C247: BlogBloghttps://c247.com/Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:49:46 GMTurn:store:1:blog:post:93https://c247.com/iphone-15-iphone-15-pro-everything-you-need-to-knowiPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Pro | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW<p><span style="color: #000000;">The iPhone 15 range is finally upon us, and Apple revealed the new lineup at their recent Wonderlust Event on September 12<sup>th</sup>. Apple has unveiled the all-new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Everything that has been added to the new flagship phones falls into one of two baskets: it’s either something we’ve already seen in some other phone for years, or it’s a new ecosystem feature that will only work with other iPhones. But without any more delay – let’s explore what Apple has brought us with their Brand-New iPhone lineup.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design<br /> </strong>The iPhone 15’s comes in a whole suite of ‘pastilley’ colours, which to many will probably be a little bit more favoured over the standard brighter, more vibrant colour solutions that Apple has been opting for in the past couple of years. One key design change on the new iPhone 15 series is the rounder edges and the frosted matte finish on the back, which, from the multiple sources lucky enough to get their hands on the iPhone at launch, is said to be a game changer in terms of general handheld comfort in day-to-day use.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">And then there’s the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which boast the added benefit of an ultra-lightweight design – in fact, the lightest Apple iPhone Pro -ever! Apple has decided to ditch the glossy stainless steel pro chassis and have replaced it with a matte brushed-titanium frame. After Apple released their titanium-built Apple watch Ultra in 2022, we knew it was only a matter of time before the technology was passed over to the iPhone division – and here it is. The Pro series now brings forward a new programmable action button which, to the demise of many Apple users, has replaced the ringer button. The ringer button has certainly cemented itself into the brand identity of the iPhone so it’s a shame to see it go however the new action button definitely broadens the horizons on refining the user experience for Apple users.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Speaking of brand identity one of the more significant changes to the new iPhone range is the addition of the USB C port. Now this has come to replace the Apple lightening port which has admittedly had a great run, being first introduced on the iPhone 5 11 years ago. This change will likely require an adjustment period for many loyal Apple users and it’s going to be sad to slowly see the extinction of the lightening cable unfold before our eyes – however there are still a vast number of positives of Apple using USB C. First and foremost, you’ll now be able to charge near-enough all of your Apple devices with one cable (given that they’ve been released in the last couple of years) including iPad’s, MacBook’s and the new AirPods. What’s more – USB C offers faster file transfer speeds and… get this – you can now charge your AirPods with one cable straight from your iPhone. The last major design upgrade we’re going to talk about is the dynamic island – now last year this was a Pro exclusive feature- but now this is standardised throughout the iPhone 15 range. This is subtle and while doesn’t hugely impact day-to-day user experience, it is still a much nicer aesthetic than the notch.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Internals<br /> </strong>The internal components for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are nothing short of impressive. The standard iPhone 15 features the same A16 Bionic chip that was in last year’s iPhone 14 Pro which essentially grants users superfast performance and better longevity. It seems this is a trend that we can expect to see going forward with how Apple decides to equip their model’s power wise. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max features the new Apple A17 Pro chip – which is actually the first time we’ve seen ‘Pro’ integrated in chip naming.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Camera<br /> </strong>The iPhone 15 is getting a lot of the camera upgrades of last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max – one of the biggest changes of this release. After almost a decade of using the 12MP camera sensor – they’ve finally upgraded the camera to a 48MP sensor which will be present on all models in the iPhone 15 lineup. In terms of software enhancements to the camera there has been a few, one of the main being the ability to switch from a standard to a portrait shot after the photo has already been taken. Apple has managed to achieve this by capturing depth information of each photo automatically so that focal points and targets can be changed after an image capture. The iPhone 15 Pro’s also come with a large focus on filming, specifically in the cinematography aspect so it’s safe to say they’ll be a large push on the new iPhone Pro range to content creators.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery<br /> </strong>At this current time, we don’t know any other battery specs besides the iPhone 15 range having a fast-charging time of 30 minutes to get the device from 0-50%. However, what is certain is that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro feature larger batteries, which in turn will allow for a longer-lasting battery life.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro announcement has been an exciting event, and we cannot wait to get our hands on one to see how useful these new features will be to us. If you enjoyed giving our blog a read, we firstly want to say a huge thank you for making it this far – and don’t forget to leave your opinion of the new range in the discussion box below, as well as share this article with family and friends.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:92https://c247.com/sony-xperia-5-v-everything-you-need-to-knowSONY XPERIA 5 V - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW<p><span style="color: #000000;">The fifth-generation rollout for the Sony Xperia range is almost complete. We saw cutting-edge visuals and camera technology housed inside the Sony Xperia 1 V and Sony Xperia 10 V that were brought to the market earlier on this year in June. Now it’s finally time – the long-awaited mid-ranger has finally surfaced with a release date of the end of September. The Sony Xperia 5 IV was Sony’s solution to escape the flagship Sony Xperia 1's pocket-burning price point whilst not completely missing out on all the key Sony flagships components like the Xperia 10 does. You’ll be glad to hear the Sony Xperia 5 V has kept the trend set by its predecessor, doubling down on the value for money with a slightly lower price tag. Let’s take a look at what Sony have brought to the table with their latest mid-range device.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Internals</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> As expected, the Sony Xperia 5 V boasts impressive performance capabilities thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset under the hood. This chipset ensures swift performance and seamless multitasking – which is one of the main talking points about this device. Running on Android 13, the Xperia 5 V offers users with an intuitive interface which Sony have refined with their OS overlay.  Sony has committed to delivering two years of Android updates and three years of security patches, ensuring you remain current with the latest software enhancements and security features. While this level of software support may not match the offerings of competitors like Samsung, it signifies a positive step forward for Sony.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> The design of the Sony Xperia 5 V is both elegant and modern. It incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back which we love to see as it adds a particularly up-market polished look to the device. Within the Xperia 5 V lies a 6.1-inch 21:9 FHD + OLED display, featuring a fluid-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This screen, designed with a cinematic aspect ratio, delivers a perfected media-consumption experience free of any distracting black borders. As well as having the best mobile Netflix experience known to man, the Sony Xperia 5 V also boasts an impressive gaming experience, with both the fast refresh rate and wide aspect ratio – there really is no gaming immersion quite like the Xperia range.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Camera<br /> </strong>One of the standout attributes of the Sony Xperia 5 V lies within its camera. Although it no longer incorporates the variable optical zoom lens found in its predecessor, it still offers remarkable photographic capabilities. The primary camera boasts an impressive 48MP sensor, delivering exceptional detail and clarity in each capture. Additionally, it features an ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes and a 12MP front-facing sensor, ideal for high-quality selfies. Sony has enriched the Xperia 5 V with advanced camera functionalities, including real-time eye autofocus and tracking – a feature borrowed from their renowned Alpha cameras. These features ensure your subjects remain sharp and in focus, whether you're taking photographs or recording videos.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery<br /> </strong>Powering the Xperia 5 V is a 5000mAh battery, guaranteeing ample power to comfortably navigate through the day without the frequent need to seek out a charger. The Sony Xperia 5 V features a 30W wired charging alongside wireless charging technology to offer a hassle-free and cord-free charging experience.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Sony Xperia 5 V is almost here and if you’re after something that combines innovation, elegance, and performance, this should definitely be on your radar. Share your thoughts on the Sony Xperia V range in the discussion section below, and be sure to explore the full Sony range for even more exciting options.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:90https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5-flip-5-unpacked-2023Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 & Flip 5 | Unpacked 2023<p><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung hosted their annual Unpacked event a few weeks back in July of 2023, where they un-ravelled their new foldable flagship range – The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 &amp; Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. If you’re new to the foldable smartphone scene, you may wonder what the difference is between the Samsung Fold and Samsung Flip: The Samsung Galaxy Fold is a flexible tablet that can fold into a pocket-friendly smartphone combining the best of both worlds for work and creativity. The Samsung Galaxy Flip, on the other hand, is a standard smartphone that can fold vertically into a compact clamshell delivering ultra pocket-sized power. So, introductions aside, these new devices offer several improvements over their predecessors, including faster processors, more durable hinges and longer-lasting batteries. Let’s look at what Samsung’s bought to the table with their 5<sup>th</sup> generation foldable range.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Internals<br /> </strong>The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display housed in a glass and aluminium frame. This is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a considerable step up in protection against the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4’s Gorilla Glass +. Regarding water and dust resistance, the Flip 5 has identical credentials to its predecessor: IPX8, which allows the device to be submerged for up to 1.5m for 20 minutes, which is incredible for a foldable device. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is equipped with a flagship-grade Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor powering a fast and snappy user experience. The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is identical to the previous generation, with two 12MP lenses and 4K recording capabilities. This is slightly anticlimactic as we anticipated a larger 32MP lens this year.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Many of the internal and design elements of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold are implemented on its younger sibling, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 – which is quite ironic considering younger siblings usually receive hand-me-downs. Puns aside, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 shares the same processor and ruggedness credentials. Where it does differ, however, is in its display. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a dual display – its primary smartphone display is 6.2 inches, and its secondary tab displays a 7.6 inch; both feature dynamic AMOLED technology. The second notable difference between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 is the Fold’s camera technology, which consists of a triple camera setup: A 50MP wide-angle lens, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Of course, it has the rest of the expected camera gimmicks – slow motion recording, panoramic, and 4K recording capabilities.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery<br /> </strong>Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 share the same battery this year as their previous generation counterparts. This consists of a 3700mAh battery for the Flip 5 and a 4400mAh battery for the Fold 5, both boasting 25W fast charging taking the device from 0-50% in a respectable half an hour. Whilst the figures for the 4<sup>th</sup> generation foldable range were pretty impressive, we cannot hide that we were looking forward to a little more out of this year. Perhaps a larger battery or faster charging.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Nevertheless, Samsungs 5<sup>th</sup> generation foldable range is still overall a vast improvement in power and speed, particularly with the Fold 5. Let us know your thoughts on the new range and whether you’d prefer a Fold or a Flip!</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:91https://c247.com/iphone-15-range-changes-to-expectiPhone 15 Range | Changes to expect<p><span style="color: #000000;">The iPhone 14 Pro was one of the most feature-packed device upgrades Apple has ever brought us. Showcasing an A16 Bionic chip, car crash detection and satellite messaging – Apple gave us a little more than we could chew last year at the unveiling of the 14 Pro, but who doesn’t like seconds? Needless to say, the bar for the iPhone 15 range has been set astronomically high, so will they manage to vault it this year?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Models</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> There’s a tonne to expect from this year’s iPhone 15 range, the first being the most notable change, the addition of an Ultra iPhone series. Since the Apple Watch Ultra was such a hit with smartwatch enthusiasts, Apple may well be topping the “Pro” version of the iPhone with a new “Ultra” model, which would sit at the top of the Apple ecosystem, stealing the crown from the long-reigning “Pro” series. Depending on how this pans out, it’s plausible that Apple may decide just to integrate Ultra models into more of their product lines. In terms of models, the iPhone 15 will likely have three, which is a step down from the four variants of the iPhone 14. So, in theory, we should be receiving a regular iPhone 15, an iPhone 15 Pro and a new iPhone 15 Ultra, which, by our inclination, will replace what would’ve been the iPhone 15 Pro Max.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Technology</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> Another big change will be that the iPhone 15 is set to be the first ever iPhone with USB-C charging in compliance with the new EU Regulations. Whilst we hate to see the lightning port go, we love to see it leave because USB-C technology will mean faster charging, faster file transfer speeds and the potential for thunderbolt integration. One core standout feature on the iPhone 14 Pro models was the dynamic island, which is the interactive hub centred around the camera and face-ID sensors. Whilst this was a Pro exclusive feature on last year’s range, the dynamic island is set to be featured across the range on the iPhone 15.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> Many other features, such as camera configurations, are set to stay the same this year. Of course, we’ll be receiving the new 3nm A17 Bionic chip, which is a given – on top of the introduction of IOS 17. Pro and Ultra exclusive features for this year may include a titanium chassis, and it would be brilliant to see the technology brought over from the smartwatches and into the iPhones. Another rumoured Pro and Ultra exclusive is the inclusion of solid state volume and power buttons. We’re all used to the traditional Apple depressible power and volume rockers; however, Apple is looking to replace these with the same technology we all loved in the iPhone 7’s haptic feedback home button. These buttons will have the same functionality and effect and would theoretically protect the device against water ingress, which then leads to our next assumption of these models receiving a higher IP rating.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Release Date</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> The iPhone 15 range will likely be announced in September, with a market release in October this year. However, according to 9to5Mac, the initial product announcement may, in fact, be postponed to October as a shortage of Sony chips has meant that Apple is up to four weeks behind schedule.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Whatever the future holds for Apple, if one thing’s for sure, it’s that we’re in for a rollercoaster of a ride with this new range. Let us know your thoughts on what you think Apple will bring this year and whether you agree with our hypothesis – and don’t forget to share the article!</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:89https://c247.com/nothing-phone-2-everything-you-need-to-knowNothing Phone 2 - Everything You Need To Know<p><span style="color: #000000;">It’s now been a year since the Nothing Phone 1 was released and it’s fair to say that their debut flagship was certainly a success.  Praised for its high-end OLED display and truly unique design elements, the Nothing Phone 1 sold over 500,000 units and while these numbers aren’t anything special compared to big contenders in the scene, Carl Pei revealed that the Nothing Phone 1 exceeded its forecasted sales target. And now, plans for the Nothing Phone 2 are even bigger than its predecessor – penetrating the flagship mobile sector, the Nothing Phone 2 is set to be their top range debut top end device.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Internals</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> The Nothing Phone 2 takes a huge step up from the previous generation. The Nothing Phone 2 features an LTPO OLED display which is a whole 200 nits brighter than its predecessor. This year we see a larger 6.7-inch display on the Nothing Phone 2 which in our opinion sits quite nicely against the new competition its up against with today’s flagships. Arguably, the real star of the show here is the brain of the new phone. The Nothing Phone 2 is strapped with a flagship grade Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor in its arsenal – bringing a faster and more responsive user experience. The camera on the Nothing Phone 2 is largely reminiscent of the last generation, with the added inclusion of optical image stabilisation and a 32MP selfie camera. It still retains its dual 50MP wide and ultrawide camera setup, of course with the expected software refinements.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> The Nothing Phone 2 boasts a design that's Nothing short of mesmerising. With clean lines, smooth edges, and a distinct absence of coloured body components, the device follows in the footsteps of its predecessor inheriting a vastly transparent design to showcase all of the components that make the device so special.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> In a world where daily charging has become the norm, the Nothing Phone 2 flips the script with its exceptional battery life. Thanks to an efficient combination of hardware and software optimisation, the 4700mAh battery lasted a respectable 103 hours during GSM arenas battery endurance tests. In conjunction to this, the 45W wired charging will take the Nothing Phone 2 from Nothing to a full charge in under an hour.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Features</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> With the Nothing Phone 2, the company has elevated its performance in the realm of Glyph lights. Nothing has revitalized the Glyph Interface on the rear surface, incorporating a total of 11 distinct LED strips. In addition to the visual enhancements, Nothing has introduced a range of novel functionalities for utilizing the onboard glyph LEDs. The Glyph interface has an abundance of cool uses including uber app integration where the Glyph works as a progress tracker for your upcoming ride.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Its safe to say that the Nothing Phone 2 is Nothing short of technological excellence. We can’t wait to get our hands on one – let us know your thoughts in the discussion section below!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:88https://c247.com/the-sony-xperia-v-range-is-here-come-and-take-a-lookThe Sony Xperia V Range is here - Come and take a look<p><span style="color: #000000;">Get ready to delve into the world of Sony's latest Xperia range, where cutting-edge visuals and camera technology come together to create a smartphone experience that's sure to impress. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the features and enhancements of Sony's flagship Sony Xperia 1 V and mid-range Sony Xperia 10 V.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Starting with the Sony Xperia 1 V, this high-end smartphone boasts a 6.5-inch 4K OLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. With its quad-camera system, featuring a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, a 12MP telephoto sensor, and a 12MP periscope telephoto sensor, the Xperia 1 V promises to deliver impressive photography capabilities. Notably, the phone's main sensor has a new 2-Layer Transistor Pixel design for improved low-light performance. Additionally, the periscope telephoto sensor offers continuous optical zoom, a first for smartphones. Other features include a 5000mAh battery, 5G connectivity, and pre-installed apps from Sony, such as the Cinema Pro app for shooting professional-grade videos.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Moving on to the Sony Xperia 10 V, this mid-range smartphone offers a 6.1-inch OLED display, a Snapdragon 695 5G processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The Xperia 10 V's standout feature is its large 5000mAh battery, ensuring a full day of usage on a single charge. The phone also supports fast charging for added convenience. In terms of camera capabilities, the Xperia 10 V sports a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto sensor, allowing users to capture great photos in various scenarios.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">With Sony's Xperia range, you can expect a blend of innovation, performance, and style. These smartphones offer impressive features and camera capabilities, making them an appealing choice for photography enthusiasts. Whether you opt for the flagship Xperia 1 V or the mid-range Xperia 10 V, you'll enjoy a balance of performance, features, and battery life.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">If you're looking for a smartphone that combines innovation, elegance, and performance, the new Sony Xperia range should definitely be on your radar. Share your thoughts on the Sony Xperia V range in the discussion section below, and be sure to explore the full Sony range for even more exciting options.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:87https://c247.com/is-the-cat-s75-really-the-worlds-most-rugged-smartphoneIs the CAT S75 really the world's most rugged smartphone?<p><span style="color: #000000;">What does it mean for a smartphone to be truly rugged? The CAT S75 not only meets but exceeds the highest military grade standards, boasting pocket-friendly dimensions and Bullit's brand-new satellite messaging connectivity. This is a phone that redefines the concept of ruggedness.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design<br /> </strong>The CAT S75 has a rugged design that is made to withstand the elements. It’s constructed using a perfect combination of durable plastic and aluminium housed inside a metal frame. In addition, the CAT S75 features corning gorilla glass on the front of its display, and it has a rubberised coating that helps to protect it from scratches and dents. The CAT S75 is also water-resistant, up to 1.8 metres for 30 minutes, and is dust-proof. What’s more, the device is IP68, IP69K, and MIL-SPEC 810H certified, which means it is dustproof, waterproof, and can withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. Hands-on, the CAT S75 holds a nice weighted feel. The 6.6-inch display is fairly easy to navigate single-handedly; however, users which slightly smaller hands may struggle. The rubberised coating on the rear gives the device a unique character in tandem with the textured button side-mounted programmable button that provides a satisfying tactile click in use.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Camera &amp; Specs<br /> </strong>A MediaTek Dimensity 930 processor powers the CAT S75 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The phone has a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, which provides a crystal-clear picture with a 120Hz refresh rate for seamless navigation between apps. Additionally, the CAT S75 has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor – more than adequate for whatever photography requirements the handset may need. The CAT S75's camera system is capable of taking great photos in a variety of conditions. The primary sensor can capture sharp details, and the ultrawide sensor is perfect for taking landscape shots. The macro sensor is also helpful for taking close-up photos of small objects. The CAT S75 comes with a respectable 5,000mAh battery, providing an extremely long-lasting battery life. At face value, a 5000mAh battery may not seem so impressive compared to many flagships on the market, but when you take into consideration that one single charge will last a user two days (including satellite messaging) and you quickly start to realise why this has been named by many as the best-rugged smartphone ever. Even better yet, the CAT S75 can last around 6-7 days on standby which is outstanding to see out of an Android device. The only caveat is the 2.5-hour charging time, but considering what gets returned from a mere two and a half hours of charging, I’d say patience is a virtue.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Satellite Messaging<br /> </strong>One of the most prominent features of the CAT S75 is its satellite connection, which allows you to stay connected even in the most remote places. The CAT S75 is the first phone in its class to offer satellite messaging. While the iPhone 14 series brought satellite messaging to the mass market, it's primarily restricted to SOS functions. But with CAT's Bullit satellite messaging, the CAT S75 steps ahead, enabling accurate two-way text messaging in and out of network coverage or even satellite-to-satellite messaging when both users are out of range. While at first glance, both technologies may appear identical, a closer look reveals that the CAT S75 offers significantly more.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Conclusion<br /> </strong>The CAT S75 is a powerhouse of a rugged smartphone designed to thrive in the harshest environments. With its robust specs, impressive battery life, and pioneering satellite messaging feature, it's the perfect partner for those whose lifestyles demand more from their tech. Do you think the CAT S75 could stand up to your daily grind? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to share this post with fellow tech enthusiasts</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:86https://c247.com/c247s-upcoming-audio-for-2023C247'S UPCOMING AUDIO FOR 2023<p><span style="color: #000000;">The world of audio is such a vast place that finding a handful of things to look forward to this year was a strenuous task. Not so much finding the products to feature in today’s blog but rather cutting our list down to four picks considering there was so much we’re anticipating this year. Of course, audio is a broad category, so we’ve made sure to include a mix of wireless earphones, over-ear headphones and speakers, so you’ve got a sense of what’s to come across the whole board – let’s dive in.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Nothing Ear 2</strong><strong> <br /></strong>OnePlus founder, Carl Pei, founded Nothing back in 2021 and announced his new start-up alongside the launch of his debut product – the Nothing Ear 1. The Nothing Ear 1’s were a breath of fresh air in the audio tech scene, showcasing a unique transparent design that accentuates the underlying basis of their whole brand, minimalism that amounts to Nothing. Nothing since followed up the Nothing Ear 1’s with a handset, Nothing Phone 1, and their second pair of earbuds, which were a budget alternative to their original Ear 1’s, so it’s about time Nothing pulled a sequel to their debut Ear 1’s out of the bag. In terms of the design and specs of the Nothing Ear 2, we’re anticipating a familiar design that retains the same DNA as the Nothing Ear 1’s with some quality-of-life upgrades. These may consist of shorter stems and a slight change to the tips, but besides this, they’re likely to share a near-identical look. The main differences will lie in the internals, and while the Nothing Ear 1’s came with 11.6mm drivers, Active Noise Cancellation and wireless charging – the second generation is likely to upgrade to larger 12.6mm drivers for bigger, deeper audio alongside some software updates for the Nothing app to offer more customisability to edit your listening experience as you see fit.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>JBL Flip 7<br /></strong>If you want a rugged and robust speaker which is easily portable and features smartphone charging, then there’s really no need to look any further than the JBL Flip 6… well in 2022, there wasn’t, but we’re in 2023 now – onto bigger and better things! The JBL Flip 6 was a superb speaker, and whilst it didn’t leave much room for upgrade, there were key features on the Flip 6 that some felt were missing, and this year, the JBL Flip 7 is set to build on this to bring us the portable speaker we’re all waiting for. Key features we can expect to see on the JBL Flip 7 include slightly larger drivers for improved sound quality both in tone, clarity and bass. In tandem with this, we can also anticipate the integration of the latest iteration of Bluetooth 5.2 (for a more stable connection) and faster smartphone charging than its predecessor. Physical aspects of the JBL Flip 6 will remain the same, although there may be the addition of some fun new colours, so that’ll certainly spice up the JBL range in 2023 alongside other speaker releases.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>AirPods Max 2</strong><strong> <br /></strong>The Apple AirPods Max are among the best-sounding headphones money can buy; however, their high price, limitations for <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> users, and lack of a 3.5mm audio port means they can only really be recommended to <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!#-!65&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">iOS</a> users with a lot of money to spare—and no interest in Hi-Res Audio. Now while the absence of Hi-Res audio is by far not a deal breaker on this impressive headset, the prior caveats are, which is what we anticipate the AirPods Max 2 to fulfil – for the most part. We’re aware that asking Apple for a 3.5mm headphone jack may be as ambiguous as a 10-year-old child asking for an <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro Max</a> at Christmas – but miracles do happen, and if <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> is to take on board the consumer feedback off their first pair, then we may be in with a treat on the second generation. In tandem with wire support, a feature that we feel may be brought to the second-generation AirPods Max is <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> support. Now those of you who remember the first AirPods know that this used to be a limiting condition on those as well; however this was since removed on the 2<sup>nd</sup> Gen AirPods as <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> realised the true potential of their earphones if they decided to make it more widely supported. If they follow in their own steps- we should see <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> support on the AirPods Max 2 this year. In terms of design changes on the second-generation AirPods Max, there’s a possibility Hi-res audio could be integrated alongside a quicker charge-up time and longer-lasting battery to allow people to get the most out of their listening experience. This will certainly be made possible if <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> decides to opt for a USB-C port on the AirPods Max 2. It’s been a whole two years since the first generation AirPods Max was released, and our inclination is for <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> to reveal this slightly later than their <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone</a> release this year with a November 2023 unveil alongside their new Mac range.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>AirPods Pro 3<br /> </strong>The AirPods Pro 2 were released alongside the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2014&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 14 range</a> last year and brought forward some rather welcomed upgrades to the range, which were all powered by their new H2 chip. This year we’re expecting <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> to up-the-anti with the AirPods Pro 3 with the right feature upgrades -we’re here for it! The first upgrade we’re expecting from the AirPods Pro 3 is the introduction of an Apple H3 chip supporting Bluetooth 5.2. This, as a whole, will be able to power larger drivers, accommodate more AI features and provide more power efficiency, thus allowing longer Spotify binge sessions on that one playlist you play when you’re in your feelings – we’ve all been there. In terms of what exactly we can expect – the AirPods Pro 2 boast a moderate 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancelling enabled. It’d be brilliant to see this boosted to last a full day at 9 hours, as this will certainly set <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> ahead of the curve - depending on what Nothing decides to equip their Ear 2’s with. Design-wise we can’t expect too much change from the Apple AirPods 2; if anything, we’re anticipating an identical design with the quality-of-life upgrades detailed above. As the AirPods Pro 2’s was released alongside the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2014&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 14 range</a> last year, it only makes sense for the third generation to be brought out alongside the iPhone 15 range, which we’ve estimated to be in and around late September or October.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">We’re excited to see what the world of audio will bring us in 2023, and quite frankly, I’ve mentally pre-ordered two things out of this list for when they arrive, so writing this was a blast. Let us know what other audio tech you’re looking forward to seeing this year in the discussion box below.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:85https://c247.com/c247s-upcoming-mobiles-for-2023C247'S UPCOMING Mobiles FOR 2023<p><span style="color: #000000;">For the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">smartphone</a> industry, 2022 was an impressive year for the folds, the flips and, of course, the flats. No matter what form factor or shape, those rectangles in our pockets play a huge part in our day-to-day lives, so having one with standout features is a must if you want to enjoy the very thing that takes up all your free time in the evenings. We know that waiting for a new <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">smartphone</a> can be painstakingly daunting – especially if you don’t know what it’s going to bring. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some of our best picks for the upcoming <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">mobiles</a> of 2023.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>iPhone 15 Ultra<br /> </strong>The <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> was one of the most feature-packed device upgrades <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> has ever brought us. Showcasing an A16 Bionic chip, car crash detection and satellite messaging – <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> gave us a little more than we could chew last year at the unveiling of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">14 Pro</a>, but who doesn’t like seconds? Needless to say, the bar for the iPhone 15 range has been set astronomically high, so will they manage to vault it this year? There’s a tonne to expect from this year’s iPhone 15 range, the first being the most notable change, the addition of an Ultra <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone</a> series. Since the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a> Ultra was such a hit with <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> enthusiasts, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> may well be topping the “Pro” version of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone</a> with a new “Ultra” model, which would sit at the top of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> ecosystem stealing the crown off of the long-reigning “Pro” series. Depending on how this pans out, it’s plausible that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> may decide just to integrate Ultra models into more of their product lines. In terms of models, the iPhone 15 will likely have three models, which is a step down from the four variants of the iPhone 14. Of course, we’ll be receiving a regular iPhone 15, an iPhone 15 Pro and a new iPhone 15 Ultra, which, by our inclination, will replace what would’ve been the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Another big change will be that the iPhone 15 is set to be the first-ever iPhone with USB-C charging in compliance with the new EU Regulations. Whilst we hate to see the lightning port go, we love to see it leave because USB-C technology will mean faster charging, faster file transfer speeds and the potential for thunderbolt integration. One core standout feature on the iPhone 14 Pro models was the dynamic island which is the interactive hub centred around the camera and face-ID sensors. Whilst this was a Pro exclusive feature on last year’s range, the dynamic island is set to be featured across the range on the iPhone 15. Many other features, such as camera configurations, are set to stay the same this year. Of course, we’ll be receiving the new 3nm A17 Bionic chip, which is a given – on top of the introduction of IOS 17. Pro and Ultra exclusive features for this year may include a titanium chassis which would be brilliant to see the technology brought over from the smartwatches and into the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhones</a>. Another rumoured Pro and Ultra exclusive are solid state volume and power buttons. We’re all used to the traditional <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> depressible power and volume rockers; however, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> is looking to replace these with the same technology we all loved in the iPhone 7’s haptic feedback home button. These buttons will have the same functionality and effect and would theoretically protect the device against water ingress, which then leads to our next assumption of these models receiving a higher IP rating. The iPhone 15 range will likely be announced in September with a market release of either September or early October this year.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra<br /> </strong>The release of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is right around the corner now, and whilst there’s a matter of weeks left, we still don’t have any concrete specifications, although we have a pretty solid idea of what is going to be unveiled as we’ve detailed in a couple of blogs but here’s a recap for those of you who may not have read it. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is going to be the first galaxy smartphone to feature a <a href="https://www.c247.com/c247s-view-on-the-best-handsets-with-the-best-cameras-do-you-agree" target="_blank">200MP camera</a> which is a huge step up from the S22’s 108MP sensor – almost double the size! Many aspects of the S23 Ultra will remain the same, including the note/galaxy hybrid design, dimensions, battery and glass protection. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will come with Android 13 out of the box, which is as expected, but one key change will be the chipset inside the device. <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-2" target="_blank">Samsung</a> has, in previous years, used their very own Exynos chip, which was in-house manufactured; however, going forward, <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-2" target="_blank">Samsung</a> is opting to stick with Qualcomm Snapdragon from now onwards. A lot of explanations behind this potential decision are all pointing toward Exynos being too slow to meet the expectations <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-2" target="_blank">Samsung</a> has for their big tech. This is why the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will be using the 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip alongside faster graphics for the most responsive <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-2" target="_blank">Samsung</a> experience possible. One aspect where Samsung seems to lag behind the competition is its fast charging. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> featured 45W fast charging support, which took the device from 0-50% in a respectable 25 minutes. Many <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-2" target="_blank">Samsung</a> fans were disappointed by the lack of effect the 45W fast charging had over the standard 25W fast charger, which led many to ask when <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-2" target="_blank">Samsung</a> would give us sub-20 minute 0-50% charging times. Meanwhile, the OnePlus ecosystem has seen years of ultra-fast charging, with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10t-5g-dual-sim-cph2415-moonstone-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10T</a> charging from 0-100% in a mere 21 minutes. If <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-2" target="_blank">Samsung</a> manages to resolve these grey areas, then the S23 Ultra may well have the potential to be <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> of the year.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Google Pixel Fold<br /></strong><a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=google%20pixel&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Google</a> is yet to take a stand on the foldable smartphone market which is pretty ironic. Jokes aside, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=google%20pixel&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Google</a> has been working on a new foldable smartphone device which will be set to go head-to-head with well-established foldable players in the tech scene, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, which at this current time would be its main competition; however other big names are starting to creep their way into the foldable market such as <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oppo&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Oppo’s</a> Find N2. Mainstream adoption of foldable smartphone devices is still a while away but can what <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=google%20pixel&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Google</a> have in store change this dynamic? Well, let’s start with its design – the Google Pixel Fold is yet to be officially revealed; however, several leaks have pointed towards a similar design to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 whilst still expressing its Pixel DNA. All renders reveal the Pixel Fold to share the same protruding camera bar as on the <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6</a> and 7 range with three cameras which points towards the Google Pixel Fold featuring the same camera setup as the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Sharing features from the Google Pixel 7 Pro seems to be a recurring theme on the Google Pixel Fold, with sources reporting it to use the same 120Hz LTPO display – however, as this is a foldable device,  it’s expected to be 7.6 inches. In terms of what we can expect for performance, the Google Pixel Fold is likely to house the Google Tensor G3 Processor, which is the successor to the current G2 that powers the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Whilst we’re bullish towards the Google Pixel Fold being brought to the market this year, we reckon it will either have it’s own release in May this year or be released alongside the Google Pixel 8 range in Q4 of 2023.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Xiaomi 13 Pro<br /> </strong>The Xiaomi 12 Pro reminded us a little of our blog page. Superb craftsmanship and quality – but never got the true recognition it deserved because it’s Xiaomi. Metaphors aside, the Xiaomi 12 Pro was, in our opinion, in the top three best flagships of 2022 despite the fact it was a late 2021 handset. The device had an abundance of standout features, such as its triple 50MP camera setup, ultra-fast charging and even 1920fps slow-mo for the real camera geeks out there. Rumoured to be unveiled this year, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is set to build on its predecessor to hopefully penetrate the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">smartphone</a> market with a flagship we simply can’t turn down. Key features we can expect to see on the Xiaomi 13 Pro are a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a 108MP wide-angle lens alongside Android 13 and Gorilla Glass Victus+. For the most part, the rest of the aspects of the Xiaomi 13 Pro will be taken from its older sibling. So, will Xiaomi dominate the <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> scene with its Xiaomi 13 Pro?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Needless to say, it’s certainly going to be an exciting year for the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">smartphone</a> scene, and we, for one, can’t wait to see what surprises are in store going forward. Judging by our track record, we’re probably pretty accurate around our predictions but if you have any other thoughts – or you’d just like to let us know what you thought then drop a comment in the discussion box below.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:84https://c247.com/c247s-upcoming-wearables-for-2023C247's Upcoming Wearables for 2023<p><span style="color: #000000;">In the last few years, <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatches</a> have seen a huge tonne of feature add-ons that have become an integral part of our day-to-day <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> use. From blood oxygen monitoring to sleep tracking – the days of time-telling watches are long gone. Last year was a particularly innovative year for the smartwatch industry, with releases such as the Apple Watch Ultra bringing titanium manufacturing and car crash detection into the world of smartwatches. Considering this is what 2022 managed to bring to the smartwatch scene, the bar is set exceptionally high for this year – particularly for non-<a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> manufacturers. Here are our picks on the upcoming <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">wearables</a> to look out for in 2023.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Apple Watch Ultra 2<br /> </strong>The Apple Watch Ultra is by far the most significant upgrade in the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a> line-up to date.  This device forever changed the scope of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a> ecosystem, and <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> is certainly prepping for a second generation of this exceptional hit. It’s likely that we can expect to see an announcement for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 sometime in September, with a market release shortly succeeding in October. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will undoubtedly feature a near-identical design to its predecessor, with a full titanium case, a sapphire screen to protect it from scratches and scuffs and a digital Crown wheel with more pronounced grooves. What we are hoping to see on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is two size variants rather than the singular 49mm option. Whilst it was pleasing to see a larger-sized <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a> than we’re generally used to, 49mm isn’t for everyone, and <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> knows this. Of course, with a new product line, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> was more inclined to create one size just in case it didn’t take off – but it did, so our inclination is that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> will create a 49mm and a 44 or 45mm variant for those of us with slightly smaller wrists. In addition to multiple size variants, we’re also bullish for micro-LED technology to be adopted by both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 9 range to replace the current Retina OLED screen technology.