Which System is Best: Xbox, Nintendo, or Playstation?

The world of gamers is a big one. There are numerous brands, devices, and enthusiasts with a single goal in mind — setting up the best gaming experience.

Outsiders may not appreciate the captivating adventures gamers enter to explore new worlds, conquer powerful enemies, and complete complex missions. Battles to win and prizes to uncover, the gaming world is filled with possibilities and adventures. Plus, if you and your friends combine forces, there is no telling what great things you can accomplish.

But, the gaming world has its challenges. There is no denying that there is disagreement between PC and console gamers. Even within console gamers, there’s an ongoing debate over what game console system is the best one.

Today there are three types of game consoles most widely known to consumers: Sony’s PlayStation, Microsoft’s Xbox, and Nintendo’s Switch.

But which one of the three is actually the best?

Let’s find out.

Market share

Our first criterion is popularity. According to one study, Playstation 2 is the most popular gaming console around. Having sold approximately 158 million units, PlayStation stands tall at the front of the pack in popularity.

Behind PlayStation comes Nintendo Wii at number four. With just over 101 million units sold, Nintendo proudly ranks number four in the gaming console popularity charts.

But what about Microsoft’s Xbox models?  Xbox 360 comes in at number six with approximately 85 million units sold. Not as impressive as Playstation or Nintendo, but still a respectable number of units sold. 

In the list of popular gaming consoles, Playstation ranks as the most popular, with four models total ranking in the top ten. Nintendo comes in second, its most popular model ranking number four on the list plus three other models ranking in the top ten list. Lastly, Xbox’s most popular unit comes in at number six, with only one other unit making it in as the tenth most popular gaming console. 

Our winning gaming console by popularity: Sony’s Playstation. 

Which console is 2021’s favorite?

Every year, new consoles are released by the gaming world’s favorite manufacturers. But this year, we haven’t seen much from them.

But their releases from past years, such as Sony’s PlayStation 5 (2020), Microsoft’s Xbox Series X (2020), and Nintendo’s Switch (2017) proved to be gold. 

Much of the continuing popularity for these gaming consoles can be attributed to lockdowns that have kept people inside for months. Even adults, many of whom now work from home, find they have some extra time to enjoy some gaming time. Children and adults alike have enjoyed the extra gaming time they’ve been able to enjoy. 

GameSpot found that in the first half of 2021, the Nintendo Switch garnered the most sales. Following the Switch is Sony’s PlayStation 5, a highly-coveted console. 

If you were in the market for a PlayStation 5 this last year, you know how difficult it was to score a unit when it first came out because people were flocking to stores in an effort to secure one for themselves.

With the holiday season coming up, it’s hard to tell which console will be this year’s favorite. 

Once the holiday season and sales have ended, we’ll find out this year’s best-selling game console.

Specifications

In deciding which game console is truly the best, the average consumer may not look at the specs. As someone in the market for a game system, you know it’s the technical specifications you’re after and not just the best looking console.

So we’re going to take a look at some of the pros and cons of the PlayStation 5, Switch, and Xbox Series X, the top three latest and most popular releases.

  1. PlayStation 5

The first on our list is the PS5. It’s a powerful video game machine that looks sleek — much like its predecessors. Sony maintained the monochromatic game console designs seen in their previous releases.

The internet didn’t go crazy over the PS5 for no reason. This monster offers a next-gen gaming experience and a library of games exclusive to the PS Plus Collection. 

Aside from its design and platform exclusivity, the PS5 is praised for its DualSense controller, spatial 3D audio, and impressive SSD. You don’t have to wait a long time for your games to load, no matter how demanding they are.

Output-wise, the PS5 offers 4k@120fps and 8K@60fps gameplay. Both are clear enough to show you the shadows of your Uncharted character and water reflections!

Of course, it’s not perfect. Aside from it being hard to find when it first came out, it’s also a bit larger when compared to the old PlayStations.With today’s games taking bigger storage space, the 825GB SSD the PS5 comes with fills up pretty quick.

