Finding out the difference between an iPhone and a phone

Peculiarity

The question of how a smartphone differs from an iPhone and Android is not correct. Let's figure it out.

A smartphone is a device equipped with additional functions of a pocket PC. In addition to calls, it allows you to watch videos, listen to music, and play games.

IPhone is a series of smartphones produced by Apple. Therefore, there will be no mistake in calling it a smartphone. It’s just that lately the iPhone has become a household name.

Android is an OS developed by Google. Created based on the Linux kernel.

Battery capacity

Judging by its battery life, Android holds a charge longer than an iPhone. First of all, it all depends on the smartphone model.

If we compare top phones, Apple, under active load, experiences a decrease in charge by about 30%. In this case, you will have to charge the device after 5-6 hours. In turn, on flagship Android models the battery does its job perfectly and can last a whole day without recharging.

It should be remembered that the capacity of all smartphones is different, and when choosing, you need to rely only on your preferences.

OS

The main difference between Apple products is the iOS OS. Only used on devices of this brand. Its main advantage:

1. Stability. Installed on a small model range. This allows developers to constantly improve it. Allow to perfection. Even on an older iPhone model, the OS will work correctly;
2. Safety. iOS is a closed OS. Therefore, it is virtually impossible for malicious code to enter the device;
3. Updates. For example, iOS 11, released in 2021, will be installed on the iPhone 5S developed five years ago;
4. Simplicity. To understand how the Apple OS works, the average user only needs five minutes. But there is also a drawback to this. No advanced customization options.

Camera quality

The quality of photos on iPhones is always excellent. Even 12 megapixels is enough for high-quality shooting. Portrait shots and macro shots are incredibly clear and detailed. Among Android devices with a good camera, you can only find smartphones with a matrix from Sony.

Basically, it is included only in flagship devices. Let's look at the camera characteristics of some premium iPhone and Android models:

1. iPhone 7 – 12+12 MP, autofocus, f/1.8 and f/2.8 aperture.
2. iPhone X – 12+12 MP, f/1.8 aperture, optical stabilization, autofocus.
3. iPhone XS Max – 12/12 MP, f/1.8 aperture, autofocus.
4. Samsung Galaxy S9Plus – dual 12 megapixel optical module, f/1.5 and f/2.4 aperture, autofocus, optical stabilization.
5. Huawei P20 Pro – triple main module 8/40/20 MP, laser focusing, phase focusing, volumetric focusing, f/2.4, f/1.8, f/1.6 aperture
6. Asus ZenFone 5Z – 12+8 MP optical module, f/1.8 aperture, autofocus.

Communication between devices

iPhone, iPad, Mac, smart watches from this manufacturer can be linked with each other. Create an ecosystem. How it works? For example, once you start writing text on your iPhone, you can continue on your PC. Communication occurs through your Apple ID account.

On Android, this is available by installing additional applications. Contact via Google account. There is no need to install additional software for Apple products.

Smartphone

A smartphone is a device that also belongs to the category of phones, but it is a “smart” phone. This is the link between a regular mobile phone and a computer; an operating system is also installed on it. If you take into account only external characteristics, then it may be impossible to determine the difference between a smartphone and a telephone. This is facilitated by the presence on the modern market of a huge number of low-quality copies that imitate the “cover”, while having the “stuffing” of the most ordinary phone. Smartphones often do not have buttons; they have a touch screen and are controlled using a stylus or finger.

• Please note: How to choose a smartphone

Instead of output

What's better: iPhone or smartphone? The difference between these groups is insignificant. How is an iPhone different from a regular smartphone? When purchasing an iPhone, you will not have the opportunity to change anything radically. No file system access, but user friendly interface. There is a guarantee of safety, reliability and stability from the manufacturer.

When buying a phone, an ordinary user is guided by the following indicators: access to the Internet, access to news. Therefore, a smartphone running Android OS is preferable due to its low cost compared to Apple products.

If your budget allows and you believe that every successful person should have a new iPhone, then the choice is obvious.

For the average user who needs a balance between cost and performance, it would be preferable to opt for a smartphone.

