Apple vs Samsung

Apple iPhone 4s Vs Samsung Galaxy SII

Display - Apple iPhone 4S (3.7 inch Retina Display 640*900 pixels) v Samsung Galaxy SII (4.3 inch Super AMOLED 480*800 pixels)

Before we choose the best display it should be pointed out that both of them are absolutely fantastic and if you bought either mobile you wouldn't be disappointed.

The Galaxy SII's touch-screen screen is larger than the iPhone 4S which might be seen as a bonus to some people or a hindrance . For those who like to watch movies and play games it's a definite strength , but for those looking for portability it does make the phone a bit larger.

The iPhone 4S screen runs at a higher resolution meaning the overall picture quality is higher, with Apple claiming its above what the highest the human eye can detect at this screen-size.

Verdict : We have to say that its a draw in the display stakes because it really comes down to whether you value the larger AMOLED screen on the SII or the more portable higher resolution iPhone 4S Retina display.

Processor - Apple iPhone 4S (dual-core Apple A5 Chip) v Samsung Galaxy SII (dual-core 1.2 Ghz Chip)

Both of the processors are actually made by Samsung and are around the same speed, so we'd have to say that strictly on the processor front they are quite equal.

However, when discussing the power of the smartphones we also need to include the RAM. With the Samsung Galaxy SII having 1GB of RAM, compared to 512MB on the iPhone 4S, it should deliver better multi-tasking and overall speed.

Things get a bit more complicated though because the iPhone 4S's graphics chip is significantly better than the Galaxy S2's meaning that it should deliver better gaming and video streaming.

Verdict: We're gonna have to give this one to Apple because overall the iPhone 4S is a newer smartphone with better technology, especially the graphics chip which is more important than the RAM.

Phone Design/Form Factor Apple iPhone 4S (115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3mm, 140g) v Samsung Galaxy SII (125.3 x 66.1 x 8.49mm, 117g)

The Samsung Galaxy SII is both thinner and lighter than the iPhone 4S, but because of the large screen size is both wider and longer.

However, we much prefer the build quality of the iPhone 4S which feels solid and sturdy , while the Galaxy SII feels like cheap plastic. However, this is balanced against the fact that the Galaxy S2 is much more comfortable in your pocket.

Verdict : We have to give the verdict to Apple's iPhone 4S because of the build quality, but this is quite a subjective area.

Camera Apple iPhone 4S ( 8 mega-pixel rear facing and 2 mega-pixel front-facing) v Samsung Galaxy SII (8 mega-pixel rear facing and 2 mega-pixel front-facing)

The cameras on the iPhone 4S and Samsung Galaxy SII have identical specifications, but we think that Apple has the better camera software on the iPhone 4S.

Verdict : The camera quality is the same, but the iPhone 4S wins this category due to better software.

Software Apple iPhone 4S (iOS 5) v Samsung Galaxy SII (Android 2.3)

It's quite difficult to appraise which operating system is the best overall, but with the addition of Siri we really feel the iOS operating system eclipses Android Gingerbread.

The cloud-based storage of the iOS operating system is also a huge benefit and its just basically a newer operating system overall. If we were comparing iOS 5 with Ice Cream Sandwich it would be a totally different proposition, but currently the Galaxy SII runs on Android 2.3.

Verdict : A clear win for the iPhone 4S, at least until the Galaxy SII is updated to Ice Cream Sandwich.

Onboard Memory Apple iPhone 4S (16GB/32GB/64GB) v Samsung Galaxy SII (16GB/32GB)

The Apple iPhone 4S is available in a 64GB version, which the Galaxy SII lacks. However, you can use microSD cards on the Galaxy SII which brings the potential storage up to the same level.

Verdict : We'd have to call it a draw because even though the iPhone 4S comes with the option of more on-board memory, you can  upgrade the Galaxy SII to the same storage capacity.

Price Apple iPhone 4S 16GB (£499) v Samsung Galaxy SII (£400)

The Samsung Galaxy SII is around £100 cheaper than the iPhone 4S giving it a clear edge. This is also reflected in the contract prices where the cheapest you can get the iPhone 4S 16GB free on Three is £43 a month, but you can get the SII free from £27 a month.

Verdict : The Samsung Galaxy SII is a much cheaper mobile, especially if you are looking to buy one on contract.