  1. Nintendo Switch

Out of the three game consoles we’re comparing, the Switch stands out. First, it’s the only handheld device that doesn’t need to be plugged into an external display for you to play your games. Plus, it’s three years older than the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Though the Switch might be smaller compared to the other two consoles, it’s powerful enough to stand against them.

The Switch is a hybrid game console. It can be played handheld or connected to a display. Nintendo wants its throne back from Sony with this feature, and the public loves it!

The seamless transition from a portable console to a home console is definitely a huge success, but that amazing feature has its own drawback. It needs more battery juice to display on bigger screens.

When it comes to playing titles you can play on the PS5 and Xbox, you can’t really expect all the games you can play on the PS5 and Xbox to be played on the Switch. 

  1. Xbox Series X

The PS5’s direct competitor is Microsoft’s Xbox Series X, which came out the same year.

With the Xbox Series X, Microsoft tried to address loading times, graphics, frames, and backward compatibility issues many gamers complained about.

They’ve geared this release up with a storage drive that significantly boosts loading times, even for demanding titles that are known to have long loading times.

Contrary to the PS5, the Xbox Series X has Dolby Vision and Atmos support. This means better display and audio for titles supported by Dolby.

For video playback, it can only produce up to 4K@60ps and 40K@120fps, depending on the capabilities of your display.

When it comes to backward compatibility, the Xbox Series X fares better than the PS5 because of its wider coverage for old titles not released for its platform.

The downside of the Xbox Series X is that its library of exclusive games isn’t as big as the PS5’s and the user interface isn’t as optimized.

It can be a tad picky when it comes to display panels because it requires compatible displays for gamers to experience the new visual features it comes with.

Final thoughts

Picking the best console for you can be a tough choice, especially if it’s your first time buying one.

What you can do to make deciding a little lighter for yourself is break down your profile as a gamer. Do you like portability, high-quality video, or backward compatibility?

Remember that no game console has everything you want, so make sure you know what you’re looking for so you can find the best console to meet your needs.

The iPhone 13 is Here. Here’s What it Can Do.

On September 14, 2021, Apple unveiled its new iPhone 13 line, along with the Apple Watch Series 7, new iPad mini, and iPad.

There are four models of the iPhone 13 :

  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

The base model is the iPhone 13, coming in five colors: Product Red, Starlight, Midnight, Blue, and Pink. All models come with Ceramic Shield fronts and glass back and aluminum design to protect the phone’s back components. If you’ve dropped your iPhone 8 in the past and see the backglass shatter, don’t expect the same from the new iPhone model. The iPhone 13 can take quite a beating before showing any signs of damage. 

The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models come with Ceramic Shield front and textured matte glass back and stainless steel design, providing a smooth grip for iPhone users.

The base storage capacity starts at 128 gigabytes (GB) and the highest is 1 terabyte (TB) for the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models.

Weight-wise, the iPhone 13 mini is the lightest, weighing 140g (just about the same weight as a baseball). The heaviest out of the four models is the 238g Pro Max, boasting the widest screen of the four.

Comparing the display, all models come with Super Retina XDR and OLED display.

Processing power

All models come with the A15 5-core CPU Bionic chip that includes a 5-core GPU (4-core for non-Pro) and a 16-core Neural Engine. That’s fast enough to run multiple applications optimized for today’s smartphones and should let you run mobile games with the settings maxed out without any issues.

Damage resistance

When it comes to splash, water, and dust resistance, the whole iPhone 13 line is rated IP68 under IEC standard 60529. Meaning, all models can be submerged at a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes without being rendered useless. So you can rest easy the next time you accidentally spill some water on your iPhone 13.

Camera

When talking about iPhones, we can’t forget the camera.

The 13 line comes with a Pro 12MP camera system that has wide and ultra-wide cameras. The Pro line has telephoto as an addition. For all models, video recording quality can be up to 4K at 60fps. Crystal clear, right? Pack that with beefy storage, and you’re good to go on your vlogging adventures!

Non-Pro models

Since Apple started releasing Pro models in addition to their iPhones’ base models, fans are quick to compare and find the best models. 

The non-Pros are considered entry-level, as they come with the latest features without the additional Pro features. They also cost less than their Pro counterparts.

