Fortnite for Android: Everything You Need To Know!

The hottest game of 2018 will be coming to Android in the coming months.

Fortnite has been blowing up lately. Millions of people have become obsessed with the game, both as players and just watching popular Twitch streamers play the game.

Interested to learn more about what the heck Fortnite is all about? Just keep reading.

What’s new with Fortnite?

May 4, 2018: Season 4 has begun, but still no word on Android app release date.

While we patiently wait for Epic Games to finish the Android version of the game, the game itself continues to evolve with the start of Season 4.

The latest update for the game started out with a bang, with a meteorite crashing into the Dusty Depot on the map and introducing a new upgrade called Hop Rocks that, when consumed, let you jump and float in the air, defying gravity. Other changes have come to the map and you can learn all about it from our friends from iMore.

Meanwhile, still no word on a firm release date for Android. We’re sure Epic Games is eager to get Android users in on the fun, but until then you can sign up for your Epic Games account and let them know which phone you’re planning to play on.

Sign up for Fortnite Mobile

What is Fortnite?

Fortnite is what would happen if you combined two of the most addictive games out there — Minecraft and PUBG.

Fortnite offers a free 100-player Player Vs Player (PvP) Battle Royale game mode. Just like PUBG, you’re dropped onto the large island map and must arm yourself and outlive your competition. But in Fortnite, you always start out armed with a pickaxe which can be used as a melee weapon or for harvest raw supplies for building walls, ramps, and shelters.

It certainly adds extra layers of strategy to the format, creating essentially a perfect storm of addictive gaming action that’s as fun to watch as it is to play. Oh, speaking of storms all the action takes place in the eye of a deadly electrical storm meaning you can’t just hunker down and hide out the whole game. You got to keep moving.

How do you play the game?

Just like PUBG, your goal is to be the last man standing — with up to 100 players involved in each match, that’s no small task.

Each game starts with the players jumping out of the flying “Battle Bus” and parachuting down onto a giant island. Once landed, you must loot nearby buildings for items, guns, and ammo to defend yourself and attack other players.

You also need to keep an eye on the map, as every few minutes the storm closes in on the play area. If you’re caught in the storm, you slowly die so you do not want to forget to regularly check where you are on the map. Eventually, the play constricts to a tiny area for the final showdown between the remaining players — there can only be one winner!

Unlike PUBG, you’re able to carry more than two guns. Instead, you’re limited to the number of weapons and items you can carry at one time. Also, guns are color coded to denote their rarity — from grey (common) to orange (legendary) — and the rarer the gun, the deadlier it is.

Then there’s the crafting element. Every player starts out with a pickaxe which can be used as a melee weapon or used to break down trees and buildings to harvest the raw resources. You can then use these raw resources to build your own structures, whether it be a defensive wall to provide cover from an advancing enemy, a set of stairs to reach the second floor of a building or your own watchtower to snipe players from across the map. The resources you mine will determine the strength. Steel is stronger than brick, which is stronger than wood.

When will it be available for Android?

Fortnite has been available for PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 for a few months now, and is now widely available on iOS devices after a brief invite-only beta.

There have been no firm dates set for an Android release by Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games, but they have said to expect support for Android to come in the next few months. For now, Android users can head on over to Epic Games, log in or create your Fortnite Account, and then let the developers know which device you plan to play on which will also add you to the mailing list to be informed when the game eventually drops.

Until then, at least we’ve got PUBG to tide us over.

Will it be free to play?

Epic Games has so far released the PvP Battle Royale game for free across all platforms including the mobile version for iOS. The console version also has a paid game mode called Save The World that’s Player vs Environment (PvE). Save The World plays more like Minecraft, where you’re harvesting more resources and stocking up on loot to survive waves of AI enemies in a sort of tower defense-style of gameplay.

The PvE mode will not be available in Fortnite Mobile for iOS and, frankly, it’s the PvP mode that everyone is crazy for so that’s quite alright with us.

However, the iOS version offers in-app purchases for cosmetic items to customize your player and people sure have been buying stuff. According to this report from Sensor Tower analtyics, Fortnite Mobile players spent more than $1 million during the first 72 hours of its release on iOS. Wow.

So, to answer the question, you have the option to spend money on Fortnite if you want a cool looking character, but the game is free to play and you won’t need to pay to win.

Will there be support for Bluetooth controls?

Epic Games has indicated that Bluetooth controller support will be coming later, but as of right now only touchscreen controls are available.

Is it cross-platform?

Epic Games have indicated that you will be able to play Fortnite across all platforms. Your Fortnite profile can be connected to all the platforms you play on so you can add to your stats however you connect to the game.

