Smartphones then and now: iPhone, Samsung & OnePlus

They are still impossible to imagine away from our current lives, and future generations cannot imagine that there was ever life on earth without them: smartphones. But that almost makes you forget that ten years ago, most people still carried a clap phone in their pocket, where Bluetooth was the latest feature. An overview of the smartphones of three leading manufacturers then and now: Apple’s iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy S series and the OnePlus models.

10 years of iPhone 2007 – 2017

In 2007, Apple shocked the world with a phone that could do more than call, text and snake. A real smartphone. Keys disappeared and were replaced by a multi-touch screen, and the Internet was no longer just for computers. The purported first-ever smartphone had a 2 megapixel camera that could only take photos, a 3.5-inch screen, 128MB of working memory and major competitor Samsung was responsible for the chipset in the device. For the entry-level model (4GB of internal memory), you paid $499 dollars. Hard to imagine an Apple flagship model going over the counter for such an amount.

In the years that followed, Apple released 16 new devices; ten years later, we have arrived at the iPhone X (pronounced iPhone 10). Last September, Apple pardonably skipped the iPhone 9 to celebrate their smartphone’s 10th anniversary. Their first device with a virtually borderless screen, except for the somewhat odd-looking notch. Compared to the iPhone 2G, the iPhone X is a supercomputer, as this device features a 12 megapixel camera on the back and a 7 megapixel camera on the front which, 10 years after the fact, can of course both shoot. With the portrait functions, the camera is almost inferior to a professional camera.

Working memory has increased twenty-fold over time to 3GB, the screen is edge-to-edge at 5.8 inches and unlocking your phone with a code is passé: making eye contact is enough.

7 years of Galaxy-S 2010-2017

Apple’s biggest competitor? Thanks to the Galaxy-S series, that’s Samsung today. After Apple’s first smartphone launch, a true smartphone revolution begins. Android – the only operating system that can compete with iOS – will come out with the first models in 2008 and 2009. In terms of functionality and also usability, they cannot yet match the iPhone. In 2010, Samsung presented the Galaxy S: a phone without a keyboard, but with a sleek design. The Galaxy S has a different operating system and a larger screen, which is very user-friendly. Finally a competitor to the iPhone!

The Galaxy S II did not leave a big impression; its successor (the S III) did. The rest is actually history. This year, Samsung released the futuristic Samsung Galaxy S8. Put it next to the Galaxy S and you can see how fast things can go. The device features a powerful processor, a unique design and the fingerprint scan. The S8 features an extraordinary Edge display and edges that are thinner than ever before. Of course, even this device cannot do without a great camera (12 megapixels).

3 years OnePlus 2014 – 2017

Relative to Apple and Samsung, One Plus is the price fighter. The Chinese smartphone manufacturer only released the OnePlus One in 2014. OnePlus’ main goal? Conquer the market with a smartphone that strikes the right balance between high-end quality and a lower price. This device surprised immediately: sleek design, fine quality. The 5 megapixel camera did disappoint many connoisseurs. Less than six months after the OnePlus 5 was released, the Chinese smartphone maker is already coming out with a successor: the OnePlus 5T. With this device, the Chinese manufacturer is making a name for itself.

Meanwhile, we have arrived at the OnePlus 5T. What immediately stands out about this smartphone is the screen. That is no longer a screen with thick bezels below and above, but with a so-called edge-to-edge display received. Furthermore, the 5T features a dual camera: 6 and 20 megapixel resolution. With giga-fast hardware, face unlock and a crystal-clear full HD screen, the OnePlus 5T can well match the latest models of its competitors.

On behalf of team ThePhoneLab, we wish everyone a very healthy and happy 2018!