  1. iPhone 13 mini

The 13 mini model has the smallest viewing area with 2340×1080 resolution. Albeit small, it’s clear enough to display sharp images with excellent viewing angles. There’s only 5.4-inch to look at, but the small size allows you to fit the phone into small pockets and it’s easy to hold. 

When it comes to battery life, the 13 mini is the smallest battery. You can play up to 17 hours of non-live videos and 13 hours of streaming videos. When streaming audio, the mini’s battery can play up to 55 hours worth of audio.

  1. iPhone 13

I can’t say this is the base model because it’s not the entry-priced one, but because it’s called the iPhone 13, we’ll call it the line’s base for reference.

It doesn’t differ much from the mini version, but it weighs 18g more and has a 6.1-inch display at 2532×1170 pixels. That’s a bigger display with clearer images. If Apple didn’t up the resolution on this model, we’d be looking at the mini with the smaller but clearer display. 

In terms of battery life, the 13 fares better than the mini. It has a battery beefy enough to stream 19 hours worth of non-streamed video and 15 hours of streamed video. When playing audio, you can trust the 13 to play for up to 75 hours.

Pro models

The Pro models carry features you can’t find in the non-Pros. Some people prefer pros for the size, storage, and camera.

But if you’re not looking for those, we suggest you look into the non-Pro to save a few hundred bucks. If you want a feature-packed smartphone, then here’s the breakdown of the 13 Pro models.

  1. iPhone 13 Pro

Headlining the Pro line is the 13 Pro. It weighs 203g and has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2532×1170, much like the iPhone 13.

Battery-wise, the 13 Pro can play up to 22 hours of video and 20 hours of video streamed. Like playing audiobooks of music for long periods? You’ll have no issues with the 13 Pro’s 75-hour audio playback capacity.

  1. iPhone 13 Pro Max

The 13 Pro Max is the heaviest, biggest, and most expensive model of the 13 line. It has a 6.7-inch display at 2778×1284. Talk about being big and clear, right?

While most of the features are similar to the 13 Pro, the difference lies in the battery capacity. The Pro Max can play up to 28 hours of non-streamed video non-stop and up to 25 hours of streamed video. 

For music and audiobook lovers out there, you won’t have issues with the 13 Pro Max because it can play up to 95 hours of audio. 

All in all

With how the iPhone 13 models are looking like and how the public received them, it’s safe to say they are very popular. Given the next-level features that come within even the entry models, you can’t go wrong with any iPhone 13 model.

When picking the right iPhone 13 model for yourself, the features should always be the first one you should look at.

Don’t know what features to start looking at? Start with the battery capacity and go from there.

5 Signs Your Smartphone Battery Is Dying

There’s nothing more annoying than having a smartphone that’s designed for portability but needs to stay close to a wall socket.

You bought a feature-packed smartphone you can take anywhere with you but years — sometimes even months later, you notice that there are more times you keep it plugged in than not.

You look back and realize, “Are these smartphones really built to act like this?”

The answer is yes. Batteries aren’t supposed to last forever. They’re meant to decay in health due to use. And we also can’t deny that most of us are heavy users. We don’t even care if we’re using our phone while it’s plugged in, right?

But if you’re trying to look for explicit signs that’ll tell you about your smartphone battery’s decaying state, I compiled a list of signs you should be on the lookout for.

  1. Your phone always dies on you

Imagine being outdoors with your friends and you want to play some music and take pictures. About 15 minutes later while the phone is connected to a Bluetooth speaker, the music stops.

You run to where your phone is. It’s dead. Again.

You know you just fully charged the thing, but why did it die this early? Well, you’re definitely looking at a case of a decayed smartphone battery that needs replacement.

This is the number one sign that your phone’s battery needs to be switched up, or you might have to change the way you use your phone if you don’t want to get a smartphone battery replacement just yet.

You always have to carry around a power bank with you if you want to remain away from the wall socket most of the time.

If this situation persists, the best decision is to get your phone checked at a reliable cell phone repair store that will give you good estimates for quality battery replacement services.

  1. Your smartphone is old

Another sign that your battery isn’t good anymore is when your phone is 5-10 years old. Say, you’re using a phone that came out 8 years ago and you’re wondering why its battery won’t last you more than an hour.