Don’t be worried about getting mismatched as the one mobile player in a server of PC and console players. If you’re playing solo on mobile, you will only be matched up against other mobile players. If you join a squad with friends playing on another platform, then that squad will be matched against a multi-platform population, essentially making cross-platform play opt-in.

• Learn more about Fortnite Mobile

Are you hyped for Fortnite?

We’ll be sure to let you know when the game launches for Android. Until then, you can create your Epic Games account and start playing on one of the other platforms to start getting a handle on the game

Android Gaming

• Best Android games
• Best free Android games
• Best games with no in-app purchases
• Best action games for Android
• Best RPGs for Android
• All the Android gaming news!

From the Editor’s Desk: The disappointing reality of in-screen fingerprint

Why haven’t we seen in-screen fingerprint in more Android flagships? Simple: The current tech is pants.

Finding a way to embed a fingerprint scanner into the display of your handset is seen the holy grail of smartphone biometrics. As phone makers push relentlessly towards the vision of “full-screen” devices, in-screen fingerprint provides yet another way to bump up that all-important screen-to-body ratio.

In-screen fingerprint also offers a futuristic edge — a much-needed differentiator in a homogenous marketplace of interchangeable, commoditized glass slabs.

So it’s no surprise to have seen this burgeoning technology cropping up in supply chain rumors around future devices, particularly concerning the two biggest players in this industry: Apple and Samsung. It’s been a couple of years since we first heard whispers of a full-screen Galaxy handset with a fingerprint scanner in the display. Indeed, Samsung’s current button setup, with a pressure-sensitive virtual clicky home key, seems to have been designed around this concept.

Yet so far, outside of a few concept devices from China, it has failed to materialize.

That’s why, going into my review of the Porsche Design Huawei Mate RS, the thing most alluring to me about this $2000 handset was that, finally, someone was shipping a flagship phone fingerprint behind the display.

My enthusiasm, however, evaporated within minutes of actually using the feature. The process of registering fingerprints in the in-display sensor hammers home just how slow the new sensor is compared to the capacitive fingerprint tech we’ve been using for the past several years. We’ve been spoiled by effortlessly quick fingerprint scanners in smartphones for the past few release cycles. In-screen fingerprint, at least as it’s implemented in the Mate RS, is like going back to a fingerprint scanner from 2014 or 2015, with waits of up to a second to unlock.

There’s no reason to suspect Huawei of cheaping out in a phone that goes for up to $2600 in the markets where it’s sold. The company is surely using the best components available to it. But those components are slow.

There are also practical issues. Since it’s an optical sensor, which has to actually see your fingerprint to scan it, the phone has to light up the area around the sensor as you press. That’s fine in daylight. In a dark bar or bedroom? Annoying.

In 2018, in-screen fingerprint is a tech demo: Functional, but slow and unreliable.

On the Mate RS in particular, it also takes time to find the in-screen sensor and press it. (Current optical sensors require pressure to work properly, as the sensor needs to see a flat image of your fingerprint.) Given that the sensor is about a quarter of the way up the display, it’s not somewhere that’s easy to find by touch alone — since the sensor in is in the screen, you can’t feel where it is. In addition, there’s also no haptic feedback to guide you. Instead, you’ll need to look at the device, and find the telltale glowing target.

And once you’ve done that, you in most cases you might as well have used Huawei’s excellent face unlock feature, which is quicker and more reliable.

Even after registering four fingerprints on the Mate RS, I ran into way more hiccups than I have from a traditional fingerprint scanner in at least three years. On some occasions, no amount of repositioning would allow me to unlock, and I can only assume that the optical sensor is more easily thrown off by gunk on the screen, or my fingertips, or changes in temperature, or whatever other day-to-day stuff you shouldn’t need to worry about when unlocking your phone.

It’s a hassle to use, and even when it works it’s painfully slow. It’s telling that Huawei provides two other (excellent) unlock methods in the Mate RS — face unlock and a traditional fingerprint scanner on the back — because using in-display fingerprint alone would be maddening.

Of course, the $2000 starting price of the Mate RS gives Huawei and Porsche Design plenty of wiggle room to include these extra components. The Mate RS itself is also something of a quirky device, not expected to sell in large numbers. I couldn’t imagine Samsung wanting to shell out for an in-display fingerprint scanner and a backup capacitive option around the back, in a phone with traditional flagship pricing and expected sales numbering in the tens of millions.

Instead, every big-name flagship phone has made the (probably correct) decision to stick with the tried-and-true capacitive fingerprint technology while waiting for in-display tech to improve.

