It’s that time of year again of Apple announcements. Besides the new iPhone 13 and the 13 Pro, there was also a new iPad Mini, an update to the standard iPad, and a preview of the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7.
Now you might be thinking: “Should I upgrade my old iPhone to the new iPhone 13?” Or if you’re on Team Android, you’re wondering if this is the year you finally jump ship. To solve your dilemma, we take a look at some of the new upgrades to Apple’s lineup and tell you if a $3.50 Milk Tea with Pearls is more worth it.
P.S. This doesn’t apply to the die-hard fans who already bookmarked the pre-order page.
Image credit: Apple
Real ones can say they stayed up till 2AM just to hear Tim Cook announce the new iPhone 13 Pro, and it was worth it. To briefly summarise what’s new coming to the top-shelf iPhone, we’re finally getting the high-refresh-rate ProMotion display, a new 1TB storage option, three better cameras, and a new light blue colourway.
The new ProMotion display lets you catch more details in your games
Image credit: Apple
We’re most excited about the ProMotion display, as the higher refresh rate means a smoother, faster, and slicker feel. We’ll be able to see more when playing intense mobile games. The notch that everyone hated is also now slightly smaller, although we won’t be rushing to drop the $1,649 it costs just for that minor quality-of-life upgrade.
Buy if: You always want the best top-of-the-market smartphone and can’t stand using a last-generation device.
Image credit: Apple
The iPhone 13 is the base model that sets the standard for Apple’s lineup. Not much has changed in the design compared to last year’s model, except for the diagonal camera configuration. The upgrades come more from the inside of the smartphone, with a new A15 Bionic chip that is supposedly 50 per cent faster than the competition.
This new chip also contributes to better battery life – we’re talking 2.5 more hours compared to the iPhone 12, and 1.5 hours more when comparing the iPhone 13 Mini to the iPhone 12 Mini. The two cameras are also upgraded and can now take even better photos in low light. If you’re constantly going on late-night dates, you can say goodbye to the harsh flash for safekeeping memories.
Image credit: Apple
Oh, and did we mention that there’s also a new pink coloured finish? This is on top of the four other colour options of midnight black, starlight white, blue, and (PRODUCT)RED.
Buy if: You always wanted a pink iPhone (without the case) or if you’re upgrading from an iPhone X.
The same pose you’d use to hold a large cup of boba – coincidence? We think not.
Image credit: Apple
Alas, the iPad Mini has gotten rid of the home button. The redesign increases the screen’s display to 8.3 inches up from 7.9 inches while maintaining the same size. The new A15 Bionic chip – the same as the iPhone 13’s – also makes it 80 per cent faster than the previous generation.
Apple also bumped up both the front and back cameras to 12 megapixels each, a nice upgrade from 7MP and 8MP respectively. Owners of the Apple Pencil should take note that if you have the first generation pencil, it is not compatible with the new iPad Mini; only the 2nd generation Apple Pencil works with the latest generation of this palm-sized tablet.
Image credit: Apple
The lightning connector has also been dumped in favour of the more universal USB-C connector. While it becomes a lot faster and more compatible with third-party devices, this means that your lightning cables are becoming obsolete one day at a time.
Buy if: You’ve been holding off on getting an iPad Mini, or if the iPad Pro is too big for you.
Image credit: Apple
Not much has changed since the iPad first came out in 2010, and the base version of the tablet has stayed mostly true to its original design. There are some minor upgrades, including base storage of 64GB and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard.
At just $499, the iPad is probably a good solution for remote learning classes and entertaining the younger ones.
Buy if: You want a no-frills iPad that just works.
Image credit: Apple
There’s a reason why the Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches, and there’s no need to reinvent the wheel with the Series 7. Still, Apple did give the upcoming generation of the timepiece some nifty upgrades that will surely benefit those who are always hiking along the Green Corridor.
Image credit: Apple
Not only is the display 20% bigger than the Series 6, but the screen is also now a lot more durable as it uses a thicker crystal that makes it resistant to most cracks. The bigger display also means you get to see more at a glance, including a full-sized keyboard where you can swipe to type.
The Apple Watch Series 7 comes out this Friday 8th October and starts at $599.
Buy if: This is your first Apple Watch, or you’re upgrading from a Series 3 or 4.
With most of these new devices dropping in stores very soon, it can be tempting to pick up the latest iPhone or iPad for yourself. But if you just re-contracted or recently upgraded your arsenal of gadgets, your wallet and bank account will thank you for holding off on splurging on a shiny new toy.
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Cover image adapted from: Apple
Originally published on 15th September 2021. Last updated by Josiah Neo on 6th October 2021.
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