Appearance

Apple has not changed the design for its smartphones for a very long time. Each model looked almost the same. Only when frameless phones went on sale did developers think about a new look.

New iPhone models have begun to meet modern requirements. The screen diagonal has increased, and the frames around the display have also been removed.

Chinese developers have learned to copy smartphones in such detail and quality that at first glance an Android device may seem like an iPhone. The main difference between these devices is the price. Any, even the most expensive Android costs several times less than an iPhone.

Most Android smartphone manufacturers create interesting designs for their devices. The advantage of Android is that if you want, you can find a phone that is completely different in appearance from others.

Advantages of iPhone over Android:

1. The body is made from durable 7000 series aluminum.
2. Moisture protection.
3. Fits comfortably in the hand.
4. Presentable and expensive design.

FAQ

Answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding Apple phones will help you navigate and make the right choice.

When will the new iPhone come out?

Despite various forecasts, users’ love for Apple smartphones does not wane. Each new product from Apple is in great demand, and the company reports an annual increase in the supply of mobile equipment for sale. The release of the new iPhone 12 is just around the corner.

Declared technical characteristics

What characteristics are expected from the new iPhone 12? Apple releases four models simultaneously:

• 12 (the most compact model with a 5.4-inch display);
• 12 Plus (brand new, 6.1-inch screen);
• 12 Pro (is the successor to the iPhone 11 Pro, the display will increase to 6.1 inches);
• 12 Pro Max (display will increase to 6.7 inches).

From now on, all iPhone variants will be equipped with ProMotion OLED matrices with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. There is information (Economic Daily News) that TouchID will return in 2021 - a Qualcomm (ultrasonic fingerprint scanner) will be built into the screen.

Processor and memory

The “fiery engine” for all four models will be the A14 Bionic chipset. Its use will significantly reduce energy consumption. The processor will use a 5nm process technology, which “threatens”, at a minimum, a reduction in power consumption. GPU and CPU performance will also increase. But this will most likely increase the cost of gadgets. The amount of memory will also be larger:

• RAM - 4 GB, Pro version 6 GB;
• permanent - iPhone 12, 12 Plus 128 GB each, iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max 1 TB each.

Communications and interfaces

All new iPhones will support 5G. But by default, devices in this range will work in the UK, Japan, USA, South Korea, and Canada. And in other countries, 5G support will be disabled at the software level (apparently until the appropriate permits are received). If the European Commission passes a law on the standardization of chargers, then manufacturers will have to equip new iPhone models with a suitable connector. It was assumed that already in 12 models they would abandon Lightning, replacing it with USB-C, but things have not gone further than talk yet. Rumor has it that buyers will no longer find standard 5-watt wall chargers in the boxes. The memory will have to be purchased separately.

Cameras

There is no 100% information about the cameras yet, but something has become known:

• the camera modules of the iPhone 12 and 12 Plus will have two 12 MP sensors (ultra-wide-angle and wide-angle lenses);
• it is possible to improve the optics to 7P (seven plastic lenses);
• Selfie cameras will become “invisible”; they will be hidden using special camouflage technology under the display matrix.

The most anticipated innovation in the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max is an additional ToF camera (a triple module of sixteen megapixel cameras for a three-dimensional augmented reality system), something like an infrared TrueDepth sensor for Face ID. The innovative 3D system on the back of the smartphone will allow you to get clearer 3D photos, opening up a wide range of possibilities for working with augmented reality. This module will be much more powerful than TrueDepth and will be able to operate over long distances using laser technology.

Autonomy and charging

Presumably, the battery capacity of 12 models will remain the same, but the battery itself will decrease in size. Batteries for iPhone 12, 12 Plus are 3100 mAh, iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max are 4000 mAh. Both wireless and fast charging will remain. Reversible wireless will appear; according to rumors, its maximum power will be 1 W, and it will be possible to connect via NFC.

How much will it cost

In May 2021, a price list for new iPhones was published:

• iPhone 12 – $699;
• 12 Plus - $799;
• 12 Pro - $999;
• 12 Pro Max – from $1099.