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Google Pixel Watch 2<br /> </strong>The first Google Pixel Watch last year was a solid start from <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=google%20pixel&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Google</a>, but there’s more room for improvement. <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> fans did have a lot to like about the Google Pixel Watch when it landed: its minimalistic design, the unique OS and even Fitbit integration. However, the downer is that’s about all that’s good about the Google Pixel Watch. Yes, of course, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=google%20pixel&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Google’s</a> first <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> was never going to be perfect – but from a company that has produced the Google Pixel 7 Pro, we’d expect a better first attempt. Fortunately, there are plenty of areas the Google Pixel Watch 2 can pick up on to fill its predecessor’s potential. The first thing we can expect on the Google Pixel Watch 2 is a larger battery. The battery life on the Google Pixel Watch was nothing short of inadequate. Many users struggled to get through a day, particularly when using exercise tracking and the always-on display. We anticipate a 400mAh battery, at the very least, from the Google Pixel Watch 2 in conjunction with some vastly improved power efficiency software integration. Like <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=google%20pixel&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Google</a> debuted the Google Pixel Watch with one size option of 41mm. This year it’s likely we’ll see a Google Pixel Watch 2 with a 41mm and possible 45mm variant, as the smaller option did look a little lost on larger wrists. The final change we anticipate for the Google Pixel Watch 2 is smaller bezels as, needless to say – we’re not in 2017 anymore – bezels are certainly an old trend. If the Google Pixel Watch 2 follows suit with its predecessor’s launch, it’s likely we can expect to see its release in October this year.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Fitbit Charge 6<br /> </strong>The latest addition to the Fitbit Charge series was back in 2021, so it’s safe to say that now that we’re in 2023, a new Fitbit Charge 6 is certainly due. The Fitbit Charge 6 will breathe a sense of familiarity amongst current Fitbit owners as the design of the Charge 6 is expected to be nearly identical to its predecessor – a slim, narrow-screened smartwatch in a compact form factor. In terms of display, we can expect the return of Fitbits AMOLED technology as well as smaller bezels with a curved wrap-around glass cover. Extra features we’d like to see on the Fitbit Charge 6 are primarily the return of the altimeter. This was a Fitbit Charge 4 feature which was left out of the Charge 5 and allowed users to keep track of their elevation changes during the day in tandem with floors climbed. This was a great feature for many, so the return of this Fitbit exclusive would certainly put a smile back on the faces of Fitbit fans. Apart from a slight improvement in battery life and slightly easier music controls, there’s not too much more we can ask from the Fitbit Charge 6 other than a Q1 release date, but we can’t have it all now, can we? Realistically we can expect a release date around August 2023 if it follows suit from the Charge 5’s release.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">As we’ve already mentioned, 2022 set the bar extremely high for <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> innovation so let’s see if the big players in the <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> scene can bring us what we want this year. Beyond our take on what we can expect, it’ll be exciting to see what surprises we may have in store for us in 2023. Let us know your thoughts on our predictions in the discussion section below, and of course, stay tuned for our upcoming <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphones</a> blog next week!</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:83https://c247.com/c247s-upcoming-tech-for-2023C247's Upcoming Tech for 2023<p><span style="color: #000000;">It’s officially 2023! 2022 was an innovative year that saw many advancements in the world of tech. From VR and augmented reality to smartphone advancements, there was a whole heap of developments – and that’s not to mention Dyson’s air purifier headphone contraption they unveiled in December. Needless to say, 2023 is set to be a huge year for the world of technology, and if one thing is certain, it’s that AI is going to leverage its potential more than it’s ever done before – the future is looking bright. Today we’re going to kick off 2023 with our picks on the upcoming tech to look out for this year.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Upcoming Smartphone – Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra<br /></strong>With so many anticipated flagships set to drop in 2023, choosing this was far from easy, and while many came close, we picked the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to feature in today's blog. It's been almost a whole year since the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra was released, and we're more than confident that its successor will be brought to us in Q1 of this year. The Samsung Galaxy S22 brought about an abundance of welcomed alterations from its Galaxy S21 predecessor, including a brand new 4nm Qualcomm processor and a refined armour aluminium frame. It’s safe to say that it will have some pretty big shoes to fill when it arrives – and from what we know about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra so far – those shoes may not be big enough! Big features to look forward to on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra include 8K recording, a battery capacity higher than 5000mAh and last but certainly not least, the reported 200mp camera.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Upcoming Tablet – OnePlus Tab<br /></strong>The last year 2022, was a tremendous year for OnePlus. We got a OnePlus 10 Pro flagship, a OnePlus 10T (the first OnePlus device to feature 150W fast charging) and a heap of other smart tech to add to OnePlus’ inventory, not to mention that they even dabbled into the gaming monitor and peripheral market. Now, whilst all that was brilliant, one thing we didn't see was a OnePlus tablet. Quite a simple thing to overlook when you're building a wide technology range; nevertheless, whilst nothing is set in stone, we do have a lot of tech leaks all pointing towards a OnePlus tablet with a 12.4" OLED display and a Snapdragon 865 and 6GB RAM. Assuming OnePlus would release a tablet range rather than a singular device, a well-manufactured product line from OnePlus will be good enough to stack up against Samsung’s tablet range – given that the flagship makes the cut.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Upcoming Smartwatch – Apple Watch Series 9<br /></strong>Apple will likely hold two events this year: their first event in Q1 of this year, usually around March, and a second event around September for their iPhone release. Whilst there is a possibility of a March Apple event occurring, chances are we wouldn’t see any sign of the Apple Watch Series 9 until Apple’s summer event considering it was released at that time last year. In terms of what we can expect from the Apple Watch Series 9, the Series 8 showcased Apples Watch OS 9.0, so we’re definitely bullish about the Apple Watch Series 9 being released with Apple Watch OS 10. This may adopt a refreshed UI design over the prior Apple Watch OS versions we’re all used to. On top of this, last year’s Series 8 showcased Apple’s new car crash detection and emergency SOS functionality, so we’re expecting this to continue into the next generation. Alongside the common premium features featured on Apple Watches, e.g. blood oxygen, sleep, and heart rate monitoring, we can confidently expect a larger, more efficient battery on the Apple Watch Series 9. The design won’t differ too much from previous generations of the Apple Watch Series 9, with most sources pointing towards a more pronounced curve on display with the potential of it adopting Apple’s Mini LED display technology, which we’ve seen being rolled out on MacBook’s and the iPad Pro but not yet any watches. One feature we’re particularly optimistic about is the adoption of 5G on an Apple Watch. While Apple watches have been able to house SIM cards since the Series 4, none of them has been able to support 5G. Could this be the first?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Upcoming Audio – Nothing Ear 2<br /></strong>There’s no official release date on the Nothing Ear 2, and with that, no leaks or information pointing any clues towards specifications. However, our inclination is with Nothing releasing two sets of wireless earbuds last year: The Nothing Ear 1's in July and Nothing Ear Stick in October, it's more than likely that they will bring forward at least one more set of wireless earphones in 2023. We have to consider the fact that Nothing is still a young company; however, their products so far have shown us that they have no time for boundaries. When you consider this, as well as the fact that Nothing released their first two pairs of wireless earphones in the space of 6 months, we can't see any reason why they won't bring us the successor to their Nothing Ear 1's this year. Many of the design traits of the Nothing Ear 2 are likely to derive from the Nothing Ear 1's, such as the transparent body and short squared-off stems. The internals of the Nothing Ear 1'S will undoubtedly have an upgrade with larger drivers for beefier audio and a more well-rounded experience. Our best bet is that we can expect to see more around the anniversary of the Nothing Ear 1 in July 2023, so keep your eyes peeled!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong>There’s so much to look forward to this year just from this list alone, and this is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s to come. If you want to stay updated on more tech to look out for in 2023, stay tuned for our next article and any suggestions you have for blogs, be sure to let us know in the discussion box below. Happy New Year!</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:82https://c247.com/c247s-best-stocking-fillers-under-100-2C247's BEST STOCKING FILLERS UNDER £150<p><span style="color: #000000;">Our advent calendars are now almost empty, but so are some people’s Christmas Stockings! This week is the final stocking filler blog out of the trilogy, so whether you’ve been waiting patiently to see our best picks under £150 or you’re just a last-minute Christmas shopper like myself, then stay tuned to see our best stocking fillers under £150. Of course, if you want some lower priced options we also have picks for stocking fillers both under £100 and under £50, so besides all else – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Fitbit Versa 3</strong> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> When it comes to affordable smartwatches with plenty of fitness options, it doesn't get much better than the Fitbit Versa 3. The Fitbit Versa 3 underwent a considerable redesign over its predecessor, the Fitbit Versa 2, such as the removal of physical buttons in place for indented sensors as Fitbit attempts to deliver an easier-to-use smartwatch. The Fitbit Versa 3 features a 40mm AMOLED display, which is impressive for a smartwatch at this price point. The user experience itself on the Fitbit Versa 3 is fast and snappy, with most of the only noted frustrations with the watch being the removal of the physical buttons and Fitbit's notorious paywall, which restricts users from accessing certain health features without a subscription. In better news, many retailers of the Fitbit Versa 3 offer free subscriptions alongside the watch as a bundle. The Fitbit Versa 3 is bound to make someone’s day this Christmas.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite</strong> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-tab-a7-lite-87-wi-fi-sm-t220-gray-32gb-3gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite</span></a> is a lightweight, downsized version of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-a7-104-2020-lte-sm-t505-dark-gray-32gb" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy Tab A7</span></a> and offers a simple 8.7-inch design with medium black bezels. The display features a high-definition LCD panel which is fine for media consumption, alongside a full HD camera to capture both photos and video at 30fps. <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-tab-a7-lite-87-wi-fi-sm-t220-gray-32gb-3gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite</span></a> does come with 4GB of RAM alongside either 32 or 64GB of storage, which is minimal in today's world of tech; however, thanks to the MicroSD expansion slot on the side of the device, its onboard storage can be expanded to a whole 1TB. All in all, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-tab-a7-lite-87-wi-fi-sm-t220-gray-32gb-3gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite</span></a> offers everything you could ask for from a budget tablet and more, making it a perfect stocking filler this Christmas.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sony LinkBuds WF-L900</strong> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">With the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=Sony%20LinkBuds%20WF-L900&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Sony LinkBuds</span></a>, you’re always connected with your everyday life. The truly unique design ethic of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=Sony%20LinkBuds%20WF-L900&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Sony LinkBuds WF-L900</span></a> allows its users to comfortably wear them whilst still being able to hear sounds around them transparently, feeling nothing on the ear. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=Sony%20LinkBuds%20WF-L900&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Sony LinkBuds WF-L900</span></a> are manufactured using a newly developed ring-type driver unit which is what makes the audio transparency possible. Whilst the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=Sony%20LinkBuds%20WF-L900&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Sony LinkBuds WF-L900s</span></a> does have transparency at the forefront of their design, they’re no slouch when it’s time to turn up the heat. The 12mm driver offers rich, well-balanced audio to keep you in tune with music no matter where you are. No matter who it’s for, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=Sony%20LinkBuds%20WF-L900&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Sony LinkBuds WF-L900</span></a> is a solid stocking filler to chuck in this year.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Ring Doorbell 3</strong><strong> <br /></strong>The Ring Doorbell 3 is the perfect home security device to pack into your stocking this year, and regardless of what the name suggests, it offers far more functionality than just being a doorbell. The Ring doorbell 3 gives users the ability to monitor, hear and speak to any visitors on their property from any location worldwide through the use of dual-band 5GHz WIFI connectivity. The Ring Doorbell 3 streams its video from a 1080p two-way talk camera which also features an advanced motion detector to notify users of motion activity on their property for up to 15ft. Couple this with night vision capability and Amazon Alexa compatibility, and you’ve got the ultimate parent gift.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Belkin 3 in 1 Magsafe Charger</strong><strong> <br /></strong>Belkin’s 3-in-1 Magsafe Charger is a convenient solution to delivering fast charging speeds to all your Apple devices at once – whether that be your AirPods, Apple Watch or iPhone. The Belkin 3-in-1 Magsafe Charger offers the fastest possible wireless charging speed of 15W, which is perfect for not only charging your phone overnight, for instance, but also for those quick power boosts while getting ready in the morning or between meetings. With the Belkin 3-in-1 Magsafe Charger </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">You can charge all your Apple gear at once with a large Magsafe stand for iPhone, a smaller magnetic charging module for Apple Watch and a pad to wirelessly charge AirPods. As far as chargers go, this is the only charger anyone should have in their life, and I’m certainly adding it to my stocking filler list alongside a couple of other picks from our other blogs.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Well, on that note, this marks an end to not only our stocking filler trilogy but also C247’s blogs for 2022 and what a year it’s been. We’ve covered a whole range of topics from best picks, product reviews, tech leaks and much more. Next year will bring a lot of new and exciting topics; however, we want to hear more of what you’d like to see, so be sure to let us know!</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:81https://c247.com/c247s-best-stocking-fillers-under-100C247's BEST STOCKING FILLERS UNDER £100<p><span style="color: #000000;">The Holidays are underway and advent calendars are now the highlights of our mornings… or evenings, no judgement here on what time you open your calendars. Although if we’re being brutally honest opening your advent calendar in the evening is like putting milk before cereal, but that’s a topic for another conversation. This week, C247 has racked up some of our best picks for stocking fillers under £100, to save you the hard work and give you more time to set up the Christmas tree and dig out the tinsel from the deep untouched crevices of the basement. And with that, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Nothing EAR 1</strong><strong> <br /></strong>The design of the Nothing Ear 1's is nothing short of impressive! They've used a completely unique approach by housing their earbuds inside a transparent case that accentuates the underlying basis of their whole brand, minimalism that amounts to Nothing. Now that's intelligent design and not something that is easy to pull off either. The design of the Nothing Ear 1's is similar to the AirPods Pros featuring coloured dots to help differentiate from left and right, squared-off stems for an easier grip, as well as allowing for a larger mic and a robust casing. With superb audio quality and a lightweight design ethic, the Nothing Ear 1’s are a stocking filler that are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Fitbit Inspire 3</strong><strong> <br /></strong>When it comes to affordable smartwatches with plenty of fitness options, things don’t get much better than the Fitbit Inspire 3. Whilst only hitting the market just a couple months ago, the Fitbit Inspire 3 has caused quite the commotion in the affordable smartwatch segment, partly due to the plethora of customisable straps available to purchase alongside the device ranging from leather, paw print, aluminium chain – the sky’s the limit! It’s safe to say the Fitbit Inspire 3 has a strap to suit every personality. In terms of actual smartwatch functionality, the Fitbit Inspire 3</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Amazon Echo Dot (5</strong><strong><sup>th</sup></strong><strong> Gen)</strong><strong> <br /></strong>The Amazon Echo Dot is easily the best compact smart speaker up for grabs today and after four previous generations of AI innovation, it’s clear to see Amazon have hit the nail on its head with the 5<sup>th</sup> Gen Echo Dot. The Amazon Echo Dot doubles down as both a smart home assistant for telling you the best way to make a Crème Brule as well as a speaker for those unplanned Saturday night gatherings that somehow manage to turn into a small house party. No matter the occasion the Amazon Echo Dot turns up, and this year’s 5<sup>th</sup> Gen packs a larger 1.73in speaker as well as a new temperature sensor which sole purpose is to give the Echo dot automation on regulating smart heating devices. Switching to a smart home is certainly the way forward and what better way than to kickstart your journey towards a smart home than adding an Amazon Echo Dot to your Christmas stocking this year!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sony WH-C710N</strong><strong> <br /></strong>The WH-CH710N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones offer powerful, distraction-free listening wherever you are. With Noise Cancelling via Dual Noise Sensor Technology, as well as Ambient Sound mode, you can take control of what you hear—and with 35 hours of wireless playback, you can listen to music all day long. The Sony WH-CH710N’s are an ideal alternative to its older siblings, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and XM5’s, with the only real trade-off’s being the mostly plastic build quality to of course reduce cost as well as Hi-Res audio support and the same quality noise cancellation. At just over 220g, the Sony WH-C710N’s are surprisingly light which makes them perfect for on the go usage whether that be travelling, at work or just to take on your Monday morning jog. Needless to say, the Sony WH-710N’s are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face this Christmas so certainly worth the pick.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Alcatel 1 (2021)</strong><strong> <br /></strong>If you’re looking for a smartphone this year under £100, you may want to take a look at the <a href="https://www.c247.com/alcatel-1-2021-5033xr-volcano-black-16gb-1gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Alcatel 1</span></a>, an all-in-one device offering everything you need: a sizable screen in a compact and lightweight device, distinctive design and a camera with comprehensive social media sharing features. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/alcatel-1-2021-5033xr-volcano-black-16gb-1gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Alcatel 1</span></a> features a compact 5” display and surprisingly micro USB charging which whilst may not be for everyone, still serves its purpose. The HD screen is perfect for media consumption from watching your favourite YouTube content to some Angry Birds binge sessions. One things we do love about the <a href="https://www.c247.com/alcatel-1-2021-5033xr-volcano-black-16gb-1gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Alcatel 1</span></a> is its removable battery which does indeed make it a phone for the ages. It’s certainly not for most, but for those who appreciate the little things in life and aren’t fussed about the extra gimmick’s smartphones have evolved out in the last decade – this will make a pleasant stocking filler.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Once again, we hope our selection of festive stocking fillers will bring a smile to a loved one’s face this Christmas or even your own! Let us know if you’ll be using any of our picks for your own stocking fillers in the discussion section below – Merry Christmas.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:80https://c247.com/c247s-best-stocking-fillers-under-50C247's BEST STOCKING FILLERS UNDER £50<p><span style="color: #000000;">The Holiday’s are well and truly here. This year, C247 has racked up some of our best picks for stocking fillers, so you don’t have to search around. And with that, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Apple AirTag</strong><strong> <br /></strong>The Apple AirTag was first introduced back in April of 2021 at <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> “Spring Loaded” event and was a huge success that racked up much attention, not only from <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> fans but from everyone who has those panic moments where the keys suddenly grow legs and run off from the table where you swore you left them- so essentially, the rest of the human population. <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> AirTag offers countless features, including working offline to track items from your device (unfortunately restricted to <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> devices) whether you have access to an internet connection or not. AirTag’s are brilliant for attaching to luggage, tools and instruments or even tracking a runaway dog. The AirTags are pretty easy to set up, and at just 1.26” in diameter, they’re only a tad bigger than a £1 coin. You can pick these up for as little as £29.99, making them a small and value-packed contender to be inside this year’s Christmas stocking.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Google Nest Mini</strong><strong> <br /></strong>The Nest Mini is Google’s solution to every other smart home assistant on the market and is produced by the world’s largest source of global information; it’s safe to say it’s not worth overlooking when deciding what stocking fillers to use this year. If we were to list all the cool features the Google Nest Mini has, this blog would very soon turn into a dictionary, so we’ll just list a couple. The Google Nest Mini is there to help with quite literally anything. Want to know if you'll need an umbrella the next time you head out? Ask Google, and the Nest Mini will let you know if any rain is expected. You can also get the latest sports, finance, news updates, and more. Stay organised and ask Google to manage your schedule. Mark dates in your diary, set reminders, alarms, and more. What’s more, with the Google Next Mini, you’re able to use your voice to control all your smart home devices, whether that be to dim the lights, adjust your smart thermostat or even lock your front door – although the latter is leaning towards the lazier functions of the Nest. You can grab one of these powerhouses for a mere £39.00 to chuck into this year’s stocking.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sony WH-CH510 Headphones<br /></strong>Sony’s WH-C150 are their most lightweight pair of Bluetooth over-ear headphones out to date. With a large battery and quick charging, these headphones can last up to 35 hours on a single charge, and of course, if you’re running low on time, as we all do, a mere 10-minute charge will return a full 90 minutes of play-back time. With such an impressive battery and, of course, trademark <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11#/pageSize=20&amp;orderBy=10&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Sony</a> audio quality, you’re probably asking what more they can offer. Oh yes, voice assistant compatibility and hands-free calling. You can snag this hidden gem for just £40 with same-day dispatch before 5pm this Christmas at C247.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>JBL GO2 Speaker</strong><strong> <br /></strong>The JBL GO 2 is a full-featured waterproof Bluetooth speaker to take with you everywhere allowing you to wirelessly stream music via Bluetooth for up to 5 hours of continuous JBL quality sound. If there are any plans in the works for a sunny trip to the Maldives in the Summer of 2023, sipping cocktails at the poolside with a speaker in hand, then this is the stocking filler you need. Of course, if you’re like me and will just get by with a cheap weekend to Devon at the sea, the JBL GO2 also has you covered. As with the Sony Headphones, you can pick up the JBL GO2 from C247 with same-day dispatch before 5pm this Christmas at C247 for only £29.97.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Fitbit Inspire 2</strong><strong> <br /></strong>The Fitbit Inspire 2 is the entry-level Fitbit for anyone whose New Year’s resolution is to dabble into some fitness amongst their busy schedules but may not have enough time to commit to a consistent schedule. And to that, we say, that’s completely fine! There’s more to Fitbit’s than fitness, and, whilst the name suggests otherwise, these watches still offer some brilliant general smartwatch functionality such as setting alarms, timers, tracking steps, and even keeping an eye on your heartrate. This year you’re able to pick up one of these value-packed goodies for as little as £22.49. Oh, and did we also mention that it is fully waterproof for use in pools as well?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">What a year 2022 has been; with it finally drawing to a close, we hope our selection of festive stocking fillers will bring a smile to a loved one’s face this Christmas or even your own! Let us know if you’ll be using any of our picks for your own stocking fillers in the discussion section below – Merry Christmas.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:79https://c247.com/what-can-we-expect-from-oneplus-in-2023What can we expect from OnePlus in 2023?<p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> has solidified its place as a well-renowned contender on the smartphone scene, and 2023 will be marking <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a>’ 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary since they were founded BY Carl Pei all the way back in 2013. In the last two years, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> has bought us an abundance of exciting features, including blitzing fast 120W charging speeds, a plethora of exciting new colours and, of course, a new low-range Nord CE 2 Lite to broaden the roster. So, with all these exciting changes in the last two years, it really does raise the question as to what <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> could possibly bring us in 2023 to top it. Quite frankly, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> has a lot up its sleeve for 2023, including new handset range toppers as well as a few welcomed feature upgrades for both low, mid and flagship ranges.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>New Flagship <br /> </strong>A new flagship for 2023 from <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> is certain and is more than likely going to be named the OnePlus 11 Pro, following on from this year’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a>. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a> itself brought a few welcomed upgrades from its 2021 predecessor, the OnePlus 9 Pro, including but certainly not limited to Gorilla Glass Victus, Android 12 and 80W fast charging. Next year we can anticipate that design-wise, the OnePlus 11 Pro will adopt a similar front-end 6.7-inch display with the same AMOLED screen technology seen on this year’s flagship. The main design changes we’re expecting to see on the OnePlus 11 Pro are on the rear end of the device. Last year’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a> took an interesting approach to its rear camera housing that many compared to either the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim-sm-g991b-ds-phantom-gray-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung S21</a> or a hob – yes, the pesto pasta fry kind of hob. Whilst this was a step in the wrong direction in the eyes of many over the OnePlus 9 Pro, next year, we can anticipate <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> to adopt a curved design ethic to rear elements rather than the traditional squared. Moving on from the design and onto the internals and the OnePlus 11 Pro is likely to house a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which will be the latest and greatest smartphone processor out, and we’re likely to see it also used on upcoming Samsung and Sony flagships. We don’t expect too much change in the camera department besides an upgraded 32MP Telephoto lens; however, the real change will be in the battery. We’re optimistic towards a 5000mAh battery with 150W fast charging that featured on the interim <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10t-5g-dual-sim-cph2415-moonstone-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10T</a> showcased earlier this year in Summer.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>New Devices <br /> </strong>Aside from a new flagship <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> still has a lot more to bring to the table in 2023 with its low and mid-range offerings. Some of these are expected to include the OnePlus Nord 3, OnePlus CE 3 &amp; CE 3 Lite and, interestingly enough, a OnePlus Tablet. The OnePlus Nord 3 is set to be <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a>’ next mid-range wonder, with it succeeding on last year’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-nord-2-5g-dual-sim-dn2103-gray-sierra-128gb-8gb-ram-4" target="_blank">OnePlus Nord 2</a> and this year’s interim device- the OnePlus Nord 2t. On this, we’re likely to see a slightly refined take on the design; however, it’s unlikely that it will be a complete refresh. What is likely is that the OnePlus Nord 3 will bring forward additional camera modes, a longer-lasting battery, a faster processor and, of course, a different colour selection. We don’t anticipate too much change with the OnePlus CE 3 and CE 3 Lite aside from the regular software upgrades, but if there’s one thing we’d love to see, that’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> bringing super-fast charging to all of their models, including their base models. Whilst nothing is set in stone for the OnePlus’ tablet, what we do know is that there has been an abundance of tech leaks, all pointing towards a similar 12.4-inch OLED display, a Snapdragon 865 and 6GB of RAM.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Needless to say, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> will bring us much to look forward to in 2023. Be sure to let us know what your thoughts on our predictions for next year are and, of course, what you yourselves would like to see from <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> next year in the discussion section below.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:78https://c247.com/google-pixel-7-range-everything-you-need-to-knowGoogle Pixel 7 Range: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW<p><span style="color: #000000;">Last year’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6</a> was a first of its kind, debuting as Google’s first ‘all Google’ device, with impressive AI learning capabilities, an all-new tensor chip and a refreshed design to mark the start of a new era. <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">The Google Pixel 6</a> was built completely differently to learn and adapt to its users in so many ways. So, it’s safe to say the Google Pixel 6 set the bar tremendously high upon its release, which raises the question: did Google do enough this year to top their award-winning behemoth of 2021’s flagship?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> The Google Pixel 7 was released in early October this year, and it’s certainly safe to say that it has exceeded the high standards its younger brother set last year. Google’s first Android 13 device builds on the new design of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6</a> to bring forward a few appreciated tweaks on the already brilliant design. Last year’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6</a> and <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-pro-glu0g-stormy-black-128gb-12gb-ram" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6 Pro</a> both had a black camera housing which extended across the width of the handset to create a ‘letterbox-strip’ effect. Contrastingly, the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro adopted a hole-punch camera layout as opposed to the seamless black strip. By doing this, Google has made the camera setup a lot more prominent on the Google Pixel 7 range, and the design aspects are more in line with the likes of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901bds-phantom-white-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a>. Moreover, the camera cutouts on the Google Pixel 7 range are oval, which fits well with the UI design elements considering the Pixel UI is shaped around a seamless user experience through rounded icons and widgets. Nevertheless, whilst the design may still be near identical to the <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6</a> at a glance, the handset’s appearance, particularly with the new metallic camera bar, is definitely going to turn heads.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Specs<br /> </strong>Google’s Tensor chip took the world by storm with its Tensor chip. The AI learning, excellent power efficiency and speed performance were features that blew the rest of the competition couldn’t quite seem to match. This year Google’s brain for their powerhouse is their all-new Google Tensor G2. The G2 is based on the same 5nm chip design as its predecessor and houses an octa-core processor, which, again, matches up with last year’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=google%20pixel%206&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Pixel 6 range</a>. Whilst on paper, there aren’t any real differences between the two, real-life usage paints a whole different picture. Firstly, the Google Tensor G2’s graphics processor has received a substantial speed boost for smoother gaming and video editing on the device, which is always a bonus for the PUBG mobile try-hards in the market for a new android. Furthermore, battery efficiency has seen an 11% increase on the Google Pixel 7 thanks to the Tensor G2.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Camera<br /> </strong>The Google Pixel 7 houses a dual camera layout consisting of a 50MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Contrastingly, the Google Pixel 7 features an additional 48MP secondary telephoto lens on top of the 50MP and 12MP setup; however, this was expected considering the <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6</a> and <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-pro-glu0g-stormy-black-128gb-12gb-ram" target="_blank">6 Pro</a> both took an identical approach. Of course, both cameras support 4K video, with the rear cameras being capable of outputting 4K at 240FPS while the front 10.8MP sensors are capped at 60FPS. As for the performance of the camera setup on the Google Pixel 7 range – it’s nothing short of excellence. The lenses give a perfect balance of punchy photography without images feeling unnaturally vivid and saturated. Video on the Pixel 7 follows the same path with impressive stabilisation in tandem with an abundance of photo and video modes to choose from powered by that Tensor G2 powerhouse.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery<br /> </strong>The Google Pixel 7 comes with a 4355mAh battery supporting 20W fast charging and 20W wireless charging with the inclusion of reverse wireless charging between two devices. Compared to last year’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6</a>, this is, in fact, a downgrade ever so slightly both in charging speed and capacity; however, as we’ve always said, specs are only one side of the story – with the Google Pixel 7 still managing to have a longer battery life than its sibling. Moreover, the Google Pixel 7 Pro houses a 5000mAh battery with 23W charging as opposed to the 20W charging speeds on the base model Pixel 7.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Google Pixel 7 range is certainly a step up from 2021’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=google%20pixel%206&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6 range</a>, and what a difficult step that was to climb. The Google Pixel 7 range has managed to build on the <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Google Pixel 6</a> in areas many didn’t even realise could be improved, which, after all this innovation, does leave us questioning what Google has in store for us next year. Let us know your thoughts on this article in the discussion section below.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:77https://c247.com/nothing-ear-stick-everything-you-need-to-knowNOTHING EAR STICK – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW<p><span style="color: #000000;">Last year, the OnePlus founder, Carl Pei, broke into the audio-visual tech scene with Nothing's debut Ear 1 wireless ANC earphones. To say the release was a success would be a huge understatement with Nothing’s Ear 1 earphones securing almost 5,000 sales within the first two minutes of pre-orders going live. The Nothing Ear 1's were made to compete with established manufacturers such as <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a>, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> and <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony</a> and did so well, with many reviews ruling the Nothing Ear 1's over the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> AirPods. Needless to say, the Nothing Ear 1's were a huge success for the new start-up and since their debut, Carl saw no halt in sight as he crashed straight into the <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> scene in 2022 with the Nothing Phone 1, a mid-range handset that was even competing against the very handsets Carl created at <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a>. If there's one thing to take from this article so far, it's that Carl Pei does what he wants and he does it well – bringing us to Nothing's third product: Nothing Ear Stick.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Nothing's third product- The Nothing Ear Stick- returns back to audio after Nothing's recent side quest into the <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> market. The Ear Stick, similar to the Ear 1's, are as much an architectural masterpiece as they are a tech product, with a trademark cylindrical rotating case design with transparency prevalent throughout. Unlike the Nothing Ear 1's, the Ear Stick has an open-fit design rather than the silicone ear tips seen on its older sibling. Whilst this is a more cost-effective approach, there is equally a trade-off, as open-fit designs often sacrifice audio quality for comfort – as to the extent of this, we'll look at it shortly.  As for the case, well, apart from initially appearing to be sponsored by Maybelline, the lipstick-lookalike housing for these buds features a lot of funky quirks. First off, as mentioned before, the case for the Nothing Ear Stick features spinning mechanics, which allow the buds to rotate as if they were on a rotating showreel. The case itself is white with red accents throughout and houses a battery which charges the buds wirelessly through the USB-C cut-out found at the top of the case. Unfortunately, we do miss out on wireless case charging with the Nothing Ear Stick however this is by no means a deal breaker. Back onto the buds now, and it's clear to see that this is the sibling to the Nothing Ear 1's. The Nothing Ear Sticks have adopted the same transparent elements as the Nothing Ear 1's on the stems and the rounded-off edges with carbon and clear colour scheming for the stems with contrasting white tips.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Performance</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">The performance on the Nothing Ear Stick is Nothing short of satisfactory and we'll wholeheartedly stick to that statement. The Nothing Ear Stick feature a single 12.6mm driver on each stick, supporting Bluetooth 5.2 which ensures low latency and a drop-zone-free listening experience. The Ear Sticks offers some good mid-range tone with some nice bass and treble however, where it lacks, is in the low-range sound department. Whilst by no means a bad set of buds, we'd like to see some more focus on a more balanced-out audio range rather than a mid-bias audio profile. On the flip-side, the Nothing Ear Stick offers a lot of customisation within the Nothing Audio app as well as the options to alter equalisation, bass and treble which is always something we appreciate from manufacturers. Moreover, the Ear Stick has a decent integrated microphone that offers clear listening for phone calls in clear environments although doesn't seem to deal too well with background noise.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">The Ear Stick have a battery life rated at 7 hours with continuous audio playback and whilst, yes- this is more than it's superior Nothing Ear 1 sibling, we do need to remember that the Ear Stick has no inclusion of any noise cancellation which does have a huge effect on the battery life of audio devices. Nevertheless, 7 hours is a pretty solid result and will do most users perfectly to last through a normal day of usage. What's more, Nothing claims that the Nothing Ear Stick will offer 2 whole hours of playback after a mere 10-minute charge which is quite impressive.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Overall the Nothing Ear Stick is a good set of wireless earbuds. The key thing to remember is these are £50 cheaper than the Nothing Ear 1’s and considering there are still no budget offerings from <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> or <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> in this space, Nothing may be onto a winner with this device. As far as meeting the standard that Nothing has set with their last two products that simply disappear into the background- the Ear Stick most definitely makes the cut. Let us know your thoughts on this blog in the discussion box below and what you’d like to see next.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:76https://c247.com/c247s-top-wearables-of-2022C247’S TOP Wearables OF 2022<p><span style="color: #000000;">When <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatches</a> really started to stir the tech scene back in 2014, they could only be defined as a fine-tuned <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> packed into the body of a watch with a couple of extra fitness features here and there and, of course, a whole load more convenience. But since the initial introduction of <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatches</a>, it’s impressive to see how much the manufacturers continue to push the limits on what can be packed into smaller and smaller bodies. As it stands in 2022, there’s still an underlying misconception around <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatches</a> that they’re only fit for use by your average ‘Gym Bro’ who goes for non-stop bench PR's every weekend or the Michael Phelps and Mo Farah supporters. The brands on this shortlist have taken a whole new stance on what a <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> can really be and show just how much a <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> can benefit anyone.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Apple Watch Ultra</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Announced at September's <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> event, the Apple Watch Ultra is essentially <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple's</a> solution to the absence of a flagship smartwatch. The Apple Watch Ultra is considerably larger in size than other <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple smartwatches</a> you may be used to, at 49mm in diameter, 4mm bigger than the already sizable 44mm Apple Watch Series 8. Whilst the bigger chassis leads to a larger screen, which is preferred by many on a smartwatch, the added weight may impact comfort for users of smaller <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatches</a>, so there will definitely be an adjustment period for anyone looking at the Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch Ultra houses an OLED retina display, similar to that used on the iPhone 14, and outputs 4% more pixels than its younger sibling, the Series 8. Furthermore, the Apple Watch Ultra brings an insanely tough titanium chassis, which we've never seen in a <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> before; however, unless you decide you want to have a shot at fighting alongside the Avengers in New York, you'll probably never truly reap its benefits – nonetheless, a brilliant feature. The battery on the Apple Watch Ultra is a 542 mAh battery with wireless charging support, as we'd expect, and outputs around 72 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is just about entering three-day territory out of one charge; respectable for a watch packed with so many features. The Apple Watch Ultra’s key purpose is to be THE best <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a>, and it's safe to say <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> passed these criteria with flying colours.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Fitbit Versa 3</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">When it comes to affordable <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatches</a> with plenty of fitness options, it doesn't get much better than the Fitbit Versa 3. The Fitbit Versa 3 underwent a considerable redesign over its predecessor, the Fitbit Versa 2, such as the removal of physical buttons in place for indented sensors as Fitbit attempts to deliver an easier-to-use <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a>. However, the general consensus was that many preferred the physical buttons of the Versa 2. Nevertheless, the Fitbit Versa 3 is a fantastic wearable that can do most of what the Fitbit Sense can do at a fraction of the price. The Fitbit Versa 3 features a 40mm AMOLED display, which is impressive for a <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> at this price point. The user experience itself on the Fitbit Versa 3 is fast and snappy, with most of the only noted frustrations with the watch being the removal of the physical buttons and Fitbit's notorious paywall, which restricts users from accessing certain health features without a subscription. In better news, many retailers of the Fitbit Versa 3 offer free subscriptions alongside the watch as a bundle. As for the battery life on the Fitbit Versa 3, you can expect anywhere from 5 to 6 days of battery life on a single charge, which not one person could complain about—not unless you're reading this article in 2032. This battery duration quickly diminishes however, when users decide to switch on the always-on display, which reduces it by up to 60% down to 2 days.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Garmin Venu 2 Plus</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is the 2022 successor to the Garmin Venu 2 and offers the same features with one significant addition, a microphone. This allows users to answer incoming calls straight from the watch itself, which is certainly not a new feature as far as <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatches</a> are concerned, but everyone has to start somewhere. What is new, however, is a <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> compatible with Siri, Google Assistant and Bixby, which the Garmin Venu 2 Plus brings, adding to the already great <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> and giving more flexibility to its users regardless of the smartphone platform they’re based on. The Garmin Venu 2 Plus brings a near identical build to last year’s Venu 2, with its main difference being its limited availability to 43mm models rather than having two size variants. The Venu 2 Plus has a bright, high-resolution AMOLED display, which is smooth and responsive to use; however (like the Fitbit Versa 3), it has an always-on mode which does put a big dent in battery life. Speaking of which, the battery life on the Garmin Venu 2 Plus lasts up to 10 days in battery saver mode, which is all you could ask for in a <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Mobvoi TicWatch</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Last but certainly far from least in today's article is the Mobvoi TicWatch. The Mobvoi TicWatch E3 takes a fundamental design approach with a round shape, several buttons and straps, and is a solid dark grey colour. The face of the device is a simple circle of curved glass that blends into a polycarbonate frame. Mobvoi calls the Tic Watch’s look "classic”, which couldn’t be closer to the truth- but that’s okay. Mobvoi's choice of polycarbonate helps keep the price down without sacrificing much in terms of robustness. Polycarbonate has a metallic finish that makes it look almost like metal, so if it's a premium look you're after, you can still find it in the Mobvoi TicWatch. The display on the Mobvoi TicWatch comes in a 33mm size, packing slightly less than the rest of the picks on this list; however, size isn't always everything. Whilst there's no mention of any OLED or AMOLED screen technology present, the Mobvoi TicWatch still has a pretty solid display whether that be outdoors, indoors or in low light. The battery on the Mobvoi TicWatch measures 380 mAh of capacity allowing the device to last a whole two days on a single charge which is pretty respectable.