That said, it’s also hard to avoid the conclusion that face unlocking in smartphones, even without a dedicated IR laser array like Apple’s FaceID, is improving at a far quicker pace than in-display fingerprint. The former is here today in phones including the Mate RS, and works so well that I’ve basically ignored the in-screen fingerprint scanner throughout my entire time with the handset.

The demand for in-screen technologies is unlikely to wane anytime soon, but the stuff that’s shipping today lacks the maturity required in such a core part of a modern smartphone. Give it a couple of years, and in the meantime appreciate the speed and accuracy of your current phone’s fingerprint scanner.

What else is going on?

• Oh right, it’s Google I/O next week. Andrew has a great rundown of everything we’re expecting to see in Mountain View from next Tuesday. Personally, I’m hoping for details on the future of Material Design, further revelations around Android P, and a clearer picture of where Wear OS is going.
• I’d also love to hear something more concrete on Google’s plan around the Fuchsia operating system. Eventually it’ll need to bring developers into the loop on the next-gen OS, and I/O is as good a time as any to do that.
• As good as the LG G7 ThinQ (you’re welcome) is, I agree with Daniel Bader that it won’t do much to get LG’s mobile division out of its current rut. The company is treading water with another solid phone that probably won’t move the needle. And rumors of an LG V35 this summer, presumably followed by a V40 in the fall, paint a schizophrenic picture of the company’s late-2018 roadmap.
• We’re also not far off from OnePlus 6 launch season. And I agree that, with an anticipated price rise, the camera is the one thing that has to improve this year.
• Just as important: Consumer trust. 2017 was a year of embarrassing blunders for OnePlus, ranging from the comical (send your phone in for a firmware update for HD Netflix) to serious (credit card data breach). Once the 6 is out in the wild, OnePlus needs the next 12 months to pass without any high-profile screw-ups.

That’s it for now. See you at I/O next week!

-Alex

Amazon has big discounts on its Echo, Kindle, and Fire hardware for a limited time

Some great prices have returned.

Amazon has launched a new sale that includes nearly all of its own hardware, including the Echo Dot, Fire Tablet, Fire TV Sticks, Kindle E-readers, and more. This promotion brings the Echo Dot back down to just $39.99, the Fire TV Stick down to $29.99, Fire Tablets for $39.99, and Kindle E-readers to only $59.99.

You can make the deals even sweeter by adding two Echo Dots to your cart for a total of $59.98. That’s an additional $20 off and brings each of them back down to Black Friday pricing. Bundling the Echo Dot and Fire TV Stick drops the price for both down to just $64.95, which is $5 less than buying them separately right now.

Be sure to check out all of the hardware discounts now, before they disappear.

See at Amazon

Best microSD Cards for Galaxy S8 in 2018

What are the best microSD cards for the Galaxy S8?

Following in the footsteps of the Galaxy S7, the Galaxy S8 offers support for microSD cards so you can increase the storage of the phone. This time around, however, Samsung has increased the onboard storage from 32GB up to 64GB, so many people may find that more than enough. But if you’re worried about filling that 64GB up with music, video or pictures, you should grab a microSD card and put it all there so you can easily access it.

Here are some of the best options to put in your new Galaxy S8, divided into performance and value options.

• Performance options
• Value options

Performance options

These cards are all rated U3, which is a speed classification shorthand for UHS Speed Class 3, offering a minimum sequential write speed of 30MB/s. Why does this matter? Because without a card this fast, the Galaxy S8 can’t record 4K video to an external card.

SanDisk Extreme 32GB

If the 64GB that Samsung gives you inside the Galaxy S8 isn’t enough for your daily needs, adding a bit more doesn’t have to cost a ton. SanDisk’s high-performance microSDHC UHS-I Card ($19) offers transfer speeds of up to 80MB/s and with its U3 rating it is capable of handling 4K video.

Adding 32GB of storage to a 64GB phone may seem a bit weird, but if you aren’t looking to spend a lot this may be the way to go at under $20 for the card. If you want a bit more storage, you can get the 64GB SanDisk Extreme for just under $32.

See at Amazon

PNY U3 Pro Elite 128GB

If you’re planning to do a lot of 4K video recording, you’ll want a fast and reliable card in your phone. PNY’s U3 Pro Elite 128GB card adds plenty of storage and the speeds you need. Classified at U3, it is great for video, and it is capable of up to 95MB/s read and 90MB/s write. At around $60, this is a relatively inexpensive option, and it is highly-rated and reliable.