When sales start

Traditionally, presentations of new iPhones take place no later than September 12, and they go on sale between the end of September and the beginning of October. But in 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic, these dates may be shifted to a later time. Presumably the presentation will be postponed until November, and sales will start before Christmas. In any case, in Russia, new iPhones are now hitting the shelves at the same time as the rest of the world.

What does it look like

It’s still too early to say with absolute certainty what the iPhone 12 will look like, but some trends have been outlined:

• a massive camera platform will remain on the back cover;
• the screen notch will become smaller (as it was done in the iPad Pro);
• Protection from dust and moisture according to the IP68 standard will remain.

What is a refurbished iPhone?

The concept of a “refurbished” phone implies that it was “reassembled” at the factory:

• New building,
• glass,
• fingerprint sensor (Home button),
• new speakers, microphones,
• fresh battery.

The cameras, processor, and matrix (not to be confused with the screen!) are usually left behind.
Such a device can be either used or new. The reason why people hand over equipment is not always because it is faulty; very often this is done as part of programs to replace an outdated model with a newer one. Abroad, such devices are labeled refurbished, ref or rfb iPhone. Russian online stores call it “like new.” Unlike used products, when you buy a refurbished iPhone, you get the same warranty as with a new one. There are also unofficially restored devices, but you certainly shouldn’t mess with them, since only the Chinese know what’s inside and what quality it is. How to check originality?

By the serial number you can determine the name and main characteristics of the smartphone. On the iPhone, it consists of an 11-12 digit number and is located at the bottom of the original packaging, as well as on the phone itself on the SIM card tray. In addition, the serial number can be viewed through the device menu:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select General and About This Device.
3. Scroll down the screen, find and write down the serial number.

Make sure all three numbers match. You can check the year of manufacture of your iPhone using the SNDeepInfo service:

1. Go to https://sndeep.info/ru.
2. Enter the serial number of the gadget in the appropriate window and click “Check”.
3. Look at the year and week of release of the device in the corresponding columns.

On the site you can find out other details about the device: its technical parameters, manufacturer, etc.
But to do this, prepare the IMEI code, the combination is in the same menu, but contains 15 numbers. Rostest, what does this mean?

RosTest is a certification center that checks goods imported into Russia for compliance with accepted standards. Any imported product is subject to examination by RosTest and the iPhone is no exception. The “PCT” icon means legality and successful completion of product testing. This is a guarantee that the phone has not been reassembled from Chinese parts. iPhones that have passed the RosTest examination work with all domestic operators, have a warranty period of service, but cost several thousand rubles more than phones without this abbreviation. The “PCT” icon is located on the box, and there is also a model code here. If instead you suddenly find the abbreviation EU, you should know that this is a “gray” device with a number of restrictions depending on the legislation of the country in which it is intended for sale. When using such equipment, problems with the warranty, connection to domestic telecom operators and other troubles may arise.

Who created the iPhone?

The first iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs at the Macworld Expo conference on January 9, 2007. He explained then that the name of the phone is derived from internet and phone.

When did the first iPhone appear?

The first Apple smartphone went on sale on June 29, 2007, at the same time everyone learned what iOS was. The phone quickly captured a large share of the smartphone market, first in the United States and later around the world. The first cell phone with Russian localization was 3G.

Which iPhone lasts longer?

Apple does not officially publish the battery characteristics of its devices; the figures presented below are the result of measurements by third-party specialists:

• 11 Pro Max - 3969 mAh;
• XS Max - 3174 mAh;
• 11 - 3110 mAh;
• 11 Pro - 3046 mAh;
• XR - 2942 mAh;
• 7 Plus - 2900 mAh;
• X - 2716 mAh;
• XS - 2658 mAh;
• 8 Plus - 2675 mAh;
• 7 - 1960 mAh;
• 8 - 1821 mAh;
• SE 2 - 1821 mAh.

At the moment, 11 Pro Max is able to work the longest on a single battery charge (it will last up to 2 days), as it is equipped with the most capacious battery.
Which iPhone is waterproof?