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Of course, every watch on this list has all of the standout core <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> features that you’d expect on a <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatch</a> in 2022, such as general health tracking, including heart rate monitoring &amp; female health tracking, as well as smart apps and contactless payments. Let us know your take on our best <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">wearables</a> of 2022, and if there’s anything you’d add – voice your option in the discussion box below, and we may just feature it.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:75https://c247.com/c247s-top-tablets-of-2022C247’S TOP TABLETS OF 2022<p><span style="color: #000000;">As we’ve previously said, <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphones</a> these days have so many uses that it's getting hard to keep track of everything they're good for, whether it's gaming, setting schedules and reminders, or monitoring your health; the list is endless. So really and truly, what more could you want from something that offers so much?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">A bigger screen, of course.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/tablets" target="_blank">tablets</a> of today offer a huge number of features you find in your average <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> and, in many cases - even more, all whilst avoiding the pain you get when you’re on a late-night EastEnders binge, and your eyes are straining because you've been staring at a 6-inch screen for two hours. We've all been there. Today we're going to break down 2022’s best <a href="https://www.c247.com/tablets" target="_blank">tablets</a>, and even if you’re reading this article in 2023, these <a href="https://www.c247.com/tablets" target="_blank">tablets</a> will still be excellent picks for the coming years, so let’s dive in!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Best Android Tablet<br /></strong>Whilst just shy of missing out on the best overall <a href="https://www.c247.com/tablets" target="_blank">tablet</a> spot on this blog’s podium, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung's</a> solution to <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple's</a> iPad Pro 2021, which is, in fact, the best overall <a href="https://www.c247.com/tablets" target="_blank">tablet</a> on our list. Everything you could possibly want in an <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">android</a> can all be found in this masterpiece of a device. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 is not to be confused with the Galaxy S8 smartphone from 2017, and although the 'Tab' is about as big a giveaway as the national lottery, some have mistaken this for an older tablet counterpart to the S8 smartphone, so we thought it'd be worth clarifying. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra comes with a huge 14.6-inch super AMOLED touchscreen that makes it clear to see that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> had late-night Netflix binges and graphic design in mind while creating the panel. In addition to this, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> has added Gorilla Glass 5 for added protection against drops and scratches. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor inside the device more or less puts the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra on a level playing field with <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> iPad Pro’s M1 chip. The 12MP ultrawide camera, in particular on this tab, makes for some impressive shots, and couple that with a 11200mAh battery, and you’ve got the ultimate <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> powerhouse.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Best Value Tablet<br /></strong>The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-tab-a7-lite-87-wi-fi-sm-t220-gray-32gb-3gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite</a> is the perfect tablet for anyone who doesn't mind trading out a fancy screen and a larger camera for reliable performance in a compact body at a budget price tag. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-tab-a7-lite-87-wi-fi-sm-t220-gray-32gb-3gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite</a> is a lightweight, downsized version of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-a7-104-2020-lte-sm-t505-dark-gray-32gb" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy Tab A7</a> and offers a simple 8.7-inch design with medium black bezels. The display features a high-definition LCD panel which is fine for media consumption, alongside a full HD camera to capture both photos and video at 30fps. <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-tab-a7-lite-87-wi-fi-sm-t220-gray-32gb-3gb-ram" target="_blank">The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite</a> does come with 4GB of RAM alongside either 32 or 64GB of storage, which is minimal in today's world of tech; however, thanks to the MicroSD expansion slot on the side of the device, its onboard storage can be expanded to a whole 1TB. All in all, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-tab-a7-lite-87-wi-fi-sm-t220-gray-32gb-3gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite</a> offers everything you could ask for from a budget tablet, as well as the option to expand to flagship tablet storage levels.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Best Overall<br /></strong>The iPad Pro is a truly spectacular tablet, bringing forward everything you could ever possibly need from a tablet and then some. The most talked-about feature of the iPad Pro is its M1 chip, which, by the way, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a>, the MacBook Pro called – it wants its CPU back!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Pulled straight from <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple's</a> flagship Mac and desktops of 2021, the M1 chip brings true desktop power to a tablet form factor. The iPad Pro can handle anything thrown at it, whether that be intensive graphic design work, 4K video editing or some casual competitive gaming in COD mobile, all without as much as breaking a sweat. Although, if you do notice liquid dripping from your iPad, you should probably take it to the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> store. The display on the iPad Pro (2021) has been refreshed since the previous model with a crisp 2048x2732 resolution, which, to simplify, is somewhere in between quad-HD and 4K. Couple this with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,600 nits of peak brightness and Liquid Retina technology, and you easily have the best tablet screen on the market. The accessory options for the iPad Pro are extensive, with <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> offering <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> Pen compatibility as well as leather cases with keyboard options if you want to turn your iPad into a laptop. However, these are at an extra cost, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra comes with an S-Pen in the box.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Best Tablet (Windows Edition)<br /></strong>The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is as good as it gets for Windows tablets, and although Microsoft's launch event for the Surface Pro 9 was last week, we wanted to give an honest testimonial rather than hearsay based on a couple of days of usage. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 was the first tablet in the Surface line-up to receive a welcome facelift, which completely modernised the device, bringing it up to 2022's standards. The refresh included thinner bezels, rounded edges, and the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4, which, if you don't know, can deliver high-speed data transfer, output a video signal, and deliver power to compatible devices (including charging a lightweight laptop) simultaneously. Furthermore, if gaming is your thing, with Thunderbolt, you're able to connect an external GPU enclosure to essentially plug in a graphics card and turn the Surface Pro 8 into a fully-fledged gaming PC. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 features a 13-inch PixelSense display, and similarly to the iPad Pro, it has a screen resolution somewhere in the middle of quad-HD and 4K. This, coupled with the 120Hz display, makes for both a speedy and vivid viewing experience. When we take all of this and the fact that the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 offers three tiers of Intel power and 23W fast charging, this becomes the easiest option for anyone in search of true Windows power.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">We're pretty confident in our choices in this article. However, no one is perfect, so if you reckon there are any hidden gems that we've missed out on, then let us know in the discussion box below, and if we deem it worthy, we'll add it to this blog with a special mention. As always, thanks for taking the time to read our article and let us know which one from our list is your favourite.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:74https://c247.com/ios-16-vs-android-13iOS 16 vs Android 13<p><span style="color: #000000;">The rivalry between <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> and <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!65&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">iOS</a> stems beyond the time of <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphones</a> themselves and even beyond the time of electronic technology as a whole – it’s a rivalry that’s lasted as long as time itself!  Well, at least to the average <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> fanboy it does. Nevertheless, whether you believe in a rivalry lasting longer than the origin itself or you’re impartial to your device’s OS features and just want anything with a bitten <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> on its back, it’s safe to say there is certainly some friendly competition between the <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> platform and Apple’s <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!65&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">iOS</a>. Each year both <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> and <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> release new versions of their operating systems whereby new additional features are added to give users more out of their device however, in some cases, features may be removed in software updates, but we’ll touch up on that a little more in a second. <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> updates usually come in line with its annual <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> releases to give its users the most out of their new iPhone. On the flip side, due to <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> being a platform for more than 1,300 brands, it’s impossible for <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> updates to be aligned with every different <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> release. Whether this adds or takes away from the overall hype of <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> content updates is another question.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Support</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> Now let’s dive deeper into what you’ll get from opting for either iOS 16 or Android 13. First things first, let’s take a look at what devices <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> has decided to support iOS 16 on. <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> iOS 16 is supported on every device produced after the iPhone 7. Unfortunately, for those using an iPhone 7 or older you'll miss out on not only the new update but also any future updates from <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> going forward, which puts them at increased risk of a security breach. If you’re unfortunate enough to fall into this category, don't want to break the bank but want to stay in the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> ecosystem and benefit from the new <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!65&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">iOS</a> features, it may be worth taking a look at the new <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%20se&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone SE</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> itself is owned directly by Google, meaning Google’s exclusive range of <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=google%20pixel&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Pixel smartphones</a> from the Google Pixel 4 onwards are all able to be updated to Android 13, with the new flagship Google Pixel 7 range coming pre-installed with Android 13. As for the more popular <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a>-affiliated brands, including <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a>, Xiaomi, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> and more, the general consensus is that you can expect to be able to upgrade to Android 13 as long as your device was released in the last three years; however, if you want to know if your device can find out in your settings.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Lock Screen</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">One of the key focal points behind iOS 16 is the all-new re-imagined lock screen. The new lock screen will allow users to customise a number of elements, including the date and time font and add widgets; yes, widgets. Now, while widgets on <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> have been around since iOS 14's release in 2020, we were never able to have lock screen widgets, nor were we able to have live updates, which is also a core feature of iOS 16.  These live widgets continuously update with the latest information rather than giving you multiple increasingly annoying notifications. This feature is perfect for when you want to look at live football scores, track current stock prices, or even see how close your Uber is. This is perfect for viewing notifications without the need to unlock or even touch your device. <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> claims there are millions of possible lock screen design combinations with this new update, which means there will be something for everyone.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Comparatively, whilst <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Android</a> has, in fact, had widgets since, near enough, the dawn of its time, it’s still yet to bring forward lock screen widgets for users to have more accessibility on their device whilst locked. Some <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Android</a> devices have started adopting always-on displays on their devices in the last few years, which is a sort of halfway-house between your standard lock screen and <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> new interactive live lock screen.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Language Options  </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Between the two operating systems, Android 13 is the first OS to bring users the ability to alter language preferences depending on the app being used. Previous to this, if any smartphone user wanted to change any language preferences on their device, they would need to do so on their system settings, meaning the language throughout the device would be the same. Now, this is fine. However, many users wanted to be able to have the extra flexibility to alter the language of their specific apps without needing to change the configuration of the whole phone, which is exactly what Android 13 has done. This feature is perfect for bi-lingual users who may prefer one language on one app and another for others, and with Android 13’s added update to Google translate, this ties in nicely.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> has had the option for this for iPhone users since 2019’s iOS 13 update, so this is nothing new. The only edge that Google has over <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> with its <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a> update is the fact that Android 13 users are able to make these changes in an easier fashion than <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone</a> users. In order to make these changes on <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone</a>, users will need to find the individual app they want to change in their settings and then look for the language option inside there, whereas <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Android</a> users can just long-press the app on the home screen and change it from a drop-down menu.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">These were just a couple of the numerous upgrades made to both Android 13 and iOS 16. Needless to say, there’s an abundance of new fun features to cover; however, we’d be here until next week if we were to cover them all in this one article. Let us know what your favourite upgrades to either of these platforms are and more importantly, whether you’re team <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Android</a> or team <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a>.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:73https://c247.com/c247s-top-5-gaming-smartphones-in-2022C247’S TOP 5 GAMING SMARTPHONES IN 2022<p><span style="color: #000000;">The gaming industry has come a long way since the nostalgic Nintendo era. DSI’s, WII’s and PSP’s – the pinnacle of retro gaming, and for some of you reading this article, it may even be the Gameboy era. Nevertheless, the difference between gaming technology from then to now is incredible and, moreover, the performance that you can get from compact pocket-size devices in 2022. Mobile gaming tech has come a long way since its early Nokia snake days in the late 1990s, and the gaming flagships of 2022 offer the best handheld performance ever, with some devices being capable of outputting console-level performance all in a sub-seven-inch form factor. Whilst the mobile gaming industry has seen a huge growth in the last decade, it’s discernible that cloud gaming will level out the playing field in years to come – especially with the huge 5G rollout currently underway.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Before we get into our shortlist, many people are unaware of what a gaming phone is or may have some confusion, so we’ll clear it up for you. In the Gaming mobile segment, there are fewer of the big brands you’re used to, such as Apple or Samsung and more gaming-specific mobile brands, such as Asus and Nubia. You may be wondering, what exactly makes a mobile a gaming mobile? Well, a gaming mobile is unlike a ‘regular’ phone as they deliver maxed performance, features larger speakers than typical flagships, 144Hz or higher in screen refresh rates and often has designs that incorporate extra trigger buttons or other gaming-specific features like vapour liquid cooling.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Nubia Redmagic 7 Pro</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> Now, with all the questions out of the way, let’s get into the first device on this list. The Nubia Redmagic smartphones are renowned for having some of the best gaming displays on the scene, and the Nubia Redmagic 7 Pro is an exceptional example of this. The Nubia Redmagic 7 Pro houses its components inside a behemoth 6.8-inch 165Hz OLED form factor. If this wasn’t impressive enough, the device also has a 720Hz touch sample rate, which is essentially how many user input actions the device can compute in one second. Whilst these specs won’t be very apparent in standard day-to-day smartphone activities, these speeds top a lot of other devices on the market by a long shot, and a high touch sample rate is huge in giving you a competitive advantage over other mobile gamers. Considering the Nubia Redmagic includes a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and up to 18GB of RAM is prime, considering my gaming PC only has 16GB… maybe I should upgrade to mobile instead. Of course, as with all gaming mobiles, the Nubia Redmagic 7 Pro comes with a plethora of game modes and settings on its Nubia-skinned Android overlay. One certainly worth mentioning is the ability to adjust the haptic feedback on the side-mounted touch-based shoulder triggers.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro<br /> </strong>The Asus ROG 6 Pro is the best probably the best gaming mobile you can buy. The priority for the Asus ROG 6 Pro is performance, as the device is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, which, at the time of writing this blog, is the most powerful around. Rather than an always-on display, the Asus ROG 6 Pro features a secondary 2-inch rear display for a notifications hub while the device is on standby; however, the primary display is where it gets interesting. The Asus ROG 6 Pro is equipped with a supreme 165Hz AMOLED screen which, to put that into perspective, is the same refresh rate as my £300 MSI gaming monitor at home. Like the Nubia Redmagic 7 Pro, the Asus ROG 6 Pro comes with 18GB of RAM as well as 512GB of onboard storage, so balancing game installs will never be an issue. Specs elsewhere are impressive, too, with a 6000mAh battery which supports both fast charging and reverse charging over power delivery 3.0, which essentially prolongs the battery’s lifespan through more efficient power transfer. When you combine this with Asus’ incredibly detailed gaming modes and styles, you quickly see why the Asus ROG 6 Pro is the best gaming mobile money can buy.  </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro<br /> </strong>Released earlier this year, the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro is a phone of the future with a huge amount of customisation options and features many gaming handsets just don’t include. The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro comes with a 6.67-inch OLED display which comes fitted with a 144Hz refresh rate. What makes this device exciting, and one for you aspiring Apex mobile predators, is the physical pop-up magnetic gaming triggers. Mobile gamers know how much hardware attachments make all the difference in gaming scenarios, so having them built into the device offers the best edge over your components. The Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro is powered by both a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and a respectable 4650mAh battery. What’s less respectable and more aweing is the 120W fast charging that charges this battery from 0-100% in 15 minutes. I’ll repeat that one in case you thought I made a typo because I couldn’t believe those notes either: 0-100% in 15 minutes. Needless to say, the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro is a sensational handset that will bring a whole load of positivity to your K/D.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sony Xperia 1 IV<br /> </strong>The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%201%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> is a top-tier smartphone that says yes to customisation, yes, to changing the aspect ratio norm and most importantly, yes to a 3.5mm headphone jack. Gimmicks aside, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%201%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> is an incredibly impressive device. Moreover, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%201%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> has been used this year by PUBG Mobile as the official smartphone for their invitational tournament – so it’s safe to say that the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%201%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> is no slouch. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%201%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> comes fitted with a crisp 4K OLED display for deeper blacks and crisper whites, as well as a wider contrast ratio, so it’s safe to say you’ll want to have game settings turned up to the max with this device. As well as this, of course, it has a 21:9 aspect ratio which many PC gamers especially prefer due to it giving gamers the extra horizontal field of view, which essentially lets you see enemies before they can see you. Call it as you may, but for us, this is legal cheats, and we love it. When you couple this with a 120Hz display, 1TB of expandable storage and a 5000mAh battery and you have a device that, whilst not a dedicated gaming phone, can more than compete with the rest on this list.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>iPhone 14 Pro Max<br /> </strong>Now, whilst not technically a gaming phone, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iPhone%2014%20pro&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> series feature not only the most powerful <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone</a> ever released but also arguably the best consumer flagship of 2022. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a>, like the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%201%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a>, also features an OLED display – LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, to be more exact. The display comes with a 120Hz refresh rate which is what we’d expect from a non-gaming device. Where the iPhone 14 really exceeds is in the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> A16 Bionic 4nm chip, which is the brain for this powerhouse. What’s more, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> A16 Bionic chip is 17% faster than last year’s A15 APU, which means the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro Max</a> can handle any game thrown at it with ease, all whilst maintaining crisp visuals. Battery limitations shouldn’t be too much of an issue with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro Max</a>, either, with its 4352mAh battery, which, when coupled with <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> fast charger, takes the device from 0-50% in just 30 minutes – not too shabby.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">If you enjoyed reading this blog, then don’t forget to let us know what you think in the discussion box below, moreover, if you have any picks you think should be on this list that I’ve missed out, don’t hesitate to let us know and we may just add it in.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:72https://c247.com/c247s-top-audio-products-in-2022C247’S TOP AUDIO PRODUCTS IN 2022<p><span style="color: #000000;">To say that the best <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">audio</a> products in the world can be shortlisted into just 5 would be just as ludicrous as face ID is better than a traditional home button; although we realise that's a touchy topic in the tech community, so we'll leave that for another blog. Either way, audio branches out into so many different categories that it can get hard to keep track of what's new in the world of <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">audio tech</a>. Luckily, we've done the vigorous job of finding our best picks for portable speakers, wireless earbuds and on-ear headphones out right now, so you don't have to.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Portable Speakers:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br />Sony SRS XB23 </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11#/pageSize=20&amp;orderBy=10&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Sony's</a> entry-level SRS-XB23 features a new design that brings an affordable outdoor speaker that most people will love. The design of the Sony SRS XB23 hosts a mesh grille-covered casing which is housed around an elongated cylinder body. On the speaker's body, you can find the playback controls: play/pause and volume controls. One feature worth mentioning is the fact that the Sony SRS XB23 comes with an IP67 rating which means that it is entirely dustproof as well as waterproof up to one meter. Now, whilst we don't anticipate you to listen to your favourite bangers in a SpongeBob-inspired underwater rave, this will give you some extra piece of mind for those pool parties in the summer. The Sony SRS XB23 makes use of USB type-c rather than the last model's micro USB which in turn allows for faster-charging speeds as well as more charge to power the upgraded extra bass speakers. In terms of battery, the Sony SRS XB23 promises 12 hours of playback time on a full charge at around 50% volume with higher playback volumes giving you close to the quoted 12 hours; however, most people claim to get between 10 and 11 with 80-90% volume.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br />JBL Flip 6</strong> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The JBL Flip 6 features a rugged and robust design which makes it easily portable, and whilst yes, a charging port for your phone would be excellent, it's easily forgiven when the Flip 6 ticks all the other boxes for a portable speaker. Like the Sony speaker, the JBL Flip 6's design is reminiscent of 'your average portable speaker' in 2022: a cylindrical build with a wraparound grille and bass radiators on either side. The JBL Flip 6 comes in at just 550g with an added wrist strap which, on behalf of all portable speaker users, we can say we truly appreciate. The JBL Flip 6 also comes with IP67 water and dust resistance rating as well as USB charging. In real-life performance, the JBL Flip 6 has nothing but positive reviews; from its deep bass to rich mids, the JBL Flip 6 is sure to produce a pleasurable listening experience. As for the battery now, the JBL Flip 6 features a 12-hour battery life which is by no surprise very accurate. The USB C charges the device from 0-100% in a mere 2 hours, which is very respectable for a portable speaker. The last thing to mention with the JBL Flip 6 is it features Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity which prevents those annoying connection dropouts that you're used to with the current Bluetooth standard.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Wireless Earbuds:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br />Nothing Ear 1</strong> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The design of the Nothing Ear 1's is nothing short of impressive! They've used a completely unique approach by housing their earbuds inside a transparent case that accentuates the underlying basis of their whole brand, minimalism that amounts to Nothing. Now that's intelligent design and not something that is easy to pull off either. The design of the Nothing Ear 1's is similar to the AirPods Pros featuring coloured dots to help differentiate from left and right, squared-off stems for an easier grip, as well as allowing for a larger mic and a robust casing. The Nothing Ear 1's emphasises higher midrange vocals, bringing them forwards in the mix to amplify detail and excitement. The treble on the Nothing Ear 1's is good, and the shape of the ear tips allows for the bass to be locked in well. The balance between the two is well maintained, and it really does a good job of bringing out individual instruments from song to song. To add to the audio performance, the Nothing Ear 1's features 11.6mm audio drivers to power the powerful active noise cancellation. In terms of battery, the Nothing Ear 1's is satisfactory, offering around four hours of listening time with active noise cancellation on; however, outside of that, the case itself does offer 34 hours of charge time to help replenish the battery level in-between uses.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>AirPods Pro 2</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The AirPods Pro 2 have recently been released alongside the iPhone 14 range and has brought about some massive upgrades thanks to the new H2 chip, making these a real contender for the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/best-true-wireless-earbuds-the-best-airpod-alternatives-around" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">best true wireless earbuds</span></a> around. In terms of design, nothing really noticeable has happened around here. The AirPods Pro 2 have an identical design to their predecessors (the AirPods Pros), with the only alterations being a slightly shorter stem and a wider case to house them in. In addition to this, these AirPods Pro 2 also come with different size audio tips in the box, allowing a better fit to more ears and whilst this is something many are applauding Apple for, audio manufacturers have been doing this for the last decade, so it's definitely better late than never. The AirPods Pro 2 are packed with an abundance of different features, all ranging from a transparency mode for natural feeling conversations whilst wearing the buds, spatial audio and brilliant noise cancellation. When it comes to battery, the AirPods Pro 2 boast a moderate 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancelling enabled. The case itself holds 30 hours of charge which can recharge the AirPods Pro 2 five times before needing a recharge.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Headphones:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sony WH-1000XM5 </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Sony WH-1000XM5'S name holds a lot of weight in the audio scene thanks to its class-leading noise-cancelling features and well-balanced audio. However, a slightly shorter and easier name to remember would take a little off these headphones as the name holds a bit too much weight than I'd like typing this blog. Nevertheless, the Sony WH-1000XM5's is a truly impressive pair of headphones and the first in its line to host an all-new design. The last generations of the Sony WH-1000XM5's have been very similar in design elements; however, this year, they feature a much sleeker design over its predecessors. The general design ethos of the Sony WH-1000XM5 is curvier and tidier: with more discreet noise cancelling ports, a slimmer headband with extra leather to cover up joints and a slightly different shape on the earcups to offer a tighter fit. When it comes to the battery, these headphones boast a respectable 30 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled and an additional 10 hours when listening without any noise cancellation.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Apple AirPods Max </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Apple AirPods Max are among the best-sounding headphones money can buy; however, their high price, limitations for <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> users, and lack of a 3.5mm audio port means they can only really be recommended to iOS users with a lot of money to spare—and no interest in Hi-Res Audio. Whilst this is a trade-off some can't make, let's talk about what makes this one of the best pairs of headphones on today's market. First and foremost, the AirPods Max's design is one of a kind with a truly unique look which is made up of large flat earcups made from stainless steel which is offset by an ultra-lightweight headband made from a knitted mesh fabric to alleviate head pressure when in use. The noise cancellation on the Apple AirPods Max is impressive, sitting on par with the aforementioned Sony WH-1000XM5's. When it comes to the battery life on the AirPods Max, you can expect 20 hours of playback time with active noise cancellation enabled, of course, although <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> does quote 30 hours of use.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Whilst there's still a tonne of other audio picks on the market, we've certainly narrowed down some of the top contenders in 2022, many of which are set to be sought-after Christmas stocking fillers. Let us know what your thoughts on this list are and any additions you'd make in the discussion box below.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:71https://c247.com/c247s-view-on-the-best-handsets-with-the-best-cameras-do-you-agreeC247's view on the best handsets with the best camera's, do you agree?<p><span style="color: #000000;">Nowadays, <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphones</a> have so many uses that it's getting hard to keep track of everything they're good for, whether it's gaming, setting schedules and reminders, or monitoring your health; the list is endless. What’s certain, however, is that every <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> user needs a camera like a car needs wheels, and as the simile suggests – any <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> without a camera or at least a decent quality one in 2022 is deemed pretty much useless.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Being able to distinguish a good camera from a bad camera can be challenging in a day and age where AI has so much involvement in creating high-quality images. So much so that the difference between a 12MP camera on two phones with different camera software can be night and day, potentially more notable than the difference between a 12MP and 48MP sensor. Because of this, it can be a little difficult to find the best of the best if you want to take your mobile photography to new heights, which is why we did the hard work, so you don’t have to.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> is possibly one of the best Galaxy devices ever released, packing all the latest and greatest features in 2022. The cameras on the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> is impressive, boasting a huge 108MP wide-angle sensor, two 10MP telephoto sensors (one of which is a periscope telephoto sensor) and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. It's safe to say the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> has a camera sensor for every occasion, whether that be the moving duck you're trying to capture for the kids' nature project, the dreaded annual Christmas family photo or the depth of a beautiful city panoramic. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> also has 100x zoom on its rear 108MP sensor, something which is still relatively new to the Samsung ecosystem. In terms of video, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> is a high performer boasting a whopping 8K maximum resolution at 24fps. Whilst this is indeed impressive, most displays in the UK consist of either 1080p or 4K screens, so the 8K recording capability is a little overkill. However, with all this said, it does futureproof the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a>, so it does serve a purpose. As for the selfie camera on the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a>, it comes with a 40MP wide-angle lens capable of capturing photos and video in 4K. All in all, the camera on the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> is one of the best mobile cameras right now, so we’d rate it a solid 9/10.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>OnePlus 10 Pro</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus as a brand is renowned for both brilliant camera performance as well as superfast charging, and with an all-new display, an improved camera system, and a new revision of Oxygen OS, it’s clear that OnePlus were never happy to just settle with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a>. Like the rest of its bloodline, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram">OnePlus 10 Pro</a> uses a Hasselblad camera system to offer a mobile photography experience like no other. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a> features a powerful triple-camera setup consisting of a 48MP wide angle lens, an 8MP telephoto lens and a 50MP ultrawide lens. Extra features on top of this include auto-HDR, Hasselblad colour calibration and dual-tone flash. Onto the video now, and like the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a>, it’s jam-packed with different modes. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a> outputs a maximum 8K recording resolution at 24fps as well as 4K video at up to 120fps and the familiar 1080p video up to 240fps. The selfie camera on the OnePlus 10 Pro is also no slouch, housing a 32MP wide-angle lens which outputs some impressive selfies. And just in case this testimonial wasn’t enough, we filmed our YouTube video linked here on the <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a> so you can see for yourself the potential this pocket rocket has. Overall the<a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank"> OnePlus 10 Pro's</a> camera is a solid option for anyone in the market for the best smartphone cameras out right now, and we'd rate it an 8/10.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>iPhone 14 Pro</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">For years Apple has been utilising their 12MP sensors on their iPhones, both base and pro models, with the key differences being implemented through the software. However, whilst iPhones are capable of creating truly impressive content, the 12MP sensors did bottleneck their true potential in photography. Lucky for us this year, Apple has finally finished their 9-year search for that misplaced key to unlocking their full potential – as a result, they’ve lifted the reins on the sensor limit, bringing us a 48MP <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a>. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> houses a 48MP wide-angle lens, along with a 12MP secondary and tertiary lens: one telephoto and one ultrawide. Apple is renowned for its phenomenal camera software, the same software that’s allowed its 12MP sensors of previous years to compete against cameras more than four times its sensor size. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> features HRD, dual-tone flash, and an abundance of camera modes, including their cinematic mode, which adds background blur and extra focus to select subjects in addition to gimble-like stabilisation. When it comes to video, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> is capable of shooting in both 1080p at 240fps and 4K up to 60fps. As for the selfie camera, the iPhone 14 houses a 12MP wide angle lens which also can shoot 4K selfies and video for the ultimate facetime experience. Overall the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> is in line with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a>, as we’d score it a solid 9/10.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Motorola Moto Edge 30 Ultra</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Now, we've all heard of the space race, but how about a camera race? The mobile industry has just undergone a 200MP camera race as manufacturers battle to produce the world’s first 200MP sensor on a smartphone. Many smartphone manufacturers, such as Motorola and Samsung, have confirmed that they had 200MP sensors in their manufacturing pipeline. However, Motorola has since taken the crown by producing the Motorola Moto Edge 30 Ultra, which has the world’s first mobile 200MP camera sensor. It would be criminal for us to miss out on this device from our review, so let's look at what the Edge 30 Ultra has to offer. The Motorola Moto Edge 30 Ultra features a triple camera setup consisting of their trademark 200MP wide angle lens, a 12MP telephoto lens and a 50MP ultrawide lens. In terms of its video, the Motorola Edge 30 Ultra supports both 8K video at 30fps as well as 4K video at 60fps. However, it also supports 1080p video at up to 960fps. Couple that with all of the software enhancements added onto it, such as HDR10+, countless camera modes and dual-tone-flash and the Motorola Moto Edge 30 easily takes a 10/10 rating from us.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Xiaomi 12 Pro</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">While still relatively new on the smartphone scene, the Xiaomi 12 Pro packs a tonne of power, blazing charging speed and, of course, a superb camera. The camera on the Xiaomi 12 Pro is something even the most popular brands on the market won’t bring you. Xiaomi has equipped the 12 Pro with three 50MP cameras; yes, three 50MP cameras: a wide angle, a telephoto and an ultrawide lens. If that isn’t impressive enough, the Xiaomi 12 Pro also comes with up to 8K recording capability at 24fps, 4K video at 60fps and 1080p up to 960fps, similar to the Edge 30 Ultra. However, it doesn't stop there, as Xiaomi has somehow enabled the Xiaomi 12 Pro to shoot 720p video up to 1920fps. Couple that with the HDR10+, and you’ve got the recipe for a 10/10 camera rating from C247.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:70https://c247.com/apple-event-2022-everything-you-need-to-knowApple Event 2022 - Everything you need to know<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>All you need to know about the Apple event.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple</a> has just unveiled their new range of products, including re-engineered AirPods, an all-new rugged Apple watch and, of course, the star of the show, the new iPhone line-up. It's safe to say that this year's Apple event certainly made up for <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple's</a> launch event last year. Apple's 2021 event saw a mixed bag of emotions as many were left feeling unsatisfied with the upgrades from the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2012&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 12</a> to the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a>, which, apart from the A15 chip, only consisted of new colours and one extra storage option. And we can't forget the domino-inspired camera design. Consequently, this year's expectations were higher than ever, and <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple</a> did not disappoint.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Apple has landed at dynamic island. (14 Pro)</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">With a massive camera upgrade, the A16 bionic chip, an entirely new category of safety innovations, and never before seen display technology, <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple</a> have brought us the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a>. Just as we guessed back in April's "What can we expect from the Apple <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=IPHONE%2014&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 14</a>?" ' blog, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> is the first iPhone to feature the all-new notch-less display.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">As we know, <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple's</a> notch has been around on <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhones</a> since 2017, so it's easy to say it's cemented itself into <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple's</a> design philosophy.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> will feature <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple's</a> first 'Pro Display', which includes an always-on display to create a unique low-powered lock screen that can present critical information at a glance. <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple</a> is powering the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> with the new A16 Bionic chip, which, as you can imagine, is more powerful and efficient compared to the A15 Bionic, which is seen on both the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a> models as well as the base model iPhone 14. This is, in fact, the first time in a decade that we're getting a MP bump on an iPhone's camera, as the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> comes equipped with a 48MP main sensor alongside two other 12MP sensors. The camera has come with numerous other welcome upgrades, such as RAW image capture and an all-new action mode for gimble-like stabilisation.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The final key feature to touch on with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> is the dynamic island, and no, this is not <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple's</a> debut into the tourism industry. <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple</a> has delivered its Dynamic Island, which is just their name for the new hole punch hub, which is an interactive place that displays notifications, alerts, and activities. Dynamic Island is exclusive to the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro</a> models and paves the way for a new future design philosophy for <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Say hello to the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are the only base models in the iPhone 14 range, which means, yes, this may well be the end of the iPhone mini range. However, after the sales figures of the iPhone mini, this was probably a good decision for <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple</a> to make. The iPhone 14 comes with a 6.1" Super Retina display, whilst its counterpart features a larger 6.7" display. Physically, not too much has changed with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus over their predecessors; however, it does welcome the all-new IOS 16 OS. Moreover, the iPhone 14 range features two key features new to <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple</a>: the first being <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple's</a> new Emergency SOS. Apple iPhone 14's will now be able to communicate directly with satellites to give essential information to emergency services in places that are without WIFI or service. The second key new feature of the iPhone 14 range is Car Crash Detection. <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple</a> has managed to engineer the iPhone 14 to be able to detect a car crash and automatically alert emergency services of the event through the integration of high-GeForce accelerometers, gyroscope sensors, and intricate machine learning.