Apple iPad 2 Vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Tabs (Variety seekers/Android smartphone owners)

One thing the Samsung Galaxy Tab series offers is variety. Available with 7-inch, 8.9-inch or 10.1-inch screens, there is probably a tablet to fit any lifestyle at a variety of prices. The Samsung Galaxy is a fine and powerful alternative to the iPad 2 and offers a number of useful features. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 on Verizon, for example, allows customers to use Big Red’s super-fast 4G LTE connectivity when away from a Wi-Fi signal. All the Samsung Galaxy tabs have access to hundreds of thousands of apps from the Android Market and are great for gaming or business. Also, Samsung Galaxy tablets allow for a great deal of customization and tweaking. This is one of the advantages many Android users prefer over Apple’s slightly more ‘closed’ (though stable) iOS operating system. In addition, if you’re already an Android smartphone user, you may find staying in the same stable helps when it comes to syncing data and sharing apps. The brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus is a great deal with some retailers offering it for $299.

Apple iPad 2

Apple iPad 2 has been revealed by Steve Jobs at 10am PST, March 2, 2011. According to Malaysia’s largest Apple retailers — Machines — the iPad 2 will be available in Malaysia on 29-April-2011.

In this article, you will learn all about iPad 2: features, specs, apps, and prices.

Official Apple iPad 2 Price In Malaysia

Below are the prices ranges for iPad 2 in Malaysia.

WiFi Only:

• iPad 2 16GB (RM 1499 or above)
• iPad 2 32GB (RM 1799 or above)
• iPad 2 64GB (RM 2099 or above)

WiFi + 3G:

• iPad 2 16GB (RM 1899 or above)
• iPad 2 32GB (RM 2199 or above)
• iPad 2 64GB (RM 2499 or above)

Design

In term of design, the new iPad 2 looks very similar to iPad 1. Still using the same aluminum body but much thinner and lighter. iPad 2 is 33% thinner and up to 15% lighter, only 0.34″ thick and weight 1.33 pounds (601 gram).

Beside black color, new iPad 2 will be available in white color and shipping together from day one. No waiting for white iPad 2.

New A5 processor

iPad 2 is now powered by new 1GHz A5 dual-core processor. Apple claims that the processor is 2x more processing power and 9x faster graphics performance than previous iPad 1′s A4 processor.

Better performance is great but will iPad 2 keeps the same long battery life? The answer is, YES.

While more powerful than iPad 1, iPad 2 still have the same 10-hour battery life for your whole day usage. That’s cool!

iPad 2 cameras

Beside new A5 processor, iPad 2 now build-in, not one, but two cameras – one on the front and one on the back. The back camera capable to take HD video (720p / 1280×720 pixels) and 5x digital zoom for photo shooting; the front camera takes VGA quality video and photos.

With the build-in cameras, iPad 2 now has 3 additional build-in camera apps: Camera, FaceTime and Photo Booth.

Camera app allows you to take photos and record videos. FaceTime for iPad can make video calls to other users’ iPad 2, iPhone 4, iPod touch, or Mac over WiFi connection. Like the Photo Booth for Mac OS X, Photo Booth for iPad takes snapshots and add special effects for fun.

iOS 4.3

iPad 2 will be shipped with iOS 4.3 which gives features like faster Safari web browser, setting to customize the switch above volume control to either mute or screen rotation lock, iTunes Home Sharing to play iTunes library content over WiFi network.

iPad 2 release date and prices and shipping

iPad 2 release date is 11 March 2011 and Malaysia release date should be 29-April-2011. The iPad 2 available in 3 different storage size: 16GB (USD$499), 32GB (USD$599), and 64GB (USD$699). Add USD$130 and you get the iPad 2 with WiFi + 3G model. Both black and white iPad models are the same price. Please refer above for official iPad 2 price in Malaysia.

iPad 2 will shipping in US at 11 March and start shipping from 25 March to 26 other countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and U.K.

Apple will ship all the iPads in 60 days—the end of March—to America, and just the Wi-Fi models internationally. It’ll be another 30 days beyond that for 3G models to be available outside our shores; Apple says they’re still working on carrier deals.

New iPad 2 accessories

iPad 2 Smart Cover (USD$39, polyurethane; USD$69, leather) — a foldable screen protector with magnetic hinge for your iPad 2 without covering the aluminum back. You can fold it to make it becomes an iPad stand (horizontal) for video watching or comfortable typing angle. When you close smart cover, iPad 2 will automatically switch to sleep mode; when you open it, iPad 2 instantly wake up (no need to swipe to unlock).

Apple Digital AV Adapter (USD$39) — allows you to do video mirroring, output iPad display to TV, video projector, or other HDMI compatible display. Works on any app, no setup required. The adapter has a second connector for you to charge iPad while mirroring video. Digital AV Adapter support video out (no mirroring) for original iPad, iPhone 4, and 4th-generation iPod touch.

My two cents

iPad 2 is thinner, lighter, faster, and added camera. These are good improvement but I don’t feel any surprise from the gadget itself. Nvertheless, the iPad 2 Smart Cover is an amazing product, full of creativity and again it should leads the market to a new revolution of gadget's cover's design.