iPhone SE: Still the Best Budget Smartphone on the Market.

When Apple released the iPhone SE back in March of last year, branding it as a budget phone didn't go well with some critics. It was hard to see how being the cheapest iPhone automatically made it a great cheap phone. However, the smart analyst could tell, from day one, that the iPhone SE was the best value for money a smartphone was offering at the time.

As a much-needed update to the iPhone 5S, the iPhone SE remained just as compact while featuring the specs of the then latest flagship, the iPhone 6S. And all that came with a $399 price tag, which was the lowest launch price we'd ever seen on an iPhone, outdoing even the iPhone 5C, which began life at $549.

How Apple made the iPhone SE so cheap

The iPhone 5C was Apple's first major attempt into the realm of budget smartphones and, at first glance, it sure looked cheap. It was the first iPhone to feature a plastic case which, while giving the customer a variety of color choices, offered a build quality that couldn't match the steel and aluminum materials that were native to previous devices.

Despite the obvious compromises, the iPhone 5C started at $549, only $100 cheaper than the equivalent, premium flagship, the iPhone 5S. Of course, the iPhone 5C's price has since dropped considerably and, perhaps, it is now the budget phone that was promised. Regardless, it's still hard to ignore the fact that what Apple called "budget" at launch, was only a few dollars away from the premium price range of $600 and above.

Fast-forward to three years later, in 2016, and the tech giant was back, unveiling another "budget" phone. Many people took the news of an upcoming cheap iPhone as a plastic version of the iPhone 6S, Apple's flagship at the time, but were shocked when the iPhone SE came out with the iconic iPhone 5S design.

Sure, the SE wasn't the cheapest budget smartphone around. But, with high-end hardware and a friendly price tag, it was a proper fit for the “budget” category. Consequently, the world wondered how Apple managed to offer such exemplary value, when their earlier attempt, the iPhone 5C, had failed.

The explanation we got was that Apple used several components from older existing iPhones to make the SE. In fact, the $399 handset supposedly cost the Cupertino company only $160 to make, leaving the rest as profit. In addition, instead of making different versions for each carrier, the phone was made to work across all services, which saved on R&D and manufacturing.

These, among a number of other reasons, enabled Apple to finally give the world a smartphone worthy of the prefix "budget."

The iPhone SE: Features and Specs

What makes the SE a decent budget smartphone is the balance it offers between cost and high-end specs. Despite its resemblance to the iPhone 5S, the phone is far superior.

Design

 

The SE is designed to offer all the features of a fully-fledged flagship in a package that's much smaller and easier to handle. The blueprint might be old, but the phone still represents quality engineering. Its brushed metallic back is hard and rigid but feels cool to touch. One-hand use is easy, regardless of the size of your hands.

Display

 

Sporting the same 1136 x 640 resolution 4-inch display as the iPhone 5S, the SE's screen is undoubtedly its weakest feature. Nevertheless, it remains perfectly sharp for its size. Compared to the current AMOLED screens on modern Samsung devices, colors are less vibrant and punchy, but still "true" and accurate.

Sound

Audio from the bottom-facing speaker is surprisingly decent for such a small handset. Maximum volume isn't as high as some similarly-priced phones, but the sound is well balanced, and there's even a hint of bass.

Performance

Neither the design, the display or the audio makes the iPhone SE special, but scratching the surface reveals an entirely different beast. The gadget is equipped with a dual-core A9 processor and 2GB of RAM, which is the same configuration you get with the iPhone 6S.

This might not seem like much when you put the specs sheet side to side with top-flight Android phones, but the SE is among the most powerful devices you can buy at its price. General performance is incredibly fast, and not even the most demanding games are too much for the little iPhone.

Camera

Things get even more interesting when you touch the camera icon. The rear iSight camera has the same 12MP sensor as the iPhone 6S, which means you'll be making use of one of the best phone cameras around.

Both pictures and videos are of excellent quality, and the "easy to use" camera app makes the shooting experience pleasant overall. In comparison to some of the SE's high-end rivals, colors look more natural and life-like, and the noise is kept to a minimum, even in low light photography.

Battery

 

Lastly, despite the Li-ion cell being only a smidgen larger than the one on the iPhone 5S, the SE's battery life is more than 50 percent better than the older model’s. This is, in large part, a result of efficiency improvements that come with the A9, which reduce power drain significantly.

Still the best budget smartphone? 

 

The iPhone SE has a lot going on. In fact, the only significant trade-off a customer would be making if they choose it over the 6S is the smaller size. It's a solid phone that will please anyone looking to strike a bargain.
That said, it has been nearly one year since the SE first hit the shelves and, with the release of the iPhone 7 last year, it's no longer the latest offering from Apple.

The iPhone 7 might not come with radical redesigns, but new features such as water resistance and stereo speakers push the SE back through in the pack. Moreover, the flagship is powered by the new A10 CPU, which is much faster and more efficient than the A9. The SE might only be a generation behind, but it's aging.
On the bright side, however, the phone still offers more than most do at the same and even higher prices. Its impressive hardware coupled with impeccable iOS optimization makes it fast, smooth and stable with any app or game.

So, what raises doubt as to whether the SE is the best budget smartphone today is more the size than the age. If you're coming from a larger phone, it'll take a bit of time to adjust to the small screen, and you'll likely be better off with something bigger but within the same price range, like the Moto G4 or the LG Nexus 5X.
Nonetheless, anyone who loves being able to bend their leg when a phone is in the front pocket will feel at ease with the iPhone SE.

To the compact lover, therefore, the SE is indeed the best budget phone on the market.

Some 2016 MacBook Pro Owners Experiencing Keyboard Problems

The 2016 version of MacBook Pro is reported to malfunction. The keyboard is not suited to the device. This latest launch of notebooks by Apple is retorted to have serious problems in the functioning of keyboards. The keyboard attached in this MacBook is developed via the latest technology using butterfly mechanism. This butterfly mechanism was for the first time introduced in ultra-thin version of MacBook, but a new version of this mechanism was fed in MacBook Pro, but instead of providing some extra benefits to the users; it is reported to be a disaster.

We are well aware of the fact that due to the presence of several versions of MacBook there are several opinions delivered by several other version of MacBook by various users. But, this butterfly mechanism though created a buzz in the market but eventually ended with a negative connotation as it is not at all reliable in comparison to the mechanisms fed in the older versions of MacBook.

Many customers who bought this 2016 version of MacBook is facing severe problems due to ineffective working of the keyboard. One of the most gruesome issues reported till date is that the keys that generally appear to make differently high pitched sound than some other key that would also make the same sound in different cases.

A video issued by MacRumors user monstermac 77 has retorted about a problem here, the problem is that whenever someone presses the caps lock key, then a sound is created that is way different from the sound of any other key present on the keyboard. Monstermac 77 has reported that this issue is only due to the problem in reproduction and is not because of any technical problem.

The users have claimed that the high pitch sound is very disturbing, but this problem is not as serious as the other problems that is reported in MacBook Pro. Reports are such that certain keys present on the keyboard of MacBook Pro version misses out the clicks and when pressed generally enters double alphabets simultaneously and sometimes they do not respond at all. So, the maker’s excuse stand on debatable grounds that this is a reproducible issue and not a technical fault as the problems that are reported clearly indicates that this is a technical problem.

Though, it is still not clear that what is the major issue behind this kind of malfunctioning of keyboards. Why and how do the keyboards become so irritating?But, this can also not be denied that the butterfly mechanism is very delicate and sensitive and can be seriously damaged even if it is projected to a certain amount of dust.

This is not the problem of all the MacBook Pro’s user as some have also reported in favor of the device, claiming that it is absolutely fine and there are even some who have said that they do face this kind of problem but it is not always that they have to encounter this kind of issues; It sometimes happens but then gets resolved automatically.

Apple Leak Reveals Significant iPhone 8 Upgrade

All the tech freaks and IPhone fanatics have been eagerly waiting for the launch of their latest device iPhone 8. This is believed to be a game changer for its eye watering price, innovative catch up features and all new design. According to new information, this latest iPhone is most expensive in its line, and its super upgraded features make the gadget worth the big price tag. Ming Chi Kuo, KGI security analyst stated that the most reliable and trustworthy Apple tipster is back again, and this time it is sure to cause a massive stir. Along with hosts of new and enhanced features this Apple gadget will feature a compact form factor, and will have a dramatically improved battery life.

Better view with bigger size 

Recently, Kuo revealed some of the features of this brand new Apple device, one of them being super compact design. He revealed, that iPhone 8 will have a 5 inch display, but will not be larger than their 4.7 inch phones. This is a standout feature considered to be extremely modern, and has been used till date in the monster phablets. The compact size will make it handy and easily usable with one hand. Apple is going to achieve this look of a 5 inch display in a 4.7 inch phone by cutting the bottom and top bezels.

The extra space available in most modern Smartphone is practically of no use and thus Apple has decided to use that extra space and create a screen extension. The touch ID and iconic home button will be removed and integrated within the display. Well, this technology is not entirely new and was announced by LG in 2016, but Apple seems to have accomplished it before them.

Improved battery performance 

Kuo also revealed that this high tech phone will feature a 2,700 MaH battery. It is almost 30% larger than iPhone 7’s 1960 maH battery. The phone will squeeze in this battery using a logic board design, and thus by using this board there will be extra space for fitting in this bigger battery.

Although, Samsung a rival company of Apple has already launched phone with 3000 maH, iOS has always managed to get away with small batteries. This new iPhone launch will feature an OLED display instead of the standard LCD and is sure to offer a better and enhanced experience.

Major leap for Apple 

Both externally and internally, iPhone 8 is being considered to be the biggest update in Apple’s history. According to speculations, this new gadget will be names iPhone X and its launch will mark the 10th anniversary of iPhone. During the launch of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus Apple had broken its two year design cycle, and had given the same traditional design to three successive generations.

For this, several critics had accused the mega tech giant company of losing its innovative ability. This had affected the company both in terms of reduced sales figures and lower profit margins. The new and enhanced designs and features of iPhone 8 will definitely accelerate the margin scale.

iPhones Will be Accompanied with Wireless Charging

Any device that requires charge so that it becomes eligible to let its users get all the privileges fed in it, troubles its users with the problem of charging. iPhones are the best of the smartphones available in the market and the brand that produces it, is bent on providing utmost benefits to their users. Because of so many enticing features in iPhone, it is the best in the field, but apple is trying to take the notches a bit higher by eliminating the process of plug in, this would raise the standard of charging in iPhones and will introduce a new era of lightning connector.

Apple is known for introducing new and developed technologies in the market. We are all familiar with USB, that had a cold start but when Apple clubbed itself with iMac then the results were like an erupting volcano, there was none left who was not aware of this device. Wi-Fi, is another name to a developed device that had a large market before being thrashed by a competitor called HomeRf.

News are such that Apple have forged an association with Wireless Power Consortium, a rumor has surrounded the planet that Apple is almost at the verge of adding wireless charging to iPhones, Apple will be the biggest producer to do if they manage to put up such a magnificent innovation, but it is sure that they cannot do it single handedly rather they might do it with the help of first-party accessory.

There is still isn’t any confirmation on this news. It was like one member from the board of the Blu-ray Disc Association who had never forged any association with a Blu-ray drive. Possibilities are also there that Apple might have reserved wireless charging, as it is a tactic used by many to create buzz by leaking the news in the market so that it arouses interest among the users, as Apple has done it for several devices like the Apple Watch. Whereas, the company to introduce Qi to iPhone would lead to a wide variety of implications.

As the rumors regarding iPhone 8 is swirling the entire market, Apple have tried and forged new plans so that wireless charging will start from now and the users would not have to wait for iPhone 8 to be launched in the market they can avail the facility of wireless charging on their current models of iPhones.

Apple associating itself with Qi is a major plan as it might benefit the performance of the standard in some ways. This combination would be surprising and people will look upto it that what it will have in store for their customers. It is suggested that this association would be really beneficial as it would lead to quicker charging of iPhones along with a wide variety of other features. They are also planning to forge a compatibility with other vendors of phone as well, so that the implementation can be conformed as soon as possible.

Apple Reaches new High in the Stock Market

You just have to do a bit of research to discover the company Apple, founded in 1976, is described by many as a mind-blowing company when it comes to technology.

It Hasn't all been Plain Sailing 

Apple's value, determined by its stock price, is in the region of $728 billion. Small wonder that many organisations rank it as the world's most valuable brand, and in fact on the Forbe's list, it was ranked as twice as valuable as Microsoft.

It hasn't all been plain sailing for Apple, because in May 1985, the company experienced once of its biggest dips in the AAPL stock price, sinking to $18.12 after Steve Jobs tried to oust CEO John Sculley. From 1994 to 1997 Apple also experienced a difficult period as this is when other companies were catching up to their amazing innovation levels. A sum of $708 million was lost and stock hit a low of $4. This was a dark day for Apple as on September 29, 2000 stock prices fell 51.9% in just that one day.

It was in 1980 that Apple's IPO which stands for Initial Public Officering was $22, and after a day of trading, the first day in fact, shares rose to $29 and the Initial Public Offering was worth $75.5 million, consisting of more than 2 million shares.

In 2007 Apple launched the iPhone - the first mobile phone with so many high-tech features in one small device. In just one month, the stock price rose over 15%. More recently, the Apple iPad, with the portability and ease of the iPhone and much larger screen made its appearance and AAPL - Apple Stock - saw a 43% increase.

2017 - the World's most Valuable Company

In February 2017, Apple's stock has risen to about $135.09, passing its previous intraday trading high of $134.54 from April 2015. Apple's market value has now gone beyond $700 billion, entrenching the fact that it is the world's most valuable company.

Apple analysts are among a group of observers who believe Apple's stock remains undervalued and that it is likely to rise. They think that in 2017 Apple needs to come up with iPhones that customers want and not what Apple thinks they need. Apple (AAPL) is expected to have a good year in 2017, more so because of its 10th anniversary iPhone. The phone is expected to come redesigned with a glass enclosure and edge-to-edge OLED display.

Apple's Stock Prices more Accessible to Individual Investors

Apple stock has soared in February 2017 and investors are actually seeing that 2017 is a year of growth in Apple after a disappointing 2016. Apple needs to come out with new iPads and Mac desktops in 2017 and also get good reviews for these products.

Apple currently enjoys more press coverage than any company in the world, and there is always information on whether their stock should be bought or sold. Currently, its stock prices are more accessible to individual investors and those were never able to buy the stock can add it to their portfolio.

You can imagine that buying Apple stock will require having a reputable, knowledgeable online broker. CMC Markets is registered, regulated and award-winning and can help you open your online account to get trading.

You can't afford to be making mistakes with Apple and you'll want a trustworthy brokerage who have been around for years and with whom you have 100% confidence that your money will be safe with them. Once you have money in your stockbroker account, the world is your oyster and you can buy stock listed on NASDAQ, the New York-, Tokyo- and London Stock Exchange, among others from your own computer.
Apple stock is now selling, and once you have completed your purchase, you'll receive confirmation that the transaction has gone through. The thrilling part is you watching to see Apple stock go up up and away after you purchase it and your dwindling account rising simultaneously.

Is Apple Stock A Good Buy? 

That's the exciting part about stock trading - the risk and the thrill. Has Apple finally run out of innovative products? There are all sorts of rumours flying around but a look at the stock market in February 2017 shows that their stock seems to be trading in a pretty positive fashion lately and therefore seems like a good investment.