See at Amazon

Samsung 256GB EVO Select microSD

Samsung’s own 256GB EVO Select microSD card (around $120) is one of the best to go for if you are ready to just go all out on storage. With read speeds of up to 100MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s you can quickly and easily transfer files to and from the phone. It’s also U3 classified which makes it perfect for 4K video.

With the speed and storage capacity comes a larger price tag on this card, but if you want the biggest on the market this is the way to go.

See at Amazon

Value options

If you don’t care about 4K video capture and just want a card that stores media for playback, or captures exclusively 1080p video on the Galaxy S8, these cards cost significantly less than U3-speed options.

Samsung EVO 128GB microSD

Samsung’s EVO 128GB microSD card (about $45) isn’t the company’s top offering, but it comes with decent speeds and a price tag to match. With up to 48MB/s read and write (Class 10 or U1 classification), it can handle 1080p video without a problem. If you want a Samsung-branded card that doesn’t break the bank, this is the one to go with.

See at Amazon

SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSD

SanDisk is a well-known company when it comes to memory cards and storage products, and cards like this show you why. The SanDisk Ultra 128GB ($40) is a Class 10 card that comes with a 10-year warranty and has quick transfer speeds (up to 80MB/s), so it should check many of the boxes that you look for in a microSD card.

See at Amazon

SanDisk Ultra 200GB microSD

If you’re looking to add a lot of extra storage at a relatively low cost, the SanDisk Ultra 200GB microSD card (around $70) is the way to go. This Class 10 card provides transfer speeds of up to 90MB/s and can record Full HD video. If you like to keep your digital library with you at all times, you’ll want one of these.

See at Amazon

Your favorite?

Do you have a favorite microSD card that isn’t listed here? Be sure to drop a comment below and let us know which card it is, and why you like it!

Updated May 2018: Updated pricing information and shop links. These are still your best options for the Galaxy S8!

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

• Galaxy S8 and S8+ review!
• Galaxy S8 and S8+ specs
• Everything you need to know about the Galaxy S8’s cameras
• Get to know Samsung Bixby
• Join our Galaxy S8 forums

Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
Unlocked

YouTube pulls hundreds of videos over essay cheating ads

YouTube doesn’t have it easy managing the ads it automatically inserts itself, but it’s another challenge entirely to manage the ads baked into the videos themselves. The online video giant has pulled over 1,400 videos after a BBC investigation found more than 250 channels had mid-video ads for EduBirdie, a Ukraine-based essay cheating service. YouTube had given some of these channels until May 4th to edit the ads out of their videos, but not all of them made it before the cutoff point.

It’s not certain if YouTube will let users re-upload videos without the ads. The promos aren’t strictly illegal, but they do violate YouTube’s ad policies.

Not surprisingly, those affected are upset. In some cases, they’ve lost months’ worth of video in a heartbeat. They’ve also complained that YouTube didn’t do enough to communicate its policies on ads like these, although that argument only hold so much water given that EduBirdie was clearly intended for cheating.

YouTube has promised changes: it’ll be “working with creators going forward” to help them understand that these ads aren’t acceptable. It still faces an uphill battle, though. It’s not easy to detect baked-in ads like this, as they often vary significantly from video to video — unlike music, YouTube can’t just scan for familiar cues. Moreover, many video creators don’t fully understand policies even when content is potentially illegal. It could be a long, long while before unscrupulous ads become a rarity.

Source: BBC (1), (2)

Ben Heck’s mini pinball game: Analysis and programming

Ben is moving walls around, but don’t expect him to quit his day job to become an architect just yet. After a few tests on the pieces for the modular miniature pinball kit, it has been decided that the angles need to change for the pinball run. That means a redesign is in store. Meanwhile, Felix has received the final design of the printed circuit board from OSHPark, and based on some initial tests it appears to be a-okay! What do you think of the build so far? Let the team know over on the element14 Community.

Facebook’s friend suggestions helped connect extremists

When you think of internet giants fighting terrorism online, there’s a good chance you think of them banning accounts and deleting posts. However, their friend suggestions may prove to be just as problematic. Researchers have shared a report to the Telegraph revealing that Facebook’s “suggested friends” feature has been connecting Islamic extremists on a routine basis. While some instances are almost expected (contacting one extremist brings up connections to others), some of the suggestions surface purely by accident: reading an article about an extremist uprising in the Philippines led to recommendations for “dozens” of local extremists.

And in at least one case, the suggestions helped recruiting efforts. An Indonesian ISIS backer sent a friend request to a non-religious New Yorker in March 2017, leading the man to support the group in the space of six months.