Some iPhone models are protected from splashes, water and dust and tested in special laboratory conditions:

• SE (2nd generation), XR, X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 Plus - water protection degree IP67 according to IEC 60529 at a depth of 1 m for no more than 30 minutes;
• 11, XS, XS Max - degree of protection against water IP68 according to IEC 60529 at a depth of up to 2 m for no more than 30 minutes;
• 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max - IP68 water protection rating according to IEC 60529 at a depth of up to 4 m for no more than 30 minutes.

What is the size of the SIM card in iPhone?

Nano-SIM card supported:

• SE (2nd generation);
• 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max;
• XS, XS Max;
• XR;
• X;
• 8, 8 Plus;
• 7, 7Plus
• 6s, 6s Plus;
• 6, 6 Plus;
• SE (1st generation);
• 5s, 5c, 5.

The micro-SIM card is supported by the following phones:

• 4s;
• 4.

The following smartphones support a regular SIM card:

• 3GS;
• 3G.

In some countries and regions, the following iPhone models are equipped with an eSIM card (electronic SIM card connected via a QR code):

• XS;
• XS Max;
• XR.

In Russia, for some time it was possible to connect to TELE2 and Megafon, but for now the service was frozen.
When will the iPhone stop updating?

Unlike Android devices, iOS is regularly updated for 4-5 years. For example, 5s, released in 2013, runs iOS 11 2021 perfectly. Unfortunately, relatively recently Apple refused to update outdated models. Released in 2021, iOS 13 is available for SE, 6s and higher, 5s and older devices no longer receive updates. Let’s take a closer look at how things will go with version 14 of the Apple firmware.

What does neverlock mean?

The concept of “neverlocked” (not locked, officially unlocked, factory unlock, neverlock, neverlocked) refers to a phone that is not initially tied to a specific mobile operator. This device works with any operators without any restrictions. Sometimes a locked mobile phone can be officially or unofficially unlocked for little money by entering a special service code.

How can I find out which country the model is made for?

There are iPhones on sale from other countries - they are usually cheaper. Or these are new items imported before official sales. Determining which country the phone came from is quite simple:

1. Go to "Settings".
2. Find the "Basic" item.
3. Click "About this device."
4. Select "Model".

One or two letters immediately after the numbers indicate the country for which the phone is intended:

• B - Great Britain, Ireland;
• C - Canada;
• CH—PRC;
• CR - Croatia;
• СZ - Czech Republic;
• D, DM - Germany;
• DN - Austria, Germany, the Netherlands;
• FB - France;
• HN - India;
• J - Japan;
• KN - Denmark, Norway;
• KS - Finland, Sweden;
• LL - USA;
• RR, RS - Russia;
• SL - Slovakia;
• T - Italy;
• TU - Türkiye;
• X - Australia, New Zealand;
• Y - Spain.

When do they start to go down in price?

At the start of sales, the cost of new mobile phones is very high, the number of devices in stores is limited due to the great excitement. But if you wait 1-2 months, you can save a lot of money. But usually “show-off” is more expensive than money or not? We look forward to your comments at the bottom of the page. For example, in the fall of 2021, the price of the iPhone 7, 7 Plus fell about a month after the start of sales, the older model with 256 GB then fell in price by 40%. Prices for 8, 8 Plus, X dropped by 7–12% within a few weeks; by spring, the devices fell in price by 15–20%.

How many Antutu points does the latest iPhone get?

The 11 model scores 517,400 points in AnTuTu, while the second-generation SE with the latest A13 Bionic chipset lags behind in terms of performance. The SE 2's 492,166 points are apparently due to the 3 GB of RAM instead of the flagship's 4 GB.

How to order an iPhone from the USA?

The high-tech product can be ordered from the United States with savings of up to 20%, including transatlantic shipping costs. This can be done in the following ways:

• bring the phone yourself;
• by visiting the official Apple Store, here, by the way, they offer the best prices on the market;
• through Amazon - here you can also buy a less current model inexpensively;
• through delivery services - SPSR, Boxberry, Dimex, Pony Express, Russian Post (not the best option due to reputation).

What does activated iPhone mean?

