Apple’s new flagship iPhone line-up has launched, and this year Apple has gone back to a S-cycle for their top of the line phone. (Apple leap-frogged from the iPhone 7 to iPhone 8 last year) More over, there’s a new iPhone variant, the iPhone Xr, which replaces the iPhone SE. (Sorry folks, no more iPhone 5s-like body type moving forward.)
But, who are these iPhones for? If you own an iPhone X, like I do, do you upgrade? What do you upgrade to? Or, should you wait for next year? Let’s dive in.
iPhone Xs
The iPhone Xs is what we have come to expect with the S models. Like other S models, the phone casing is near identical to the previous year’s model and this device is no different. The internal hardware and specs have been updated, faster processor in the A12 Bionic chip. Faster Face ID. Better camera sensors. Slightly better battery life. All typical S model upgrades. The more powerful A12 Bionic chip gives the iPhone Xs a few extra features. For example, the Camera app gets Smart HDR and better Portrait photos. There’s a fun new feature with Portrait photos where you can adjust the depth of field after a photo has been taken. A really cool feature, but not one that’s worth the upgrade. The fact Apple still use the moniker Bionic, for the A12 chip, tells me they even consider the chip a minor update. Don’t get me wrong, it sounds like a great piece of silicon, but not a giant leap in Apple’s custom silicon.
It’s also interesting to note that, unlike previous S models, there’s no new innovative stand out feature. With the iPhone 4s it was the addition of Siri. The iPhone 5s introduced Touch ID. And, the iPhone 6s added 3D Touch to the screen. iPhone Xs doesn’t have a defining new feature like this.
So, to sum up the iPhone Xs: It’s very similar to the iPhone X, but faster with improved cameras capabilites. Oh, and there’s a gold colour option now.
iPhone Xs Max
I know what you’re all thinking. But, what about the iPhone Xs Max and it’s larger screen. Yes, this year’s iPhone cycle brought with it a new screen size, and if that is a huge game changer for you, then upgrading to the iPhone Xs Max would be worth looking into. But, like the Plus size models before it, it’s not something that appeals to everyone, or is just too big for people’s hands. Other than the larger 6.5 inch screen and better battery life, nothing else sets the iPhone Xs and Xs Max apart.
Having held the iPhone Xs Max, I can say it feels just like my old iPhone 7 Plus, but the edge to edge screen is very impressive and is very enticing to anyone who likes having the biggest and best screen in their pocket.
If Apple launched the iPhone X with a “Max” sized screen last year, I probably would have bought that. But this year, a larger screen isn’t enough for me to upgrade this year, especially with the huge price tag of the Max model.
iPhone Xr
The most interesting announcement during the iPhone portion of the event was the reveal of the iPhone Xr. An iPhone with the internal specs of the iPhone Xs but with a LCD display and a single lens rear camera. It’s also made out of aluminium instead of stainless steel. The display is an in-between size of 6.1 inch, bigger than the iPhone Xs, but is missing 3D Touch and is lower resolution and lower contrast ratio. The price is $250 less than the Xs and it comes in six colours.
Comparing it to last year’s iPhone X, you get some upgrades in internal specs and a larger screen, but also some downgrades like the single lens camera, LCD display with no 3D Touch and aluminium frame.
Apple is also releasing the iPhone Xr in October, a month after the iPhone Xs release. This is likely to drive iPhone Xs sales as much as possible.
Who Are These iPhones for?
If you have to have the latest and greatest iPhone, then you will probably be eyeballing the iPhone Xs Max; or the iPhone Xs, if you find the Plus/Max sized phones too big for your hands. My guess is most people will be opting for the Max version if they have the money to spare, are familiar with the Plus sized phones and want the biggest screen possible.
If you didn’t get the iPhone X last year, you have some options. Any one of these phones are compelling, especially the iPhone Xr with it’s lower price point. The iPhone Xs is, on paper, better than the iPhone X. And, the iPhone Xs Max is just the best of the best.
If you are like me and have an iPhone X with no extra money to spend, you will probably be happy with last year’s iPhone X for another year. The iPhone Xs Max is tempting and I did love my iPhone 7 Plus, but the price is really high and other than the screen size, it doesn’t offer much more in terms of additional benefits. I think I can hold out until next year’s iPhone and get the Max version of that. Hopefully, by then, I will have saved enough pennies.