Facebook has been taking action, but the report noted that less than half the accounts had vanished in a six-month period. The company would also remove posts identified as terrorist content, but didn’t always ban the user in question. One terrorism suspect in the UK managed to get his account reinstated nine times despite posting propaganda videos.

A company spokesman stressed that their current approach “is working,” with 99 percent of Al Qaeda- and ISIS-oriented content removed automatically. At the same time, it acknowledged that there’s “no easy technical fix” and that it would “continue to invest” in both human reviewers and tech to catch extremist material.

The situation should improve, then, but this illustrates one of the central problems with curbing extremism online: the same features that help you stay in touch can inadvertently fuel terrorists by linking them to similarly vicious people. It also illustrates how far internet behemoths like Facebook have to go in fighting terrorism. Although there have certainly been improvements, there are still areas where extremists can spread their message.

Source: Telegraph

Here’s our take on the best Galaxy S7 Edge screen protectors

Jessica Lee Star/Digital Trends

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge may be two generations old, but it’s still a capable beast that’s worth your time. So regardless of whether you’ve got an S7 Edge you’re happy to hold on to, or you’ve just spotted a bargain, you probably want your S7 Edge to last you a good while — and a big part of a device’s longevity is having capable protection.

We’ve already highlighted a whole bunch of great Galaxy S7 Edge cases that will keep your phone well protected, but what about the screen? A curved 5.5 inches of display is a lot, and no one wants to be viewing their Twitter feed through a spiderweb of cracked, scratched, or dirty glass. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best Galaxy S7 Edge screen protectors that you can buy to keep your phone looking as pristine as the day you bought it.

Otterbox Alpha Glass ($12)

Otterbox is the brand you turn to for amazing protection, and that reputation applies just as well to Otterbox’s collection of screen protectors. The Otterbox Alpha Glass is a tempered glass screen protector, so you can trust it to take more major blows than a film protector, while it’s also been treated to ensure it doesn’t shatter should the worst happen, keeping its shape and preventing glass shards from injuring users. It’s easy to apply to the screen, retains the AMOLED display’s clarity, and curves around the S7 Edge’s signature curved edge.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Spigen Curved Crystal HD ($25)

Looking for something a little less heavy-duty than a tempered glass screen protector? Spigen is another well known name with a great reputation, and its Curved Crystal screen protectors are a great addition to Spigen’s range. They’re made from PET film, and come with everything you need to attach them quickly and easily — Spigen even has a guide video to help. The protector fully covers the front and sides of your phone, including the capacitive buttons, and comes with no reduction of clarity or touchscreen sensitivity. Film won’t take a blow quite like tempered glass will, but it will protect against greasy fingerprints, minor scratches, and keep dirt from coming into contact with your screen. Best of all — it’s a twin pack.

Buy one now from:

Spigen Amazon

Ringke Invisible Defender ($12)

Do you want even more coverage? You can’t handle more coverage! Just kidding, you can totally get it from Ringke’s Invisible Defender. Made from PET, like the Spigen film protector, this Ringke protector comes with two additional wings on either side that wrap around your phone, keeping dust and dirt from getting underneath the protector. Since it’s so thin, it works well with any protective case you might be using, and helps create a fully sealed-in feeling. It’s made from non-yellowing material to thwart that older screen protector look, and it even comes in a twin pack, just in case you need a replacement.

Buy one now from:

Ringke Amazon

InvisibleShield Glass Curve ($55)

Another great name with a solid reputation, InvisibleShield is primarily known for the quality of its display protection — and the Glass Curve is perhaps the best example of why that is. It’s made from 9H-hardness-tempered glass with a multi-layer construction, making it supremely tough and resistant to damage, it’s gently curved to match your phone’s edge, and the top quality glass ensures the display’s clarity shines through. It’s smudge-resistant, and comes with a finish that’s smooth to the touch — and the tabbed application means you can see exactly where you’re applying your protection. It’s expensive, but it’s also covered by a lifetime guarantee.

Buy one now from:

InvisibleShield Amazon

Skinomi Techskin Full Coverage Protector ($13)

Still not enough coverage for you? Check out this protector from Skinomi that covers the entire S7 Edge, front-to-back and edge-to-edge. According to Skinomi, the Techskin protector is made from a special film used to protect luxury cars, military aircraft, and even space shuttles. Suddenly spreading it across your entire phone makes sense. It won’t provide much protection against larger bumps and drops, but it will provide good all-around scratch protection, as well as keeping those unsightly fingerprints away from your phone’s glossy body. It’s pretty much invisible once applied, and has an anti-yellowing layer to prevent unsightly aging.