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Airpods Pro Re-engineered</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Airpods Pro have been re-engineered for richer audio, better active noise cancellation and a leap in battery life. The key to this is <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-2" target="_blank">Apple's</a> new H2 chip, which executes all the algorithms needed to produce more intelligent noise cancellation and three-dimensional sound. One of the most common complaints about the Airpods Pro was the fact they would only fit specific ear shapes, and whilst they did come with three different size tips, not everyone had a snug listening experience. The re-engineered Airpods Pro's now have an XS size of silicone ear tips, so everyone can find a fit suit for themselves.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Did someone say Series 8?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Apple Watch Series 8 is here, and with it, many welcome upgrades. Like the iPhone 14, the Apple Watch Series 8 comes with Car Crash Detection using the same technology as the iPhone 14, as well as temperature sensing and an enhanced workout app. The Apple Watch Series 8 has received a seamless rounded design, which is housed around the retina always-on display. The standard Apple Watch Series 8 is tougher than tough, with both water and dust resistance (IP6X) and crack resistance to ensure your Apple Watch can pull through nearly anything you throw at it – just not bricks. Try not to throw bricks at it if you can. The Apple Watch Series 8 features all the desired health features we expect from older models: oxygen, heart rate, sleep tracking, and the rest. The key component of the Apple Watch Series 8 is its temperature sensing. The Apple Watch Series 8 has an innovative new sensor that tracks your temperature while you sleep, so you can see changes over time. What's more, Cycle Tracking uses this data to provide a retrospective estimate of when you are likely to start your menstrual cycle.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:69https://c247.com/c247s-top-5-flagship-smartphones-in-2022C247’S TOP 5 FLAGSHIP SMARTPHONES IN 2022<p><span style="color: #000000;">When picking your new smartphone, the biggest constraint in finding your perfect device is the budget. Each price category has its top picks: Budget devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro with ultra-fast charging; Mid-range devices feature the OnePlus 2T with a 50MP camera; and High-range devices include the likes of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> with its 960fps recording capabilities. However, the common denominator with all of these devices is that no matter how feature-packed they are, they still have trade-offs to hold onto their price. Now, whilst this is fine for most, some people want to release the reins off feature restrictions in their smartphone and finally explore a world of completion- and this is where the flagships come in.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Flagship devices are the highest tier of smartphones available at any time, packing the best possible features. Flagships aren’t priced with affordability in mind, which is the main reason why people decide to go for lower-budget alternatives, such as the high-range and mid-range device categories. But consequently, there’s no limit to flagship features, and manufacturers use these to showcase the best that they can produce in a product line.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra<br /></strong>The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> is possibly one of the best Galaxy devices ever released. From its 108MP 8K camera to its 6.8” display (the largest on this list), the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> packs all the latest and greatest features into a unique form factor you’re bound to love. This year Samsung decided to announce an official end to the Galaxy Note series; however, the Note’s design elements have since been integrated into the Ultra range of devices which is what makes the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra’s</a> hybrid Note look so unique. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> comes housed in a glass and aluminium frame protected by corning gorilla glass victus plus. On top of this, the Samsung Galaxy S22 houses a new S pen kept inside the device. This new S Pen is much more responsive than previous models and has been made 70% faster with less latency for a seamless, lag-free user experience. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra’s</a> Dynamic AMOLED 2x display is powered by its 5000mAh battery capable of charging the device from 0-58% in 30 minutes. The focal point behind the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a> is its quad camera setup consisting of the 108MP wide angle lens. The S22 Ultra can shoot up to 8K video and record 720p video at 960fps, producing some of the best slow-motion footage available in smartphones today.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>OnePlus 10 Pro<br /></strong>With an all-new display, an improved camera system, and a new revision of Oxygen OS, it’s clear that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> are never happy to just settle. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> display comes in at 6.7 inches, just like last year’s OnePlus 9 Pro but with an all-new QHD (1440p) display. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> comes out of the box with a satin finish on the back that OnePlus claims are fingerprint-resistant. While looking at the rear of the handset, it’s clear that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> has taken some inspiration from the Samsung Galaxy S series with its protruding triple Hasselblad camera setup, finished with a gloss glass casing, which strikes a strong contrast between the camera and the rest of the device. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> comes with a 5000mAh battery which is a 500mA upgrade from its predecessor, alongside 80W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. The fast charging can take the <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a> from 0-100% in just 32 minutes. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> features three cameras: a 48MP main lens, an 8MP 3.3X telephoto lens and a new 50MP 150-degree ultrawide lens. As well as the rear camera setup, the OnePlus 10 Pro also houses a 32MP selfie camera, which is a huge step forward from the <a href="https://www.oneplus.com/uk/9-pro" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a>’s 16MP selfie camera.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sony Xperia 1 IV<br /></strong>The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> is a top-tier smartphone that says yes to customisation, yes, to change the aspect ratio norm and most importantly, yes to a 3.5mm headphone jack. Gimmicks aside, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> is an incredibly impressive device. Moreover, the<a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank"> Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> has been used by PUBG Mobile as the official smartphone for their invitational tournament – so it’s safe to say that the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> is no slouch. Due to its unique 21 by nine aspect ratio, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> is only 71mm wide, which makes it unusually easy to handle single-handedly for a 6.5” smartphone. The device is housed in a glass and aluminium frame protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The display on the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> is a pleasure to use with a 120hz refresh rate coupled with OLED technology – take it from us, movies have never looked so good. Of course, because the device has a 21 by nine aspect ratio, there are no black bars when watching your favourite films or any widescreen content. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV’s</a> main talking point is its triple camera setup, and what makes it so special is the fact it has so much DSLR-based customisation for true photo enthusiasts. Anything from exposure, white balance, raw image shots and a tonne more is customisable within the device’s camera settings. Couple this with the 5000mAh battery, which can charge to 50% in 30 minutes, and you can quickly see why the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 1 IV</a> is such a hit.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>iPhone 13 Pro Max<br /></strong>Whilst technically a 2021 flagship, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is still the best <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone</a> out right now and we’ll update this list after the <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-14-pro-max-a2894-space-black-128gb-2" target="_blank">iPhone 14 Pro Max’s</a> release. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is currently the best <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> iPhone money can buy; unlike previous iPhones that had minimal upgrades over their predecessors, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has seen some hefty enhancements over 2020’s iPhone 12 Pro Max. One of the first things that the iPhone 13 Pro Max has brought to the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> ecosystem is the introduction of higher refresh rate displays. The 6.72” Super Retina OLED screen comes with a 120hz refresh rate; whilst it is no different than any other device on this list, it’s good to see <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> keeping up with industry trends. The build design of the iPhone 13 Pro Max impresses as much as the 12 – and dam did the 12 impresses. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is housed in a stainless-steel frame protected by a gorilla glass front and back. The camera setup on the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the familiar triple 12MP setup we’ve seen in both the 12 and 11 Pro models, but with a plethora of AI, enhancements to not only improve the overall image but also give users more settings and effects. The biggest upgrade with the iPhone 13 Pro Max has got to be its battery life, coming with a 4352mAh battery charging the device from 0-50% in 30 minutes with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> fast charger.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Xiaomi 12 Pro<br /></strong>While still relatively new on the smartphone scene, the Xiaomi 12 Pro packs a tonne of power, super-fast performance and blazing charging speeds. The Xiaomi 12 Pro marks the top of Xiaomi’s series of smartphones, and rightly so; with a premium aluminium chassis protected by corning gorilla glass victus, the Xiaomi 12 Pro features only the best features you can gain on a handset in 2022. The Xiaomi 12 Pro features a 6.73” 120Hz AMOLED display which is slightly smaller than the last generation Xiaomi 11 Pro. The display comes in a 20 by nine aspect ratio, which, coupled with curved side edges, gives it a near bezel-less appearance. The camera on the Xiaomi 12 Pro is impressive- Xiaomi has equipped the 12 Pro with three 50MP cameras: a wide angle, a telephoto and an ultrawide lens. If that isn’t enough the Xiaomi 12 Pro also comes with up to 8K recording capability and 720p at up to 1920fps. Whilst not as high as some smartphones on this list, the 4600mAh battery on the Xiaomi 12 Pro gets the device through the day without a struggle. What’s more? The Xiaomi 12 Pro features 150W fast charging taking the device from 0-100% in 18 minutes. Yes, 18 minutes. Now with such perfect features what could possibly go wrong? Well, the only knit-pick we have with the Xiaomi 12 Pro is that it doesn’t feature an IP rating and therefore has no protection against water or dust.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:68https://c247.com/google-duo-is-becoming-meet-heres-what-you-need-to-knowGoogle Duo is becoming Meet - here's what you need to know<p><span style="color: #000000;">For quite some time now, Google has been teasing and planning the merge between their two video calling platforms: Google Duo and Google Meet, and it is now finally here. Google claims that the merge of the two platforms will offer its users a more comprehensive service that can benefit more of its users. With this said, there is still some confusion around what the naming of the merge will be as well as its functions and the exact benefits, so here’s what you need to know.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">If you’re unfamiliar with either of these apps, here’s a quick summary. Released in 2016, Google Duo was formerly a high-quality video calling app made for android, IOS and Smart Displays. Google Duo allowed users to make one-to-one calls, group calls and leave voice memos, so the idea of Google Duo was very similar to Apple’s infamous FaceTime app.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Google Meet is a video chatting service like Google Duo; however, Google meet was primarily designed for businesses and office use. Its primary use was video conferences which can be held and viewed by up to 100,000 viewers within one domain. Google meet is similar to the likes of Microsoft Teams and Zoom.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">So now we’ve got that out of the way; let's clear up some of the confusion around the merge. Google has decided to retain Google Meet’s name after the integration of Google Duo, so Google Duo is now going to be referred to as Google Meet. The merge has prompted a subtle rebrand off the back of Google Meet’s logo from a multi-shade green to the generic four-colour Google trademark. Google has still held onto all of the features that made Google Duo so popular such as making calls via phone or email address, effects and filters, as well as Google Assistant integration. This will be added on top of Google Meets key features, including screen sharing, meeting recording, large meetings and the ability to join meetings on any platform: Android, IOS, MAC, Windows and on any supported web browser.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The integration overall makes for a more unified Google ecosystem, and having Google’s collective communication products within one platform was long-awaited, especially with Google Hangouts seeing its final days. Let us know if you’re going to be a user of Google’s new Meet platform and your opinions on this move from the firm in the discussion section below.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:67https://c247.com/c247s-top-5-high-range-smartphones-in-2022-600-900C247’S TOP 5 HIGH-RANGE SMARTPHONES IN 2022 | £600-£900<p><span style="color: #000000;">This blog shows that you can grab a top-spec handset that has ticks across the board without necessarily needing to go that extra mile for a flagship.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy S22</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Although it may seem like the lowest tier <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">S22</a> model under the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s906bds-pink-gold-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22+</a> and <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a>, if you're in the market for a compact, high-end device, the vanilla yet not-so-simple <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> may be the way to go. Whilst slightly smaller than last year's <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim-sm-g991b-ds-phantom-gray-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S21</a>, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> has a more robust and premium feel, with the front and rear being Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, making it easier to wield in one hand. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> is built around a 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED display with a smooth 120hz display that is adaptive to improve the model's energy efficiency. Unlike some similarly priced devices in this blog, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> also comes equipped with an in-screen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor which, if you’ve read our other blogs, you’ll know we really appreciate over facial biometrics.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">What's more, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> has a 50MP wide-angle lens, which offers plenty of detail in both day and night photography, as well as a 10MP telephoto lens and a 12MP 120' ultrawide lens. The most impressive thing about the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22's</a> camera is its ability to shoot both 4K 60FPS and 8K footage at 24fps. Moreover, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> can also shoot 240 and 960FPS in slow motion, so you never miss a detail in a fast-moving shot. So, with all this, it raises the question, are there any grey spots to talk about with this device? Unfortunately, yes, as mentioned in our Samsung Galaxy S23 blog, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22's</a> only downfall is its battery life. The 3700mAh battery performed worse than its predecessor, the 4000mAh battery, in the GSM arena's battery endurance test, clocking in at just 85 hours. Nevertheless, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> will still just manage to get you through the day with moderate usage. For what you gain feature-wise, an extra Powerbank investment further down the line doesn't seem like too much of a trade-off.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>iPhone 13</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a> brought about all the much-loved features from the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2012&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 12</a>, with a few very welcome extras in the mix. Whilst the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a> is technically a year-old device, a high-range device list would not be complete without the presence of an Apple device. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a> features a very similar 6.1" Super Retina OLED display, housed in a Gorilla Glass and aluminium frame. If you did want something a tad bit bigger, you would have to stretch out of this price range entirely and jump straight to the range-topping iPhone 13 Pro Max.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a> is powered by Apple's A15 Bionic chip, which provides plenty of power for video, photography, multi-app use, gaming, and just about anything you decide to throw at it, but not bricks. That's a little too much for even the gorilla glass to cope with. Nonetheless, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a> decided to pull a Domino's on buyers this year by switching the camera layout from the vertical layout we've seen since 2019's iPhone 11 to a diagonal arrangement.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">While physically, a couple of camera aspects have changed; internally, the cameras are very similar, with the familiar 12MP dual camera layout putting out 4K 60 and Full HD video at 240fps – all with HDR support. In addition, of course, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a> features Apple's notorious ultrafast face ID unlock and what we would like to mention with this device are the amazing colour options: Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, Red and now Green.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sony Xperia 5 III</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Sony's Xperia 5 III is their solution to escape the flagship Sony Xperia 1's pocket-burning price point whilst not completely missing out on all the key Sony flagships as the Xperia 10 does. The Sony Xperia 5 III is, in fact, very similar to its flagship counterpart and is less of a "middle-man" device and more of a "Sony Xperia 1 Lite" device. This makes it an ideal device for all you photo enthusiasts reading this blog looking for the best device for photography under £1000. The Sony Xperia 5 III comes in a 6.1" chassis protected with Gorilla Glass 6 on both the rear and front, housed in an aluminium frame, so it's safe to say it offers plenty of protection that you might need out on your photography ventures. Whilst the main talking point on this device is the camera setup, the Sony Xperia 5 III screen is also something that this blog can't miss. The 6.1" screen features an HDR OLED panel with a quad-HD, 21:9 display.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Sony Xperia 5 III features a triple camera setup using 3 Sony 12MP sensors to drive a 24mm wide-angle lens, a 70mm telephoto lens and a 16mm ultrawide lens to bring out some truly amazing shots. The Sony Xperia 5 III has a 4500mAh battery supporting 30W fast charging, which can take it from 0-50% in a respectable 30 minutes. And of course, this mini-review wouldn't be complete without mentioning that the Sony Xperia 5 III comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Oppo Find X5</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Oppo Find X5 brings a plethora of flagship features to shape a well-rounded high-range device. The Oppo Find X5 features a 6.55" display housed in a Gorilla Glass Victus front and a standard glass back with an aluminium frame, so it's worth keeping an eye on protecting the back against scratches and dinks by investing in a case. The screen itself is an AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ panel with a full HD resolution, which is safe to say is more than enough for the odd episode of EastEnders on a weekday afternoon. However, where this technology really excels is in dynamic movie content, so Netflix sessions will be a pleasurable experience.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Oppo Find X5 comes with Android 12, as with every other device on this list, excluding the Sony. However, it has its own ColorOS overlay added onto it, similar to OnePlus' OxygenOS. Where this device excels the most is in its camera setup. The Oppo Find X5 comes equipped with a triple camera setup consisting of a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 13MP telephoto lens. This setup can shoot 4K 60 or 1080p 240fps content, and if that's not enough, the 4800mAh battery supports 80W fast charging, meaning you'll never be out of the action for long.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Xiaomi 12</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Last but certainly not least on this list is the Xiaomi 12, which is this year's flagship range of Xiaomi smartphones, sitting just under the Xiaomi 12 Pro. The Xiaomi 12 is housed in a 6.2" display protected by Gorilla Glass Victus on the front side and Gorilla Glass 5 on the rear. And we have to say; it's good to see that rather than sparing the rear of any protection whatsoever, as the Oppo X5 did, they decided to use a lower grade to the front so as to ensure overall protection. The display itself is very similar to the Oppo Find X5 as it has an AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ panel with the same resolution as the Oppo. The key difference between the two is that the Xiaomi 12 has a slightly higher peak brightness of 1100nits for better visibility in brighter outdoor settings. The Xiaomi 12 comes out of the box with Android 12, which isn't a surprise given the common trend with these devices; however, it has its own overlay as well to offer a more Xiaomi-feeling user experience. This UI is the same as you'll see in Xiaomi smartwatches, and it's clear to see that Xiaomi is aiming to synchronise a unique user experience across all of its product ranges.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Xiaomi 12 comes with a truly outstanding camera setup for a non-flagship device, and whilst it may not offer the DSLR level of customisation that the Sony does, it more than makes up for it in its video shooting capabilities. The triple camera setup consists of a 50MP wide angle lens, a 13MP ultrawide lens and a 5MP telephoto lens which can shoot 4K 60 and 8K 24fps video as well as 1080p video up to 960fps and 720p video up to a whopping 1920fps. To add the icing on the cake, the Xiaomi 12's 4500mAh battery supports 67W fast charging, which will take the device from 0-100% in a mere 39 minutes.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:66https://c247.com/c247s-top-5-mid-range-smartphones-in-2022-300-600C247'S TOP 5 MID-RANGE SMARTPHONES IN 2022 | £300-£600<p><span style="color: #000000;">Choosing a new <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> device just isn't as straightforward as it used to be. There are so many different form factors, camera options, and software that the list is never-ending when it comes to things you may want on your new handset. The flagship behemoths at the top of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> food chain are certainly the prize picks. However, they're also worth two months of my rent, so what else is there to offer that won't leave you missing the best features or with an empty current account?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Budget devices have come a long way in recent years, and in the past five years, we've seen a huge shift from the 5MP Motorola and Pocket Neos to the current 108MP Xiaomi budget handsets. If you want to see more about that, you can check it out <a href="https://c247.com/c247s-top-5-budget-smartphones-in-2022-under-300" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">here</span></a>. However, while amazing for some, budget isn't always enough for everyone, and many find themselves stuck between sufficing with a budget handset and missing out on a few desired features or forking out on a high-end device by spending too much. That is why we've done the hard work in collating our top picks for the five best mid-rangers in 2022, ranging between £300-£600, so you don't have to.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>OnePlus Nord 2T</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The OnePlus Nord 2T has brought about some welcome upgrades to the performance and battery technology. However, these alone aren't quite enough of an upgrade to warrant a full jump to the OnePlus Nord 3 title, thus giving us the interim device that is the OnePlus Nord 2T.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The OnePlus Nord 2T comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 processor, which is an improvement over last year's OnePlus Nord 2's MediaTek 1200. The speed performance of this chip powers the OnePlus Nord 2T's 90Hz AMOLED display with ease. In tandem with the MediaTek 1300, the base model OnePlus Nord 2T now comes with the option to upgrade from the 8GB RAM base model to a 12GB RAM, 256GB model if you wish. Couple this with the fact it has a 50MP triple-lens camera capable of recording 4K footage, and it's easy to realise why <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> has been so dominant within the budget handset market in the last couple of years. The last point to touch on with the OnePlus Nord 2T, and arguably what's caused the biggest stir, is its 80W fast charging, the fastest charging of any <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Nord phone</a>... ever. This new technology makes use of the Supervooc charging that we saw with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a> and rockets the OnePlus Nord 2T's 4500mAh battery to a day's charge in just 15 minutes, which is the same performance we've seen in <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus'</a> flagship devices but for half the price. Needless to say, the OnePlus Nord 2T is certainly a strong competitor in the mid-range smartphone market so far in 2022.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Google Pixel 6</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Google completely re-imagined the Google Phone with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Pixel 6</a>, branding it as its first-ever All-Google Phone, built completely differently. The focal point of the release was Google's brand-new Tensor chip, boasting a whopping 80% faster CPU than the Pixel 5 and a whopping 370% faster GPU. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Pixel 6's</a> camera houses a 50MP lens, making it capable of capturing 4K photos and video content. A large proportion of all the impressive features the <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Pixel 6</a> brings to the table lie within the camera. The machine learning in the new Tensor chip allows for a user experience that learns, evolves, and adapts to you. Google's new It also means that we can now have more advanced photo editing capabilities, many of which you would only expect to see in professional photo manipulation suites. The magic eraser means that unwanted elements in a photo can be removed with ease and if you ask me, being able to scribble out a guy that had the audacity to obscure your photograph seems like a satisfying feature to me. Moreover, The <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-gb7n6-stormy-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Pixel 6</a> and <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-pixel-6-pro-glu0g-stormy-black-128gb-12gb-ram" target="_blank">6 Pro</a> feature Google's revamped live translate, which can translate messages, pictures, and speech in an instant.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>iPhone SE 3</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple's <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%20se%20(2022)&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone SE 3</a> is the only current-day <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> device that still retains the original classic <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone</a> design we all used to love. And for many, this is what draws us closer to the SE, having that sense of nostalgia for the good old iPhone 5s and 6s prime eras every time you unlock the device with the home button's fingerprint sensor. In 2022, underneath the shell of the classic design lies a modern interior, which is pretty compelling considering the price point of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%20se%20(2022)&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone SE 3</a>. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%20se%20(2022)&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone SE 3</a> features 5G connectivity and the very same A15 Bionic chip that is found inside the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone 13</a>, meaning you can experience high-grade device performance with a mid-range price tag. If that's not enough, the 12MP Apple camera sensor is capable of shooting 4K at 60fps as well as full HD at 240fps, which makes this a serious contender on this list.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sony Xperia 10 IV</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">While <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/manFilters=20&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Sony's mobile</a> division is more commonly known for its high-end flagship devices and cameras, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%2010%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Xperia 10 IV</a> is their affordable alternative to the flagship behemoths. It gives average consumers like ourselves the chance to enter the <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/manFilters=20" target="_blank">Sony mobile</a> ecosystem without breaking the bank. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%2010%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 10 IV</a> is housed in an almost identical body to its predecessor, with a few minor tweaks. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%2010%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 10 IV</a> comes with a 6-inch OLED display, a 21:9 aspect ratio (which has become an expectation with <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/manFilters=20" target="_blank">Sony</a> devices now), and, of course, <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/manFilters=20" target="_blank">Sony's</a> glorious headphone jack and speaker system. In addition, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%2010%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 10 IV</a> features the same camera specs on paper as the last generation: a 12MP wide-angle lens, an 8MP telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultrawide lens with the additional OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) improvement in the main sensor. Pair all this with a 5000mAh battery, and the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=sony%20xperia%2010%20iv&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Sony Xperia 10 IV</a> shapes into a solid mid-range device.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is the successor to the Mi 11 with a completely re-imagined camera configuration, an added IP68 water and dust resistance rating, and upgraded battery tech. With the Mi 11 Ultra being Xiaomi's top-spec phone, its purpose is to compete with mainstream flagships such as the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> and tackle its predecessor's shortcomings, all while staying at a mid-range price point. Now, a mid-range priced device competing in a high-range market is definitely a small fish in a big pond, but in this case, the smaller fish tastes much better. The Xiaomi comes with many flagship-grade features, which we can genuinely appreciate starting with the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and rear of the device. The display on the Xiaomi 11 Ultra is an AMOLED 120Hz panel with a quad-HD resolution which, put very simply, is a pleasure to look at. The 120Hz refresh rate makes for buttery smooth transitions in general use as well as a fast-paced gaming experience. When you pair this with a 5000mAh battery with 67W wired and wireless charging, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is a device to be reckoned with.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:65https://c247.com/c247s-top-5-budget-smartphones-in-2022-under-300C247's Top 5 Budget Smartphones in 2022 | Under £300<p><span style="color: #000000;">If we were writing this article 5 years ago, we'd have to give you the disappointing truth that buying a budget <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> won't get you too far when it comes to having the latest features. However, in 2022 budget no longer means missing out on great features. So, while headline-topping flagships such as the iPhone 13 Pro Max are wonderful, you can still get a similar user experience for a fraction of the price.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">As a whole, technology has become more advanced each year, and more importantly, you can get high-quality handsets with a lower price tag. Gone are the days of digging into the kids' savings funds to afford anything with above-average features. Instead, in 2022, there are countless budget devices, so much so that narrowing them down to a shortlist can be quite a challenge. So, we've done the difficult job for you and gathered our top 5 picks under £300.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy A33 5G</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> has always kept the industry keen with its flagship S series line-up, the range-topping <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> that can do just about anything you put in front of it. However, with every new generation, these <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphones</a> are increasingly intelligent, and with that, their prices increase. Now, not everyone wants to pay flagship prices, but most people still want flagship-grade quality, and this is what makes the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> A series so impressive.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-a33-5g-dual-sim-sm-a336bdsn-awesome-black-128gb-6gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy A33</a> is the perfect blend of affordable traits, like an Android 12 UI and high-end hardware, including the new Super AMOLED panel. Samsung's A series devices were expanded earlier this year with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-a33-5g-dual-sim-sm-a336bdsn-awesome-black-128gb-6gb-ram" target="_blank">A33 5G</a> alongside its older sibling, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-a53-5g-dual-sim-sm-a536bds-awesome-peach-128gb-6gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy A53 5G</a> and the runt of the litter, the A13. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-a33-5g-dual-sim-sm-a336bdsn-awesome-black-128gb-6gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy A33</a> arguably received some of the most substantial improvements over its predecessor, including IP67 water and dust resistance, 4K video, and a whole new 5nm chip, which is 20% faster than last year's Samsung Galaxy A32.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>OnePlus Nord CE 2</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The OnePlus Nord CE line-up has been a staple of the affordable mobile market since the initial release of the OnePlus Nord CE in 2021. Offering many high-grade features seen on the OnePlus Nord 2's, it's an impressive budget handset with very few flaws and a price we've come to love. Equipped with the latest MediaTek Dimensity 900 Chip, a 64M Triple AI Camera, and a 6.4" 90hz AMOLED Display: OnePlus Nord CE 2 is definitely a little more than you'd expect for £299. And that's not to mention the Nord CE 2's ability to charge from 0-100% in just 32 minutes which is at the same level of many Mid to high range offerings in 2022.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Realme 9 Pro</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Realme 9 Pro is a solid all-around budget device that doesn't seem to cut any corners whatsoever, which is an unusual yet very welcome approach for a handset at this price point. The Realme 9 Pro offers an overall splendid user experience featuring an IPS 120Hz display which, when coupled with the Snapdragon 695 chip, provides a superb gaming experience. What's more, the Realme 9 Pro comes equipped with a flagship-grade 64MP front camera and a brilliant 5000mAh battery capable of 33w fast charging, which is the fastest on this list.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Motorola Moto G82</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Motorola's Moto G82 is a light and relatively compact smartphone compared to many others within this price point. The Moto G82 comes in a 6.6-inch AMOLED 120Hz display, among the better displays on this list; however, the main trade-off is the absence of any Gorilla glass protection, meaning you have to be a little firmer on the grasp with this device. The Motorola Moto G82 comes well equipped with three camera sensors: a 50MP main angle lens, an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens; however, we wouldn't recommend using it for any shots important due to it having such a small sensor. Regardless, the Moto G82 shares a lot of traits seen on the Realme 9 Pro, including the same processor and a 500mAh battery. However, it misses out on the fastest charging spot with its 30W fast charging. Nevertheless, this is still plenty fast at this price point and will power the device from 0-100% in a respectable 62 minutes.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Last on this list, but certainly not least, is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro; and my, oh my, is that a mouthful. And with that, so are its specs and what it offers. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro follows up one of 2021's best budget devices, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro, bringing a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display shielded in Gorilla glass 5, which we've come to appreciate at this price point. As well as this, the Xiaomi Note 11 Pro's main focal point is its 108MP primary sensor which is truly impressive for any device in its category. However, with so many premium features on a budget, device corners had to be cut, and it's safe to say the 8MP and 2MP secondary cameras were a little disappointing considering the size of the primary sensor.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">As well as this, the Xiaomi Note 11 Pro is the only device on this list to feature an Android 11 OS in 2022. Nevertheless, this is about all we could nit-pick from this device as its 5000mAh battery coupled with 67W fast charging powers it from 0-51% in a mere 15 minutes, which is better than the OnePlus 10 Pro. Now, if that doesn’t crown this C247’s best budget handset of 2022, then I’m not sure what does.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Let us know your thoughts on our 2022 top 5 picks in the discussion box below and whether you’d like to see a follow-up next year.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:64https://c247.com/what-can-we-expect-from-the-samsung-galaxy-s23What can we expect from the Samsung Galaxy S23?<p><span style="color: #000000;">It's been almost six months since the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> launched, so it's probably coming up to the halfway mark of its reign at the top of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> ecosystem. So, can we expect a worthy taker of the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> throne, or will the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s23-5g-dual-sim-sm-s911bds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a> be something that should've stayed in <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung's</a> drafts? The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> brought about an abundance of welcomed alterations from its <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim-sm-g991b-ds-phantom-gray-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Galaxy S21</a> predecessor, including a brand new 4nm Qualcomm processor, Android 12 OS and a refined armour aluminium frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance. So, while it is still early for any talk about the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s23-5g-dual-sim-sm-s911bds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a>, it's safe to say that it will have some pretty big shoes to fill when it arrives.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Now, we've all heard of the space race, but the mobile industry is currently undergoing a 200MP race. There is yet to be a <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> with a 200MP sensor on its camera (which would be the world's highest resolution camera). Many <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> manufacturers, such as Motorola and <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a>, have confirmed that they have 200MP sensors in their manufacturing pipeline. The question now is, who is going to release theirs first? To put into perspective just how impressive 200MP is, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> showcased this by using a picture of a cat captured by their new sensor and printed it on an enormous 28 by 22-metre canvas. This allowed <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> to truly illustrate the ultimate benefit of the 200MP sensor, the ability to capture an image that can be zoomed in and cropped without compromising on any image quality. In tandem with photography, a 200MP sensor will also offer future-proofing for mainstreaming 8K video, as it's the optimal quality to support such resolution.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">It's unclear what other upgrades <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> may deliver in its <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s23-5g-dual-sim-sm-s911bds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Galaxy S23</a> camera. However, with our reasonably good track record of forecasting handset developments, we'd predict we'll see either the same 32MP front camera sensor from the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-fe-5g-dual-sim-sm-g990b2ds-olive-128gb-6gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S21FE</a> or the 40MP sensor from the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</a>. And while the latter may be a little too ambiguous, we won't rule it out just yet. In terms of video, we expect the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s23-5g-dual-sim-sm-s911bds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a> and S23 Ultra to both come with 8K recording to use the rumoured 200MP sensor fully. Like the <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a>, it's possible the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s23-5g-dual-sim-sm-s911bds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a> could, in fact, support 120FPS video in 4K, which would be the first from a <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Galaxy smartphone</a>. To further this, we could also see higher frame rate recording at 1080p to give us some truly impressive slow-motion footage, potentially 540fps or even 960fps.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">One main focal point around the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s23-5g-dual-sim-sm-s911bds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a> is that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> is stopping production of its renowned Exynos chips and opting to stick with Qualcomm Snapdragon from now onwards. A lot of explanations behind this potential decision are all pointing toward Exynos being too slow to meet the expectations <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> has for their big tech. What's more likely for the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s23-5g-dual-sim-sm-s911bds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a> is for it to feature the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. This chip is miles faster than any Exynos chip <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> has manufactured, which would, in turn, allow <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> to implement all the relevant features that can make the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s23-5g-dual-sim-sm-s911bds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a> successful without any lag or bottlenecking.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">While we can expect many aspects to remain the same: Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, IP68 resistance, and a very similar 6-inch body with an AMOLED 120Hz display, some areas around the new device are still cloudy; one, in particular, is the battery-tech. Now, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> doesn't exactly have a track record of being consistent or uniform with their battery designs; take the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim-sm-g991b-ds-phantom-gray-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S21</a> and <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">S22</a>, for example. <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim-sm-g991b-ds-phantom-gray-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">The Samsung Galaxy S21</a> featured a 4000mAh battery, which was pretty respectable for a <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone" target="_blank">smartphone</a> released in early 2021. However, somehow <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> managed to go backwards with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a>, giving it a 3700mAh battery, which was, in fact, a downgrade from its predecessor. This clearly reflected their endurance ratings, as GSM Arena gave the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">S22</a> 85 hours compared to the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim-sm-g991b-ds-phantom-gray-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">S21's</a> 93 hours. So at the very minimum, from the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-s23-5g-dual-sim-sm-s911bds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a>, we will expect a 4500mAh battery. However, if <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> wants to impress, they'll need to pull a 5000mAh base model out of the bag.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">One aspect where <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> seems to lag behind the competition is its fast charging. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S22</a> featured 25W fast-charging, while its older brother saw a slightly faster 45W fast charging support, which takes these devices from 0-50% in a respectable 25 minutes. Many <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> fans were disappointed by the lack of effect the 45W fast charging had over the standard 25W fast charger, which led many to ask when <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> would give us sub-20 minute 0-50% charging times. On the other hand, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">OnePlus</a> ecosystem has seen years of ultra-fast charging, with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank">OnePlus 10 Pro</a> charging from 0-58% in a mere 15 minutes. This area alone is where <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> has the potential to create a true industry-leading flagship device if they do it right.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">In recent years, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> has always released their S series devices in the first two months of the year, and we expect no different with the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a>. Its more than likely, that the <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S23</a> will release during or after the MWC Barcelona in Q1 of 2023, which would allow <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Samsung</a> to showcase all their exciting news at the conference before delivering it to the masses.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:62https://c247.com/apple-airtag-2-what-could-we-expectApple AirTag 2: What could we expect?<p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> first AirTag back in April of 2020 was a huge success and racked up a lot of attention from <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> fans. The device allowed you to track any item it’s attached to all through the Find my app. The most common use for this was to attach it onto keyrings as we all have those panic moments where the keys suddenly grow legs and run off from the table where you swore you left them. It’s safe to say, the Apple AirTag certainly fulfilled its purpose so what would the reason be for an AirTag 2? After all, there’s only so much a tracker can do so it hardly needs a second generation, right? Well not quite, there are certain aspects whereby the AirTag can be drastically improved and these downfalls are what we can expect solutions for in the Apple AirTag 2.