News
iPhone loyalty reaches an all-time high in the US
91.9 percent of respondents say they would choose an iPhone
2020 could be one of Apple’s most successful years, and sales figures aren’t the only thing to prove it. If SellCell’s latest research is to be believed, iPhone loyalty stands at an all-time high — even more so than its Android competitors.
SellCell’s recent figures reveal that up to 91.9 percent of respondents say they would choose an iPhone again for their next smartphone. Just last 2019, that figure was at 90.5 percent. Only a low 8.1 percent of current iPhone users said that they choose another brand for their next smartphone purchase.
By contrast, loyalty to Samsung smartphones stands at 74 percent — a huge gap indeed. Google, with its Pixel lineup, stands at 65.2 percent which is still a respectable figure. Other Android manufacturers had it worse: LG commands a low 37.4 percent loyalty rate, while Motorola is at 29 percent .
Loyal for a reason
As for reasons behind brand loyalty, almost half of loyal iPhone users responded that they want only the best smartphone they could find. Some respondents said that they are buried deep into the Apple ecosystem. Others responded that they had no prior issues with iPhones, or that switching to other brands is a hassle.
The same reasons also stick with Samsung’s loyal users. Almost half responded that they want only the best, followed by those who wanted to stick around or who find switching to iOS a hassle. A portion also responded that they see no issues with their Samsung devices. Meanwhile, only a mere portion said that they are tied into the Samsung ecosystem.
It’s time to switch
SellCell also asked brand defectors why they are switching to other brands for their next purchase. As for Apple, a large portion responded that they want better technology and more features. Some also responded that they prefer the design of other brands. With that, most iPhone defectors preferred Samsung, followed by Google, and then other brands for their next purchase.
As for Samsung, most brand defectors responded that they want better privacy protections. Those who think that they can get better value elsewhere represent a quarter for reasons behind defection. Only a small portion responded that they are switching for better technology, or for a more feature-packed model. Unsurprisingly, Apple is the most preferred choice followed by Google and then other manufacturers.
The recent figures from SellCell indeed paint a rosy picture for Apple, at least in the US. SellCell’s research included 5,000 respondents aged 18 and older who use an Apple, Samsung, Google, LG, and Motorola device. If taken into account, their research only meant that Apple had a highly successful 2020 due in part to the sales of the iPhone 12 series.
Granted, the scope of research is quite limited and doesn’t include other established brands. Notable exclusions include Sony, Nokia, and OnePlus, which saw a big increase in year-on-year growth last 2020. Chinese manufacturers are also left behind for the research, but this is somewhat acceptable given their rarity in the US.
Of course, SellCell’s research is confined to the US. Brand loyalties would significantly differ in other areas like India and China. Here, other factors for sticking to or switching to a brand could also be at play given the demographics and the dynamics of the smartphone market itself.
Gaming
Xbox saves Kojima’s PHYSINT after PlayStation drops support
PlayStation says the separation was mutual, but Kojima hints otherwise.
Things aren’t going well in the PlayStation camp. After two months of frankly questionable decisions, the company adds another to the pile by dropping support for Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT.
For a while now, Kojima and PlayStation were in a very productive relationship with the Death Stranding duology, a critically acclaimed collection of titles for the platform. When things looked like they were going well, Kojima announced PHYSINT, an espionage-themed game which reminded fans way too much of Metal Gear Solid.
If you were investing in a PlayStation 5 to play Kojima’s latest thriller, you might want to move your chips elsewhere now. PlayStation has just dropped support for the espionage game, meaning PHYSINT will no longer be a first-party title for the platform.
Though PlayStation claims that the decision came after “careful consideration,” Kojima himself has said that the move was “unexpected,” going against PlayStation’s assurance of a mutual separation.
Very quickly, Xbox has announced that their platform will support PHYSINT instead. It’s a big get for the competing brand because Xbox Game Studios is already supporting OD, Kojima’s other upcoming horror project starring Sophia Lillis.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say more. As is tradition, Kojima will not explain much more about his upcoming titles. In fact, OD’s trailer barely says anything. One thing’s for sure, though: we’re all in for quite a ride.
Entertainment
PH to celebrate 1st ever National Cinema Day; movies start at less than $2
Watch a movie on September 12 for a fraction of the cost
The Philippines will be celebrating its first ever National Cinema Day on September 12. On this day, movie tickets will go for as low as PhP 100 (US$ 1.60) at regular 2D cinemas.
The campaign aims to make moviegoing more accessible to audiences. This includes families, friends, students, and cinephiles in general.
Such initiative has been a staple in other countries, like the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and more. The same concept applies, with movie tickets going on sale for a lot less.
What’s great about the celebration is that all movies scheduled for exhibition on September 12, whether local or international, shall get the special admission price.
Advanced tickets sales have already begun. Customers can purchase through participating box offices, official websites, mobile apps, and authorized platforms.
Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and remain subject to theater capacity. Prices vary for other viewing formats like Director’s Club or IMAX, for instance.
The campaign is organized by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP), along with industry and government partners.
The initiative is supported by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and the Metro Manila Film Festival through the MMDA.
Participating cinemas include Ayala Malls Cinemas, SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, CityMall Cinema, Megaworld Cinemas, and more.
Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone. It uses a passport-style design that opens into a larger display while retaining a more conventional smartphone experience when folded.
Price and availability
The iPhone Duo starts at PhP 159,990 in the Philippines for the 256GB model as listed on the Apple website.
Here’s the full local pricing:
- 256GB — PhP 159,990
- 512GB — PhP 175,990
- 1TB — PhP 207,990
- 2TB — PhP 254,990
The iPhone Duo comes in Star White and Night Sky.
Actual availability in the Philippines has yet to be officially announced.
A foldable design with two displays
The iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display when folded and expands to a 7.6-inch main display when opened. Both orientations use the same aspect ratio, allowing iOS to transition between them seamlessly.
The rear chassis uses Ceramic Shield, while the front display gets Ceramic Shield 2. The device is also IP68-rated for dust and water resistance.
Its hinge uses carbon fiber supports and magnets that produce an audible click when the phone is folded.
A20 Pro brings flagship performance
The iPhone Duo is powered by the A20 Pro, the same chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro series. Apple says the chip delivers 35 percent better sustained performance than the iPhone 17 Pro.
It also comes with the new C2 cellular modem, which provides up to 50 percent faster uploads. Like other foldables, the Duo can be used in different configurations, including tent mode and a partially folded book-like position.
48-megapixel camera system
The iPhone Duo gets a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera alongside a 12-megapixel 2x telephoto camera.
For selfies and video calls, it has a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera. The inner display also uses an under-screen camera for a cleaner look.
Battery life goes beyond a day
The iPhone Duo offers up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display and up to 44 hours using the outer display.
Charging is also quick. Apple says a 20-minute charge can replenish half the battery, while a five-minute charge can provide up to five hours of video playback.
For the complete specifications and first-look details, check out our main iPhone Duo launch coverage.
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