Buy one now from:

Skinomi Amazon

Zizo Tempered Glass Screen Protector ($14)

Want the protection of glass, but don’t want the hassle or the high price tags of some? Zizo’s tempered glass screen protector comes with the 9H hardness you expect from a glass screen protector, doesn’t impair screen clarity, and doesn’t cut down on the responsiveness of the touchscreen. It comes with an easy-install tray for super-easy and fast installation, it’s colored to match your S7 Edge, and since this is glass, it should protect your display for a long time. Those are a lot of features for a very reasonable price.

Buy one now from:

Zizo Wireless Amazon

Top Trade US Tempered Glass Privacy Protector ($8)

Sick of feeling like people are looking at your screen from the corner of their eyes? Need to protect your privacy while you’re out and about? Check out this privacy-focused screen protector that places a filter over your display that means it can’t be seen from angles of over 90 degrees. It does dim the screen a little, but if you need to keep your bank details or clandestine meetings secret, then that’s a small price to pay. It’s made from film, and resists scratches and grease well, and the special design means it matches the look of your phone perfectly.

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Editors’ Recommendations

• Avoid screen damage with the most Note-worthy Note 8 screen protectors
• Guard your Galaxy with the best Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus screen protectors
• Cover up with the best iPhone 8 Plus screen protectors
• Don’t live on the edge, get one of the best Galaxy S7 Edge cases
• Keep your new phone safe: Here are the best iPhone 8 screen protectors

Apple’s iOS 13 could feature a revamped Files app and better multitasking

iOS 12 may not be out yet, but that isn’t stopping Apple from beginning work on its 2019 operating system, likely to be called iOS 13. We’ve already started hearing some rumors about the new operating system, including some of the awesome new features that it’ll have on offer.

According to a Tweet from Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the 2019 operating system will bring a number of helpful new features to the iPad version of iOS 13. These include the likes of side-by-side split view — which you can currently find on MacOS — as well as a revamped Files app. There are even improvements to how the Apple Pencil works.

The news makes some sense. Gurman previously reported that Apple was holding off on some new features in iOS 12 so that it could focus on operating system stability, and pushing those features to iOS 13, which is currently code-named Yukon. These could be some of the features that Gurman was referring to.

Somewhat. iOS 13 “Yukon” will have a big iPad-focused feature upgrade as well, including an updated Files app. some other things in the works are tabs in apps like in MacOS, same app side by side, Apple Pencil stuff. The home screen redesign is iPad focused.

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 4, 2018

It’s possible that there’s another feature that Apple could introduce in iOS 13: cross-platform apps. Apple has been rumored to be working on introducing a way for iOS and Mac apps to work on other devices for some time now, and latest rumors suggest that the feature has been pushed a little later than expected.

It also makes sense that Apple would want to revamp the Files app. The company introduced the Files app in iOS 11, and updating it two versions later should come as no surprise.

iOS 12 is set to be a pretty significant update even without the major features being pushed to iOS 13. The new operating system will reportedly feature things like new Anomoji, FaceTime support for Animoji, new parental controls, a Digital Health tool that will help parents monitor how much their kids are using their devices, and more.

iOS 12 will be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference on June 4, alongside updates to its other operating systems — including macOS 10.14, tvOS 12, and watchOS 5. Of course, iOS 12 won’t be available to consumers until later in the year, when it’s pushed alongside Apple’s new range of iPhones.

We’ll update this story as we hear more about iOS 13.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Android vs. iOS: Which smartphone platform is the best?
• iOS 11 is now running on 65 percent of iPhones and iPads
• Common iOS 11 problems and advice on how to handle them
• Android P: Our complete guide
• Tim Cook doesn’t believe customers want MacOS and iOS combined

LG G7 ThinQ vs. iPhone X: Which phone comes out on top?

After months of rumors and speculation, the LG G7 ThinQ is finally here. As LG’s newest flagship, it has a lot of competition in the premium smartphone market. While the LG G7 ThinQ will undoubtedly be compared to other Android smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, we decided to mix things up a bit: We’re pitting the LG G7 ThinQ against Apple’s top-of-the-line iPhone X to see which flagship comes out on top.