Even if you took care of your 8-year old phone like a baby, batteries don’t last forever. You might have kept it stored somewhere and didn’t use it for years, but it’ll still decay. It probably might not turn on again unless you get a new battery.

So yes, your phone’s age is a factor to consider when assessing its battery health. Just because a phone is free of scratches and you’re a careful user, doesn’t mean it’ll work as if it’s new.

Get a new one. It doesn’t have to be the iPhone 13, but you can check out other models that are still very useful based on today’s tech needs. Just make sure you’re transacting with reputable stores as you browse.

  1. Your phone never gets 100% charged

I’ve gone through this myself, and I admit it’s very confusing and stressful. When charging your phone, you’d expect the battery percentage to go up as time passes. But when your battery is nearing its last days on earth, the percentage decreases even when it’s plugged in!

That’s pretty mind-boggling, especially when you see it for the first time.

This occurrence is a big “GET YOUR PHONE FIXED” sign to us users because our battery isn’t even acting the way it’s supposed to. Something must be really wrong with it, right?

There are also instances wherein phones get charged to 100% but once you unplug it and use it for 10 minutes, the battery goes down to 10%. Yikes.

So get it fixed before your battery bloats and explodes (yes, that happens).

You don’t even have to wait for this to happen. Most of today’s smartphones have a feature in the settings where you can check battery health. It should tell you when the health is dangerously low and you need a replacement.

  1. Things get hot

Don’t get me wrong, there are many things that cause phones to heat up. It could be the weather, the app you’re running, your phone case, and sometimes, your battery.

This is a serious implication that your battery is dying. When you’re charging your phone, it shouldn’t run hot when the battery is healthy.

It also shouldn’t be hot when you’re only running your messages app, for example. Because they’re not very demanding on hardware, your phone shouldn’t be hot on your hands when you’re running just that.

It’s even worse if your phone gets hot while you’re not using it! But if you left it somewhere hot, like on top of your car that’s parked under the sun, it should be hot (please don’t do that).

If these things happen to you, it’s definitely time to get your smartphone battery checked out and replaced by a professional.

  1. It looks deformed

Smartphone batteries get bloated due to many factors. Damage, overcharging, overuse, and many others are just one of the few. Fortunately, today’s smartphone batteries are built to withstand most things users overlook.

If the back or front of your phone rises up or takes a weird shape, your battery is bloated and you need to get it replaced as soon as possible. I even strongly advise you to stop using it until you get it repaired.

If not, you’ll risk damaging other components in your smartphone, or worse, your battery might explode. Whatever’s inside your smartphone battery is toxic, and manufacturers are always sure to include that in the battery and phone’s packaging to tell you.

Check if your phone has light leaking in weird places or if it feels weird in your hands. You’ll know it because you always have your phone in your hands. Put it flat on the table and spin it around. If it spins full circle, then something’s wrong. It should be flat and shouldn’t spin around.

All in all, if your phone looks AND feels different, you should 100% get it checked out by a professional. Since most diagnostics are free, you don’t have to worry about paying for a phone check-up.

But if something needs urgent fixing (like your battery), then it’s always a good measure to prepare for getting some cash out for service.

What should you do?

Aside from getting a new battery or a new smartphone, there’s nothing you can really do. You can’t save something that’s dying and is meant to go that way in the first place.

The only thing you can do that’s close to saving yourself from smartphone battery problems is to practice proper phone usage when it comes to charging.

Today’s phones are built to avoid overcharging, so you don’t have to worry about it. But they’re not built for using off-brand chargers that run hot and sometimes catch fire.

Since most batteries are made for extreme use, just make sure you’re using authentic charges that won’t endanger you or your phone.

I know there are a lot of attractive offers on smartphone chargers, but it wouldn’t hurt to get one from your phone’s manufacturer.

When the time comes that you need to get a new battery, just call up your trusted cell phone repair store and let them do the work for you!

Dropped Your Phone in Water? Here Are 8 Things You Should Do

Picture this — you wake up, scroll through Facebook, Instagram, and emails for way too long. You finally climb out of bed and get ready to take a bath because you really need to treat yourself. As you start thinking through your to-do list for the day, you start filling the bathtub with water.

