iPhone 7

iPhone 1 vs iPhone 7

I am generally not a fan of iPhone and perfectly fine with Android phones. However, last week, just out of curiosity, I went to purchase a iPhone 7 32GB with gold back cover. It was considerably more expensive than ordinary Android phones.  In China, the iPhone is hailed as a status symbol. I had some difficulty trying to get accustomed to iOS.

Here are my views after using it for 1 week. Of course, the points are made in comparison with Android phones. I could be wrong in my assessment as I am still trying to learn iOS.

The Bad:-
1. No FM radio. Radio has to be through apps and uses wifi or mobile data.
2. The mail was in sync with my gmail. The feel is different and there are more steps required in order to complete a task. For example; to delete email, there is no direct means, but to move it through trash.
3. No direct connection with the computer. To download or upload, I have to use iCloud or iTunes. For Android, I can read the files directly just by connecting it to a Windows base PC/laptop. Transfer of files are easy.
4. No Bluetooth connection with other Android phones. Connection could not be established.
5. Higher battery energy consumption. Faster drainage on battery.
6. Calendar events are not as refined under the month mode. In Android, I am able to see minor line and major line with each line representing an event.
7. More step to enable and disable mobile data.
8. Prefer Chrome than Safari.
9. The surface of the iPhone is smooth and is more prone to dropping. While it is nice to hold, I have ordered a plastic cover to improve handling.
10. I prefer the 3.5mm jack than the lightning jack for headphones.
11. No notification light unless user wants to make use of LED light meant for the hearing impaired.

The Good:-
1. GarageBand - I simply love this app from Apple. It is user friendly and interesting.
2. The silent button as a physical control over sound generated from iPhone. Ease to switch over rather than through software.
3. iPhone 7 has thumb security via the home button which allows access to the phone without security numbers or patterns.
4. Photo from the camera is good.

Other comments:-
1. The first generation of iPhone has black frontal finishes. Wonder what was so special about jet black or matt black finishes in iPhone 7. My other Android phones are black in colour.
2. Sony Android phones (certain models) have long been water resistance. Not sure what is so special about iPhone 7 water resistance capability.

KZ ZS3

KZ ZS3

I have also bought the KZ ZS3, an in-ear headphone for S$20. The main reason of purchase was the reasonable price of the headphone. It is convenient for travelling although in-ear headphone can be quite uncomfortable as there is no noise connection with the world outside which is unnatural. The headphone is biased towards low frequency. Music lovers who prefer base will enjoy it. It is a made in China headphone.

Audio Technica ATH AD700X

Audio Technica ATH AD700X

I bought this Headphone over at Comex 2016. Prior to purchasing this headphone, I tested several headphones which include the Sony MDR 1A, Sony XB750AP, Sony MDR Z7, Seinnheiser (not sure the model), Bose QC25, Armaggeddon Molotov 3 and Audio Technica (a few models).

I would say the Sony MDR 1A is impressive and it has a 40mm dynamic driver unit. The price at S$399 is quite expensive. The MDR Z7 has a price tag of more than S$800 in Singapore but performance wise, I would think it is comparable to MDR 1A. The Bose QC25 is also quite good but it is another expensive unit at S$429 with noise cancelling function. The QC25 is also light and suitable for travelling. The Armaggeddon Molotov 3 is impressive in its base sound and more importantly the price is only S$29. I almost bought this if not because of its colour (bright yellow, bright red and camouflage). This is meant to target the young. My test song was consistently Debbie Gibson "Out of the Blue" which has a good balance of bass, mid range vocal and treble.

Finally, I bought the Audio Technica ATH AD700X at S$158.

The good points of the AD700X :- 53mm driver unit (even bigger than the Sony MDR 1A). Frequency response is 5 to 30000 Hz. I find this a gimmick as the human hearing is only 20 to 20000 Hz and hearing deteriorates with age. The Price is fantastic. Good at mid to high pitch sound. Good Clarity. The earpads are in cotton fabric which is comfortable over time, but it could get hot with prolong listening. It has a 3m long cable.  Personally, I do not like PVC earpads that cover the whole ear.

The bad points of the AD700X:- Heavy (at 265g, it is heavier than MDR 1A) and big size. Not suitable for travelling. Not very strong at low frequency level. Plastic components.

Other features:- Open Air Feature. (See photo). The box says designed and engineered in Japan.