iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, or feature phones.
Mobile Phones
Can I replace the battery in my iPhone 6?
Episode 1662
Pete fromPete wants to know if he can change the battery in his iPhone 6 and how long will it last? Leo says that Apple will replace the battery for $99, and it should last as long as the original. It's rated for 500 recharges. It should last at least two more years with normal use.
Why am I getting bad cell reception?
Episode 1662
Alice fromAlice's iPhone 7 will change its signal from 1 bar to 5 bars even when she's not moving. What's the deal? Leo says that Alice's iPhone has a weak signal where she's located. Also, antenna signals can be attenuated depending on how she holds her phone, but it's likely she's just in a bad area for cell reception. But Leo says that since she also has the problem elsewhere, it may be a physical issue. And since Alice has had that phone for a few years, it may be time to get a new phone. One way to verify is to put a SIM card in from another carrier. If the problem persists, it's the phone.
What's the difference between dual active SIM and dual standby SIM phones?
Episode 1660
Rick fromRick wants to know the difference between dual sim standby phones and dual sim active phones. Leo says that most modern phones now support dual sim active, enabling you to switch between two lines with one phone. Most use two SIMS, but other phones, like the iPhone 11, offers an eSIM option, where you have one actual SIM, but an electronic SIM for another phone line. Dual Standby means both connect to their networks, but independently.
How Can I Backup SMS Texts?
Episode 1659
Don fromJohn wants to save SMS text messages. Leo says that in his Android device there is a built-in backup for text messages in the settings. But there's also a ton of apps out there including SMS Backup and Restore. SMS Android Plus. Check out the article here - https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/08/21/backup-sms-text-messages-android/.
Which Camera Should I Take on a Cross Country Train Trip?
Episode 1659
Joe fromJoe wants a good camera for his upcoming train trip. Would a GoPro work or should he rely on his cellphone? Leo says either will work, but he wants to be sure the mobile device has image stabilization. He could get a gimbal for the smartphone too. That'll stabilize the image. Leo recommends the DJI Osmo.
Will an iPhone 11 Work on US Cellular?
Episode 1659
Micah fromMicah's friend is going to Guatemala and he convinced her to get a new iPhone 11 for the trip. But her cell phone company won't take the phone unless they buy it from her. Leo says that's not true at all. The iPhone is unlocked by Apple. She may have to reset the APN so that the phone will download the proper network settings from US Cellular. One thing to consider is GOOGLE FI. It uses Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. It won't work an iPhone on anything except T-Mobile, but it will work with a Moto G7.
What's a good waterproof case for the iPhone?
Episode 1655
Steven fromSteven recently bought an iPhone 11 and he's concerned about it getting wet. Is there a good waterproof case? Leo says that Lifecase is a great option. But you want to be sure you get one that it fits in. Don't use an old one. The phone also won't make a call in the lock screen, and facial recognition isn't working. Leo suspects Steven has a lemon on his hands and he should go back to Apple and ask for a replacement. You can also update iOS and see if that fixes any bugs.
What New Android Phone Should I Get?
Episode 1654
Dennis fromDennis has an original Google Pixel but he's having issues where he has to reboot it. Turns out it's a motherboard issue with is the phone. But the recall has passed and he was never notified. Leo says that he isn't sure companies are required to inform their customers, though they should. Google is also going to retire that model anyway, so it's high time to get a new one. Leo recommends the Google Pixel 3A, and it's on sale right now for around $229. Best deal out there right now.
Will the Tech in My Old Flip Phone Expire Soon?
Episode 1652
Richard fromRichard wants to know if the technology in his very ancient cell phones expires or not. Leo recommends calling directly since the functionality is specific to the carrier.
Richard is also curious about Rich Demuro's iOS book, and Leo suggests the modern edition since Richard should be running the latest iOS anyway.
Are Motorola phones secure?
Episode 1653
Mark fromMark is concerned that Motorola mobile phones aren't secure since Lenovo, a company from China, now owns it. Leo says that while China has raised the standard of living of most of its people, it's been at a terrible cost of freedom. Also, China has stolen much intellectual property in the last few years. But the ability to manufacture electronics cheaply in China has been beneficial to everyone. But if you're going to use a mobile phone, it's going to be made in China, no matter what brand it is.