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Whilst <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> hasn’t been one for much cross-platform integration with <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> in the past, the last few years have seen <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> become more welcoming to this idea, with devices such as the Apple Airpods and <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a> all having <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a> support. At this time being AirTags currently have no support for <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1">Android</a> which in turn restricts them from flourishing in their market. If <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> does give in to their stubbornness with the AirTag 2, as they did with their Airpods, this would essentially allow for the AirTag to grow drastically in its market particularly because 87% of the entirety of <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">smartphone</a> users are using <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1" target="_blank">Android</a>. It’s been done before so it’s not too ambiguous to anticipate it again for the AirTag 2 and quite simply, this is a small sacrifice to make to ensure a successful product.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">As with everything wear and tear does occur, however, while the AirTag isn’t by any means flimsy, it is prominent to scuffing. We can expect the AirTag 2 to come with a design that ensures it stays in pristine condition for longer. The current AirTag has an IP67 rating which means that not only is it resistant to splash and rain, but it can also be submerged into water with a depth of 1m for 30 minutes without sustaining any permanent damage. Whilst this in itself is impressive for a small tracking device, most flagship devices currently come with an IP68 rating which would be preferred for something that can be easily dropped with some keys down a drain. The way we see it, the more waterproof the better.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Many other tracking devices on the market now offer users the ability to give other people access to its location. Surprisingly, this is something that AirTag users are still not able to do and would be a useful feature to help family members and friends track your lost item with you because, at the end of the day, two eyes are better than one.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Price &amp; Release Date</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Now, whilst nothing for the Apple AirTag 2 is set in stone, Ming Chi Kuo is a well-known analyst who has a track record of accurately predicting Apple releases. He’s claimed that Apple may develop an AirTag 2 if shipments of the current AirTag do continue to grow. The original AirTag can retail for £29 so it’s more than likely a second-generation model would retail at around the same price, we reckon this will be £34.99-£40 however Apple could surprise us. It’s tough to say when we could expect this to be released if Apple announce it but we’d like to think Apple would announce it between Q2 and Q3 of 2023.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Apple AirTag 2 is still just a rumour and in actual fact, many of the expectations listed above for the AirTag 2 can be added to the current generation with software updates. With that said, I still do believe <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> will bring out a second generation of AirTag with the above expectations and more in 2023. Let us know whether you think <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> will bring us an AirTag 2 in the future in the discussion box below.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:63https://c247.com/did-apple-just-confirm-their-first-ar-headsetDid Apple just confirm their first AR headset?<p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple's</a> CEO, Tim Cook, has recently confirmed that they are working on an augmented reality (AR) device. As a company, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> has always been keen to bring out innovations based on where the tech industry is headed, and considering the stir Mark Zuckerberg created upon his announcement of his <a href="https://www.c247.com/how-the-metaverse-is-going-to-change-the-reality-of-communication" target="_blank">Metaverse</a> vision, we are almost certain that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple's</a> AR device will be crafted specifically for the integration of web 3.0. Considering the upcoming AR/VR headset as mentioned by Cook, it indicates the device is well in its advanced stage of development, and it could be possible to see a debut in the not-so-distant future.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">If you're unsure of what Virtual Reality is, or VR as it's widely known, it's a fully immersive computer-simulated experience that people can interact with. Many game applications for VR include simulations such as driving, sports and others. Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive experience shared through goggles, similar to VR, which essentially overlays a computer-generated environment onto the current real world, to create a shared experience between the two entities.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design &amp; Features</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">From the leaks, we know that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> is creating both a VR and an AR device all-in-one, with the focal point being AR functionality. The design that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> will decide to adopt to house the device is still unclear. Will they opt for a lightweight 'glasses-esque' frame or opt for a more traditional strap-on headset approach? It's difficult to decipher at the moment, considering that this is set to be the world's first combined AR/VR device, which is hugely exciting! Our calculated guess is that the device will use a chassis similar to the Oculus GO 2 with a lighter, sleeker approach, made possible by alternate soft-touch materials. We can expect the headset to feature two OLED displays, one for each eye, that will allow users to both see people standing in front of them, as well as behind virtual objects.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple's</a> AR headset is expected to have eye-tracking capabilities built-in and it is thought that this can be used to select items on menus or options in apps with just your eyes, which is impressive. However, the awe doesn't stop there. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> AR headset will feature a plethora of exterior cameras and lidar sensors. These will be able to map surfaces, edges and measure rooms. While many would assume the headset would need to be mapped to an <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">iPhone</a>, Mac, or other <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> device, it seems that the Apple AR device will be able to operate independently without the need for a third-party <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> device.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Price &amp; Release Date</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> AR headset is rumoured to start production in Q4 of 2022. However, the release date is not expected to be until early 2023, so it's possible that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> may decide to announce this at MWC 2023. In traditional <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> fashion, their debut device is not going to be cheap, particularly one packed with heaps of tech like their AR headset. This class-leading mixed reality device is rumoured to be around £1099. While this is expensive, we do need to keep in mind that <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> is the industry leader for <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone#/noFilterApplied" target="_blank">mobile phones</a>, <a href="https://www.c247.com/wearables" target="_blank">smartwatches</a>, and <a href="https://www.c247.com/tablets" target="_blank">tablets</a>, so we can be sure this will be crafted to perfection upon release and will deliver an experience like no other.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Specifications</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The screens themselves will be rich in colour and contrast, featuring a high-resolution display, so high in fact, that it may be in excess of 3000ppi. To put this into perspective, <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iphone%2013&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple's iPhone 13</a> and iPhone 13 Pro have a PPI density of 460, which means <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple's</a> AR headset will have more than 6 times the pixels per inch. It's more than likely each display will be 4K, which is expected from a premium <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> device like this. Of course, for such a behemoth of technological madness, this will require only the top processing capabilities. This is why the <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> AR headset is expected to feature a processing unit equivalent to the M1 Ultra, which is currently <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple's</a> fastest chip on the market, and featured in the 2022 Mac Studio.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Our Thoughts</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">It will be interesting, especially at its price point, whether <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple’s</a> AR headset will take off as <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> intends it to, or whether this will be disregarded in the lost world of debacle tech. We can’t forget the original <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a> didn’t take off well until version 3. Most of us were unaware of its existence until this point. Moreover, Apple’s AirPods took off straight away, so it will be interesting to see how many versions it may take for <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> to bring us a headset that will reach the volume of sales seen by its other devices. Our honest opinion is that it will likely take a couple of version releases and include a more budget-friendly variant, for this to be something an everyday consumer can look at and consider buying. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> AR headset is an exciting product, and we’re looking forward to seeing what <a href="https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11" target="_blank">Apple</a> has up their sleeves for it. Let us know what your thoughts are in the discussion box below.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:61https://c247.com/sony-xperia-10-iv-everything-you-need-to-knowSony Xperia 10 IV: Everything you need to know<p><span style="color: #000000;">It's now been over a year since the Sony Xperia 10 III was released, and Sony has recently announced their MK IV line-up of Sony devices. So far, this consists of the Sony Xperia 1 IV and Sony Xperia 10 IV, and whilst there's no mention of a Sony Xperia 5 IV just yet, we wouldn't give up hope of it making an appearance later this year, but that's for another blog. Today is all about the new Sony Xperia 10 IV.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Now, while Sony's mobile division is more commonly known for its high-end flagship devices and their cameras, Sony's Xperia 10 IV is their affordable alternative to the flagship behemoths and gives average consumers like ourselves the chance to enter the Sony mobile ecosystem without breaking the bank.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Last year's Sony Xperia 10 III launched at £399, but Sony has now raised the price of the Sony Xperia 10 IV, as it's going to now set you back £429. This is a lot less than the £200 increase we've seen between the Sony Xperia 1 III and Sony Xperia 1 IV, but it's still an increase nonetheless for an entry-level phone. So, what has Sony given us this year with the Xperia 10 IV and why has it gone up in price?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design &amp; Display</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Sony Xperia 10 IV is housed in an almost identical body to its predecessor, with a few minor tweaks. Sony has decided to abandon the Google assistant button on the Sony Xperia 10 IV that was previously seen on its predecessor. We have to say, this is probably a smart move as many fans were left disappointed that they weren't able to re-purpose this button into a shutter capture button, similar to what's seen on the Sony Xperia 1 IV. This, coupled with the fact that Google's voice assistant has seen a steady decrease in users over the past couple of years, is a good indicator as to why Sony has taken this approach. Many of the design elements, as we said, are identical on both models, such as the 6-inch OLED display, a 21:9 aspect ratio (which has become an expectation with Sony devices now), and of course Sony's glorious headphone jack and speaker system.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">A double-edged sword with this device is its glass. The Sony Xperia 10 IV is housed in a plastic frame, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus which is a step up from its predecessor, Gorilla Glass 6. The double-edged sword is that the Sony Xperia 10 IV has a matte plastic back, which is a downgrade since the Sony Xperia 10 III came with both glass on the front and the rear. This made for a more premium feel to the device, all at a lower price point! Besides this, the only key thing to note is that the Sony Xperia 10 IV still retains the same side-mounted fingerprint sensor as we've seen on previous models. It's interesting to see that Sony has decided to keep the fingerprint sensor rather than make the switch to facial biometrics. However, if you're a die-hard iPhone 7 fan like I am, you'll come to appreciate the haptic feedback of a fingerprint unlock much more than a facial scan.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Camera &amp; Hardware</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">As expected the crossover elements from the body of the Sony Xperia 10 IV carry over to its camera setup. The Sony Xperia 10 IV features the same camera specs on paper as the last generation: a 12MP wide-angle lens, an 8MP telephoto lens and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The key differences between these two cameras are in the AI implementations. This year, the Sony Xperia 10 IV has a significant amount of OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) improvement in the main sensor. What's more, Sony has claimed to have made improvements to the selfie camera image quality as well as improved digital zoom and to top this all off, many sources are claiming a major boost in low-light shooting.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Remarkably, Sony has decided to remove any 4K shooting capabilities, which were a feature of previous models. Whilst it's not too clear why they've gone for this approach, our best guess is that they'd like to start reserving 4K shooting for the Xperia 5 and Xperia 1 models only, compelling users to pick one of their mid-range handsets. While this approach makes sense within the Sony ecosystem, it's a questionable decision in the wider scope of things considering most, if not all competitors in the mid-range handset bracket support 4K video, including the Samsung Galaxy A53 which is over £200 cheaper than the Sony Xperia 10 IV. Nevertheless, Sony still prides itself on its one-of-a-kind DSLR-like camera experience and that is something we can't ignore.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The battery tech on the Sony Xperia 10 IV has seen a considerable upgrade to 5000mAh over the Sony Xperia 10 III 4500mAh battery. This coupled with Sony's 21W fast charging is going to ensure the Sony Xperia 10 IV can get through a full day of usage with ease. In the GSM Arena battery endurance testing, this device managed to get 163 hours which is quite a jump over the Sony Xperia 10 III's 137-hour rating.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">All in all, the Sony Xperia 10 IV is a brilliant device! Sony has built on an already solid Sony Xperia 10 III, to bring us a handset with a larger battery, faster chip, and tougher chassis. While there are areas that may dissatisfy a lot of Sony fans, it shouldn't detract from the fact that the Sony Xperia 10 IV is a truly impressive device that photo enthusiasts should come to love. Let us know your thoughts on the Sony Xperia 10 IV in the discussion section below.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:60https://c247.com/what-can-we-expect-from-the-google-pixel-7-google-pixel-7-proWhat can we expect from the Google Pixel 7 & Google Pixel 7 Pro?<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Last year’s Google Pixel 6 broke previous handset sale records, being the best-selling device that Google has ever released. Its impressive AI learning capabilities, powered by its new tensor chip, made for a truly unique user experience bringing us features such as the nuanced auto white balance, magic eraser and a re-imagined Google live translate. The Google Pixel 6 was built completely differently, to learn and adapt to its users in so many ways. So, it’s safe to say the Google Pixel 6 set the bar tremendously high upon its release, which raises the question: what is Google going to do to top this award-winning behemoth?</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Google’s solution to this, is the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro, and from what we know so far, Google is taking it to a whole new level. We’ve been seeing many unofficial teasers around the web for the Google Pixel 7, especially in 2022.  However, Google formally confirmed the incoming Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 at their developer conference in May.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">So, what do we know about the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro? Well, whilst a release date hasn’t been set in stone, Google has confirmed that the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro will be amongst the first handsets to be released with Android 13.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Android 13 is being released in the Autumn of 2022 so we can expect the release of the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro around October time this year, which would tie in well, as the Google Pixel 6 was released in late October last year. What will be interesting is to see how the Google Pixel 7 not only stacks up against its predecessor, but also the upcoming iPhone 14 range.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The Google Pixel 7 is rumoured to be the same size as the Google Pixel 6, matching its screen size and front camera arrangement. The main differentiating factor in the Google Pixel 7 is going to be the rear camera arrangement. The Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro both had a black camera housing which extended across the width of the handset to create a ‘letterbox-strip’ effect. Contrastingly, the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro are both going to feature a hole-punch camera layout as opposed to the seamless black strip. By doing this, Google has made the camera setup a lot more prominent on the Google Pixel 7 range and the design is more in line with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S22. It’s also, going to have a single dual-camera cutout, whereas the Google Pixel 7 Pro will feature the same dual camera as well as, a separate single camera cut out on its rear.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Specs</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Google’s Tensor chip took the world by storm with its Tensor chip. The AI learning, excellent power efficiency and speed performance, were features that blew the rest of the competition out of the water. In fact, many manufacturers decided to take note after the Google Pixel 6’s release and see what sought-after features they can carry over into their handsets. Google has confirmed that they are indeed developing a second-generation Tensor chipset so it's possible that we can see this on the Google Pixel 7 line-up. In terms of its performance, whilst we can anticipate an increase in speed, it's difficult to say whether this will be as marginal as the jump between the first Google Tensor chip and the Snapdragon 765G chip used in the Google Pixel 5. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say, we will certainly see an upgrade in power efficiency in the Google Pixel 7 over its predecessor as well as a performance boost.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000;">It’s undoubtable that the Google Pixel 7 will retain the same protection features as the Google Pixel 6, such as Gorilla Glass Victus and IP68 water and dust resistance. Besides this, what’s still unconfirmed is the camera specs of the Google Pixel 7.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Now, many sources are pointing towards the Google Pixel 7 sharing the same camera setup as last year’s Google Pixel 6 which is plausible as the true camera enhancements are made through the AI capabilities brought through the Google Tensor chip. We’d definitely like to see an improvement over the Google Pixel 6’s long exposure mode in the Google Pixel 7 as this was a feature we felt could have been done better and hopefully, with the implementation of a new Tensor chip, can be made possible. Nonetheless, without a good battery, your user experience isn’t much of an experience at all… just staring at a black screen.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">We anticipate Google to make a noteworthy upgrade to the battery tech on the Google Pixel 7 and expect a 5000mAh battery which is a step up from the Google Pixel 6’s 4600mAh. With a larger battery, comes faster charging. The Google Pixel 6 charged from 0-50% in 30 minutes with its 30W fast charging. We can count on Google to give us 50% capacity in under 30 minutes for the Google Pixel 7, possibly 15, but that would be entering OnePlus territory and no one has come close to this so far.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Google has a lot of pressure to deliver with the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro, and we expect them to showcase just what their second-generation Tensor chip is capable of later this year. Are you excited about this new device or do you think Google will under-deliver? Let us know your thoughts in the discussion box below.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:59https://c247.com/nothing-phone-1-everything-you-need-to-knowNothing Phone 1 – Everything you need to know<p><span style="color: #000000;">Since Nothing's debut with their Nothing Ear 1 wireless earphones back in 2020, the brand's philosophy has been extreme minimalism; to create tech that simply disappears into the background. Nothing's Ear 1's are a perfect emblem of its mission statement, so the question to be raised is whether Nothing can fulfil this vision with their new upcoming device, the Nothing Phone 1.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Nothing set the bar extremely high before the release of their Nothing Ear 1's and most people's expectations were exceeded. However, there is a notable difference between an audio accessory release and a smartphone release, so it's safe to say the expectations behind the Nothing Phone 1 are much higher. Not only has Nothing got to produce a handset that can compete amongst huge brands such as Apple and Samsung, but they've also got to produce a handset that can live up to their mission statement: minimalism in every last aspect, from the design and user experience all the way down to the packaging and unboxing experience.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design &amp; Hardware</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Now, whilst we don't have an official design for the Nothing Phone 1, we do know that they are going to adopt transparent design elements, similar to what we've seen on the Nothing Ear 1's. Carl Pei, Nothing's CEO, has confirmed that the back of the Nothing Phone 1 will receive a fully transparent rear design which is exciting news. It's evident that Nothing will continue to use transparent design elements as a key feature of its product design. What will be interesting is how Nothing approaches the appearance of the internal components in the Nothing Phone 1 to give us something genuinely good to look at; intricate, sophisticated and "nothingness". After looking at many concepts and leaks, it's safe to say that the Nothing Phone 1 is likely to adopt the popular hole punch camera design in a bezel-less display. We can certainly expect an OLED panel in this handset and most likely a higher refresh rate screen of 120hz or even 240hz. What's more, the Nothing Phone 1 is likely to feature either a dual or quad camera layout. More likely than not, we will probably see a dual-camera setup on the Nothing Phone 1 with a 50-64MP camera for its main lens. As for its battery and charging capabilities, whilst we don't expect  OnePlus charging speeds, we can still anticipate a solid 4500-5000mAh battery with 45w fast charging, which is pretty solid.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Software</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Nothing Phone 1 will be an Android device. However, a nice transparent back with a standard Android 12 user interface, wouldn't quite fulfil what we all expect from Nothing's first phone. So, while the Nothing Phone 1 will run on Android 12, Nothing themselves has created their own Nothing OS, which will bring a user experience that can truly bring their vision to life. Carl Pei claims the Nothing OS overlay will "effortlessly connect and integrate Nothing products and products from other world-leading brands," comparing his vision to create a Nothing ecosystem in the future, like Apple's. We expect the Nothing OS to live up to its name with a lightweight, seamless experience and an easy-to-navigate layout. The software should be integrated through bespoke fonts, colours, graphical elements, and sounds.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Nothing has a vision. The Nothing Ear 1's showed us a taster of their vision, but now it's time for Nothing to show us what their brand is going to bring to the marketplace. Whilst the expectations are high, we don't think that Nothing will disappoint. Are you going to be part of Nothing's journey? Let us know in the discussion section below and share your thoughts on the Nothing Phone 1.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:58https://c247.com/what-can-we-expect-from-ios-16What can we expect from iOS 16?<p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple has recently unveiled everything we need to know about their upcoming tech releases at their Worldwide Developer Conference on 6<sup>th</sup> June.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference is an annual conference that gives everyone a first insight into their latest platforms and technologies. The purpose of the conference is to keep developers up to date with Apple's latest framework developments so that apps can be updated.  Apple also holds a one-day keynote for consumer-based announcements, to give people like us the tech scoop we've all been waiting for. This week's blog looks at one of the biggest announcements at this year's WWDC, the new upcoming Apple operating system, iOS 16.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">While Apple's security-related updates occur regularly, fully-fledged software revisions only happen once a year and are usually brought out alongside the release of a new device around late September time. Apple's preview of iOS 16 revealed a plethora of exciting features that not only enhance the iPhone user experience but also add extra security and safety in ways you definitely wouldn't expect.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Support</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The upcoming iOS 16 will launch alongside the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. In terms of devices that will support the new IOS, everything after the iPhone 8 will be supported. Unfortunately for those using an iPhone 7 or older, you'll miss out on the update and any future support, which puts you at an increased risk of a security breach. To avoid losing out on the new features of IOS 16 and any increased security risks, you might want to check out the budget-friendly iPhone SE (2020), which is a particularly good option, if you don't want to break the bank but want to stay in the Apple ecosystem and benefit from the new iOS features.  Alternatively, hang on for the iPhone 14 and buy it on C247.com when they launch.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Messages</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple users will be able to edit and delete sent messages, as well as mark any read message as unread through iMessage. Now whilst a minor addition for those of you, who want to ghost your other half for a few more hours, it may be something you'll love using. But what's else? Apple is expected to give their messaging app more social network functionality, specifically with audio messages. This could entail some of the audio message updates we've seen on Snapchat's recent update, whereby voice messages can be slowed down or sped up, as well as directly replied to.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Lock Screen</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">One of the key focal points behind iOS 16 is the all-new re-imagined lock screen. The new lock screen will allow users to customise a number of elements, including the date and time font and add widgets; yes widgets.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Now, while widgets on Apple have been around since iOS 14's release in 2020, we were never able to have lock screen widgets, nor were we able to have live updates, which will be a core feature of iOS 16.  These live widgets continuously update with the latest information, rather than giving you multiple and increasingly annoying notifications. This feature will be great when you want to look at live football scores, track current stock prices, or even see how close your Uber is. Apple claims there are millions of possible lock screen design combinations with this new update, which means there will be something for everyone, meaning you can tailor the lock screen to your own tastes.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Notifications</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">While on the topic of lock screens, let's talk notifications. Notifications in iOS 16, will roll up from the bottom of the screen, while on the lock screen, rather than down from the top, to help users have a clear view of their personalised lock screen.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Apple Pay</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Now Apple Pay is definitely nothing new, and something that we'd say is already well optimised in its current revision. What is new, however, is Apple Pay Later which is Apple's new service that, allows its users to pay for purchases in four instalments over six weeks with no interest. This is similar to other services, such as Klarna's Buy Now Pay Later, that you can use to make your purchase on our C247 store. However, the main difference is that Apple Pay Later can be used in stores at the checkout and doesn't have to be confined to online purchases. Pretty neat if you ask us.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Car Crash Detection</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Remember the aforementioned extra security and safety in ways you definitely wouldn’t expect? Well, this is it: Apple's car crash detection is a feature that allows iPhones to detect when a car crash has occurred and automatically dial the emergency services, notifying them of your location. Now, this feature was seen on the Google Pixel phones. However, Pixels aren't as widely used as iPhones, so many will be unaware that these features exist. The feature uses the accelerometer sensor found inside both iPhones and Apple watches to detect collisions by recording any sudden large spike in G-force, linked to a sudden and rapid decrease in speed.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple's iOS 16 is set to be one of Apple's largest software updates in terms of new features, ever. We're extremely excited to get our hands on the new update and the new iPhone later this year, which we look forward to reviewing in detail. Let us know your thoughts and your favourite feature coming in iOS 16 in the discussion box below!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:57https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce2-lite-available-nowOnePlus Nord CE2 Lite Available Now<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The OnePlus Nord CE line-up has been a staple of the affordable mobile market since the initial release of the OnePlus Nord CE in 2021. Offering many high-grade features seen on the OnePlus Nord 2's, it's an impressive mid-ranger with very few flaws and a price we've come to love.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus has decided to kick their smartphone releases into overdrive this year, and the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite delivers a sold spec for the price.  Their newest low-cost handset seems as if it could be the next handset of choice as the economic climate changes, and consumers look for affordable high-quality options as their current contracts come to an end. But, is the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite going to follow in the steps of its predecessors, or have OnePlus finally bitten off more than they can chew?</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Well, the short answer is no, but that’s not a surprise. As you’d expect with any Lite edition, the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite has taken everything from the OnePlus Nord CE 2 and condensed it into a more affordable version whilst surprisingly not cutting many corners. Interestingly there are a few aspects where the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite actually exceeds the OnePlus Nord CE2, which is a welcome surprise from OnePlus: looks like they're never going to settle on continually evolving their handsets anytime soon.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">So, what exactly are we looking at with this new release in terms of its specifications?</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design and Build</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite comes with the latest version of Android 12 and is topped off with the OnePlus' OxygenOS 12.1 skin. The OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite is housed in a plastic chassis with a glass front measuring at 6.59 inches, which is actually larger than its older brother, the OnePlus Nord CE2. Now, in order to, achieve a price point like this, some of the favoured features of the OnePlus Nord CE2 had to be removed, specifically the Corning Gorilla Glass protection which means you won’t be getting any protection against drops, scuffs and scratches on the glass of the handset. Furthermore, the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite also comes without an IP rating which means its neither waterproof nor water-resistant.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Camera and Display</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite comes with the same 64MP main camera lens as the OnePlus Nord CE2, however, its other lenses (macro and depth lenses) are both 2MP each. The OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite supports full HD video at 30fps which is still a good all-around video, given it's done with a 60MP lens. Comparatively, you are missing out on the OnePlus Nord CE2's 60fps recording, as well as 4k video. In addition to this, the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite has an IPS LCD 120hz display. Now, what really surprised us with this, is that this is actually higher than the OnePlus Nord CE2's 90hz AMOLED display. So while the picture image isn't as sharp as the OnePlus Nord CE2 on the Lite, its user experience will manage to be that little bit smoother than the OnePlus Nord CE2.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite does have a larger battery than the OnePlus Nord CE2 at 5000mAh. Whilst this does support fast charging we do miss out on the reverse charging of the OnePlus Nord CE2.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite definitely has a lot more to offer over the its counterparts such as the TCL 20L and Samsung Galaxy A13: it has a better display, a slightly higher resolution, a better camera and fast charging. However, the most important thing to factor is whether the jump up to the OnePlus Nord CE2 from the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite is worth it and in our eyes, no. There’s a £20 difference between the OnePlus Nord CE2 and the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite and for all the extra features that you’re able to attain by spending an extra £20, the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite is not worth opting for if you’re considering the two. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for any movement and it’s a tossup between the Samsung Galaxy A13, TCL 20L or the OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite; we’d probably opt for either the OnePlus or the TCL. Some may disagree so let us know your thoughts on this article in the discussion box below.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:56https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-2t-available-nowOnePlus Nord 2T available now<p><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus has been breaking limits this year with the sheer number of phones that they have been pumping out in the first quarter of 2022. We’ve had the likes of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 and the flagship OnePlus 10 Pro already and now OnePlus has released a trio of mid-range affordable devices in the EU: the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite, the OnePlus Nord Buds true and the main talking point today; the OnePlus Nord 2t. Now, the OnePlus Nord 2t has been launched as the successor to the OnePlus Nord 2, which was launched in July of 2021. The OnePlus Nord 2t has brought about some welcome upgrades to the performance and the battery tech however these alone aren’t quite enough of an upgrade to warrant a full jump to the OnePlus Nord 3 title, thus giving us the interim device that is the OnePlus Nord 2t.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">So, what’s new with the OnePlus Nord 2t? Well not too much in fact, while the changes made with the OnePlus Nord 2t are fairly minor upgrades, they still do offer an improved user experience over its predecessor which is the ultimate factor at the end of the day. Firstly, let’s talk about the processor, the brain of the handset that gives it all its speed. The OnePlus Nord 2t comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 which is an improvement over last year’s OnePlus Nord 2’s MediaTek 1200. The speed performance difference between the two is minimal and most users won’t see too much of a difference unless they are a hardcore apex mobile gamer like myself where every frame counts! In tandem with the MediaTek 1300 the base model OnePlus Nord 2t now comes with 8GB RAM with 128GB storage, with the option to upgrade to 12GB RAM and 256GB if you wish. Comparatively, the OnePlus Nord‘s base model launched with only 6GB RAM. The last point to touch on with the OnePlus Nord 2t, and arguably what’s caused the biggest stir, is its 80W fast charging; the fastest charging of any Nord phone… ever. This new technology makes use of the Supervooc charging that we saw with the OnePlus 10 Pro and rockets the OnePlus Nord 2t’s 4500mAh battery to a day’s charge in just 15 minutes, which is the same performance we’ve seen in OnePlus’ flagship devices but for half the price.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Needless to say, the OnePlus Nord 2t is certainly a strong competitor in the mid-range smartphone market so far. And while some aspects do succeed in the Samsung Galaxy A53, it's still a toss-up between Samsung and OnePlus in their mid-range offerings. Both offer a solid feature set, but the real question is can anything else top the OnePlus Nord 2t in 2022? Let us know what you think in the discussion box below, and if you want to see our review of the OnePlus Nord2t, head over to our YouTube channel to be notified on when that drops.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:55https://c247.com/decoupling-airtime-from-your-handsetDecoupling Airtime from your Handset<p><span style="color: #000000;">Smartphone contracts have become commonplace when it comes to purchasing a mobile device. This has been particularly true in the last 10 years, when phone contract sales saw a remarkable surge, overtaking the traditional and popular pay as you go smartphone agreements.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Pay-as-you-go phones tend to be cheaper and give you more flexibility, with their main benefit being that you aren't tied down to a long-term contract or commitment. However, you're fully responsible for maintaining, repairing or replacing your phone, whereas phones under contract are usually repaired or replaced by the network provider at no extra cost.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">On the flip side, contract agreements offer significantly more than PAYG can to users. Contract holders can have both their handset and airtime bundled together for a set monthly tariff and since 84% of mobile phone packages in the UK are monthly contracts, it's the main way phones are bought by many these days.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Contract holders who want to alter their data allowance or upgrade to the newest flagship devices early in their contract length are often subject to a hefty penalty.  Also, considering the trend for new and upgraded phones coming out annually each year, anyone who is in 24- or 36-month contracts is particularly worse off.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">So what's the solution and what benefits the customer most?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Decoupling airtime from the handset. Now, what exactly does this mean?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Decoupling airtime from a handset separates the tie between handsets and airtime that you see in traditional smartphone contracts. The key benefit of this is that this can often work out much more cost-efficient than standard contracts.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">At the time of publishing an iPhone 13 256GB in Blue with 24-months of unlimited airtime (mobile data, texts and minutes) costs a total of £1710 at EE. Alternatively, the same model on C247 costs just £43.65pm (£879) when you pay with Klarna. Pair that with a Three Unlimited 24-month plan at £18pm the total cost comes to £1479.60. So, by decoupling the airtime from your handset you can save a huge £230.40! Now you’re talking!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">A Samsung Galaxy S21 FE with 24-months of unlimited airtime (mobile data, texts and minutes) costs a total of £1,109 at Vodafone.  The same model onC247 costs just £22.30pm (£449) when you pay with Klarna. Pair that with a Three Unlimited 24-month plan at £18pm the total cost comes to £967.20 which gives a saving of £141.80. If savings of up to £200 and over weren’t enough, there are still more benefits to decoupling airtime from your handset.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Another reason why people find decoupling airtime from your handset so beneficial is the flexibility behind being able to switch your handset at any time with minimal hassle. Many contracts also don't let users downgrade a phone to decrease the costs, which is especially important in the current financial climate, where the cost of living is increasing.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Decoupling airtime from handsets is the best way to make a smartphone purchase going forward if you’re looking for flexibility. Being in full control of what you change and when you want to change is something everyone should have access to. SIM-only deals have become increasingly popular and value-packed in the last 3 years.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">So, make the smart move and change the way you pay for your phone and decouple your airtime from your handset with one of our impressive SIM-only deals.   With our great range of handsets, and the flexibility to pay for them in a way that suits you via Klarna, Paypal, credit or debit card, you are can make some significant savings. Let us know your opinion on decoupling airtime from handsets in the discussion box below, or better still, click <a href="https://www.c247.com/mobile-phone"><span style="color: #000000;">here</span></a> to see our range of handsets.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:54https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-a53-5g-it-only-gets-betterSamsung Galaxy A53 5G - It only gets better<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy A53 5G</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung has always kept the industry keen with its flagship S series line-up, the range-topping smartphone that can do just about anything you put in front of it. However, with every new generation, these smartphones are increasingly intelligent, and with that, their prices increase. Now, not everyone wants to pay flagship prices, but most people still want flagship-grade quality, and this is what makes the Samsung A series so impressive.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The A-series line-up has been a staple of Samsung releases since its initial debut in 2014. They have come a long way from the original Samsung Galaxy A3, all the way to last year's superb Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, and now the successor and topic of today's discussion: Samsung Galaxy A53 5G.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The latest Samsung Galaxy A53 5G was released in March this year and is a significant improvement on the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G of 2021.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Build &amp; Display</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Samsung Galaxy A53 comes with a 6.5inch full HD display, all housed inside a plastic and glass frame. The front of the handset is finished with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and the plastic back has a matte finish. The overall build of the device is superb for a handset in its price range.  When we compared this side by side with the OnePlus Nord CE 2, which is similarly priced, the Samsung was the clear winner in terms of robustness and general feel. While the OnePlus Nord CE 2’s gloss plastic finish was a brilliant design principle, we feel that Samsung’s simplistic approach is much better.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The display on the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, with the Super AMOLED, 120hz panel with 800 nits of brightness for those rare sunny outdoor moments we British people treasure. Last years Samsung Galaxy A52 5G was the first A-series Samsung device to feature an always-on display, something that was previously reserved for the S series flagship devices. However, Samsung has been swift to revoke this feature and return it exclusively to its flagships, as this is not a feature of the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G. While by no means a deal-breaker, an always-on display is something we love to see on mid-range smartphones.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Camera</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The camera on the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G specification wise is the same as its predecessor. The device features a 64MP main wide-angle lens, a 12MP 123° ultrawide lens, a 5MP depth and macro lens. Its video recording capabilities are similarly matched to last year’s model, but as our recent blog comparison between the OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 9 Pro's camera has shown, AI enhancements can make all the difference to a camera regardless of whether its specs are the same or not. We took the camera out to our usual spot to see how it performs against not just its previous model, but the OnePlus Nord CE 2 and we can honestly say the camera is sharp and produces clean images. One thing worth noting, however, is that in daytime shots, some colours were misrepresented with a lot of saturation and depending on your preference, you'll either love the vibrancy or want something that can capture accurate colours rather than AI-enhanced. Our video test on the device is as we expected: strong optical image stabilisation, clear depth and a smooth image. Overall, the camera has improved, and for a mid-range handset, we didn't expect anything more.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">One key talking point around the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is its impressive 5000mAh battery. Now, this is a 500mA upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is capable of 25W fast charging and manages 0-50% in around 35 minutes. During GSM arenas battery life endurance testing, they managed to get a solid 113 hours out of the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is easily one of the best mid-range smartphones of 2022 and compliments the rest of Samsung’s 2022 lineup. The real question is whether any future devices this year can put the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G to shame? Let us know what you think in the discussion box below, and if you want to see our review of the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G head over to our YouTube channel where you can find us unboxing even more smartphones.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:53https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-vs-oneplus-9-pro-cameraOnePlus 10 Pro vs OnePlus 9 Pro camera comparison<p><span style="color: #000000;">Since its release in March 2022, the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> has established itself as the clear winner in the high-end handset market with its price to performance ratio. With a large quad HD screen, a Snapdragon 888 chip and a 5000mAh battery, the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> has brought about several enhancements over the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-9-pro-dual-sim-le2123-stellar-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a>, but we must ask a simple question. How do they compare when it comes to the camera performance?