How do the iPhone5s and the Samsung Galaxy S4 compare?

Apple recently announced the iPhone5s and the iPhone5c, with the “s” model being the superior of the two. This new phone builds on the iPhone 5 which came out one year ago. There are many fans of the iPhone and many fans of Android phones. The Android phone that is most similar to the iPhone5s is the Samsung Galaxy S4. Which phone is better? The International Business Times writes in a September 10, 2013 article that there is not one winner. Rather, it is a matter of preference. Each phone is excellent and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Still, it is worth reviewing the key specifications of each phones main features.

Phone dimensions

The Galaxy’s screen is larger than the iPhone’s screen. There is in fact a one-inch difference. The Galaxy measures 5” and the iPhone measures 4”. Additionally, the Samsung screen is a higher resolution screen. In fact, it is a full HD screen, but at such a small size, some may not notice a large difference between the two.

Another difference is the look of the phones. The Galaxy phone has a plastic casing, but the iPhone is made out of a metal body. Metal may sound like a better idea to some, but others may like the plastic.

iPhone performance vs. Galaxy performance

Apple is using a better processor in this version of the iPhone than the older version. Apple has not given exact specifications of the processor and the RAM. The Samsung Galaxy has a 1.6Gz processor and 2GB of RAM. The IB Times notes, however, that once phones are very fast, slight differences between models do not make a difference. Rather, software efficiency is what makes the difference.

Phone software

The Samsung phone runs on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean). This software is familiar to many consumers because it is used on other phones. On the other hand, the iPhone’s operating system, iOS7 is brand new. It is a major redesign of all of the iPhone operating system. It should be easy to use even though it will be a redesign.

Verdict

Each phone’s cameras are different. The IB Times did not yet test the iPhone, but it seems like the iPhone camera is better. The specifications of each phone are impressive, so one is not significantly better than the other. It is recommended that one try out the phone before purchasing at a store, which can include a pawnshop. Pawnshops sell phones at competitive prices. Consumers should pick a phone with the help of a live sales expert.

Pawnshops expand their services

Some pawnshops have begun to offer convenient financial services in addition to pawn loans, according to an August 25, 2013 New York Times article. As the number of pawnshops increases, each shop is vying to get more customers and additional financial services are one way of doing so.

Getting customers into the door

The lure of check cashing, wire transfers, prepaid cards and, sometimes, lines of credit services are more than enough to get consumers into the door of the pawnshops.

More customers means more revenue

Pawnshops that attract more customers will undoubtedly conduct more business by issuing more pawn loans and selling and buying items, such as jewelry and electronics. These shops now have two types of income and can make more money with both services. The article mentioned that the National Pawnbrokers Association states that there is a wide range in interest rates on pawn loans—from 2.5% to 25%. The higher the percentage, the more money the pawnbroker will make from the loan. Generally, financial service fees bring in less money than pawn loans.

When are pawn loans the best option?

Pawn loans can be helpful for those who cannot obtain a bank loan or a line of credit due to a poor credit history. This type of loan is based on collateral. That is, if someone decides to pawn a watch, the collateral, then they will have a set amount of time, usually between one and four months, to pay back the loan for that watch with interest. People are able to obtain these pawnshop loans without a great credit record. Even if someone has a credit card, the interest rate on his or her credit card may be higher than the interest rate on a pawn loan, making pawning a preferable option.