As you queue a bath time playlist, your phone slipped out of your semi-wet hands and into the water-filled tub! As you pause for a second to take in what just happened, you notice your phone’s light still on, and a bit of relief washes over you. You pull out your phone and try to give it CPR, but it’s useless. So, what should you do to make sure your phone’s okay?

How bad is water in and on your phone?

After overcoming the shock of seeing your phone fall into the bathtub, you might have tried to wipe off all visible water and give it a few shakes to get the water out. But unfortunately, if your phone was fully submerged in water, shaking it won’t do the trick. 

You may be thinking “will my phone ever work again or will it explode in my face while I scroll through TikTok?” Let us answer that question for you. Yes and no.

Why? Today’s smartphones are built to withstand being dipped in water for a limited time. If you recover your phone immediately after dropping it in water, you may still be able to use it. But you should expect muffled speakers and a stuffy microphone. But if you leave it underwater for long enough, you’ll end up with a dead phone. But we also know you wouldn’t do that intentionally.

About your phone exploding question, it probably won’t happen. Generally phones explode when you use faulty chargers and batteries, or buy phones that are faulty from the factory, like Samsung’s Note 7 in 2016, which saw users posting combusted units they just bought. Although the Korean tech giant recovered from this combustion issue, it’s hard to forget an exploding phone. 

What should you do after you save your phone from drowning?

After you get out of what should have been a relaxing bath, you’re ready to find out how badly damaged your phone is. Will it need expensive repairs? Has the liquid damage rendered your phone completely useless? Don’t worry, we’re here to tell you what to do after your phone falls in the water:

1. Switch it off

Whether you’d like to admit it or not, turning your phone off when it runs into issues is always your go to option. We’re not going to disagree with you because you’re right! Anyone who’s been around electronics knows that running currents through any wet electronic circuit will result in problems that can sometimes be fatal.

Modern phones automatically shut off when submerged long enough, but that doesn’t mean you should turn it back on after recovering your phone. In another case, if your phone remains on after you save it, we highly recommend that you switch it off to avoid further damage or risking harm to yourself.

2. Use a damp cloth

If your phone fell into a tub that’s filled with liquid other than water, we suggest you wipe it down with a damp cloth. Moisten a lint-free, soft cloth and wipe it all over your smartphone until you’re sure no liquid remains.

After clearing all the liquid, wipe it again with a dry cloth.

3. Take out removable components

The first thing you should remove is your phone’s case! Obviously, you won’t be able to wipe the unit off properly with it on. After getting rid of your already-soaked case, take out your SIM card and tray, memory card, and, if possible remove your phone’s battery/

Basically, take any part that’s removable out and let it dry.

4. Pick the right towel

What towel or cloth should you use to wipe your phone off with? You’ll want to look for the softest cloth you can find. If you don’t, you may end up with a scratched and liquid-damaged phone.

To make sure you’re not ruining your phone by using the wrong towel, get a lint-free and soft cloth, similar to one you would use to clean glasses. When in doubt, look for the softest cloth to avoid scratches.

With your soft cloth, wipe the phone, along with the removable parts you took out.

5. Let it dry

If your phone turned off by itself after being submerged, you’re probably itching to turn it on to check if it still works. We have to stop you right there — your phone’s components are probably wet and any current will damage it further.

After you wipe off the liquid residue that’s visible to you, put your phone and its parts in an absorbent towel and leave it in a cool, dry place. This is a painful part because you’re left to wait until everything has dried to know if your next stop will be to a phone repair store for professional help.

6. Switch it on

It’s time! This is the day you’ll find out if you need to run to your trusted smartphone repair store, get a new phone, or revive one that survived a swim in the bathtub. After you’re sure your phone’s dry — which is probably one to two days after the incident — switch it on.

If it turns on and works normally, lucky for you! But if it doesn’t, we don’t recommend plugging it in to charge because it may still have water inside.

7. Monitor for issues

If your luck continues, you’re probably elated that your phone’s still working after that fiasco. Now, it’s time to monitor your phone for issues that follow liquid damage. You might notice issues while blasting your music, using your camera, or just by looking at your screen for weird colors and lines.