Before you start working with a new device, you need to activate it through Apple's activation servers. Only after this the owner will be able to use the phone. If, when you turn it on for the first time, you get to the home screen, bypassing the welcome, activation and settings screens, the device has definitely been used. On the Apple website there is a section “Checking eligibility for service and support”, where you can also easily find out the production date, warranty availability, and other data by entering the serial number in the text field. In addition, there is a so-called Apple “black list”, which includes stolen, lost, blocked, unpaid devices. Such equipment is blocked by IMEI and serial number on Cupertino servers (in the USA it is called a bad ESN). This means that the smartphone is forever deprived of access to the mobile Internet, calls and messages over the mobile network. When you install a SIM card, cellular communication simply does not work. There is a solution - iPhoneMei, but a positive result is not guaranteed. And of course, the service is paid. To avoid this, buy a smartphone that is untied from Apple ID (not on iCloud), as you can find out how to check this in the complete guide to buying an iPhone in person.

What is a replica?

This is a copy of the official sample. Externally, it exactly copies an Apple smartphone, but the quality of materials and workmanship may be much worse. In addition, the characteristics of the replica are always inferior to the original. This applies to literally everything: camera, display, battery life, speed, and more. These Chinese iPhones run Android with a graphic theme “ala” iOS.

Which model is the strongest?

According to users, the 7 Plus is one of the most durable and durable iPhones; it can withstand “flights” from a height of up to 3 meters with varying degrees of success, but the much-advertised glass in the iPhone 11 easily breaks when dropped from a height of 1–1.5 meters. Only a lazy blogger did not post a video at one time with attempts to bend the 6 Plus. Apparently Apple miscalculated the rigidity of the structure, and with a certain amount of force the smartphone could be bent. The phenomenon was called Bendgate; the following models were devoid of this drawback. By the way, if you need to disassemble an iPhone, you should keep in mind that original screws are used in their production. Depending on the phone model you are disassembling, you will need screwdrivers for TS1 0.8 mm fasteners, Phillips and slotted screws from Philips, three-blade precision Tri-Point or star Torx.

What system does Apple equipment run on?

The ancestor of iOS and Android is Linux. But the development branches have diverged so far that now there is almost nothing in common between the competitors.

Which iPhone is the cheapest?

The cheapest new iPhone is 6s, which is not the top-end hardware, but it costs 15–17 thousand rubles, depending on the amount of memory. But only refurbished devices remain on sale; new original phones of this model will no longer be found in 2021.

What happens if you drop your iPhone?

As a result of a fall, the phone may:

1. get chipped,
2. cracks in glass,
3. the display matrix may be damaged,
4. refuse control,
5. not charging,
6. don't turn on
7. will stop connecting to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
8. the body bends.

To avoid problems, it is recommended to use cases and protective glass for your smartphone.
What happens if you charge your iPhone with a non-original cable?

Manipulations using a non-original cable may cause problems for the user. The iPhone, among other hardware, has a small electronic chip that analyzes which wire is used to charge the smartphone. If he doesn’t like the cord, the phone simply won’t charge, and in some cases the power controller or battery may burn out.

How many microphones are there in the housing?

Apple smartphones have three microphones that serve different purposes. One records audio on video from the main camera, the second works for video telephony, the third is conversational during calls.

How can I find out how many times the battery has been charged?

To do this, it is recommended to use the iBackupBot utility on a PC with Windows or macOS:

1. After installing the program, connect your mobile phone.
2. Select your phone in the Devices block.
3. Click More Information.

The number in the CycleCount line is the number of charging cycles completed.
How long can a factory battery last?

The battery loses its capacity by 15–20% after 500 full charging cycles. As practice shows, 500 cycles are, on average, 1.5 years of device operation. The battery loses half its capacity after about 3 years, then it makes sense to replace the battery.

What accessories are best to buy?

Original accessories make using your phone easier and more enjoyable. There are a lot of additional devices for American technology:

• covers of different types and from different materials;
• cables, adapters;
• wired and wireless headsets, headphones, speakers;
• chargers, including wireless ones;
• docking stations;
• battery cases;
• films, glass.