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Now it's no secret that the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> and <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-9-pro-dual-sim-le2123-stellar-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a> share almost identical camera specifications.  This would lead many to assume that it's just the same camera carried onto a different phone, and they'd be correct right? Well, not quite. The <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro's</span></a> camera does have a very similar specification layout to the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-9-pro-dual-sim-le2123-stellar-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a>, however, the real differences come in the AI enhancements and newly added camera features that the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> has.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">During our initial camera testing between the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Oneplus 10 Pro</span></a> and <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-9-pro-dual-sim-le2123-stellar-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a>, it was clear to see that, the photos we took on the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> were noticeably less saturated than the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-9-pro-dual-sim-le2123-stellar-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a>, despite them using the same sensor. The images delivered a more true to life natural look, as opposed to the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-9-pro-dual-sim-le2123-stellar-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro's</span></a> more contrasty shots. This is a typical example of how software AI can make noteworthy differences in camera performance regardless of specification. So, the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> has more fine-tuned software for its camera, but that's not all. There are a range of new camera features that have been introduced, with the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a>:</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><br /><br /></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 26pt; color: #000000;"><strong>OnePlus 9 Pro</strong></span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 26pt; color: #000000;"><strong>OnePlus 10 Pro</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><img style="padding: 50px;" src="/images/uploaded/9 pro swan.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><img style="padding-left: 150px;" src="/images/uploaded/10 Pro swan.jpeg" alt="" width="75%" /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"> <img style="padding: 50px;" src="/images/uploaded/9 pro flower.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"> <img style="padding: 50px;" src="/images/uploaded/10 pro flower.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"> <img style="padding: 50px;" src="/images/uploaded/9 pro water leaf.png" alt="" width="100%" /></span></td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"> <img style="padding: 50px;" src="/images/uploaded/10 pro water leaf.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br /><br />Fisheye Mode</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">One of our personal favourites is the fisheye mode. Now whilst this is a rather funky feature that you may not think you'd ever use, it's perfect for those quirky shots you never knew you wanted to take. In fact, we did have a lot of fun with it when we visited the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Hn-sHNIu4&amp;list=PLnfnT0QD1Mt_Q3kUOTO9JKULziCGyZzQi&amp;index=6"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus stand</span></a> at the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnfnT0QD1Mt-H-qJYQ-5gC16m5bm1NFW2"><span style="color: #000000;">MWC Barcelona 2022.</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/fisheye.jpeg" alt="" width="60%" /></span><br /><br /></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br />Bothie Camera Mode</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Now, we've all heard of a selfie camera. It's a front-facing camera that captures your face and is perfect for vlogging and nice selfie shots. But have you heard of a bothie? Now, <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus </span></a>hasn't named it that, but this is essentially what this mode is. It allows users to capture two perspectives within one video using both the selfie camera and rear camera. This feature is perfect for vlogging your Ibiza adventures on a Jetski, or for the non-adrenaline-junkies out there simply being able to capture both perspectives to a surprise party reveal.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Long Exposure Mode</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> features a long exposure mode which essentially uses a slow shutter speed over a long duration, to capture a shot with sharp stationary elements, whilst blurring all of the moving elements. Whilst this feature was available on the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-9-pro-dual-sim-le2123-stellar-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a>, it had to be enabled manually through ISO alterations, and <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus</span></a> has done a good job at simplifying a complicated process, making it more accessible to the everyday user.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong>The difference between the two handsets to the average user is not too dissimilar, however to anyone like us who uses their phones for filming content, there is a discernible difference in detail and colour accuracy. The <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro's</span></a> camera has a lot more to offer than we initially assumed and <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus</span></a> has done an excellent job as expected with this handset. Let us know your opinions on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wjSTWNgf4E"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> in the discussion box below and check out our YouTube reviews of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wjSTWNgf4E"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krnGWb2suvQ&amp;t=2s"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:52https://c247.com/what-can-we-expect-to-see-from-the-galaxy-z-fold-4What can we expect to see from the Galaxy Z Fold 4?<p><span style="color: #000000;">The release of the <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold3-5g-dual-sim-sm-f926b-ds-phantom-black-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3</span></a> in August of 2021 was one of Samsung’s greatest smartphone launches, with its huge 7.6inch AMOLED display that addressed many of the durability concerns of its predecessor. On top of that, there was the addition of S-Pen support, a new taskbar and an in-screen camera. With much to live up to, is the Galaxy Z Fold4 going to impress?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Galaxy Z Fold4 is likely to follow the same pattern as the <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold3-5g-dual-sim-sm-f926b-ds-phantom-black-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Galaxy Z Fold3</span></a> and 2 by having an August announcement date, with a release date following several weeks later. From what we can see, it appears that we can gauge a lot of what we can expect from the Galaxy Z Fold4 from the new features brought to us in the <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=samsung%20galaxy%20s22&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">S22 range</span></a>, specifically in the <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Galaxy S22 Ultra</span></a>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">It’s likely that we will be seeing the same 7.6-inch display on the Galaxy Z Fold4 as we did with the <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold3-5g-dual-sim-sm-f926b-ds-phantom-black-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Galaxy Z Fold3</span></a>. <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold3-5g-dual-sim-sm-f926b-ds-phantom-black-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">The Galaxy Z Fold3 </span></a>was certainly ahead of the curve when it came to its display’s inclusions: Gorilla Glass Victus, 120Hz display and Dynamic AMOLED 2X. So, it's apparent that there isn’t actually much room for improvement for the display. What we can expect to see is a slight upgrade to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus +. In tandem with this, several leaks have pointed towards the Galaxy Z Fold4 coming with a slot for a rumoured S-Pen.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Let’s talk about the camera. Now, this is something that many considered to be a shortfall for<a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold3-5g-dual-sim-sm-f926b-ds-phantom-black-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;"> the Galaxy Z Fold3</span></a> and we’d agree. The <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold3-5g-dual-sim-sm-f926b-ds-phantom-black-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3</span></a> had three 12MP cameras: a main, a telescope and an ultrawide, and this were hugely inferior to the <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim-sm-g991b-ds-phantom-gray-256gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy S21’s</span></a> 64MP lens. It’s possible the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is going to adopt the same camera system as the <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy S22</span></a>, which includes a 10MP 3x telephoto lens as well as a 50MP main lens. This combined with the improved AI technology driving the cameras will make for some truly amazing shots - if our hunch is right.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The final inclusion we are expecting in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is an improved battery. Now, the<a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold3-5g-dual-sim-sm-f926b-ds-phantom-black-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;"> Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3</span></a> came with a 4400mAh battery, a good size as far as smartphone batteries are concerned. Well yes; but not to power the equivalent of two smartphone screens. The general consensus around the battery life from this handset was that it was good, but not the best, with many getting less than a day of screen time, with moderate to high usage. In essence, there are many ways <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-2"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung</span></a> can get around this, and predicting which way they’ll see fit is tricky. It’s certain that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is going to come with both Android 12 and a new chip (most likely the Exynos 2200 found in the <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-5g-dual-sim-sm-s901b-phantom-black-2"><span style="color: #000000;">S22</span></a>). With a new chip and hardware, <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-2"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung</span></a> may be able to lengthen the battery life of the 4400mAh chip to over a day with a simple power efficiency redesign. The alternative is that Samsung opts for a larger battery, that can support the power usage of two screens for longer.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The horizon for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is broad, and we are excited to see what the range has in store for us next. The Fold and Flip series of phones are both unique devices and have certainly established their utility within the smartphone market. While many would class the Fold and Flip series phones as a gimmick, <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-2"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung</span></a> are driven to change the dynamic of portable handhelds for the future.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Take a look at our full Samsung range and reviews <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-2"><span style="color: #000000;">here</span></a>, and let us know your thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, by leaving a comment in the discussion box below.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:51https://c247.com/what-can-we-expect-from-the-apple-iphone-14What can we expect from the Apple iPhone 14?<p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple’s <a href="https://c247.com/Apple-iPhone-13-A2633-Blue-256GB"><span style="color: #000000;">iPhone 13</span></a> release saw a mix of emotions. While some were excited about a new Apple handset, others were left feeling unsatisfied. The <a href="https://c247.com/Apple-iPhone-13-A2633-Blue-256GB"><span style="color: #000000;">iPhone 13</span></a> introduced a handful of changes over the previous <a href="https://c247.com/apple-iphone-12-a2403-blue-64gb-2"><span style="color: #000000;">iPhone 12</span></a> including, Apple’s new A15 Bionic chip, a brighter screen, higher storage options and two new colours pink and green. These were the only changes the <a href="https://c247.com/Apple-iPhone-13-A2633-Blue-256GB"><span style="color: #000000;">iPhone 13</span></a> had to offer which is why most felt it was just a glorified <a href="https://c247.com/apple-iphone-12-a2403-blue-64gb-2"><span style="color: #000000;">iPhone 12</span></a> with a new camera placement rather than a fully-fledged new iPhone.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design &amp; Display</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> The iPhone 14 is set to be a huge release but with several months still to go before the big reveal, what do we already know about the handset? This year's iPhone line-up may be changing as the last two revisions have come with a mini model, something that has turned out to be unpopular with Apple’s customers thus prompting the termination of the iPhone mini family. Apple are expected to be focusing all its attention on its larger flagship devices with the 6.1” iPhone 14 &amp; 14 Pro and a 6.7” iPhone 14 Max &amp; 14 Pro Max.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Apple Notch has been around on iPhones since 2017 so it’s easy to say it’s cemented itself into Apple’s design philosophy. After almost 5 years we may be seeing the end of the notch legacy. While previously Apple’s iPhone notch housed all the relevant sensors for face ID components and of course the selfie camera, we will likely be seeing an “oval-pill” designed hole punch in the top of the iPhone 14 to replace the notch. There may be two side by side: one for the camera and one for the sensor. Whilst this is set to be a huge leap forward in design, the notch-less iPhone is rumoured to only be available on the Pro models, with the iPhone 14 and 14 Max still adopting the notch for its design.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Since the iPhone 6’s release in 2014, iPhones have always had protruding camera designs which had been a staple of smartphone design culture up until late 2020 when many manufacturers started to adopt seamless camera designs on their flagships. This year Apple may be releasing a thicker bodied iPhone that allows for the camera bump to be eliminated thus allowing it to sit flush with the rest of the rear chassis. What else? The iPhone 14 is likely to feature a vapour chamber system for improved thermal design to accommodate the A16 bionic chip.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Camera &amp; Internals<br /> </strong>Every year Apple release their iPhones with a new revision of their bionic chips and with the <a href="https://c247.com/Apple-iPhone-13-A2633-Blue-256GB"><span style="color: #000000;">iPhone 13</span></a> coming with an A15 chip it’s more than likely the iPhone 14 is going to come with an A16 bionic chip. This is all good but what does it mean? Well, a new A16 Bionic chip means that we can expect: improved battery efficiency, faster in-app performance and greater AI camera performance.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Let’s talk about the camera. We can expect the iPhone 14 and 14 Max to continue utilising the 12MP sensor that is seen on the <a href="https://c247.com/apple-iphone-11-a2221-black-64gb-2"><span style="color: #000000;">11</span></a>, <a href="https://c247.com/apple-iphone-12-a2403-black-128gb-2"><span style="color: #000000;">12</span></a> and <a href="https://c247.com/apple-iphone-13-a2633-midnight-256gb-2"><span style="color: #000000;">13</span></a> with improved AI to improve the imaging quality over its predecessors. What you may not have expected to see is the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max with a 48MP camera including 8K recording capabilities. The 48MP is set to be a huge upgrade as this can allow the camera to capture 4x more detail than the standard 12MP camera. This coupled with the AI capabilities of the new A16 Bionic chip we can expect to see some exceptional images, something we can see being a worthy competitor for the <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra-5g-dual-sim-sm-s908b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra</span></a>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">There is still more to learn about what the iPhone 14 will have to offer, but that will become clearer closer to the time of release. We are speculating this to be around the second week of September 2022.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">All in all, the iPhone 14 is set to be the best Apple handset we’ve seen since the iPhone X and we’re excited to see what Apple have in store for us later this year. Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts on our predictions using the discussion box below and take a look at our smartphone reviews including Apple's most recent device, the iPhone 13 Pro: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXIN2TdXyP4"><span style="color: #000000;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXIN2TdXyP4</span></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:50https://c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-theyll-never-settle-for-lessOnePlus 10 Pro - They'll never settle for less<p><span style="color: #000000;">Last year’s <a href="https://www.oneplus.com/uk/9-pro" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a> was one of the best smartphones of 2021 and now OnePlus has released its latest flagship smartphone, the <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">With an all-new display, an improved camera system, and a new revision of Oxygen OS, it’s clear that OnePlus are never happy to just settle. But the real question is, was it worth the wait?</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Internal &amp; Display</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> display comes in at 6.7 inches just like last year’s OnePlus 9 Pro but with an all-new QHD (1440p) display. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> comes out of the box with a satin finish on the back, that OnePlus claims is fingerprint-resistant. During our unboxing of the device, we found this statement to be surprisingly accurate. While looking at the rear of the handset, it’s clear that OnePlus has taken some inspiration from the Samsung Galaxy S21 with its protruding triple Hasselblad camera setup, finished with a gloss glass casing, which strikes a strong contrast between the camera and the rest of the device.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> also comes with the same dynamic refresh rate as the last generation. The display can adapt from 1hz all the way to 120hz which means that you’ll get a much smoother user experience with the device across a range of different apps.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">This is all powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, which is a step up from the OnePlus 9 Pro’s Snapdragon 888. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-volcanic-black-128gb-8gb-ram" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, and the rear (camera housing) has Gorilla Glass 5. Now we found this to be an interesting approach, as keeping the Victus glass throughout the device would not only be consistent in its design, but also offer a higher standard of protection to prevent chips and scratches obscuring the camera's function in the event of a drop. Though settling for Gorilla Glass 5 still isn’t a bad thing, as the glass is drop resistant from up to 1.6 meters.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> <strong>Camera</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> features three cameras: a 48MP main lens, an 8MP 3.3X telephoto lens and a new 50MP 150-degree ultrawide lens. As well as the rear camera setup, the OnePlus 10 Pro also houses a 32MP selfie camera, which is a huge step forward from the <a href="https://www.oneplus.com/uk/9-pro"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a>’s 16MP selfie camera.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Another focal point around the camera is its video capabilities. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro </span></a>supports 1080p, 4K and 8K video recording at various frame rates, as well as a slow-motion recording mode (amongst a variety of other camera features). Now, this is all amazing tech… but you’re probably trying to figure out if this is exactly what was on last generation’s <a href="https://www.oneplus.com/uk/9-pro"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 9 Pro</span></a>, and it is - but there’s more. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> has introduced a dual perspective recording mode. This new feature allows users to film both front and rear perspectives simultaneously to capture twice the action. Now, this is huge if you’re like us and use a OnePlus phone for content creation: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3RmBLXsdSE&amp;list=PLnfnT0QD1Mt-H-qJYQ-5gC16m5bm1NFW2&amp;index=3"><span style="color: #000000;">Vlogs</span></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_osDishpi2c&amp;list=PLnfnT0QD1Mt82vI50p4HzUU-WZzHS8Fbg"><span style="color: #000000;">Phone unboxings</span></a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Hn-sHNIu4&amp;list=PLnfnT0QD1Mt_Q3kUOTO9JKULziCGyZzQi&amp;index=6"><span style="color: #000000;">more</span></a>. However, it doesn’t just stop there. In conjunction with their dual perspective mode, OnePlus has also introduced a long exposure and fisheye mode, yes you heard correctly - fisheye mode. We were really impressed by this new camera mode when it was first revealed at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMtjadzAWqs&amp;list=PLnfnT0QD1Mt-H-qJYQ-5gC16m5bm1NFW2"><span style="color: #000000;">MWC Barcelona 2022</span></a>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Battery</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> comes with a 5000mAh battery which is a 500mA upgrade from its predecessor, alongside 80W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. The fast charging can take the OnePlus 10 Pro from 0-100% in just 32 minutes and while this is 3 minutes slower than the OnePlus 9 Pro, the battery is 500mA larger and therefore keeps it charged for 107h compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro’s 86h in (<a href="https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=11234&amp;idPhone2=10806"><span style="color: #000000;">GSM Arena’s battery life endurance testing</span></a>. The OnePlus 10 Pro also supports reverse charging, a new feature in the Pro range that is also seen on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lfUu7eUapRQ"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus Nord CE 2, which we also unboxed and reviewed</span></a>. What’s interesting about the OnePlus 10 Pro is that they’ve now adopted Oppo’s ‘Supervooc’ fast charger instead of the Warp charging we’re used to from OnePlus. This is due to the merger of Oppo and OnePlus.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">As a result of this change, OnePlus has abandoned the use of USB-C to C cable and reverted to USB-C to A. Now whilst this is by no means a deal-breaker it does mean that OnePlus users can no longer use their old OnePlus cable accessories if they want to make use of the 80W fast charging. With that said, OnePlus are still including chargers and cables in their boxes so there’s no need to be concerned.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Software</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> comes with an abundance of brand-new software upgrades from the last generation. The <a href="https://www.c247.com/oneplus-10-pro-5g-dual-sim-ne2213-emerald-forest-256gb-12gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro</span></a> has Android 12 at the heart of its own Oxygen OS 12.1. One of the primary talking points behind this OS is Work-Life Balance 2.0. In this mode, the handset can differentiate between work and home through AI location, and whether it’s on a home or work WIFI network. Once this is enabled, users at work will receive no notifications from none work-related apps to increase work efficiency. Likewise, users at home will receive no notifications from work-related apps.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Oxygen 12.1 has introduced gesture controls for shortcuts at your fingertips. Whether you want a two-finger swipe to screenshot or a three-finger swipe to make use of OnePlus’ new scrolling screenshot to capture an entire webpage, the gesture controls are a massively useful tool. As well as practical tools, there are a lot of customisation options with the OnePlus 10 Pro, one of our favourites here at C247 is customisable fingerprint animations, where you can alter your unlocking experience. While subtle these options make a huge difference in an everyday user experience.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus have created yet another incredible device that only compliments the current OnePlus line-up. Let us know what you think of the OnePlus 10 Pro below! Make sure you stay tuned to see our hands-on unboxing and review of this device by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFH2SuQHovTYExPCfvCzH-w/featured"><span style="color: #000000;">subscribing to C247 YouTube</span></a>.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:49https://c247.com/nothing-ear-1-our-honest-opinionNothing Ear 1 - Our honest opinion<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Nothing is a relatively new brand that was started by the founder of OnePlus, Carl Pei in 2020. The Nothing Ear 1 is Nothing’s debut product and its mission is extreme minimalism; to create tech that simply disappears into the background. There’s been so much talk and hype around Nothing’s unveiling, particularly from Carl Pei and the OnePlus community on Twitter. The question is: Did Nothing fulfil the vast expectations they set themselves or are they just another tech company who will claim anything just to get a headline?</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">In a world with hundreds of popular wireless earphone brands bringing out a product that stands out from the rest is difficult. Our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tqbTjv-VVWo"><span style="color: #000000;">Nothing Ear 1’s unboxing</span></a> experience was pretty unique, especially compared to the likes of the Apple Airpod Pros. The packaging was distinct and really echoed quality. Inside was a short USB-C cable, your basic user manuals, small and large ear tips (the earphones themselves coming pre-fitted with medium) and the Nothing Ear 1’s themselves. For £99, the Nothing Ear 1’s exceeded our expectations during our unboxing and that’s not to mention that it also features splash and sweat resistance, wireless charging, top-tier battery efficiency and the very latest Bluetooth 5.2 for the best quality audio.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">They sound like they’re a force to be reckoned with so far, however, the real test comes down to its design, fit and noise cancelling. So how does Nothing Ear 1 really hold up against the rest?</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Design<br /> </strong>The design of the Nothing Ear 1’s is nothing short of impressive! They’ve used a completely unique approach by housing their earbuds inside a transparent case that accentuates the underlying basis of their whole brand, minimalism that amounts to Nothing. Now that’s intelligent design and not something that is easy to pull off either. During our unboxing which you can check out here, we took close inspection to see whether there are any viable seals of glue or loose copper wiring and yet, Nothing. Everything from coloured dots to help differentiate from left and right, squared-off stems for an easier grip as well as allowing for a larger mic, and a robust chassis. Nothing may have just done everything right when designing the Nothing Ear 1 earphones.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Fit<br /> </strong>During our review of the Nothing Ear 1’s, we found the fit to be a real treat. Though different from the original Airpods that Jack was used to he warmed up to the shape of the Nothing Ear 1’s quite quickly, going as far to say that he preferred the comfort that the Nothing Ear 1’s had offered over his daily driver for over two years! As with many wireless earphones, after wearing them for prolonged periods of time, users can feel a sense of pressure as though they are underwater. Sound familiar? Well, Nothing has overcome this by adding small air vents that equalise pressure. Jack from the team here decided to take the Nothing Ear 1’s to the gym during his testing for our review to see how they really hold up during workout sessions and over the two-hour session, he forgot they were there.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Noise Cancelling<br /> </strong>The active noise cancelling on the Nothing Ear 1’s is satisfactory and comes in two different modes (light and maximum) which can be swapped between through the stem gesture controls and/or the App. The noise reduction is good and they don’t leak any sound however the reason we scored this as satisfactory is because they don’t quite give you the sensation that you’re in your own world like other earphones can. With that said the noise cancelling is still good for a £99 set. Furthermore, the Nothing Ear 1’s also come with a transparency mode which amplifies incoming sound waves. This in turn lets you have a conversation with someone without the need to take the earphones out.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sound<br /> </strong>The Nothing Ear 1’s emphasises higher midrange vocals, bringing them forwards in the mix to amplify detail and excitement. The treble on the Nothing Ear 1’s is good and the shape of the ear tips allow for the bass to be locked in well. The balance between the two is well maintained and it really does a good job of bringing out individual instruments from song to song. One thing we may mention however is that during higher-volume testing the audio did lose its fidelity at above 70% however in all fairness for a headset at this price range we wouldn’t expect any less.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">All in all, the Nothing Ear 1’s are quite something! Through the design, its fit, the ANC and sound it ceases to disappoint us and we’d recommend this as a strong pick against the entry-level air pods and even the galaxy buds pro. You can have a look at our full review of the Nothing Ear 1’s soon on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFH2SuQHovTYExPCfvCzH-w/featured"><span style="color: #000000;">YouTube</span></a> or if you want to see our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tqbTjv-VVWo"><span style="color: #000000;">30 second breakdown</span></a> of the Nothing Ear 1’s we’ve got that as well. Let us know what you think of these below!</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:48https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce-2-has-arrived-at-c247OnePlus Nord CE 2 has arrived at C247<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Equipped with the latest MediaTek Dimensity 900 Chip, a 64M Triple AI Camera, and a 6.4" 90hz AMOLED Display: <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus</span></a><a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;"> Nord CE 2</span></a> is definitely a little more than you'd expect for £299. OnePlus have released the <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">CE</span></a><a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;"> 2</span></a> in a duo of colour variants, each with a unique identity. <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce-2-5g-dual-sim-iv2201-bahama-blue-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Bahama </span></a><a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce-2-5g-dual-sim-iv2201-bahama-blue-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Blue</span></a> gives 'a smooth, reflective finish that's cool and blue like a Caribbean vacation' and <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce-2-5g-dual-sim-iv2201-gray-mirror-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Grey</span></a><a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce-2-5g-dual-sim-iv2201-gray-mirror-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;"> Mirror</span></a> delivers 'a smooth and shiny luxurious finish you can see yourself loving'. <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus</span></a> couldn't be closer to the truth with these descriptions as the Grey Mirror we review here, truly lives up to its name.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Whilst many of the features of the <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">Nord</span></a><a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;"> CE 2</span></a> have been carried over from the original <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce-5g-dual-sim-eb2103-blue-void-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus</span></a><a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce-5g-dual-sim-eb2103-blue-void-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;"> Nord CE</span></a>, the two biggest changes have been the main talking points of the <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">Nord</span></a><a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;"> CE 2</span></a>. The fast charging speeds have more than doubled on the Nord CE 2, compared to the first Nord. As well as this it also supports reverse charging which is the wireless charging of two devices when placed back to back, which utilises the same technology as normal wireless charging pads. <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus</span></a> claims the new 65W fast charging on the <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">Nord CE 2</span></a> can power it from 0-100% in just 32 minutes which is the same time it takes to get the <a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce-5g-dual-sim-eb2103-blue-void-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">Nord </span></a><a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-nord-ce-5g-dual-sim-eb2103-blue-void-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">CE</span></a> to 70%.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">As well as super-fast charging, there are also two big display upgrades, the first being HDR10+. This has given the already brilliant display a more punchy, dynamic image for a truly immersive viewing experience. The second is the addition of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 which can withstand 1.2m drops onto hard, rough surfaces.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The team here at C247 were lucky enough to get our hands on the CE 2 early and we decided to put it through its paces by using it as our vlogging camera for our MWC Barcelona 2022 coverage. During this amazing event, we covered everything new in the world of tech, like the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/S5Hn-sHNIu4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus 10 Pro's very own fisheye lens.</span></a> We put the device through some vigorous handling: filming with it, dropping it, doing interviews, and not once did the device ever feel like it was struggling. Its performance was always snappy, the 90hz display made general usage a dream and the camera quality was… well have a look at some of our MWC videos and let us know what you think. The battery life from constant filming tended to last us 6 whole hours and the fast charging had us back and ready to film again in little to no time at all!</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">All in all, the <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus</span></a><a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">Nord CE 2</span></a> is definitely 2022's mid-range killer so far and competitors such as the Galaxy A53 are going to have to pull out a lot of stops in order to top it.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">You can check out the OnePlus Nord CE 2 <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">here</span></a> and also see the rest of our OnePlus range <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">here</span></a>. Let us know what you think of the <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">Nord</span></a><a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=true&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=oneplus%20nord%20ce%202&amp;sid=true&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">CE 2</span></a> below!</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:47https://c247.com/green-tech-green-phones-and-a-supercharged-feeling-in-the-airGreen tech, Greener phones and a Supercharged feeling in the Air<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Apple recently hosted their first event of 2022 on 8th March where they unleashed some very exciting tech, that Apple fans will be really excited to see.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Greener tech, greener phones!</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Apple has unveiled two new additions to the Apple iPhone 13 line-up: The iPhone 13 Pro in Alpine Green and the all-new green iPhone 13. It’s clear that Apple’s greener approach, like their reduced plastic packaging and smaller boxes, is also influencing their colour selections! Borchers (Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing) talked in the event about how people love the design of the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro and how these new colours give customers even more options when choosing their iPhone. It’s clear that Apple have started to sway more from their traditional safe three colour approach and more towards having a broader range of products to suit all their users.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br />Guess whose back, Mac again!</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">The perennial Mac Studio has returned! Last year’s Apple iMac already featured an abundance of new features as well as a re-imagined design that took away the trademark Apple logo. This had caused a lot of tension within the Apple community however it’s evident that Apple is standing firm with their re-design of the mac. </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">So, what does it bring to the table? The iMac Studio brings a choice of either the M1 Max or M1 Ultra chips, both boasting over 10 cores of superpowered madness. The Mac Studio is an entirely new Mac desktop, that’s a hybrid between the Mac mini and a Mac Pro. It packs extensive connectivity and new capabilities into an unbelievably compact form, putting everything you need within easy reach and transforming any space into a studio.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The Mac Studio takes immersion to another level when used in tandem with the Studio display. The new Studio Display retains the trademark Apple 5k retina display alongside the 27inch version. The Studio Display also boasts a whopping 14.7 million pixels with a maximum brightness of 600 nits and a colour spectrum of 1 billion colours! To put that into perspective, your standard LCD 4k TV has about 16.7 colour combinations which means the Mac Studio has almost 60 times more colours than the TV in your living room, now that is impressive.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br />There’s a supercharged feeling in the Air…</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Light, bright and full of might: the supercharged Apple M1 chip is powering the all-new iPad Air 5 2022. The new iPad features all the sought-after features such as blazing fast 5G, a 12MP Ultra wide front camera, and a liquid retina display however, what’s new with this year’s release is the colour selection. The iPad Air 2022 comes in five gorgeous colours: Space Grey, Starlight, Purple, Pink and Blue which means there’s now even more colours to suit every type of personality</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br />Did someone say SE 3?</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Just as we predicted back in October 2021, the iPhone SE 3 has arrived! Many of our predictions with the new model have been confirmed; the iPhone SE 3 comes with 5G, A 4.7inch pocket-friendly design, and an updated A15 bionic chip. The battery has also seen an update with fast charging being able to get the device from zero to 50% in just 30 minutes. The general design of the SE 3 hasn’t changed much from last generation’s iPhone SE 2, and most of the upgrades have been made internally. The question that is probably on everyone’s minds: do we still get to see the home button in 2022? And we can tell you that the legacy of the home button does indeed continue!</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The Apple range is forever expanding and you can see our current range here. Let us know what your favourite release was from the 2022 Apple event and what you look forward to getting your hands on the most.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:46https://c247.com/android-available-on-windows-good-news-by-not-that-good-maybe-4Android available on Windows? Good news by not that good maybe?<p>The first major update of the still relatively new Windows 11, has brought about an abundance of neat features. A redesigned taskbar, an all-new Media Player, and an all-new notepad. However, the focal point behind the update and what’s been exciting us here at C247 is the official addition of Android Apps on the Microsoft Store.</p> <p> </p> <p>This is great news for Windows users, as it now gives access to a huge library of mobile games and apps, the same apps many enjoy on our mobile devices.</p> <p> </p> <p>You may, however, be wondering, whether there was already support for Android apps on Windows PC’s. Well, sort of, emulation and virtualisation is by no means new technology and, has been an unofficial bypass to using Android apps for years through popular software such as BlueStacks, Tencent Gaming Buddy, and others. The only issue with emulators however, is that the support was never native and the compatibility is enabled through a virtualisation process, which is essentially tricking the app into thinking it's running on a mobile phone and not a PC. Whilst a viable option for someone who wants to play their favourite game on the big screen, apps on emulator platforms often see crashes and other errors because it’s not natively supported.</p> <p> </p> <p>So, native support is great, but what apps are readily available on the Microsoft Store?</p> <p> </p> <p>Microsoft have used Amazon’s app subset for their integration which gives users all the same apps on Windows, that you can find on Amazon Kindle’s and other Amazon devices (460,619). This includes a range of popular apps such as Netflix, Facebook, and Candy Crush Saga for hardcore gamers. However, the issue is that the Amazon Appstore’s contents don’t include all the most widely used apps you may want to use. It was only fairly recently that they released support for Instagram in 2021, and other apps such as Snapchat are not supported.</p> <p> </p> <p>There have been unofficial rumours that Microsoft is looking to adopt Google Play’s subset which is 3,482,452 apps! However, there have been no official reports, so we wouldn’t advise you to get your hopes up anytime soon.</p> <p> </p> <p>Here at C247 we're excited by this development and have a wide-range of Android phones that benefit from the range of apps available on Google Play, check out our <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!">range of products here</a>.</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:43https://c247.com/android-available-on-windows-good-news-by-not-that-good-maybeAndroid available on Windows? Good news but maybe not that good?<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The first major update of the still relatively new Windows 11, has brought about an abundance of neat features. A redesigned taskbar, an all-new Media Player, and an all-new notepad. However, the focal point behind the update and what’s been exciting us here at C247 is the official addition of Android Apps on the Microsoft Store.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">This is great news for Windows users, as it now gives access to a huge library of mobile games and apps, the same apps many enjoy on our mobile devices.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">You may, however, be wondering, whether there was already support for Android apps on Windows PC’s. Well, sort of, emulation and virtualisation is by no means new technology and, has been an unofficial bypass to using Android apps for years through popular software such as BlueStacks, Tencent Gaming Buddy, and others. The only issue with emulators however, is that the support was never native and the compatibility is enabled through a virtualisation process, which is essentially tricking the app into thinking it's running on a mobile phone and not a PC. Whilst a viable option for someone who wants to play their favourite game on the big screen, apps on emulator platforms often see crashes and other errors because it’s not natively supported.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">So, native support is great, but what apps are readily available on the Microsoft Store?</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Microsoft have used Amazon’s app subset for their integration which gives users all the same apps on Windows, that you can find on Amazon Kindle’s and other Amazon devices (460,619). This includes a range of popular apps such as Netflix, Facebook, and Candy Crush Saga for hardcore gamers. However, the issue is that the Amazon Appstore’s contents don’t include all the most widely used apps you may want to use. It was only fairly recently that they released support for Instagram in 2021, and other apps such as Snapchat are not supported.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">There have been unofficial rumours that Microsoft is looking to adopt Google Play’s subset which is 3,482,452 apps! However, there have been no official reports, so we wouldn’t advise you to get your hopes up anytime soon.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Here at C247 we're excited by this development and have a wide-range of Android phones that benefit from the range of apps available on Google Play, check out our <a href="https://www.c247.com/products#/specFilters=12m!#-!64&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1"><span style="color: #000000;">range of products here</span></a>.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:42https://c247.com/mobile-world-congress-mwc-barcelona-makes-a-welcome-returnMobile World Congress (MWC Barcelona) makes a welcome return<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>What is MWC and where is it held?</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The last two years have marked some of the most challenging years in recent history, and like every other industry, the mobile phone industry has faced its challenges. Fast-forward to the start of 2022, and with a glimmer of hope that the effects of COVID and Omicron are now slowly fading, Mobile World Congress returns in style. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/"><span style="color: #000000;">MWC Barcelona</span></a> is the world’s most influential event for the connectivity industry. Hosted <a href="https://www.gsma.com/"><span style="color: #000000;">by GSMA</span></a>, this years event will be held between the 28th February and 3rd March 2022.  Trailblazers, precocious start-ups and world-leading companies share what’s new and what the future of connectivity looks like.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Who’s going to be there?</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Attended by global mobile phone operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors and content owners, to be there is to be “seen”.  With the pent-up demand of the last two years, this year's show promises much. Ground-breaking products, innovative technologies and much more, coupled with the chance to re-establish connections that may have been lost, are all part of what makes the event special.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">This year’s show will likely see some new faces and some returning names, as a two-year hiatus has left many with nothing more than a digital showcase, which for some, like <a href="https://www.sony.co.uk/"><span style="color: #000000;">Sony</span></a> and <a href="https://www.sony.co.uk/"><span style="color: #000000;">Lenovo</span></a>, is key to their brand strategy.  But with big names from the industry and beyond taking stands at the show, this year promises much. With well over 1,000 companies exhibiting 2022’s MWC Barcelona, it promises to be a good one.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Why is it important to C247.com?</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">MWC Barcelona is important, as it showcases what’s up and coming in the connectivity industry. It showcases new products, new devices, new technology, which we’re intending to have available on C247.com (assuming we can get our hands on all of them!).  And, this year, we’re going to be attending in person, bringing you a range of news and information, including exciting product updates, videos from the show, interviews and comments from key exhibitors and attendees.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Not only that, MWC Barcelona allows us to bring to you what’s coming, and as we grow and expand our products and range, we hope to showcase many of the new products which will make an entrance at this year’s show.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Keep track of MWC Barcelona via <a href="https://c247.com/blog"><span style="color: #000000;">our blog page</span></a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/C247UK/"><span style="color: #000000;">Facebook</span></a>.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:38https://c247.com/tcl-30-v-tcl-30-xe-coming-soon-to-c247TCL 30 Range coming soon to C247!