8. Reach out to a phone repair shop

Even if you don’t notice any issue and your phone is working normally, it won’t hurt to visit a smartphone repair shop and get your cell phone checked. Some problems might not appear early, and you might deal with them much later after the problems have worsened.

That’s why we recommend you reach out to a reputable cell phone repair store near you to get a liquid damage diagnostic check. Some shops offer them without a fee, and it’ll benefit you and your phone if you grab these offers!

Takeaways

Phones falling in liquid is a relatively common occurrence. That’s why professionals are trained to fix these problems! There are thousands of reputable repair stores out there that will be more than happy to help you with your liquid-damaged phone. But if you can’t go to them as soon as you get your phone out of the water, follow our recommendations above for the best chance of saving your phone from irreversible damage.

Smartphone Broke? Leave The Repair Work to the Professionals

As iPhone and Android users, we sometimes think that repairing a smartphone is always simple and easy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. For many issues, there just simply isn’t a feasible DIY way to complete the fix without risking permanent damage or voiding your warranty. There are important components that must be properly maintained and repaired when necessary. The hardware and software of every smartphone can be highly sensitive, so asking the help of professionals is a good decision to make.

Why Choose a Professional Instead of Trying it Yourself?

Fast Service 

Certified technicians are all well-versed in the current technology that we have today. They can quickly repair mobile devices running on both iOS and Android operating systems. Free diagnostics can be provided too. Customers should understand that every repair shop has a standard turnaround time, but in general, the process will be faster than trying out a repair at home without the proper tools.

Accurate Diagnostics 

In the tech repair industry, most professionals who are working for many years acquired new skill sets as technology continues to change. They provide accurate diagnostics to quickly determine the cause of problems and ensure that these won’t happen again. Certified techs use reliable tools to have consistency in every repair service provided. 

Technical Expertise 

Every licensed technician has technical expertise depending on the industry. Electronics repair focuses on resolving power failure, hardware/software compatibility issues, and more. Professionals know their way around with simple and complex issues day by day. In a repair shop,  they follow certain support boundaries and there are escalation procedures as well. It’s a good decision to choose experienced professionals.  

Tech professionals are also exposed to different applications that work on either iOS or Android operating systems. They’ve used highly technical skills to navigate complex platforms and developed interpersonal skills when speaking to non-technical people. Professionals in this field can explain complex data to customers using easy-to-understand words. 

Minimizes Risks 

Reducing risks is one of the reasons why customers look for the right repair shop. But, people just can’t trust every store they visit. A tech professional can repair every smartphone at reasonable costs. Data management, battery replacement, water damage, and cracked screen repair are services provided at the electronics shop. If you’re not careful, then things can get worse. 

Visiting one of the leading shops in the area gives you a chance to meet licensed technicians who are experts in mobile technology. Doing this gives you peace of mind because everything saved on your smartphone is secured. At the end of the day, customers are happy because a tech problem is resolved using the right tools. Nowadays, it can be easy for others to say that they know how to fix a smartphone but proving it is another story. The best way to minimize risks is to choose a professional who can do what’s best for your device. 

Hardware and Software 

Generally, all smartphones have similarities especially when it comes to hardware and software. For Apple and Android phones, downloadable apps can be found in one place like the Google Playstore and Apple Store. Smartphones have reliable operating systems and motherboards. Your devices won’t work without these two important components. Tech professionals have the skills to repair, analyze, and replace parts when needed.  

OS Recovery 

You might experience technical problems with your smartphone, and repairing the device yourself may damage some parts instead of fixing them. A corrupted system can be considered a complex tech problem on an iPhone and Android phone. Power outages, viruses, and wrong system updates can be some of the causes. The best solution is to drop by a repair shop near you so professionals can look into it. 

Back-up Data 

Loss of data is one common concern in mobile technology. Before system recovery, it is recommended to backup data especially the ones that are important to you. Certified technicians can safely store information and it will be available as soon as the task is complete. 

