It is impossible to imagine a person's life without a mobile device. Today these are not just gadgets for calls/SMS, but functional devices that allow you to access the Internet and perform complex tasks. Apple devices especially stand out against the general background.
They have fans and opponents who constantly find arguments in favor of their own beliefs. But the debate about the attractiveness of the iPhone is just an additional reason to buy a branded mobile phone and check its advantages for yourself.
What is an iPhone?
The simplest answer to the question of what an iPhone is is a multifunctional phone.
Among its features:
- Receiving/making calls;
- Sending/receiving text messages;
- Access to the Internet (except for the first devices);
- Listening to music, creating your own playlists;
- Photo and video shooting, using a front or regular camera;
- Using specific applications developed for this platform.
Applications on iOS are quite heavy compared to similar applications for Android or Windows Phone, but they cover all the same industries: games, books, use of social networks or mobile versions of personal accounts on various sites. You can download the application with the necessary properties from the official market - Apple Store. An ordinary “Apple” is quite enough to almost completely replace a computer, the only difference is in the specifics of use. For example, instead of a keyboard or mouse there is a touchscreen.
Today, the iPhone is not just another type of phone, it is a world-famous brand. Users around the world are following the development of the company, waiting for the release of the next update. Not only the mobile phone itself, but also its accessories are subject to modification. One of the reasons why Apple products have a large number of haters is the fact that the company's accessories are original. They cannot be replaced with cheap versions from other manufacturers, and buying new headphones, for example, can be quite expensive.
Understanding the concepts
First you need to understand what is what. In the question “What is the difference between an iPhone and a smartphone?” there is already a misconception. After all, an iPhone is also a smartphone .
What is a smartphone
Smartphones are all phones with a touch screen that perform the tasks we need: searching for information on the Internet, viewing social networks and videos on YouTube, running simple games and applications.
The operating system of smartphones is most often Android, but there are also alternative options, for example, on Windows Phone or other Linux-based systems. They can be produced by any company: from unknown Chinese to famous brands, for example, Samsung.
The vast majority of smartphones are manufactured on ARM architecture processors (advanced RISC) from MediaTek and Qualcomm. There are devices on other chips, for example, on NVidia Tegra, which do not support most applications, which is why they do not become widespread.
What is iPhone
iPhone is a phone from Apple. That is, it is the same smartphone. Even more, it is thanks to the iPhone that we see smartphones as they are. They were the first to use touch screens in a mainstream product - the first iPhone.
Apple smartphones are released on their OS – iOS. They are the most popular phones in the world due to their design as well as software.
It turns out that the iPhone is a smartphone produced by Apple and elevated to a separate category for its quality and separate OS. It gained popularity thanks to some features, which we will talk about.
History of development
The first phone from Apple entered the market in 2007. Steve Jobs, the founder of the company, initially planned only to develop a tablet, as he was interested in integrating the touchscreen function. But the idea of creating a tablet was postponed, because the developers noted the possibility of using the touchscreen option for a compact device.
The devices of the first version had certain shortcomings, but the company set the course for the whole direction, so there are features that were almost not modified:
- Trademark – bitten apple;
- Special operating system – iOS, which does not work on other phones;
- Molded case, which means it is impossible to remove the battery manually;
- Lack of memory card slot.
The most significant disadvantage of the first model was the lack of 3G function. This flaw did not completely deprive the client of access to the Internet, but its speed was too low for full use. Today the first generation model has outlived its usefulness. Each subsequent one had certain innovations that give customers more confidence in the gadget and make use as convenient as possible.
Date of appearance of the first unofficial iPhone in Russia
We are, of course, talking about the iPhone 2G. The very first “Apple” phone, presented at the MacWorld Expo conference on January 9, 2007 and released for sale on June 29, 2007, was not formally delivered to Russia, initially did not have support for Russian localization and was blocked by an American telecom operator.
But this does not mean that no one in our country owned it at that moment.
Still, the device turned out to be quite iconic, and many people wanted to own the new product, especially since they later learned to bypass all these restrictions (blocking and other inconveniences).
Of course, no one knows for sure when the first iPhone crossed the border of the Russian Federation, but we can note for ourselves that iPhones appeared in Russia at the end of June and beginning of July 2007, almost simultaneously with the start of global sales.
Of course, we are talking about so-called “gray” or unofficial phones. With the “officials” everything was like this...
3G, 3GS
The name alone makes it clear that the main improvement is the availability of the 3G function. The option was a big step according to the developers, since thanks to access to good Internet, customers have more opportunities. The 3GS device is not too different from the 3G; its introduction to the market was the result of testing the first released device. Along with Internet access, it was necessary to improve the speed of the device.
The design of the device has changed slightly, this was due to the replacement of the material of the back cover. However, today Apple is still experimenting, using aluminum, plastic and glass to create the back cover.
Why iPhone is better and worse than Android smartphones
Even though the iPhone is a smartphone, it has many differences from phones from other brands.
iPhone advantages:
- iOS optimization. iPhones from 4-5 years ago support most modern mobile games, and also do not slow down when watching videos and using a browser, when smartphones with the same hardware or models from 2-3 years ago begin to work slowly in simple tasks, for example, watching YouTube or Android work.
- Convenience. The OS on Apple phones is the most convenient and understandable. All controls are where they should be. Applications can only be downloaded from a single App Store, and they are always optimized for all current iPhone models. All iPhones are created for people who want to buy and use right away. Applications for other smartphones are often poorly optimized, due to the large number of different models with different screen resolutions, characteristics, etc.
- Specifications. New iPhone models are released with the best hardware of the year, partially produced in-house. The processors in iPhones are developed by ARM specialists, that is, the developers of the architecture itself, making them the most powerful on the market.
- Screen. iPhone displays have always been famous for their quality. Apple uses excellent OLED and IPS matrices with better color reproduction in its smartphones.
- Design. Each iPhone model looks premium; Apple phone cases are always made of high-quality materials and feel like it. All of Apple's design ideas have always appeared in smartphones from other brands, despite the fact that many have spoken out against them.
iPhone Disadvantages:
- Closed OS. The simplicity and optimization of iOS is also its disadvantage. Because of these features, the iPhone has become a closed platform. You cannot install third-party applications on iPhones, and to open all functionality you need Jailbreak - a complex method of hacking the device, prohibited by Apple.
- Battery. All iPhones are famous for their weak battery, which is not enough for the whole day of use. Until the iPhone 7, phones did not hold a charge in the cold and quickly turned off. Batteries are clearly a weak point.
- Price. Compared to other smartphones with similar characteristics, iPhones are almost 2 times more expensive. Because of this, people are more likely to choose cheaper phones.
4, 4S
The famous voice control function first appeared in the third generation, but it was the fourth that gave the well-known Siri assistant. Since then, the virtual assistant has not undergone major modifications and is successfully used by Apple clients. We can safely say that Siri is one of the calling cards of Apple.
Other changes include improvements to existing features. Each new variant brings changes to the camera, screen and iOS. The fourth generation slightly improved the screen resolution and brought the camera to 5 px.
5, 5c, 5S
By the fifth version, fans of the product were able to choose the color scheme of the case, which was previously limited to 1-2 colors. Although the number of cell phone cases is growing daily, users considered the release of phones in only 2 colors to be a serious omission, so the manufacturer expanded the color palette to several shades: yellow, pink, green, blue.
However, the developers themselves believe that a significant argument for releasing the update was the modification of the SIM card slot to nano-size. In addition, from the fifth generation, customers were able to use 4G technology, which provides high-speed Internet.
6, 6S
The main notable quality of the iPhone 6 was its screen size. It is worth noting that as the diagonal increases, the thickness of the gadget decreases. Some users perceived this modification with suspicion, since the thin body looked too fragile. Although, thanks to the thickness, the manufacturer has improved picture quality and color rendition.
S.E.
The SE model stands separately from the sixth generation of Apple, although in terms of content it belongs specifically to this series. In fact, SE is a hybrid of the fifth and sixth models. The device received its body from the fifth version, and performance and power from the sixth. The need to release such a device was caused by the dissatisfaction of a group of users with the large diagonal of the sixth generation. Cell phones are huge, making them awkward to hold. The disadvantage is especially noticeable during long conversations.
The compact body of the fifth model was ideal in many respects, although the hybrid of two generations did not quite live up to its promise. The transition from a wide screen to a more compact one, although it was the original goal of the developers, again did not satisfy the fans, since most of them, before the release of the iPhone SE, were accustomed to a large screen that could be compared with some tablet models.
The concept of a smartphone and an iPhone: what's the difference?
There are still disputes between adherents of various operating systems about the difference between an iPhone and a smartphone. In fact, there is no significant difference between the concepts, so the iPhone can be called one of the varieties of multifunctional mobile phones. The term “smartphone” refers to a device that makes it possible to exchange calls/SMS, access the network, listen to music, and so on.
However, the question can be looked at from a different angle: why is Apple better than other smartphones? In this case, the differences can indeed be found to be quite noticeable. It is also worth understanding that a smartphone and an iPhone have subjective differences that may be perceived in favor of one or the other gadget.
How is the iPhone different from other smartphones?
If you know what a smartphone is, then you will understand the essence of how an iPhone works: most of the functions are quite similar and have no fundamental differences, but some of them are still important:
- Operating system iOS. This is also a unique Apple product that is only applicable to iPhones. All other modern smartphones, as a rule, run on Android OS or Windows OS. Thanks to it, the whole range of functions and useful applications is fundamentally different from similar functions and applications of the same Android. You will not find the iOS operating system in any other device or gadget except in products from Apple.
- No viruses. Yes, yes, an iPhone cannot be infected with viruses. All applications can only be downloaded through the AppStore, which is also controlled by Apple. That, in turn, does not allow dangerous, malicious or simply suspicious files to pass through the application store.
- Design. For a long time, the highlight of iPhones was their unique design, but as Chinese smartphones become more widespread, metal bodies and glass panels will no longer surprise anyone.
Over the ten years of existence of such a concept as “Apple’s iPhone”, 7 generations of this amazing gadget have been released (in addition to improved versions with the prefix S, Plus, etc.), however, the release of the “eight”, which is scheduled for second half of 2022.
operating system
The iPhone operating system can only be used on appropriate gadgets. It is impossible to change the operating system either independently or by flashing it. The usability of iOS is determined independently, but users often find it difficult to get used to a new type of “filling”.
Customers report that iOS is faster than other platforms. This efficiency attracts new customers, but most prefer to use the usual filling design. It is worth remembering that iOS only uses special applications developed for this base.
What is an iPhone
iPhone is a line of smartphones developed by Apple. They operate on the IOS operating system. The first iPhone was released on June 29, 2007. Steve Jobs said that the "i" in Apple devices is an abbreviation for the word "Internet" and stands for personal, educational, informative and inspiring.
The interface and user interaction elements are based on control via a touch screen using touches and gestures. The control itself is implemented in the iOS operating system using multi-touch gestures and swipes.
Every year the company releases a new iPhone model and an update to the iOS version, adding new features, expanding the capabilities of the devices and other improvements. The first iPhone set standards for design and usability: button placement, shape, proportions, which are still maintained today. These standards were also adopted by other companies, so most of the phones that are now on the market are of the same type.
The first iPhone released was described as "revolutionary" and a "game changer" for the entire mobile phone industry. All the following models also received well-deserved praise and critical acclaim. It continues to be the most sought-after, popular and used smartphone in the world, and its success has contributed to Apple becoming one of the most financially valuable companies in general.
Peculiarities
iPhone allows you to:
- Take photos
- Record video
- Send and receive text messages
- Play audio/video files
- Work with email
- Use the World Wide Web - look at sites, etc.
- Take notes
- Perform mathematical calculations
- Work with voicemail and messages
- and much more
The iPhone has built-in modules:
- WiFi
- GSM
- CDMA
- Bluetooth
- etc.
Appearance
The appearance of the products is not much different. You can recognize branded products by biting into an apple, but there are no other significant differences. The diagonal size and thickness of the gadget are similar to those of other manufacturers. If you remove the recognizable logo, identifying an apple is very difficult, but still possible. You need to try to turn on the device. The iPhone's touchscreen is very sensitive, so it responds faster than conventional products.
Despite the pros and cons, choosing a smartphone or Apple depends on the user, since even all the objectively positive aspects may not be a sufficient bonus when changing the usual operating system.
How to spot a fake?
Apple products are quite expensive, but they are popular. It was only a matter of time before counterfeits came out. The first fakes appeared after the appearance of the fourth version model.
It is sometimes quite difficult to distinguish an original from a fake, but it is possible. To understand the difference, you need to pay attention to:
- Microphone hole that shouldn't be there;
- The material of the case and back cover, counterfeits are lighter, since they use only cheap plastic;
- Removable battery, it is not in the original version;
- A television antenna is also absent in the original, but for Chinese fakes it is an indispensable attribute;
- Touchscreen, the fake one does not have the function of recognizing more than one touch at a time.
It is also worth noting that fake iPhones are much cheaper than the originals, so the price should be the first reason to suspect the originality of the product. Chinese counterfeits are not always poor quality goods. Most likely, the operating system will run slower and will also be incompatible with some applications. However, due to the low cost, users turn a blind eye to the fact that they are purchasing a fake brand.
Some manufacturers of counterfeit phones also change the logo to avoid punishment for counterfeiting the brand. A familiar “apple” may have an unusual appearance, for example, it may be whole or have indentations on both sides. Such tricks are not immediately obvious, but they give the right to use a new image for another company.
How the iPhone impacted the phone market and culture
Before the iPhone came into the market, all other phone manufacturers such as Siemens, Nokia, Sony and others were making huge profits from their sales. The telephone range was wide then, and the main difference in devices was only in the brand, style and fashion direction, and not in technological innovation.
Apple's approach to creating the iPhone was completely different from this; they wanted to make one phone, but one that would suit ALL customers and include all features equally. Release it once a year, make it, although expensive, a high-quality product that photo lovers, music lovers, businessmen and others could use - a smartphone for everyone. The price for him was due to the fact that he could do everything, unlike the others.
When he first appeared, people had no idea to name him - for show-off, etc. Because it had no competitors, and it offered many features that other devices simply did not have, and, most importantly, the user received a unique experience from using a touch screen device. And the price for it was even more than justified. It was only later, when Android smartphones appeared, their users began to say that the iPhone was a show-off and a waste of money, while Android could do the same thing in general.
The iPhone's touchscreen and user-friendly design with multi-touch gesture controls revolutionized the mobile communications industry. Steve Jobs said back in 2007 that the telephone is not just a means of communication, but a way of life.
Mobile operating systems of that time, such as Symbian, BlackBerry OS and Windows Mobile, were not even close to ready and could not solve as many different tasks as the iPhone could and did offer. That's why they slowly disappeared into oblivion. Apple has created an entire ecosystem with its App Store with millions of applications and games, which is developing every year.
Manufacturers of such operating systems were forced to spend a lot of money in order to somehow get closer to iOS in functionality. The success of the iPhone resulted in a colossal decline in sales among all segments of their phones, be it fashionable new items or business-class devices. In business, mobile phones from Vertu, BlackBerry and Nokia were especially hard hit. Nokia realized late what was happening and tried to make their Maemo system, but they didn’t really succeed and they were swallowed up by Microsoft.
At the moment, this is one of the best ratios of price and quality. By purchasing such a smartphone, you can be sure that for at least 4 years, which is how long the models are officially supported, your smartphone will be one of the fastest, most convenient and secure.
Finally
These were the main points about these devices; 12 iPhones will appear this year, and now SE 2 020 has been released. I hope you found this material interesting and learned something new for yourself.
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