Author: Christine

  • iPhone X vs Galaxy S9 Plus

    It seems like smartphones are always improving and new versions are constantly coming out.

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    There are so many options out there and it can be hard to decide on which one is really the best. Below is a comparison of the two most popular smartphone brand’s latest and greatest, Apple iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.

    Apple iPhone X: $999+

    iPhone is always a top pick when it comes to smartphones. The latest version is a creation to celebrate iPhone’s tenth anniversary. It is almost a whole new phone, not to mention the most expensive phone  ever on the market to date. The major difference everyone is intrigued about in this exclusive new phone, is that Apple has taken away the home button and switched to a face identification feature. Rather than a touch identification to unlock your iPhone, this phone will use a 3D face map to identify you and unlock your phone.

    A few more things to note about this phone:

    • The front and back are glass- so you will definitely want to invest in a protective case.
    • This iPhone supports wireless charging.
    • Like all previous iPhones, the iPhone X also comes with a single nano-SIM card slot.
    • The camera placement is vertical rather than horizontal. Both camera sensors get optical image stabilization.
    • There is not a headphone jack, so wireless headphones or an adaptor would be needed.
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    Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus: $839.99+

    Another popular choice when it comes to choosing a smartphone, the Galaxy S9 Plus has some great updates. It is pretty similar to last year’s S8 Plus…but the main improvements are the cameras and the large screen. The camera take quality photos thanks to the low-light and noise-defeating powers that take this smartphone to the next level. Not only is the new screen bigger, the curved display now takes up 90% of the front of the phone.

    A few more things to note about this phone:

    • The fingerprint sensor has been better-placed and now is aligned in the center on the back of the phone.
    • Wireless charging is an option with this glass phone.
    • This phone features face unlock and iris scanning.
    • Lack of a headphone jack is not an issue with this phone, plug them in!
    • The stereo speakers on this phone are outstanding and loud.
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    The Bottom Line

    It all boils down to pricing and preference seeing as both phones have very similar new features. Both phones have a facial identification feature, wireless charging is an option, outstanding cameras and loud, quality speakers. The main differences are the iPhone no longer has a touch identification and you are not able to plug in your headphones directly to the phone. Whichever phone you choose, you’ll be sure to love your new smartphone!

  • Roku Streaming Stick Plus: Yay or Nay?

    Roku Streaming Stick Plus: Yay or Nay?

    We all know how pricey television services have become, which is why many people are opting out and choosing streaming services instead.  Who can blame them considering how much money you can save in return? Today’s generation has taken interest in using streaming services instead. Roku is among the most popular! 

    The Roku has especially been a strong leader in the streaming box market since it has the capability to support literally every streaming service you can think of – such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.  The latest version is the Streaming Stick Plus, which runs for about $70. Not too much has changed with the stick vs the prior version, but let’s review the good and the not so good.

     

    The Good

    • Easy installation, just plug it in!
    • Remote can control the TV power and volume- win, win! 
    • 4K HDR video
    • Dolby Atmos Audio- the best of the best! 
    • Voice search available- no more trying to figure out what content is in which app!

     

    The Not So Good

    • The actual stick itself is a bit lengthy.  Depending on your TV location, you may need an HDMI adaptor for it to fit correctly.
    • Lack of Dolby Vision support
    • The format of apps hasn’t changed much since Roku first came out.  This may be a good thing depending on how you look at it. (It is very user friendly this way!)

     

    The Bottom Line

    If you’re considering transitioning to using streaming services, you should absolutely go for the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. The good far outweighs the bad and being able to save a little money is always a plus!