Data Recovery 

When data becomes inaccessible on your mobile phone, most people simply give up. In this day and age, tech professionals are using reliable tools to provide data recovery services. Whether you lost photos, files, or folders, leave them all to the experts. 

Motherboard Maintenance and Repair 

First things first, it is not expected for end-users to repair motherboards on their own. A brand new phone can cost you a lot of money, so if something goes wrong, it’s important to choose licensed techs who can take care of your smartphone seriously. 

Here are some causes of motherboard problems: 

  1. Spilled water 
  2. Dust accumulation 
  3. Physical damage 
  4. Manufacturing defects 
  5. Poor maintenance 

If you are getting a blank screen and error messages more often, start looking for a tech professional. 

Here are a few services that can be provided: 

  1. Micro soldering is a process of repairing small components that can’t be seen by our eyes. The tiny parts can only be visible by the use of a microscope. Imagine this: A motherboard consists of microchips and capacitors that work together to support the functionality of your smartphone. Licensed techs understand this whole process. 
  1. Assembling and disassembling motherboards. 
  1. A motherboard replacement is another option if it happens to be unrepairable. Rest assured that other parts won’t get damaged during the repair.  

In the electronics repair industry, licensed technicians are aware of the steps on how to properly maintain a smartphone. That said, we’ve decided to compile a list of things you can also do below.

  1. Never use the phone in the rain. Water accumulation can cause damage to the internal parts. 
  1. If you’re not knowledgeable enough about the smartphone’s hardware, do not attempt to remove the motherboard. Leave it to a tech professional. 
  1. Do not place the mobile phone under extreme weather conditions as this may negatively impact its performance.  
  1. Avoid overcharging your phone. Overcharged smartphones won’t only affect battery life, it can also damage the motherboard. 
  1. Never use applications that might cause the smartphone to overheat. 
  1. Avoid dropping the smartphone too often as this may cause physical damage. Use a shockproof cover to protect its parts. 

Malware Protection  

The iOS platform has a sandbox that provides a high level of security, so restrictions can always be seen during the installation of apps on your iPhone. It’s also the best way to prevent Malware attacks from happening. However, jailbroken Apple phones can be vulnerable to viruses since it bypasses certain restrictions. 

Android phones on the other hand have an open system that gives users more opportunities to install applications even outside the Google Playstore. In this case, there are potential risks of getting the Malware into the system. 

If you’re confused, that’s OK. Spyware and malware protection is something our techs specialize in. We’re happy to help answer basic questions about virus protection. 

Certified Tech vs. Non-Certified Tech 

When it comes to mobile phone repair, customers always want nothing but the best. Others say that a smartphone is an extension of yourself. What if something’s already wrong with it? Who do you talk to? 

A certified technician is a person who has undergone intensive training and passed all the requirements of becoming an expert in his field. He has received certification for it.

On the other hand, a non-certified tech is someone who only has relevant experience in the industry. Some states don’t require certifications. 

Customers always have the discretion to choose whether or not licensed techs are good for them. It depends on experience, technical, and customer service skills. 

When to look for a tech professional? 

When you buy an iPhone and Android device, everything seems to work just fine. Typically, a new gadget still has superior performance until it reaches its lifespan. When this happens, every smartphone may not be working at its full capacity. 

Here are some warning signs: 

  1. Slow speed. 
  2. Error messages 
  3. Distorted images upon restart. 
  4. Blurry videos and photos. 
  5. Power failure. 
  6. Touchscreen problems 
  7. Unclear audio
  8. Charging port issues 

These are common problems when a smartphone starts to age. Do not ignore the signs and seek the help of a tech professional near you. 

Costs 

It’s practical to get Apple and Samsung phones fixed these days. Certified techs follow standard pricing set by repair shops. Buying a brand new one now might cost you a lot. So, get your smartphone repaired today! 

Years of Experience

When looking for a tech professional, it is important to consider years of electronics repair experience. Most shops today already expanded support boundaries to further support new and existing customers. Our technology continues to evolve at a faster rate and so is the repair service. Users depend on both iOS and Android operating systems, so look for people who are already good at these platforms. 

Follow-Up 

Licensed technicians work at repair shops near your area. It’s easier to follow up on the condition of the device right after repair. You can call, text, email, and check the status online. Walk-ins are usually encouraged when customers have urgent requests.  