<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">TCL are continuing to push their 5G availability into their newest generation of devices and are continuing so through the introduction of their 30 series lineup. The new 30 Series lineup showcases exciting features including the aforementioned 5G connectivity, excellent imaging experiences and other common premium features all packed inside a budget-friendly handset.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <table style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>TCL 30 xe 5G <br /></strong>The TCL 30 xe features a 6.5-inch high definition IPS</span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> display with a 90hz refresh rate to give a seamless experience </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">between general use and using apps. The device features a 4500 mAh </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">battery so you are able to enjoy what you love most for longer and a </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">13MP camera that records in 1080p to capture all your best moments.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> </td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/Blog announcement.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>TCL 30 v 5G<br /></strong>The TCL 30 v has a 6.67 inch enhanced HD IPS display with the added protection of Gorilla Glass 3 to ensure solid durability. Alongside expandable storage, the 30 V has a 50MP camera for detailed images no matter what the setting.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><iframe style="float: left;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IyXb1Xm3zFU" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br /><br />Subscribe to our newsletter below to stay up to date on TCL and other releases!</strong></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:39https://c247.com/c247s-alcatel-tab-rangeC247's Alcatel Tab Range<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Alcatel's tablets are incredibly compact, ultra-lightweight and perfect for sharing in the home. The Alcatel 1T 7 tablet is 245 lightweight grams of superior performance. Among the most weightless in its class, it's ready to follow wherever you'll go. And the Alcatel 1T 10 Wi-Fi tablet is the lightest tablet you can get at its size at 415g. Alcatel tablets respond in a blink to your commands. The new Android Oreo 8.1 is optimized to save RAM and storage, conserve data usage across all apps and improve battery life.</span></p> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-258353c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="258353c6" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <section class="elementor-element elementor-element-2c775578 mi-text-section-for-anim mi-with-animation elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section" data-id="2c775578" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no"> <div class="elementor-row"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-50d7186d elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column" data-id="50d7186d" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-258353c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" style="text-align: center;" data-id="258353c6" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br /><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Our Alcatel Range</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 26pt; color: #000000;"> </span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-element elementor-element-214bc97 mi-with-animation elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section" data-id="214bc97" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no"> <section class="elementor-element elementor-element-2c775578 mi-text-section-for-anim mi-with-animation elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section" data-id="2c775578" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no"> <div class="elementor-row"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-50d7186d elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column" data-id="50d7186d" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-34e09fbf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" style="text-align: center;" data-id="34e09fbf" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/slantfront1t7_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="50%" /></span></td> <td style="text-align: left;"> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=false&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=alcatel%20tab%201t&amp;sid=false&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">See our Alcatel 1t Range</span></a><br /></strong>Alcatel 1T 7 inch Wi-Fi tablet comes with an incredibly compact form factor and lightweight body, weighing in at 245g and measuring 9.15mm thin, making it the ideal device for sharing in the home<strong><br /></strong></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=false&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=alcatel%203t&amp;sid=false&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">See our Alcatel 3t Range</span></a><br /></strong>Create a hands-free home with a smart 2-in-1 system. Convenience is key with Alcatel 3T. The  Alcatel 3T is a perfectly sized tablet for staying connected on the go. Designed for portability, an optimally smooth user experience and user protection, Alcatel 3T 8 provides all-around support.<strong><br /></strong></span></td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/Alcatel_9027X-2AALESA_INT_1.jpeg" alt="" width="80%" /></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default" style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Kids Mode</span></h2> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-258353c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" style="text-align: left;" data-id="258353c6" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default"><span style="color: #000000;">Kids Mode will bring joy and safety to kids and parents alike. Kids will love the tablet's preloaded ad-free apps pre-approved for children's use. Parents will appreciate its built-in easy-to-use parental control panel that lets them set usage time and select which apps are available to use for kids.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="elementor-element elementor-element-214bc97 mi-with-animation elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section" data-id="214bc97" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no"> <section class="elementor-element elementor-element-2c775578 mi-text-section-for-anim mi-with-animation elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-section elementor-top-section" data-id="2c775578" data-element_type="section"> <div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no"> <div class="elementor-row" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-50d7186d elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column" data-id="50d7186d" data-element_type="column"> <div class="elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated"> <div class="elementor-widget-wrap"> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-34e09fbf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" style="text-align: left;" data-id="34e09fbf" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <h2 class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default"><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Exceptional quality</span></h2> </div> </div> <div class="elementor-element elementor-element-258353c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="258353c6" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"> <div class="elementor-widget-container"> <p class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Alcatel tablets are tested to ensure exceptional quality and customer satisfaction. Evaluated for endurance, reliability and stability, it's a device you can rely on.</span><br /><br /><br /></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span style="color: #000000;"><iframe style="float: left;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RCkP2frFRac" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></div> </section> </div> </section> </div> </section> </div> </div>urn:store:1:blog:post:40https://c247.com/c247s-10-most-iconic-phones-in-historyC247's most iconic phones in history<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">It's been almost 46 years since the first-ever phone call was made in New York and at the time no one would've ever envisioned it to have stemmed into the very current technology we can't live without today. With paper-thin screens, weighing as much as a bag of change the smartphones of today have come a long way, but what were the handsets that helped shape the current technology we have today? Let's take a trip down memory lane and see our picks on the most iconic mobiles of phone history. Let us know in the discussion section your personal favourite out of our picks and whether you have owned any of them!</span><br /><br /><br /></p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><strong> </strong></strong></span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Nokia 3310</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">One of the most successful phones of all time: The Nokia 3310. This was an iconic mobile device released in the year 2000. It sold over 126 million units worldwide in its first 3 months. It offered basic features such as calls, instant messaging however allowed for three times longer messages than the standard SMS messages at the time and as well as allowed for screensavers and customisable messages and ringtones. The battery life was extremely long battery life at 22 hours on a single charge and came with Snake II pre-installed.</span></p> </td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Nokia 3310_1000.png" alt="" width="30%" /></strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/Blackberry Classic.jpeg" alt="" width="56%" /></strong></span></td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Classic Blackberry</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">The first Blackberry was released in September 2002 which brought its trademark physical keyboard to the smartphone market which no other smartphone had quite managed to perfect. The device came with an abundance of interest with many celebrities including former US President Barak Obama vouching for the handset. The Blackberry was the first smartphone to bring desktop PC features to smartphones introducing both Internet access as well as wireless email capability which made it a huge hit for businesses.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>IBM Simon </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">From 1994 the Simon was the worlds first 'smartphone' however was never branded as one. It had a touchscreen display, pre-installed apps that are commonly found even on current phones today such as a calculator, calendar, notepad and more.</span></p> </td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/IBM_Simon_1000.png" alt="" width="54%" /></strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/ericcson w800.jpeg" alt="" width="72%" /></strong></span></td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sony Ericson W800</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">The W800 had an MP3 player built-in and expandable memory up to 2GB. This was the first phone released by Sony Ericsson after they partnered. It came with a 2-megapixel camera with video recording, Bluetooth, MP3 ringtones, wallpapers, 3G and infrared connectivity. Packed a lot of premium features for a handset of 2005.</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Vodafone VT1 (1985)</strong> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Phone the first phone call in the UK was made on. The call was made on Vodaphone’s network at midnight on January 1<sup>st</sup> 1985 by Michael Harrison. At the time these handsets retailed for a huge £1,475.</span></p> </td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/images/uploaded/Vodaphone VT1_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="80%" /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/Nokia 6110.jpeg" alt="" width="65%" /></span></td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"> </span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Nokia 6110</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">First mobile phone with snake game built in. Released in 1998, the phone could hold 50 contacts and included 2 other games apart from the iconic snake.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"> </span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>T mobile G1</strong> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">The first android phone was produced in 2008. The T-Mobile G1 was manufactured by HTC and whilst it wasn’t the sleekest device on the market, with competitors in the industry including the likes of the iPhone 3G, it marked a start of an android legacy.</span></p> </td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/T-Mobile G1_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="80%" /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> <img src="/images/uploaded/Technophone excell pc105t (2).png" alt="" width="50%" /></span></td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"> </span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Technophone Excell PC105T</strong> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">The Excell was the first pocketable phone which was brought to the market in 1986. The excell had an interesting origin story as it was created by Nils Martensson, a former employee of one of its competitors: Sony Ericsson. It is arguable that this was the spark that drove the industry towards the mainstream production of pocket-size devices.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"> </span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy S </strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung’s Galaxy S was the start of what is arguably one of if not the most successful phone lines ever. The smartphone came feature-packed and was a prime competitor for the iPhone 4 amongst many other Android competitors at the time. It had 16GB of storage, a 1GHz processor, a Super AMOLED touchscreen display which was rare to see on flagships of 2010. With the release of this phone and the start of the Galaxy series, the competition between Apple and Samsung has started! </span></p> </td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/Samsung Galaxy S.jpeg" alt="" width="45%" /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/Nokia 6650.jpeg" alt="" width="70%" /></span></td> <td><span style="color: #000000;"> </span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>NOKIA 6650</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Released in September 2002 the 6650 was Nokia's first commercial 3G phone. The phone featured a WAP browser and Bluetooth alongside Nokia’s standard apps and an external antenna which was one of the last Nokia phones to come with antennas before the technology allowed for them to be just as efficient inside the handset.</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>iPhone 3G</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Shortly after the release of the first iPhone was the iPhone 3G- the first iPhone with the </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Apple Appstore, which at the time included over 500 apps. It had a better battery life than </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">the previous one, a new operating system, new features such as GPS and 3G data, </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">and it was more affordable than the first iPhone. Also, it had 552 apps on the "App Store" which was launched by Apple.</span></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/iPhone 3G_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="70%" /></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table>urn:store:1:blog:post:34https://c247.com/c247-pac-codesC247 | PAC Codes<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">A PAC code, also known as a ‘Porting Authorisation Code’ – a nine-digit code that allows you to migrate your phone number from one Mobile network to another mobile network so that if you’ve found a new amazing SIM-only deal from C247.com which is on another network you can make the swap without having to leave behind your old number and all your contacts with it.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Once you’ve got your PAC code you simply give it to the network you’re moving to (generally by filling in an online form) and they handle the rest – communicating the move with your old network and getting your number transferred, often by the next working day.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Gaining your PAC code is easy and is the same process on all four networks. Simply text ‘PAC’ to 65075 and you’ll receive a message within a minute with your PAC code alongside information regarding your current data agreement and a link to the relevant department to terminate your SIM agreement (if one is in place). However, while the overall process remains the same, different MVNO’s (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) may have extra steps involved between the process such as verification using your date of birth or a security question.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Alternative to this, you can also request your PAC code online through the network’s website usually through either a ‘take my number with me’ prompt like Three’s process or within your account settings such as Vodaphone’s retrieval process.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">When requesting your PAC code, you need to be aware that the code only lasts for 30 days, after which you’ll have to request another if you still haven’t given it to your new network by this time.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:41https://c247.com/roaming-charges-explained-using-your-mobile-in-europeRoaming Charges explained - using your Mobile in Europe<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Following the UK’s exit from the EU and the terms and conditions of the Brexit trade deal the typical charges and regulations behind roaming (being able to use network services abroad) have changed and below breaks down what changes you may face on your network. There are four networks in the UK so MVNO’s or Mobile Virtual Network Operators such as Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff etc will follow the same changes as their parent network. If you’re unsure of what network your provider is using you can find out online.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Three<br /> </strong>Commencing in May 2022 people who have a contract that starts in or after October 2021 will have to pay a £2 daily charge in order to use their network services from UK contracts within the EU and with that there is also the introduction of a £5 daily charge for roaming in specific countries outside of the EU.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>O2 &amp; Virgin Mobile<br /> </strong>As part of all tariffs, O2 and Virgin Mobile will cover all roaming costs when using their network services in the EU. If you reach your roaming data usage whilst in the EU then you’ll be charged £3.50/GB of data thereafter.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>EE<br /> </strong>EE have already introduced their £2 per day roaming charge for its users when using their network services outside of the UK within Europe like Three however their changes in roaming fees will only affect you if you have taken out or upgraded your contract with them after July 2021.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Vodaphone<br /> </strong>Vodaphone have already introduced their charges on roaming and these are to anyone who has joined or upgraded in 2022. This entails up to £2 a day charge to use network services depending on your mobile phone’s tariff. The majority of Vodaphone tariffs will be £2 a day for roaming with specific ‘roaming passes’ available for half of that. Vodaphone offer ‘Xtra Plans’ which are their more expensive, feature packed tariffs which typically include high data allowances and 5G. For these tariffs, roaming in the EU will be at no extra cost.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:36https://c247.com/christmas-new-years-dealsC247 | Christmas & New Years Deals<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">After the frantic year that has been 2021, you'll be glad to hear our Christmas and New Year deals here at C247 have landed bringing you fantastic price drops on all your favourite handsets! Whether it's to fill that gap under the tree or to make for a slightly larger stocking filler, here are the festive deals you can now enjoy:</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 26pt;"><strong><br /><br />Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Black<br /><br /></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/a529_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="90%" /> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 19pt;">Awesome 5G, awesome speed. Upgrade to the Galaxy A52 5G and speed up your smartphone experience.</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 19pt;"><a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-a52-5g-dual-sim-sm-a526b-ds-awesome-black-128gb-6gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">£368</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Samsung Galaxy S21+ 128GB</span><br /><br /></span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> <img src="/images/uploaded/s215gbanner2_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 19pt; color: #000000;"><strong>Made for the epic in everyday<br />Never miss that perfect shot again.</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 19pt;"><a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim-sm-g996b-ds-phantom-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">£776</span></a></span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 26pt; color: #000000;"><strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Samsung Galaxy S21+ 256GB<br /><br /></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> <img src="/images/uploaded/1stimgs21_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="90%" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 19pt;">Made for the epic in everyday<br />Never miss that perfect shot again.</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 19pt;"><a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim-sm-g996b-ds-phantom-black-256gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">£810</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Black &amp; Cream 128GB</span><br /><br /></span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> <img src="/images/uploaded/covwe zflip3_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 19pt;">If it sounds like we tried to rethink the phone, we did. Now it's a statement.</span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 19pt;">£858<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 26pt;">OnePlus 9 Pro 128GB<br /><br /></span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/OneplusBlurred_1000.png" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 19pt;"><strong>Co-developed with Hasselblad, the exclusive Hasselblad Camera for Mobile delivers multiple breakthroughs including Natural Color Calibration.</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 19pt;"><strong><br /><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://c247.com/oneplus-9-pro-dual-sim-le2123-stellar-black-128gb-8gb-ram"><span style="color: #000000;">£746</span></a></span><br /></strong></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:35https://c247.com/is-a-smartwatch-really-for-meIs a smartwatch really for me?<p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">The most common misconception about smartwatches is that they are made for those fitness fanatics who want to have on-demand stats for movement, steps and oxygen at any time of the day whilst being able to stay on top of how many sets are left on the bench-press. Well… that may have been the case a few years ago however, nowadays smartwatches are doing a lot more than just telling the time and recording steps and in a lot of cases can now double up alongside or even as a replacement to a smartphone<strong>.</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">There are countless benefits of owning a smartwatch and here’s some that you can find in our smartwatch range here at C247.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Contactless Payments</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">Most smartwatches now allow you to make payments for an item directly from the tap of your wrist with the integration of NFC (the same technology used in new smartphones and contactless cards). Depending on the brand of smartwatch payment methods may differ. The <a href="https://c247.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Active-SM-R500-Black-4GB"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy Active</span></a> for example uses Google Pay as well as Samsung Pay whereas the <a href="https://c247.com/wearables#/manFilters=14&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1"><span style="color: #000000;">Apple Watches</span></a> all use Google Pay and Apple Pay.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Notifications Straight from your wrist</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">A smartwatch is essentially a fine-tuned smartphone packed into the body of a watch with extra fitness features and a load more convenience. There are countless benefits of using a smartwatch instead of using a smartphone. Notifications from your smartphone can be viewed straight from your wrist without the need for taking your phone out of your pocket. At face value, this may seem like an extremely expensive alternative but in hindsight actually serves its benefits. Firstly, this allows for you to view smartphone notifications on the go while driving, which you are otherwise unable to do with a smartphone. In addition to this, you're also able to reply to text messages take and make calls all through voice function whilst keeping your eyes on the road.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Personalisation</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">The way that things are made are not always the way that people like them and smartwatch manufacturers have realised this by offering out customisation options so you can personalise your watch to be more, YOU! <a href="https://c247.com/wearables#/manFilters=14&amp;pageSize=30&amp;orderBy=0&amp;pageNumber=1"><span style="color: #000000;">Apple watches</span></a> are renowned for having amazing personalisation options with an abundance of both apple and aftermarket interchangeable bands, cases and screen protectors to choose from.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><br /> <strong>Heart-rate</strong><strong> Monitoring</strong><br /> <br /> </strong>Most smartwatches, if not all nowadays, are fitted with optical heart-rate sensors to monitor your heart rate 24/7. This feature can be found in all of our smartwatches, however, many smartwatch manufacturers have now gone above the newest standard of heart rate monitoring to feature even more intuitive health monitoring benefits to let you get the most out of your smartwatch.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/fall21-features-music_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>ECG Tracking</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">Some smartwatches now come with ECG tracking which in turn is a more advanced method of heart rate monitoring. As opposed to standard heart rate monitoring, which outputs your average rate and BPM, ECG tracking detects irregular heart rates, irregular heart rhythms and it can even detect atrial fibrillation. These sophisticated health monitoring features are found in the <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=false&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch%20series%206&amp;sid=false&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">Apple Watch Series 6</span></a> and other premium watch models.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Calorie Tracking</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">Calorie tracking is a feature that is seen on the vast majority of smartwatches and is an essential feature as far as smartwatch fitness is concerned. Your smartwatch will take into account your age, your weight, your gender and typical activity when inputted during the setup in order to give you the most accurate calorie tracking possible. Throughout the day your smartwatch will track your activity and calculate how many calories you're burning. And if this isn't enough, watches such as the <a href="https://c247.com/samsung-galaxy-active-2-44mm-4g-lte-sm-r825f-gold"><span style="color: #000000;">Samsung Galaxy Active 2</span></a> allow you to input your calorie intake on the app in order to guide you on how many calories you should aim to burn in accordance with your fitness goals.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Sleep Tracking</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">Smartwatches can go above and beyond to give you the deepest insight into your every second of shut-eye. All from the comfort of your wrist, they can give you a sleep quality goal in order to help you achieve optimum sleep and have you ready for whatever your upcoming day throws at you. When you go to sleep whilst wearing the<a href="https://c247.com/fitbit-sense-graphite"><span style="color: #000000;"> Fitbit Sense</span></a> it will track your light, deep and REM sleep stages as well as simultaneously tracking your blood oxygen saturation levels. This is also a feature of the <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=false&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch%20series%206&amp;sid=false&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">Apple Watch Series 6</span></a>.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Female Health</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> A lot of smartwatches now come with female health tracking features in order to help women understand their patterns and therefore be more in tune with their cycles and bodily changes. These features can be seen on the <a href="https://c247.com/fitbit-charge-4-rosewood"><span style="color: #000000;">Fitbit Charge 4 </span></a>which gives female health insights through the intuitive Fitbit app.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Swimming</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><span style="color: #000000;">For the keen swimmers out there who aspire to follow in the steps (or shall I say strokes) of Michael Phelps, the impressive 50m water resistance are features of both the<a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=false&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch%20nike%20se&amp;sid=false&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;"> Apple Watch SE</span></a> and <a href="https://c247.com/filterSearch?adv=false&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=apple%20watch%20nike%20series%206&amp;sid=false&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11"><span style="color: #000000;">Apple Watch Series 6</span></a>. You can track your splits and sets in the pool or map your route in open water. When you couple this with the Series 6 ECG tracking capabilities, using a smartwatch whilst swimming makes for a satisfying experience.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/smartwatchswimminnn_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:33https://c247.com/c247-black-friday-saleC247 | Black Friday Deals!<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">We all know about Black Friday when retailers slash prices to mark the start of the holiday buying season. We’ve all seen the online deals and film footage of crowds queuing outside stores hoping to snap up bargains. What is Back Friday though and where did it come from? Black Friday refers to the day after Thanksgiving and is symbolically seen as the start of the critical holiday shopping season. Stores offer big discounts on electronics, toys, and other gifts. </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Black Friday 2021 officially takes place on 26th November, but we're already seeing new deals launch every day and since the restrictions set in place in the prior Black Friday have now been lifted, this year's Black Friday is speculated to be the biggest one in over 10 years!</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Interesting fact : - Ironically, the term ‘Black Friday’ was actually first associated with a financial crisis rather than shopping sales regarding a Gold market crash back in 1869 which was in conjunction with a Wall Street bankruptcy!!</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The phrase itself further got reinforced in the Wall Street crisis of 1929 however it was not until later years that the period succeeding the US holiday ‘Thanksgiving’ became associated with the phrase.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">So, after all of this, the link between post-thanksgiving and the term referring to financial fad was drawn together in the 1950s in the US as stores would record their account by hand, noting their losses in red and their profits in black.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">As this was an already popular time of the year to shop many items were discounted and from thereover the worldwide shopping phenomenon: ‘Black Friday’ was born!</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">We know you can't wait until next week for the official Black Friday, so here's a sneak peek at some of C247's Black Friday deals.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><span style="color: #000000;">£20 OFF OnePlus Nord CE 5G Blue 128GB &amp; Charcoal 256GB at C247</span></h1> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></h1> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #000000;">£20 OFF Samsung A52S Dual SIM Black/ White/ Violet/ Mint</span></h1> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span><br /><br /></h1> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">FREE Charger &amp; Powerbank on all iPhone 12 and 12 Mini orders</span></h1> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></h1>urn:store:1:blog:post:32https://c247.com/how-the-metaverse-is-going-to-change-the-reality-of-communicationHow the metaverse is going to change the reality of communication?<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>What is the Metaverse?</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">The Metaverse is the next evolution of social connection and is Meta Platform Inc's (formerly known as Facebook) vision to help bring the digital world into the real world, and the real world into the digital world. Subsequent to the tech giants recent rebranding from Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg believes that Meta’s Metaverse will be the successor to the Internet, a collective project that goes beyond a single company.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Metaverse is going to change the way that we communicate in a number of ways. It will be created by people all over the world with other huge corporations such as Microsoft giving their insight into revolutionising Teams and Epic Games looking to expand their standpoint.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: #000000;"> How will this all be made possible? – Virtual and Augmented Reality. Virtual Reality is a fully immersive simulated experience that is whatever the application makes it to be. Many game applications for VR include simulations such as driving, sports and others.  Augmented Reality is an interactive experience shared through goggles, similar to VR, which essentially overlays a computer-generated environment onto the current real world to create a shared experience between the two entities.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Branded as “The successor to the Mobile Internet”, the Meta is going to allow people to unlock new experiences through immersion. The Meta is shifting the traditional screen technologies so that we can have a deep feeling of presence in internet communication. Over the last two years, the remote work scene has made its mark amongst all different types of workspaces and while the restrictions surrounding the pandemic are no longer underway, many of the larger work communication platforms such as Teams, Zoom and Skype are still continuing to be used as an alternative to attending meetings in the flesh.</span><br /> <br /><span style="color: #000000;"> The Metaverse is looking to revolutionise the way we co-operate and work on projects. Workers will be able to interact with each other inside a digital environment, collaborate on projects and participate in various different tasks that wouldn’t even be viable in the real world. For example putting together a coding project in AR with the physical co-operation of a colleague sharing the same workspace without intruding your physical space. Inside this virtual space people will be represented by avatars in which will show an accurate depiction of yourself for work communication purposes, with the animated wackier avatars reserved for gaming and socialising within the Metaverse. The whole concept of this new communication channel strikes a plethora of benefits. Enhanced productivity on group projects, no travel times as you can work from home in a new digitised home for work which in turn means less vehicles on the road therefor a reduction of greenhouse vehicle emissions.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Meta is investing $150 million in VR/AR in order to unlock the opportunities in the metaverse and are funnelling this funding into building skills, learning, creating and also development. Meta has claimed that these new technological introductions are going to serve 10,000 new jobs in Europe alone. With all these advancements in digitised communication there has been many discussions as to whether these work benefits of the Metaverse would be suitable for education environments given the ease that learning could be with the Metaverses interaction. For many practices in education this is a huge innovation.</span><br /><br /></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>C247 Conclusion</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Mark Zuckerberg’s vision</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Is this quest for virtual expansion and sensory enhancement something positive for the world or is the virtual library of make-believe just a further disconnect for us as people and a further human sensory inhibitor?</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Whatever technology we create in order to simplify our day to day tasks, or add value to our lives in terms of experience and entertainment, this must never replace the basis of what is intrinsic to our nature: Human Interaction.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">If we start removing human interaction and substituting it with a digitised imitation of what we would prefer the world to see, we lose our identity and isn’t this dangerously detracting away from the very fabric of what being human is about?</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:31https://c247.com/how-you-can-save-money-choosing-sim-only-on-your-next-mobile-phoneHow you can save money choosing SIM only on your next mobile phone<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">SIM Only is a type of monthly contract that is offered by either network providers or MVNO’s (Mobile Virtual Network Operators like EE, Vodafone, O2, Tesco Mobile etc ) whereby you only pay for the SIM and with it, minutes texts and data. As the name may suggest, you get the SIM card and the SIM card only, which is the dividing factor between SIM Only and smartphone contracts. Which begs the question: What is the point of opting for a SIM Only deal? There are a plethora of benefits with SIM Only deals that you don’t get with traditional phone contracts.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"><strong>The advantages of a SIM Only deal</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>It could cost lots less!!<br /></strong>SIM Only deals tend to be significantly cheaper in the long run compared to contract agreements because you’re not paying back the cost of a new smartphone, just the service. In the example, we looked at for an unlimited data contract with an iPhone 13 Pro Max the total cost is £1,658 over a two-years, however, if you were to buy the phone outright and have an identical SIM as a SIM Only deal it costs just £1,313 in total. That’s almost £400 in savings!</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>You’re free to choose a provider</strong> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> Most SIM Only contract deals mean you’re not tied to any one provider, and some SIM Only contracts are as short as 30 days. If you don’t like the deal, you’re able to swap freely without having to worry about any remaining debts for handsets etc.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>You can stick with your phone</strong> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> If you’ve got an existing phone SIM-Only allows you to stick with the phone you want without compromising on your package opportunities.</span><br /><br /></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"><strong>The disadvantages of a SIM Only deal<br /></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Handsets are expensive</strong> </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> The cost of a phone, especially flagship phones in 2021, can quickly surpass the point of what we’d prefer to pay upfront. And while SIM Only is still cheaper in the long run, they require a much higher upfront cost as opposed to the typical sub £50 upfront costs of most contracts. And while SIM Only is still cheaper in the long run, they require a much higher upfront cost as opposed to the typical sub £50 upfront costs of most contracts.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"><strong><br />The advantages of a mobile phone contract deal<br /></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>No upfront handset cost required</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> Although technically it’s not really free, the phone that comes with the contract is usually the most expensive component of your monthly plan. Since the latest smartphones can cost upwards of £1,000, mobile phone networks make them more affordable by including handsets in their price plans, so you can spread the cost out over 24 or 36 months. This certainly makes getting a brand-new smartphone easier than buying it outright. For instance, the iPhone 13 Pro Max costs £1049 without a contract. But if you get your hands on a model with a contract deal attached to it, you can instead pay £65 for unlimited minutes, texts and 100GB of data.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Freebees<br /></strong>Some providers will offer freebies such as chucking in a pair of headphones, an iTunes Voucher or perhaps a case for your new handset to try and lure you in.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #000000;"><strong>The disadvantages of a mobile phone contract deal<br /></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Tied in<br /> </strong>You’re tied into a set mobile network provider, potentially for 24 or 36 months. This is a long time if you run into financial difficulty, or your reception is poor where you live (even though there's a requirement for all providers to ensure a certain level of network cover) or maybe you’ve now found an alternative plan after opting with your contract that offers improved benefits over your current plan. Also, it's a long time if you’re itching for a new phone!!</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Credit check <br /> </strong>You’ll undergo a check on your credit history and if it’s not so good, a contract deal may not be an option for you.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #000000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Conclusion <br /></span></strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">In truth, different options will suit different people, however, the team at C247 agree that in our case the benefits of SIM Only far outweigh opting for a phone contract which ties you in. The flexibility of switching and choosing your own handset at any point, options you have for choosing and switching a SIM plan that’s right for you, and not forgetting the savings you experience in the long term on your hardware makes buying a stand-alone mobile phone and opting for a SIM Only deal the perfect choice in 2021. </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:29https://c247.com/apple-iphone-se-3-to-arrive-in-early-2022C247 | Apple iPhone SE 3 to arrive in early 2022<h3><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Have you heard the rumours? Apple may be releasing the Apple iPhone SE 3 in Q1 of next year but the design is not what we’ve all been expecting. We’ve got you covered with all the info.<br /><br /></strong></span></h3> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The latest report from industry sources related to Apple's supply chain is all about iPhone SE's successor. Going by the rumour, Apple is already gearing up for an early 2022 announcement of the "iPhone SE 3" as the source is calling it. Reportedly, the company has created new openings for chip probing specialists via its partner Xintec.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Xintec is responsible for the quality testing process. It's also a long-time partner of Apple as it's supplier for components to the first iPhone SE as well as the SE (2020). In addition to this, rumours have also been circulating from a reliable Apple Analyst, Ming-Chi KUO who, according to Apple scoop, is 80.95% accurate based on 38 rumours (the most accurate apple analyst in the world) so we believe that he does hold some credibility. The new intel in line with Ming-Chi Kuo's prediction gives us a clear indication that Apple should be releasing an iPhone SE successor in the first half of next year.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><img style="margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;" src="/images/uploaded/04uWcnZnsbwkzMyQ6g9FLlR-3_1000.jpeg" alt="iPone SE 2020 with iPhone 11" width="100%" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">We’ve been hearing talk of an iPhone SE model with an upgraded chipset and 5G connectivity for quite some time now and many blogs are now reporting that the device will re-use the iPhone SE (2020) design. This means a 4.7-inch LCD with bottom and top bezels and the legacy Touch-ID sensor/home button combo housed in the same old aluminium body. IT’s arguable however that we may see some aspects from the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 incorporated into the new handset e.g. double camera lens design, thinner bezels and a mimicked 12 body design with angled square borders.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The notable upgrades on the third-gen SE are said to be Apple’s latest A15 Bionic chip and Qualcomm Snapdragon X60 5G modem just like on the iPhone 13 series. The new report specifies that production for the SE 3 should start around December 2021 while the phone should see its announcement come Spring 2022.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><img style="margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;" src="/images/uploaded/iphone-7-home-button-explained_1000.jpeg" alt="iPhone SE 2020 Home Buttom" width="100%" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple has been rumoured to drop its mini phone with next year’s line-up so the revised SE model will serve as the pocket-friendly option for compact phone buyers.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Let us know what you think about this in the discussion box below 👇</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Legacy of the home button continues!</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:30https://c247.com/c247-google-pixel-6-coming-soon-to-c247C247 | Google Pixel 6 Coming Soon to C247<h3><span style="color: #000000;">Have you heard the news? Google has announced their latest smartphone, the Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 pro. We've got you covered with all you need to know.</span></h3> <p><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Google has completely reimagined the Google Phone with the Pixel 6 branding it as its first-ever All Google Phone, built completely different.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The focal point of the new release has been the Brand New Google Tensor which is Google's AI machine learning processing unit. The new processor has been made specifically for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 pro and is the first processor designed by Google to be used in a Google phone. The predecessors to the Pixel 6 all used Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors which were larger, required more power  therefor sacrificed battery life. The new chip boasts an impressive 80% faster CPU to the Pixel 5 and a whopping 370% faster GPU.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The Pixel 6's camera houses a 50MP lens, capable of capturing 4k photos and video content.  A large proportion of all the impressive features the Pixel 6 brings to the table all lie within the camera. The machine learning in the new Tensor chip allows for a user experience that learns, evolves and adapts to you.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">One of the impressive camera implementations into the new handset is the motion mode, which allows for adding and removing motion blur to elements of a photo. Removing blur is great for the shots that didn't quite come out perfect and adding blur to elements results in a photo resembling a long exposure image. The nuanced auto-white balance results in the capture of true skin complections without the common disbalance that's created with the saturation of many smartphone cameras.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Google's new Tensor Chip means that we can now have more advanced photo editing capabilities; many of which you would only expect to see in professional photo manipulation suites. The magic eraser means that unwanted elements in a photo can be removed with ease, and if you ask me, being able to scribble out a guy that had the audacity to obscure your photograph seems like a satisfying feature to me.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Machine learning has been taken to new heights with the Pixel 6 &amp; 6 Pro thanks too Google's revamped live translate. Which can translate messages, pictures, and speech live in an instant to further excel the fluidity of their already well-developed translate engine. And if this wasn't enough, the feature requires no internet to function.