-par ones. We feel if OnePlus really wants to compete with the top phones, it still needs to improve this offering. Not by going crazy and throwing in triple-figure resolutions and massive zoom lenses, but a decent main camera, a wide-angle with results more consistent to the main lens, and a decent 2x or 3x zoom would be spot on. Yes, zoom lenses aren’t cheap, so that might not be incoming just yet, but it’s on our wishlist.
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Saying that, there is one interesting new Nighstcape option, in that it’s come to video mode. You can enable it when it’s dark and it’ll draw in a lot more light as you shoot your video. The result can be a bit mushy when you move the camera, but it’s still pretty impressive how much colour can be drawn in.
Verdict
The OnePlus 8T has more in common with the OnePlus Nord than it does the OnePlus 8 series with which it shares its name, with a flat screen, rectangular camera protrusion, and glossy green glass rear.
But that’s not really important. What’s important is that OnePlus has delivered yet another stunning example of fluidity and performance, in a package that’s reasonably priced.
There really is little else like the 8T when it comes to fast-charging too. When the battery runs low it’s a case of – whoomp – and in almost no time you can fill it up again thanks to Warp Charge 65.
So what gives? The camera setup. We’d still like to see more consistency between the different lenses on offer, plus the macro camera really doesn’t add anything. Sure, the 8T takes good pictures with its primary camera, but there’s scope for a more considered choice of lenses in the future.
There’s a lot to admire about the OnePlus Nord Pro. Sorry, OnePlus 8T. It’s super smooth in use, super fast to charge and, well, all-round super for the asking price.
Alternative to consider
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Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Samsung knocked it out of the park with the S20 FE, giving us essential features we need for a flagship experience, but stripping down some of the nice-to-have things to bring the cost down.
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Read our review
Writing by Cam Bunton.
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