Category: Lifestyle
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Pong Research iPhone 5 case is the only iPhone case that can reduce EMR (Electromagnetic Radiation) level. EMR is created by the mobile devices whilst communication and we are exposed to it. Pong Research developed a case that features another antenna, which reduces the EMR radiation safely. Moreover, this second antenna improves the battery life and reception level as well.
I already have the Pong case for iPhone 4 and with the new case for iPhone 5, there is a serious improvement on the technology packed inside the case. Pong’s iPhone 5 case provided me extra half a day with same level of usage. Actually, one day I had the two wholes days with a single charge in an iPhone 5.
This sounds really outstanding! I really was not expecting even half a day battery life improvement but I experience more than that! And in some extreme conditions like inside a lift, I had a single bar of signal. Don’t expect to have a full coverage with this case inside a lift, but one bar is better than nothing.
The only thing, I can criticise is the thickness of the case. Pong case is not super thin like other cases, because there is a second antenna inside that thick layer. Therefore, I cannot say this is an adverse side of the case. Existing technology cannot keep this case slimmer, but I am sure Pong will improve the case in future models.
Samsung Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 5! This is one of the most common conversations around us nowadays. Which one is better? Samsung Galaxy S4 or Apple iPhone 5? Samsung made an amazing press launch for their latest Galaxy S4 and offers very competitive features that could shake the foundation of the iPhone 5.
As I am an Apple user, I have a huge tendency to keep using iPhone. The main reason for this, iPhone is manufactured with state-of-art precision in details and premium quality materials are used. One of the key advantages of iPhone 5 is the quality feeling. Apple has allergy to plastic like I do, and they rarely use plastic materials on their products, especially with iPhone 5. Thus, the first impression of iPhone 5 is always better than Samsung Galaxy. Also customer service and warranty system of Apple cannot be achieved by any other competitor on market. I always feel safe with Apple products, because Apple will take care if something goes wrong.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is made from polycarbonate (kind of very very strong plastic), which reduces the premium finish effect and moves closer to solid design. Keep in mind solid design does not mean premium quality. Despite polycarbonate, Samsung Galaxy S4 brings some new technology to market. Galaxy S4 can track your eyes and pause a video when you are not looking at the screen, and you can control the apps with hand gesture. I am sure hand gesture feature in Samsung Galaxy S4 will be very useful when you have the gloves! Also, Galaxy S4 shows the temperature and air pressure of your environment. Actually, these features are very useful. They may sound simple but I really feel the lack of temperature function on iPhone 5. And also, Galaxy S4 offers 441 pixel per inch (ppi), which is more than the iPhone 5 326 ppi. This means, Galaxy S4’s screen shows sharper images than the iPhone 5.
Downsides of Galaxy S4; you still need to open the back to replace your SIM card, it is way too large for a pocket, plastic body does not match with premium price tag. I wish that Samsung released the Galaxy S4 in carbon fibre body, I am sure that it will be appreciated as much as the iPhone 5’s anodized aluminium body.
Samsung Galaxy S4 is literally more powerful than a netbook or low-spec notebook. It does not look as exciting as the iPhone 5 but probably the best Android device on market at the moment. Actually, if you want to buy a smart phone you either buy iPhone or Samsung, that’s it.
Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. Apple iPhone 5
Processor
Galaxy S4: Qualcomm Snap Fusion Pro, 1.9 GHz quad-core processor / Samsung Exynos 5 Octa, 1.6 GHz quad-core (depends on market)
iPhone 5: Apple A6, 1.3 GHz dual-core processor
Screen Size
Galaxy S4: 5 inches
iPhone 5: 4 inches
Weight
Galaxy S4: 130 gr
iPhone 5: 112 gr
Memory
Galaxy S4: up to 64 GB internal and 2GB RAM
iPhone 5: up to 64 GB internal and 1GB RAM
Camera
Galaxy S4: 13 megapixel rear and 2 megapixel front
iPhone 5: 8 megapixel rear and 1.2 megapixel front
Video Capture
Galaxy S4: 1080p HD
iPhone 5: 1080p HD
Battery
Galaxy S4: 2600 mAh
iPhone 5: 1440 mAh
Leica X2 Product Review
The X2 is the latest compact camera from Leica housing a DSLR sensor (APS-C CMOS), and offers full manual control like that found in a DSLR camera. Thanks to dials placed on the X2, it is really easy to change the shutter speed and focal length. In many compact cameras and some DSLR cameras, these functions are frequently hidden under the menus where you really have to browse through the menus just to change the shutter speed. In my personal opinion, the design of Leica X2 is really ergonomic and makes it extremely easy to control the settings.
The principal functions of the Leica X2 are namely automatic program (P), automatic aperture priority (A), automatic shutter priority (S), and manual setting (M). You choose the appropriate menu by selecting the A mode on the dial or by selecting the desired values. Of course, you need to be familiar with photography to get the most out of these settings; otherwise the results may not be at their full potential. However, having these easy controls will also allow you to become familiar with the fundamentals of photography with ease.
The main advantage of the APS-C sensor within the X2 is the improved image quality thanks to the ability of larger sensors, which bring in more light than those, which are smaller ones. Even in low light conditions. Moreover, you don’t need to bear the extra weight of a DSLR camera, and fundamentally the Leica X2 is a camera with a DSLR sensor, which can fit right into your pocket.
The Elmarit 24 mm f/2.8 ASPH lens is Leica made as well and is comprised of, 8 elements in 6 groups, as well as 1 aspheric element. The 8 elements are a major plus for improved picture quality, when you have less elements in a lens, the light received by the sensor gets better. Moreover, the f/2.8 value (it goes up to 16) enables the sensor to receive more light, which creates blurred backgrounds.
Also, the Elmarit lens gives you amazing results and extreme sharpness and detail on the pictures. This does not happen coincidently as Leica is renowned as one of the best lens manufacturers in the world and their lenses are used in a wide range of areas.
The ISO levels on the Leica X2 are; 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, and 12500. However I never needed to use more than ISO 400 as the APS-C sensor receives a lot of light in any conditions. Even in low light, the Leica X2 produces very good pictures. Back to ISO levels, it is not good to use high ISO levels, because this increases the noise level in the picture and reduces the quality. Therefore, go for the lowest ISO level, mount the cameras on a tripod, reduce the aperture value and increase the shutter speed. For the X2, Leica should have a lower ISO than ISO 100, because in many cases the camera receives more than enough light and I felt the lack of a lower than ISO 100 level.
Image saving formats are DNG and JPG with fine and super fine levels. However, the Leica X2 does not enable you to save solely to DNG files, but you have to save with a JPEG copy as well. Unfortunately, this consumes memory space and extra work to delete JPEG files when you transfer the pictures into your computer.
Lastly, I really like the gold-coated USB connection port and the battery performance. Gold is the most conductive material and improves the data transfer speeds! Other disadvantages of the X2 include no video recording facility, but this is of course not critical for everyone. Another point is that the macro focus range starts from 30 cm and sometimes you may struggle but not a big problem as well. Many people never use macro function at all.
Every product has downsides but you can compensate these with the superior advantages. This is especially relevant to the Leica X2, which boasts great ergonomics, ease of use, and superb picture quality, which of course cannot be ignored. Also the battery performance was more than adequate. I did not need to recharge the battery for two days.
Finally, Leica X2 is an excellent camera from packaging to picture quality. You will not be disappointed with your purchase, and also you will have a DSLR performance that can fit into your pocket without any extra weight and a complex menu structure. Also, during the events I attended with Leica X2, you will be treated as a professional photographer and receive plenty of attention!
Photos were taken in: Birmingham City Centre, University of Birmingham Business School, Main Campus and Vale Village Mason Hall, London SMMT.