Specs

LG G7 ThinQ
iPhone X

Size
153.2 x 71.9 x 7.9mm (6.03 x 2.83 x 0.31 inches)
143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm (5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 inches)

Weight
162 grams (5.71 ounces)
174 grams (6.14 ounces)

Screen Size
6.1-inch IPS LCD
5.8-inch Super Retina AMOLED display

Screen Resolution
3,120 x 1,440 pixels (564 ppi)
2,436 x 1,125 pixels (458 ppi)

Operating System
Android 8.0 Oreo
iOS 11

Storage Space
64GB, 128GB
64GB, 256GB

MicroSD Card Slot
Yes — up to 2TB
No

Tap To Pay Services
Android Pay
Apple Pay

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
A11 Bionic

RAM
4GB, 6GB
3GB

Camera
Dual sensor 16MP & 16MP rear, 8MP front
Dual 12MP rear, 7MP FaceTime HD front

Video
Up to 4K at 30 fps
2160p at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps

Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Ports
3.5mm headphone jack, USB-Type C
Lightning

Fingerprint sensor
Yes
No – Face ID

Water resistance
IP68
IP67

Battery
3,000mAh
2,716mAh

App Marketplace
Google Play Store
Apple App Store

Network support
T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint

Colors
Platinum Gray, Aurora Black, Moroccan Blue, Raspberry Rose (varies by market)
Space Gray, Silver

Price
Coming soon
$1,000

Buy From

Verizon, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Sprint

AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Apple

Review Score
Hands-on 
4.5 out of 5 stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

Genevieve Poblano/Digital Trends

In terms of performance, there is a lot to love about the LG G7 ThinQ. The LG flagship features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor and an impressive 4GB or 6GB of RAM depending on the model you pick. But how does that stack up against last year’s iPhone X? Not as good as you may think.

While the LG G7 ThinQ features a top of the line processor for 2018, it’s no match for Apple’s own proprietary A11 Bionic chipset. In addition to the A11 Bionic outperforming the Snapdragon 845 in most benchmarks, it also offers smoother performance in real-world situations.

So with both a 4GB and 6GB RAM option for the LG G7 ThinQ you could assume it would definitely trounce the iPhone X, however that doesn’t seem to be the case. Although the iPhone X only ships with 3GB of RAM, iOS 11 operates more efficiently than its Android competitor, making this comparison a wash.

Finally, in terms of battery life and charging, things are neck-and-neck. While the LG G7 ThinQ ships with a 3,000mAh battery compared to the iPhone X’s 2,716mAh battery, it also has a slightly larger display at 6.1 inches versus 5.8 inches. As for charging, both phones offer a fast charging option, as well as wireless charging.

Overall, both phones do a respectable job in terms in this category. However, Apple’s A11 Bionic processor gives the iPhone X the win.

Winner: iPhone X

Design and durability

Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends

From the front, you may have a little bit of difficulty seeing the differences between the LG G7 ThinQ and the iPhone X. Both are mostly display with a small top notch (though this can be turned off on the LG G7 ThinQ). The bezels are absolutely tiny on both phones and there’s not a fingerprint sensor or home button to be found.

Flip the phones over, however, and the differences become apparent. The LG G7 ThinQ features a centered camera array and fingerprint sensor while the back of the iPhone is much more minimalist, featuring only dual camera lenses nestled on the left side of the phone. While aesthetics are largely subjective, we believe the iPhone X is a more attractive phone overall. It also has a little more heft compared to the LG G7 ThinQ, making it feel like a more premium product.

From a durability standpoint, these phones are pretty similar. Both feature a body that is mainly comprised of strengthened glass (Gorilla Glass 5). Both are also resistant to dust and water, however, the LG G7 ThinQ features an IP68 rating while the iPhone X comes in at IP67; while the difference is minor, the LG G7 ThinQ is likely to fare better if dropped in deep water.

While this category is a close call, we’re giving it to the iPhone X. In terms of design, the iPhone X simply looks more polished than the LG G7 ThinQ and its additional heft makes it a little more balanced providing an overall better feel in hand. Though LG G7 ThinQ may be slightly more durable, the difference wasn’t enough to sway this category in LG’s favor.

Winner: iPhone X

Display

The LG G7 ThinQ packs a massive 6.1-inch IPS LCD display with a 3,120 x 1,440-pixel resolution. The iPhone X, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,436 x 1,125 pixels. Looking at the specs, you will also see the LG G7 ThinQ has a sharper display than its iPhone foe, coming in at 564 pixels per inch versus 468 pixels per inch.

While most of the display specs seem to be in the LG G7 ThinQ’s favor, there’s one major issue: The display technology on the LG G7 ThinQ is inferior to the iPhone X. Even though LG is one of the brightest displays ever made, coming in at 1,000 nits, it just can’t match the AMOLED screen you will find on the iPhone X and other flagships. When comparing AMOLED and LCD displays side by side, the difference is obvious: The AMOLED display consistently provides more vibrant colors and deeper blacks that just can’t be reproduced on an LCD screen.