Store Policy  

Every repair shop has a policy that protects business owners, employees, and customers. Tech professionals already spent time understanding store policies that cater to the needs of every walk-in customer. Warranty and refund are usually included in the shop’s terms and conditions, as well as COVID-19 safety restrictions. 

Does Your Smartphone need to be Fixed?

Want to schedule a visit? Give us a call, stop in our shop, or you can also request a free quote online.

5 Tips on Making Your Phone Faster

The adage “nothing lasts forever” applies to many things, especially to today’s smartphones. 

Drops in performance are typically direct results of how you’re using and maintaining your phone. While we all know it’s completely natural for our smartphones’ battery health to degrade over time, we’re still pretty much puzzled about performance drops — especially dramatic ones.

What makes a phone “slow”?

While the answers to what makes a phone slow are subjective based on the user experiencing the phone’s performance, we all have a few answers that resonate with us all. From animation delays to app launching, here are the things that scream your phone’s performance level is going down:

Animation delays

Without being a smartphone expert, you’ll notice delays in visual movements and seconds of waiting time before one movement, such as swiping to the next page of apps.

Time delays in opening apps

We all know this — we bought our phones and were very impressed by how it opens and closes different applications. Months or years after, we’re starting to get annoyed by the seconds we have to wait just to open our Instagram app.

In the ideal world, launching any type of application should take you less than a second. If you still have the time to get a bag of chips after tapping on your Netflix app and turning back to your phone while it struggles to load stuff up, you’re bound to give it a good reset or get a new one.

You’re starting to get storage warnings

One of the main culprits of decreasing smartphone performance is storage. Many users tend to unknowingly fill their phones up with storage-hogging files, such as high-quality videos and photos, big applications, and many others.

You don’t have to be a tech expert to know that when your phone’s storage is full, your phone slows down and you won’t be able to miss the performance drop. Some users are probably used to the wait, but for ones who aren’t these signs can be annoying.

How do I make a smartphone faster?

Some people would say the solution is to drop that slow phone and buy a new one, but not everyone can do that at a moment’s notice. That’s why we compiled a list of useful tips that’ll help you improve your phone’s performance. Yes, this applies to both Android and iOS phones.

1. Restart

In almost every gadget out there, the first order of business when things aren’t going right is to restart. This applies to your phone as well. If you’re experiencing performance issues such as lagging or getting stuck somewhere, restart your phone. This should fix temporary performance issues.

2. Update

Some people might say you shouldn’t download and install updates right away when they come out, but that should be taken with a grain of salt. Updates come with bug fixes and security enhancements that keep your phone running and your information protected.

If you go through update notes like no one ever does, you’ll find fixes to issues reported by users. These fixes could mend the performance drop you’re experiencing. Take it from us and keep your smartphone updated.

3. Uninstall apps you don’t need

Applications take storage space and take a chunk off your memory — giving your phone less juice to work with. Less juice means it’ll struggle to perform other tasks. Remember that when an app isn’t useful to you, get rid of it. Completely. Do this to all apps you don’t use anymore and you’ll be surprised by how much it helps your phone’s speed.

4. Reduce animations

Remember when we said delays in animation mean your phone is slow? We’ve got a direct solution for that. In most smartphones, users are given the option to reduce animations. The reduction will result in less than pleasing movements on your screen, but you get a little performance boost in return. You can find this under the “settings” option.

5. Factory Reset

Factory resetting your phone is a great way to clear everything and boot your phone up as if it were brand new. Different phones have different factory reset options. Some allow you to select what you want to reset — which beats the purpose — while some only let you do a 100 percent reset. Meaning everything goes.

A factory reset can make all the changes you need or not at all. This should be your last resort, especially when you’re at risk of losing important data you don’t have backups for.

What if I need help?

If you are experiencing a slow phone and none of the above tips are helping, give us a call. There could be another issue that a professional can diagnose and fix at a fraction of the cost of buying a new phone. We will give you a free quote, so don’t hesitate to give us a call, visit us directly, or fill out an instant quote form by clicking here.