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The last major talking point revolving around the new Pixel 6 is their new Screen Call. Which essentially took the bare bones of the classic automated call service, and gave it an interactive visual overlay whereby you can ask it to direct your call, hold the line or request automatic callback; without using the last ounce of patience you had left for the rest of the week.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Let us know what you think about Google's Brand NEW smartphone range in the discussion box below and we've got a range of Google Phones if you can't wait for the Pixel 6; you can check out the range here:</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8YiEmekf_34" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:28https://c247.com/c247-apple-announces-third-generation-apple-airpods-moreC247 | Apple announces third-generation Apple Airpods & More<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Apple held their October event yesterday and announced a variety of new and updated products.</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span><br /><br /></p> <h2><span style="color: #000000;">Third-generation Airpods - What's New? </span><br /><br /></h2> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/airpods-3rd-generation/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">third-generation AirPods </span></a>were shown with an all new deisign, spacial audio, adaptive EQ, longer battery life and sweat and water resistance. Apple have added free personalistion when ordered directly through their <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MME73ZM/A/airpods-3rd-generation" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">website</span></a>. You can grab yourself a pair for £169, which is £10 more than the first-generation Airpods on launch.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple Airpods have been a huge success in recent years becoming one of most well regarded earbuds in its price range. There ease of use, wireless charging and intergration into the Apple ecosystem goes someway to describe why they are amoung the most popular choice. As a result, there is a lot riding on Apple's latest effort.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">These <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/airpods-3rd-generation/"><span style="color: #000000;">third-generation Airpods</span></a> come with a variety of upgrades and a re-design that is similar to the recently released AirPods Pro.</span></p> <p class="tile-copy"><span style="color: #000000;"><em><strong>"</strong>Style from ear to ear. With a contoured design and shorter stem, AirPods are designed to direct sound into your ears — in a refined look anyone can appreciate."</em></span></p> <p class="tile-copy"><span style="color: #000000;"><img style="padding: 10px;" src="/images/uploaded/AirPodsLate2021_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><em>"Up to 6 hours of listening time with one charge. Up to 30 hours of total listen time with the case.</em></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><em>Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sounds all around you to create a three-dimensional listening experience for music, TV shows, movies and more — immersing you in sounds from every direction so it feels like you’re in your very own concert hall or cinema.</em></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><em>Bass hits an all-time high, An Apple-disgned dynamic dirver, powered by a custom amplifiger, renders music in exceptionally detailed sound quality - so you revel in every tone, from deep, rich bass to crisp, clean highs."</em></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span><br /><br /></p> <h2><span style="color: #000000;">Apple Airpods 2 vs Airpods 3</span><br /><br /></h2> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple have put together a convincing package for the new <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/airpods-3rd-generation/"><span style="color: #000000;">third-generation AirPods</span></a> making significant improvements over the previous Airpods.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">You might be wondering what's changed over the AirPods 2's. Well, it's more than you'd expect. The design blends aspects of the prior AirPods and AirPod Pros whilst retaining the one-size-fits all approach. The form factor has changed slightly with the new generation now having much shorter stems. They now have a fancy IPX4 rating, making them sweat and water resistant so they'll withstand anything from rain to heavy workouts.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Of course battery life is a big factor when choosing any wireless earphones and this years generation has seen a big improvement. The Apple AirPod 2's offered five hours of listening time with one charge, and 19 hours with the case. The <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/airpods-3rd-generation/"><span style="color: #000000;">third-generation AirPods</span></a> now give up to 6 hours listening time with one charge and 30 hours with the case. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/airpods-3rd-generation/"><span style="color: #000000;">third-generation AirPods</span></a> see some big changes in terms of Sound. They'll now join the Airpods Max and Airpods Pro in supporting full spatial audio with dyanimc head-tracking, which the Apple AirPods 2's do not include. They also get Adaptive EQ which was introduced with the AirPods Pro and means the earbuds will tune the sound they produce in real-time according to how they fit in the ear.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">We can't (yet!) give any information on pure sound quality improvements but if it's anything like the jump from the first-generation to the second you can expect a huge leap in performance.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span><br /><br /></p> <h2><span style="color: #000000;">Apple HomePod Mini</span><br /><br /></h2> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/homepod-mini/"><span style="color: #000000;">Apple HomePod Mini</span></a> gets three new color options including orange, yellow and blue.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple is now following suit with the competition here, Google's Nest Mini have various colour options and there's also a blue Amazon Echo Dot.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> <img style="padding: 10px;" src="/images/uploaded/Apple_HomePodmini_Colours_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">"<em>Jam-packed with innovation, HomePod mini delivers unexpectedly big sound for speaker of its size. At just under 8.5 centimteres tall, it takes up almost no space but fills the entire room with rich, 360-degree audio that sounds amazing from very angle. Add more than one HomePod mini for truly expansive sound."<br /></em></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The new speakers with have color matched details including; the fabric mesh, volume icons, and power cable. They will cost the same as the original Mini's at £89, and will be available in November.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span><br /><br /></p> <h2><span style="color: #000000;">MacBook Pro</span><br /><br /></h2> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The long-awaited redesign for the Macbook Pro is now here, featuring configurations with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chip, a mini-LED display with ProMotion, an HDMI port and SDXC card reader, charging with MagSafe 3, a notch housing a 1080p webcam, and more.</span><br /><br /></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><img style="padding: 10px;" src="/images/uploaded/apple-macbook-pro-2021_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p><br /><span style="color: #000000;"> "<em>The most powerful Macbook Pro ever is here. With the blazing-fast M1 Pro or M1 Max chip - the first Apple silcon designed for pros - you get groundbreaking performance and amazing battery life. Add to that a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, the best camera and audio ever in a Mac notebook, and all the ports you need. The first notebook of its kind, this Macbook Pro is a beast."</em></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/macbook-pro-14-and-16/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">Macbook Pro</span></a> features a new design and is available in two display sizes. 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch. There are now more ports available, with the right side of the machine offering an HDMI port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and an SDXC card reader. The left side of the machine features a ‌MagSafe‌ 3 port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a headphone jack. The keyboard now has a full-height function key row in place of the Touch Bar and the entire keyboard area is black. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The <a href="https://www.apple.com/uk/macbook-pro-14-and-16/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000000;">MacBook Pro</span></a> features significantly reduced display borders that are 3.5mm thick, with a notch out of the top of the display for the webcam.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:27https://c247.com/c247-is-the-oneplus-nord-2-the-pick-of-the-rangeC247 | Is the OnePlus Nord 2 the pick of the range?<p><span style="color: #000000;">We've just uploaded our OnePlus Nord 2 unboxing video! - Check it out and see if this device is the pick of the range. </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Visit: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_osDishpi2c"><span style="color: #000000;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_osDishpi2c</span></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">OnePlus Nord 2 5G</span></h1> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Pretty much</span> everything you could ask for.</span></h2> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center; ,margin: 15px;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center; margin: 15px;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/OnePlus Nord 2 Battery_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="70%" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center; margin: 15px;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center; margin: 15px;"><span style="color: #000000;">One of the fastest chargers ever. Warp Charge 65 rockets Nord 2's 4500mAh battery up to a day's power in just 15 minutes.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center; margin: 15px;"><span style="color: #000000;"> Nord 2 is powered by MediaTek's fastest and most powerful chip ever, the MediaTek Dimensity 1200-AI.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center; margin: 15px;"><span style="color: #000000;">It's an instant upgrade to pretty much everything. Shoot clearer, higher-quality photos and videos. Game Faster. Maybe even win more. Stream more cinema-like experiences. The possibilities are limitless.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center; margin: 15px;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_osDishpi2c" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:25https://c247.com/c247-apple-iphone-13-available-now-at-c247C247 | Apple iPhone 13 available now at C247<p><span style="color: #000000;">Apple iPhone 13 available now at C247! We'll have more models arriving very soon so stay tuned!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Interested? Check out our range here: </span><br /><span style="color: #000000;"><a><span style="color: #000000;">https://www.c247.com/filterSearch?adv=false&amp;cid=0&amp;mid=0&amp;vid=0&amp;q=iPhone%2013&amp;sid=false&amp;isc=true&amp;orderBy=11</span></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <div class="rtb_text_wrapper" style="text-align: center;"> <div class="rtb_title"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <h1 class="rtb_title" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>The NEW Apple iPhone 13</strong></span></h1> <div><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <div><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: center; margin-top: 20px;"><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/iPhone 13 Midnight Finish_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="80%" /></span></div> <div class="rtb_title"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <div class="rtb_title"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <div class="rtb_title" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <h2 class="rtb_title" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;">Your new superpower</span></h2> <div class="rtb_title" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <span style="color: #000000;">All-out standout. The iPhone 13 features the most advanced dual-camera system ever on an iPhone. The colourful, sharper and brighter 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and durable flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield. A15 Bionic chip, the world's fastest smartphone chip for lightning-fast performance. A big leap in battery life. </span><br /> <div class="rtb_title" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <div class="rtb_title" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <div class="rtb_title" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <div class="rtb_title"> <h2><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/iPHONE 13 Landscape_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></h2> <h2><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></h2> <h2><span style="color: #000000;">iOS 15</span></h2> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The iOS 15 packs new features to do more with iPhone than ever before. 5G for superfast downloads and high-quality streaming for up to 19 hours of video playback. Supports MagSafe accessories for easy attach and faster wireless charging.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <h2><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="/images/uploaded/cinemaiphone13_1000.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></span></h2> <h2><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></h2> <h2><span style="color: #000000;">iPhone went to film school, so you don't have to.</span></h2> <span style="color: #000000;">Incredible advanced dual-camera system with 12MP Wide and Ultra Wide cameras. Photographic Styles, Smart HDR 4, Night mode &amp; 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording.</span> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The new Cinematic mode adds shallow depth of field and shifts focus automatically in your videos. 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night mode and 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording for sharper, more detailed photos and videos.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <span style="color: #000000;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m43rh-pI0P0" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> </div> </div>urn:store:1:blog:post:24https://c247.com/were-coming-to-manchester-university-freshers-fairWe're coming to Manchester University Freshers Fair!<p><span style="color: #000000;">Come and see us at Manchester University Freshers Fair on September 21st between 10-4pm!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Visit our stand and you'll have a chance to win a Tech Bundle worth over £1000.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:23https://c247.com/c247-google-nest-mini-coming-soon-2C247 | Google Nest Mini (COMING SOON)<p><span style="color: #000000;">It's almost here! Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming Google Nest Mini Setup and Feature review. Make sure you are subscribed to C247 youtube to never miss out on an upload again!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFH2SuQHovTYExPCfvCzH-w"><span style="color: #000000;">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFH2SuQHovTYExPCfvCzH-w</span></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:21https://c247.com/c247-oneplus-9-pro-5g-unboxing-videoC247 | OnePlus 9 Pro 5G Unboxing Video<p><span style="color: #000000;">It's here! Our OnePlus 9 Pro 5G Unboxing Video is now live - check it out below!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><iframe title="OnePlus 9 Pro 5G Unboxing Video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/krnGWb2suvQ" width="100%" height="500" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:20https://c247.com/c247-cat-s42h-unboxing-videoC247 | CAT S42H+ Unboxing Video<p><span style="color: #000000;">It's here! Our CAT S42H+ Unboxing Video is now live - check it out below!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><iframe title="CAT S42H+ Unboxing Video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NBdIJ_pN3t8" width="100%" height="500" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:16https://c247.com/c247-oneplus-n10-5g-unboxing-videoC247 | OnePlus N10 5G Unboxing Video<p><span style="color: #000000;">It's here! Our OnePlus N10 5G Unboxing Video is now live - check it out below!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 500px;" title="OnePlus N10 5G Unboxing Video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jBa2aTK3kFY" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:18https://c247.com/c247-oneplus-announce-oneplus-9-pro-yourbestshot-2C247 | OnePlus announce OnePlus 9 Series #yourbestshot<p><span style="color: #000000;">The official unveiling of the all-new OnePlus 9 Series was launched via YouTube today.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Co-developed with HASSELBLAD the OnePlus 9 Pro comes with an amazing range of features.</span></p> <div class="title" style="transform: translateY(0px);"><span style="color: #000000;">+ Hasselblad Camera for Mobile</span></div> <div class="title" style="transform: translateY(0px);"><span style="color: #000000;">+ 120 Hz Fluid Display 2.0</span></div> <div class="title" style="transform: translateY(0px);"><span style="color: #000000;">+ Premium Design</span></div> <div class="title" style="transform: translateY(0px);"><span style="color: #000000;">+ Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 888 with 5G</span></div> <div class="title" style="transform: translateY(0px);"><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></div> <div class="title" style="transform: translateY(0px);"><span style="color: #000000;">Take a look at the feature video - let us know what you think in the comment section below.</span></div> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 350px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vYQEUhkkJTE" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:14https://c247.com/c247-samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-unboxing-videoC247 | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Unboxing Video<p><span style="color: #000000;">It's here! Our Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Unboxing Video is now live - check it out below!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 500px;" title="Samsung S21 5G Unboxing Video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YRCKCtiTHTc" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:15https://c247.com/c247-samsung-galaxy-s21-range-now-availableC247 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Range now available<p><span style="color: #000000;">The Samsung Galaxy S21 Range is now available at C247.COM!</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Made for the epic in everyday</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Never miss that perfect shot again. Meet Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G. Designed to revolutionise video and photography, with beyond cinematic 8K resolution so you can snap epic photos right out of video. It has it all in two sizes: 64MP, our fastest chip and a massive battery. Things just got epic.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim"><span style="color: #000000;">https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-5g-dual-sim</span></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-plus-5g-dual-sim"><span style="color: #000000;">https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-plus-5g-dual-sim</span></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #000000;"><strong>Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Dual SIM</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Epic.<br />In every way</strong></span><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Introducing Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Designed with a unique contour-cut camera to create a revolution in photography — letting you capture cinematic 8K video and snap epic stills, all in one go. And with Galaxy's fastest chip, strongest glass, 5G and a powerful battery, Ultra easily lives up to its name.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000000;">Introducing a bold new camera design in a category of its own. It's ultra-sized with a contour-cut camera that seamlessly houses cutting-edge lenses.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-5g-dual-sim"><span style="color: #000000;">https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-ultra-5g-dual-sim</span></a></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #000000;"> </span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:13https://c247.com/c247-stocking-fillers-under-50C247 | Stocking fillers under £50<p>C247 has a number of perfect gifts under £50! Take a look below: </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Alcatel 1T 7 Tablet - £49.97</strong></p> <ul class="a-unordered-list a-vertical a-spacing-mini"> <li><span class="a-list-item">Introducing the Alcatel 1T 7 Tablet: 245 grams of superior performance. It is one of the lightest of its kind and you can take it with you wherever you go.</span></li> <li><span class="a-list-item">Android Oreo (Go Edition) is designed to be lighter, faster, and safer than ever, so you can get the most out of everything you do.</span></li> <li><span class="a-list-item">With the Children's Mode, the little ones will enjoy a safe experience and the adults will be able to rest easy. Kids will love the ad-free apps pre-installed on the tablet, which are intended for children's use.</span></li> <li><span class="a-list-item">Reduce exposure to blue light thanks to Eye Care. Dim the tablet's blue light to reduce its effect on sleeping patterns and relieve eyestrain.</span></li> <li><span class="a-list-item">The Alcatel 1T 7 tablet has been tested to ensure exceptional quality and customer satisfaction. We have analyzed its performance, reliability and stability, and we can guarantee that it is a device that you can trust.</span></li> </ul> <p>You can also view more information here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/alcatel-1t-7">https://www.c247.com/alcatel-1t-7</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Nokia 8110 - £46.97</strong></p> <p><strong>Stand out</strong><br />The return of the icon. Much like the original, the new Nokia 8110 4G has a curved protective cover you can slide open to pick up calls and slide back to end them. The unique shape also means you can spin the phone in ways you never imagined.</p> <p><strong>Get your life in sync</strong><br />Effortlessly import contacts and sync your calendar through Gmail and Outlook.</p> <p><strong>Powerful battery life<br /></strong>The Qualcomm® 205 mobile platform is optimised to bring performance without compromising on battery life, bringing up to 25 days of standby time from a single charge.</p> <div id="ccs-inline-content">You can also view more information here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/nokia-8810-2">https://www.c247.com/nokia-8810-</a>2</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <p><strong>Energizer Energy E241S- £37.97</strong></p> <p><strong>The Mobile phone revolution for everyone </strong></p> <p>Enjoy all the advantages of a smartphone on your mobile. The KaiOS operating system is designed to bring essential smartphone functions to classic mobile phones. The interface is designed to be modern and intuitive to use, thus enhancing the user experience.</p> <p>The Energizer E241S enables you to access 4G Internet, Wi-Fi- and FPS, to download apps, plus lots of other services.  </p> <p><strong>The battery life you need to make the most of your phone</strong></p> <p>You can enjoy using your E241S for hours at a time. With its 1900 mAh long-life battery, there's nothing to hold you back. </p> <p><strong>4G: High-speed connectivity</strong></p> <p>Stay connected and informed thanks to 4G LTE connectivity. Keep in touch, download files and surf the net at high speed; you'll love using this device.  </p> <p><strong>Trendy Look </strong></p> <p>A classic design with a modern twist, the ENERGY E241S is a mobile phone with a trendy look. Its black carbon colour, its rounded edges and its slim shape all make for a stylish appearance. </p> <p>It's ergonomically designed for maximum comfort in your hand, with a 2.40inch screen for optimum viewing comfort. </p> <p><strong>The right angle for your photos</strong></p> <p>Whether taking selfies or looking outwards, you'll always have the right shot for your photos. The ENERGY E241S has a front camera and a rear camera with flash, for bright and beautiful photos. Main Camera - VGA Front Camera - VGA </p> <div id="ccs-inline-content">You can also view more information here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/energizer-energy-h241s">https://www.c247.com/energizer-energy-h241s</a></div> <div> </div> </div>urn:store:1:blog:post:12https://c247.com/c247-stocking-fillers-under-35C247 | Stocking fillers under £35<p>C247 has a number of perfect gifts under £35! Take a look below: </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Samsung Typc C Dual Port Powerbank  - £19.17</strong></p> <p><span class="a-list-item">The Samsung battery pack comes with Samsung AFC (15 W) and Quick Charge 2.0 support that lets you power up quick when you’re on the go.<br /></span></p> <p>OVP prevents overvoltage so it can be safely recharged to full capacity in just 220 minutes in fast-charging mod.</p> <p>Thanks to its dual-port charging capability, Samsung battery pack can power two devices simultaneously for added convenience.</p> <p>Samsung Battery Pack also features low current charging support and is compatible with a wide range of third-party and Samsung device.</p> <p>With a charge capacity of 10,000 mAh, Samsung battery pack delivers plenty of boost.</p> <p>You can also view more information here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-type-c-dual-port-powerbank">https://www.c247.com/samsung-type-c-dual-port-powerbank</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Google Home Mini - £24.97</strong></p> <ul> <li>Enjoy richer and bigger sounding music, thanks to a 40% stronger bass than the original Mini.</li> <li>Hang the easy to mount Nest Mini directly on to the wall in your kitchen, bedroom or living room, ensuing it’s always within in reach, but never in your way.</li> <li>Keeps you informed and up to date: Instant news, weather and commute updates without lifting a finger.</li> <li>Master the kitchen: Helps you with timers, step-by-step recipes, and conversions and substitutes.</li> <li>Start your smart home: Always improving with seamless connections to the latest compatible smart lights and thermostats.*</li> </ul> <p>You can also view more information here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/google-nest-mini-2nd-gen">https://www.c247.com/google-nest-mini-2nd-gen</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Defunc True Go Wireless Earphones - £34.97</strong></p> <p>Works with all Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Huawei, etc. devices thanks to new powerful Bluetooth 5.0 meaning they can be used around your home, at the office, at the gym, and outside with flawless connection quality across all your devices with 10 metres of range</p> <p>Wireless headphones with true wireless functionality. Wireless USB Type-C charging case for ultimate portability with 14 hours of battery life in the case and 3 hours worth of play time between charges for a huge total battery life of 17 hours!</p> <p>Earphones with true pro noise reduction due to our moulded silicone tip forming a comfortable but tight fit with your ears to create an additional barrier ensuring you get the highest sound quality with minimal interference from outside and background noise and maximum comfort. Amazon for calls with great quality microphone built into each bud</p> <p>Sweat and splash resistant design to give added waterproof protection for running, working out, exercise etc. in our smooth portable design don't worry about rain or sweat while you're out and about!</p> <p>You can also view more information here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/defunc-true-go-wireless-earphones">https://www.c247.com/defunc-true-go-wireless-earphones</a> </p>urn:store:1:blog:post:2https://c247.com/why-your-online-store-needs-a-wish-listC247 | Welcome to Panzer Glass<p><span style="color: #000000;">C247 is pleased to announce our parent company Eurostar Global is now the official UK distributor for Panzer Glass - this means we can bring you the device protection from a World Leading manufacturer! </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Who is PanzerGlass?</strong> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Over the years, PanzerGlass™ has become a synonym with superior screen protectors for mobile devices. Panzer Glass can protect all your devices; laptops, smartphones, tablets, displays in cars, and smartwatches. Today PanzerGlass™ is one of the leading screen protection brands in the world.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>What is 'PanzerGlass'?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">PanzerGlass is thin and shatter-proof screen protection made of specially tempered glass.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">With a breaking strength that is nine times greater than ordinary glass, and a scratch-resistant surface, the original PanzerGlass is the ultimate protective glass for mobile devices. The specially designed PanzerGlass is only 0.4 mm thick and fits perfectly onto the iPhone 5/5S and 5C. With rounded corners and edges, the protective glass is also extra resistant to destructive impacts and shocks to the display's most vulnerable areas.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>When is PanzerGlass available? </strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">RIGHT NOW! Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/panzer-glass"><span style="color: #000000;">https://www.c247.com/panzer-glass</span></a> to view the range.</span></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:1https://c247.com/how-a-blog-can-help-your-growing-e-commerce-businessC247 | Our Recommended Picks for what's Coming this August<p>C247 is always looking for new and exciting products to bring to our current portfolio of products. Here are our Recommended Picks for whats Coming Soon.</p> <p><strong>Land Rover Explore R - £399</strong></p> <p>The new Land Rover Explore R has the toughness and technology to take you further than a normal smartphone. And this next generation model has a sleek new design including an enhanced camera. The definitive phone for outdoor adventures, it builds on the ruggedness, GPS performance and connectivity the Land Rover Explore is renowned for.</p> <p>The Explore R is a rugged smartphone inspired by the resilience of the Land Rover Defender.</p> <p>Designed for your outdoor life, the Land Rover Explore R is purpose-built to thrive in the wildest places. Like the New Land Rover Defender, it combines design with durability. Tough yet elegant, the Explore R is for the adventure of a lifetime or your everyday routine. So whether you’re approaching the summit in a blizzard or sitting in a meeting, the Land Rover Explore R fits right in.</p> <p>To register your interest and be notified on its arrival e-mail <a href="mailto:enquiries@c247.com">enquiries@c247.com</a> and quote Land Rover Explore R.</p> <p>You can also view more information here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/land-rover-explore-r">https://www.c247.com/land-rover-explore-r</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>CAT S42 - £299</strong></p> <p>The Cat S42 is a remarkable workhorse. Whether you’re in the police force, or a first responder keeping us safe... Or you work in a hospital and hygiene is your priority... Or you’re a construction worker and you need a phone that’s tough enough to survive a building site, day after day... The Cat S42 is robust and reliable.<br /><br />The Cat S42 is designed for reliability in extreme situations, it's not just tough on the outside, it's sleek and sophisticated on the inside too. </p> <p>This latest addition to the Cat phones portfolio includes notable upgrades. Faster connectivity, a better camera, and more memory. With extended battery life, and a big bright screen you can read in full sunlight. It has a touchscreen that works with gloves on, and of course, it’s drop-proof. And you can scrub it with hot water and soap. Useful in these times of essential hygiene vigilance.</p> <p>To register your interest and be notified on its arrival e-mail <a href="mailto:enquiries@c247.com">enquiries@c247.com</a> and quote Cat S42.</p> <p>You can also view more information here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/cat-s42">https://www.c247.com/cat-s42</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>CAT S62 Pro - £599</strong></p> <p>The Cat S62 Pro features several exclusive enhancements providing even more thermal detail to help locate and diagnose the damp, the draught, the leak, the hotspot, the electrical short, the blockage, or the elevated temperature.</p> <p>IP68 and Mil-Spec 810H: Dustproof and drop-proof to 1.8m, vibration, sand, salt mist, and pressure resistant. With a modern, rugged design the S62 Pro is protected by a high-grade aluminum body, and the latest toughened scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6. It has dual SIM slots and expandable memory via microSD, a programmable key useful for PTT, and a fingerprint sensor. It’s as hardwearing as you’d expect from CAT, housed in a non-slip rubberized TPU that’s built to withstand whatever life throws at it.</p> <p>The Cat S62 Pro is an advanced tool, providing instant access to professional-grade thermal imaging in a rugged smartphone – always on, always ready.</p> <p>To register your interest and be notified on its arrival e-mail <a href="mailto:enquiries@c247.com">enquiries@c247.com</a> and quote Cat S62 Pro.</p> <p>You can also view more information here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/cat-s62-pro-coming-soon">https://www.c247.com/cat-s62-pro-coming-soon</a></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:3https://c247.com/c247-stoke-foodbank-mask-donationC247 | Stoke Foodbank Mask Donation<p>With the recent requirement for people to wear face-covering in enclosed public spaces, the additional cost of this burden is not one that will be easily met by some of the most vulnerable people in our city.</p> <p>We are therefore delighted to announce that we have donated 10,000 face masks to the Stoke-on-Trent foodbank for distribution within their food parcels.</p> <p>C247.COM are grateful for the work that they do to support people in the Stoke-on-Trent community who may have fallen on hard times and we all must pull together to help protect and support one another where we can. We are delighted to be able to help in such unprecedented times.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>A little about Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank</strong></p> <p>Stoke-on-Trent first opened its door on May 3<sup>rd</sup> 2012 - They were dismayed to hear that 1 in 3 children in Stoke-on-Trent was living below the ‘bread line’ and asked how could they help. </p> <p><br />Since that day the generous people of Stoke-on-Trent have donated over 436,000kg of food enabling us to give out three days’ supply of nutritionally balanced, long-life food to over 49,000 people of which over 18,800 are children. They now have 15 Distribution Centres covering the whole of Stoke-on-Trent, a dedicated warehouse space using the whole of an empty Methodist Church building and an office space donated by the Hanley Community Fire Station.</p> <p>For more information on Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank and the amazing work that they do visit their website at <a href="https://stokeontrent.foodbank.org.uk/">https://stokeontrent.foodbank.org.uk/</a></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:4https://c247.com/c247-get-involved-in-our-recent-giveawayC247 | Get involved in our recent Giveaway<p>Last week we launched a second Giveaway! We're looking for someone AMAZING to give a brand new iPhone XS Max too, do you have someone in mind? Head to our Facebook page and get involved! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/C247UK/">https://www.facebook.com/C247UK/</a></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:5https://c247.com/c247-our-top-picks-for-julyC247 | Our Top Picks for July<p>C247 brings you the best tech at the best prices and with that in mind, here are our product highlights for July.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Alcatel 3T 8 - £99.97</strong></p> <p>The Alcatel 3T 8 is the perfect budget tablet. </p> <p>Designed for portability, an optimally smooth user experience and user protection, Alcatel 3T 8 provides all-around support. Seductively slim and lightweight at 279 grams, Alcatel 3T 8 is the ideal accompaniment when you're on the go. </p> <p>Offering 4G LTE, long-lasting battery life, Android™ Oreo™ (Go edition) and through stability testing, this tablet ensures you a smooth experience.</p> <p>Interested? Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/alcatel-3t-8-2">https://www.c247.com/alcatel-3t-8-2</a> for more info.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Apple iPhone XR - £599</strong></p> <p>The iPhone XR may not be the latest, but it's definitely a contender for a top iPhone in the latest generation.  </p> <p>"All-new Liquid Retina display — the most advanced LCD in the industry. Even faster Face ID. The smartest, most powerful chip in a smartphone. And a breakthrough camera system. iPhone XR. It’s beautiful any way you look at it"</p> <p>Resists water and dust. The most durable front glass in a smartphone, sealed and precision-fitted with the aerospace‑grade aluminum band, helps create an enclosure that’s water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. iPhone XR even resists spills from coffee, tea, soda, and more.</p> <p>The iPhone XR comes with Face ID, you can now unlock your iPhone, save user names and passwords, all with one look. </p> <p>Use Apple Pay in apps and online. It’s never been easier to pay for a ride, buy your next favorite pair of trainers, or send cash to a friend in Messages.</p> <p>Interested? Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-xr">https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-xr</a> for more info. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Kit FRESH Power Bank - £9.97</strong></p> <p>The perfect power bank! The Kit FRESH power bank sports a 6000mAh battery allowing for multiple charges on your devices throughout the day.</p> <p>Simply plug in your desired device via a USB cable and you're good to go.</p> <p>Interested? Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/kit-fresh-power-bank">https://www.c247.com/kit-fresh-power-bank</a> for more info. </p>urn:store:1:blog:post:6https://c247.com/cat-s31-s52-s61-smartphones-hygiene-firstCat S31, S52, S61 Smartphones | Hygiene First<p>C247.com is continuing to stock the latest in Cat® Smartphones and we'd like to show you that Cat is putting hygiene first. </p> <p>The Cat Range is built to withstand the toughest environments including your everyday wash! These mobiles are waterproof and built to withstand regular scrubbing and exposure to sanitizing chemicals, bleaches, and detergents.</p> <p>Each device has been tested against: </p> <p>• Bleach wipe test with 3000 cycles<br />• Alcohol abrasion test with applied pressure for 100 cycles<br />• Real-world chemical susceptibility test at 60 degrees and 95% humidity for 2 days<br />• Alkaline test for 2 days</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:7https://c247.com/c247-our-top-picks-for-juneC247 | Our Top Picks for June<p>C247 brings you the best tech at the best prices and with that in mind, here are our product highlights for June. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>AirPods Pro - £219</strong></p> <p>The Airpods Pro is the next generation of in-ear headphones filled with tech featuring the H1 chip that powers everything from sound to Siri.</p> <p>Apple's AirPods Pro has a customisable fit to deliver all-day comfort and Active Noise Cancellation. Choose from three sizes of soft, flexible silicone tips that click into place making it fit just for you.  AirPods Pro is the only <span class="nowrap">in-ear</span> headphones with Active Noise Cancellation that continuously adapts to the geometry of your ear and the fit of the ear tips.</p> <p>Enjoy superior sound quality with Adaptive EQ, which automatically tunes music to the shape of your ear for a rich, consistent listening experience. </p> <p>The Wireless Charging Case delivers more than 24 hours of battery life to keep you and your AirPods Pro on the go. And it's compatible with Qi-certified chargers. </p> <p>Interested? Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/airpods-pro">https://www.c247.com/airpods-pro</a> for more info. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Apple iPhone SE 2020 - £419</strong></p> <p>The new and improved budget iPhone is here!</p> <p>The iPhone SE packs a powerful processor (the same as the iPhone 11 Pro) into a compact design. So whether you're running loads of apps at once, playing games or catching up on work, you won't feel slowed down and with a brilliant 4.7” Retina HD display everything will look crisp, clear and colorful.</p> <p>Touch ID lets you securely unlock your iPhone and sign in to apps instantly. You can even use it with Apple Pay to grab a coffee, get a yoga app or shop for trainers online. All without reaching for your credit card.</p> <p>Upgrade your photos with Portrait mode – the background will be blurred to bring the focus on your friend, or yourself if you're taking a selfie. And if you want to adjust the blur, there's a simple slider for depth control.</p> <p>Interested? Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-se-2020">https://www.c247.com/apple-iphone-se-2020</a> for more info.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Alcatel 1S 2020 - £99.77</strong><strong><br /></strong></p> <p>The Alcatel 1S 2020 is a fantastic budget phone alongside an excellent specification.</p> <p>The Alcatel 1S is sleek to the eye and comfortable in the hand with front 2.5D glass.<strong> </strong>Take professional-level photos whether you're shooting food, fireworks or flowers, its 13MP camera with AI scene detection makes sure your pictures are excellent every time in 22 different shooting scenarios. Get detailed close-ups using Alcatel 1S' 2MP macro lens. Add beautiful bokeh blur to portraits and fit the whole scene in the frame with its super wide-angle 5MP camera. A front 5MP camera with LCD flash gives you brighter, clearer selfies.</p> <p>Enjoy hours of streaming music, HD video and gaming with an Octa-Core processor, powerful RAM and ROM and a 4000mAh battery.</p> <p>Interested? Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/alcatel-1s-2019">https://www.c247.com/alcatel-1s-2019</a> for more info. </p> <p> </p> <p>All prices are from the date of the article - please view product details for further changes. </p>urn:store:1:blog:post:8https://c247.com/cat-s61-helping-us-safely-back-to-workCat S61 | Helping us safely back to work<p>The Cat S61 is a fast, practical and reliable solution to detect individuals with an elevated skin temperature (EST). Integrated Thermal Imaging technology allows users to screen people from a safe distance, as they enter anything from a small office or shop, to a major transport network, stadium or prison. Those identified can then be tested medically and provided with the necessary assistance.</p> <p>You can find more information on the Cat S61 here: <a href="https://www.c247.com/cat-s61">https://www.c247.com/cat-s61</a></p>urn:store:1:blog:post:9https://c247.com/c247-our-top-picks-for-mayC247 | Our Top Picks for May<p>C247 focuses on bringing you the best tech at the best prices, and with that in mind here are our product highlights for May. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Xiaomi Mi Band 4 - £24.97</strong></p> <p>The Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is an affordable and durable smart band that includes all the tech you need. View calls, texts, and app notifications. Record activity including running, cycling, swimming, and more. <br /><br />With a vibrant full-colour AMOLED touch display alongside 20 days of battery life, this smart band has everything you need for day to day activities. Don't forget, it also includes a heart rate monitor and sleep monitoring 24/7. </p> <p>Interested? Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/xiaomi-mi-band-4">https://www.c247.com/xiaomi-mi-band-4</a> for more info. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Defunc True Go Wireless Earphones - £34.47</strong></p> <p>The Defunc True Go Earphones is your budget replacement for the Apple Airpods. Though these work with all Apple iPhones, Samsung, Huawei and many more devices thanks to the new powerful Bluetooth 5.0, meaning they can be used around your home, at the office, at the gym and outside with flawless connection quality across all your devices with 10 metres of range. </p> <p>These include a Wireless USB Type=C charging case with 14 hours of battery life in the case and 3 hours worth of playtime between charges.</p> <p>IPX4 Ratings gives you Sweat and splash resistance to give added waterproof protection for running, working out and exercising in a smooth portable design.</p> <p>Interested? Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/defunc-true-go-wireless-earphones">https://www.c247.com/defunc-true-go-wireless-earphones</a> for more info.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Samsung Galaxy S10+ Dual SIM - £589.97</strong></p> <p>Samsung are known for a fantastic smartphone range and we've chosen the Samsung Galaxy S10+ as one of our top picks this month.</p> <p>The Galaxy S10+ introduces a stunning new Infinity-O Display. It even comes with a screen protector to safeguard it against life’s little accidents.</p> <p>You can use the Ultra Wide Camera to take stunning, cinematic photos with a 123-degree field of vision. The intelligent camera helps you shoot stunning photos by suggesting image compositions and automatically optimising your camera settings to the scene.</p> <p>Intelligence and advanced hardware learn how you use your phone, adapting to last longer and run more efficiently, giving you peak performance throughout your day.</p> <p>Bixby Routines suggests frequently used apps and tasks based on time or location to develop a naturally smart experience — just for you.</p> <p>Visit <a href="https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s10-dual-sim-2">https://www.c247.com/samsung-galaxy-s10-dual-sim-2</a> to learn more. </p> <p> </p> <p>All prices are from the date of the article - please view product details for further changes.</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:10https://c247.com/c247-covid-19C247 & COVID-19<p>We're still open for business! C247 is committed to providing you with the latest Mobiles, Tablets &amp; Accessories. Throughout these times we're focusing on maintaining our high standard of customer service and delivering on orders with minimal disruption. </p> <p>C247 is also helping to support the community. FusedSport recently put out an appeal for donations to produce 2000 scrubs for the Royal Stoke Hospital. C247 has donated £1400 to FusedSport in order to produce 200 sets of scrubs for the frontline staff at the Royal Stoke Hospital.</p> <p>We are proud to be doing our part, and would like to thank all the NHS workers for their hard work!</p>urn:store:1:blog:post:11https://c247.com/what-is-5gWhat is 5G?<p>In this time of technical development, ‘5G’ has become more popular with leading network operators providing more coverage all around the country – this super-fast fifth-generation mobile internet is already on offer! But what is it?</p> <h3><strong><br />What is ‘5G’?</strong></h3> <p>5G is the next generation of mobile broadband that will offer much faster download and upload speeds. Drastically reducing the time it takes for devices to communicate with wireless networks. </p> <p>It differs slightly than our current 4G due to high &amp; low band spectrum's but you can find more information on that <a href="https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/what-is-5g/" target="_blank">here</a> </p> <h3> <br /><strong>What will it allow us to do?</strong></h3> <p>Improved Broadband – It will provide faster upload and downloads speeds, creating a more connected world, providing even easier access to the World Wide Web.</p> <p>Public Safety &amp; Infrastructure – 5G will allow cities and other areas to operate more efficiently. “<em>Utility companies will be able to easily track usage remotely, sensors can notify public works departments when drains flood or streetlights go out, and municipalities will be able to quickly and inexpensively install surveillance cameras</em>.”</p> <p>Internet of Things – 5G speeds will enhance the current IoT, connecting billions of devices without human intervention, providing the opportunity to change industrial processes including manufacturing and business communications for the better.</p> <h3><strong><br />How much quicker is 5G?</strong></h3> <p>Theoretically, 4G tops out at 100 megabits per second (Mbps), 5G however, tops out at 10 Gigabits per second (Gdps). Effectively making it one hundred times faster than our currently 4G.</p> <p>But what does this mean? An example given from the Consumer Technology Association, that at this speed it would take you 3.6 seconds to download at a two-hour movie on 5G. 4G, well this would take 6 minutes on 4G.</p> <p>There’s more, due to reduced latency we’ll see faster loading times and quicker response rates from almost anything that uses the internet!</p> <h3><strong><br />When is 5G available?  </strong></h3> <p>5G is already available in the UK with network carriers including EE, O2, Vodafone, BT Mobile &amp; Sky. Though make sure your device is 5G ready! Throughout 2020 we’ll see a large number of new devices available for 5G alongside mobiles like the Samsung S20 or Samsung Note 10+. </p> <h3><strong><br />C247 &amp; 5G</strong></h3> <p>C247 offers a selection of 5G ready devices including those mentioned above! We’re also working on new solutions to provide you with the latest tech at the best prices, so stay tuned!</p>