Not surprisingly, the AMOLED display on the iPhone X makes it the clear winner for this category.

Winner: iPhone X

Camera

While LG’s G-series phones have always featured perfectly respectable cameras, the smartphone manufacturer went all out with the LG G7 ThinQ. In addition to updating the hardware on the G7 ThinQ, LG incorporated artificial intelligence into this year’s update in hopes of helping people get the perfect shot in any condition.

On the back of the G7 ThinQ, you will find a dual camera array with 16-megapixel lenses. The primary lens features an f/1.6 aperture that should work well in low light. Like the G-series phones, the secondary lens on the LG G7 ThinQ is a wide-angle lens with a 107-degree viewing angle and f/1.9 aperture. Flip the LG G7 ThinQ over and you will find an 8-megapixel wide angle lens with an 80-degree viewing angle and an f/1.9 aperture.

In addition to the hardware, the LG G7 ThinQ packs in some new software features. For starters, LG added a suite of A.I. features called AI CAM that was first seen on the LG V30S ThinQ in February. AI CAM identifies individuals and objects and selects one of 19 different shooting modes. There’s also a portrait mode for both cameras on the G7 ThinQ.

As for the iPhone X, you will find a dual camera setup on the back with 12-megapixel lenses. Like the LG G7 ThinQ, you will find one wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture, and a secondary telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture. You will also find dual image stabilization and optical zoom.

We’re giving this round to the iPhone X. Although the iPhone X lacks the A.I. camera features found on the LG G7 ThinQ, it doesn’t seem to need it: Photos on the iPhone X had more vivid colors, better depth, and finer detail than what we saw on the LG G7 ThinQ.

Winner: iPhone X

Software and updates

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the LG G7 ThinQ and iPhone X run the latest versions of their respective operating systems, and while Android and iOS offer different overall user experiences, the features on both are largely similar at this point. So basically, we’re judging this category on software upgrades.

First off, we would be remiss if we didn’t tell you LG can be a little slow to update its phones. LG just started rolling out the Android Oreo updates for the G6 last month, nearly eight months after it was announced. Since Apple, on the other hand, creates both the hardware and software for its phones it doesn’t need to work with carriers to push updates, meaning it can quickly push updates to everyone using iOS.

With that said, LG recently opened a software update center and committed to providing more frequent, and meaningful, updates for its devices in the future. In short, LG claims it wants to provide updates to its phones that will actually make them better over time.

For this category, we’re reluctantly calling it a tie. While Apple has an excellent track record of providing frequent updates to its phones, LG’s track record is a little more checkered. However, we do believe LG’s vision of providing updates that will continually improve its devices sounds like an excellent strategy for consumers.

Winner: Tie

Special features

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

In terms of special features, the LG G7 Thin Q comes in strong. It is the first phone we have seen to feature a boombox mode, creating immersive sound with actual bass. It also features a dual camera setup with a 107-degree wide-angle lens. Finally, it’s the first smartphone to feature DTS:X audio via earphones.

On the iPhone X, you will find a few awesome special features as well. Perhaps its most popular feature is the TrueDepth camera that powers FaceID. It’s also the tech behind Apple’s Animojis.

Overall, LG takes the special features category by a long shot. From its impressive audio technologies to the wide-angle lens we’ve come to love on the G-series phones, the LG G7 ThinQ simply offers a wider variety of special features compared to the iPhone X.

Winner: LG G7 ThinQ

Price

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

When comparing prices between the LG G7 ThinQ, we’re anticipating a pretty drastic difference between the two. While pricing for the LG G7 ThinQ has yet to be announced, we’re pretty confident it will be at least a few hundred dollars less than the iPhone X, which starts at $1,000.

Overall winner: iPhone X

Let’s be honest, both the LG G7 ThinQ and iPhone X are excellent smartphones. Both should be able to accomplish the most demanding smartphone tasks with relative ease. But when we put the two phones side by side, the iPhone X comes out as the clear winner.

With a speedier processor, better display, and guaranteed software updates for at least several years, the iPhone X is an incredibly hard phone to beat. If you’re planted firmly in Google’s ecosystem, however, the LG G7 ThinQ is an excellent option.

Editors’ Recommendations

• LG G7 ThinQ vs. Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus: Clash for the heavyweight title
• LG G7 ThinQ vs. LG G6: Out with the old, in with the new
• LG G7 ThinQ vs. LG V30: Which LG flagship phone is best for you?
• The LG G7 ThinQ: Here’s everything you need to know
• Here’s how you can buy the new LG G7 ThinQ smartphone