Apple iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR become official after spending a lengthy time in the rumor mill. It has been a long time waiting for the Cupertino company's latest smartphones, so let's go straight to the meat of the conversation.
[ads-post]
iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
The iPhone XS is definitely a spec-bumped version of last year's iPhone X. It comes with the same 5.8-inch Super Retina display with 2436 x 1125p resolution. On the other hand, the iPhone XS Max is similar in essence but it's obviously the bigger version of the duo at 6.5-inch display with 2688 x 1242p resolution. Both packs LED screens with 60% greater dynamic range compared to last year's iPhone X. Likewise, both have the second-generation Face ID which is said to be faster and more secure with Apple's Secure Enclave.
Both handsets also tout a surgical-grade stainless steel frames. The body is also treated with IP68 water and dust resistant grade which allows the phones to withstand water intrusion up to 2 meters in 30 minutes.
At the back, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max also sport a glass backing which, according to the iPhone maker, is the strongest glass there is in a smartphone. Aside from the Silver and Space Gray, there's a stunning gold color option that might sell more compared to other hues.
Camera
The iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max have identical camera systems. Both come with a dual-rear camera module - 12MP f/1.8 wide angle lens + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens. Expect big improvements in the camera since Apple is using new sensors with these iPhones. On the front, both have a 7MP f/2.2 RGB camera backed up with an IR camera and a Dot projector.
Photos are now processed faster with better accuracy due to the Neural Engine Image Processing. According to Apple, the Portrait mode has also been improved. Other significant camera upgrades are the Smart HDR and Depth Control that allow you to adjust the the depth-of-field right after you take the photo.
Hardware
The iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max tick with the latest Apple A12 Bionic chipset which is the first-ever SoC made in a 7-nanometer process. The custom-made processor is said to have 15% increase in performance compared to the A11. Likewise, the GPU gained 50% increase compared to last year's graphic worker.
Apple also announced the availablility of a 512GB storage option for both handsets. In terms of the battery, expect the iPhone XS to have "30 minutes more" than iPhone X, while iPhone XS Max to have 90 minutes more than last year's major iPhone.
There also a dual-SIM capability present in these iPhones with one physical SIM and another e-SIM support.
The iPhone XS starts at USD 999 while the iPhone XS Max starts at USD 1099. You can choose among 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations for the iPhone XS, while the iPhone XS Max has 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations. Pre-orders starts September 14 in the United States with September 21 availability.
iPhone XR
Probably the most interesting iPhone from the bunch, the iPhone XR. The handset's design is a fusion of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. In fact, it's also stuck in the middle in terms of the screen size - 6.1-inch. The display is an LCD panel making it the most affordable among the trio. It's also interesting to note that the iPhone XR does not have the 3D Touch technology which has been present in the iPhones since iPhone 6s.
The iPhone XR's Liquid Retina display packs 1792 x 828 pixels. It also ships with the first-generation True Depth camera system present in 2017's iPhone X. Thus, the handset supports Face ID which is a sophisticated technology when we talk about biometrics.
The iPhone XR's rear camera is a 12MP (single lens) wide-angle module which is identical to iPhone XS and XS Max. It also supports Smart HDR and Portrait Lighting.
Surprisingly, this iPhone is also powered by Apple A12 Bionic which definitely screams performance. Apple also stressed that its battery life will be 90 minutes longer than the iPhone 8 Plus.
The iPhone XR is cased in a 7000 series grade aluminum in contrast with the stainless steel that its more expensive brethren have. But what it lacks in polish it makes up with its wide range of color options. The iPhone XR comes in white, black, coral, yellow, and red. It starts at USD 749 in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations.