The three new iPhones have arrived with exorbitant pricing. While each represents an upgrade, the iPhone XS (pronounced the “Ten Es”), its larger variant iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR all build upon the design of the iPhone X.
Many aspects remain unchanged from last year’s flagships, yet improvements are evident. The new iPhones boast bigger, crisper displays, a new design featuring surgical-grade aluminum and stainless steel with an immaculate finish, and enhanced power. Fueled by the all-new A12 Bionic chipset, they offer notably improved speed and efficiency compared to the 2017’s iPhone X. Let’s delve into how the new iPhones surpass last year’s flagship:
iPhone X
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
Display
5.8-inch OLED
5.8-inch OLED
6.5-inch OLED
6.1-inch LCD
Processor
A11 Bionic
A12 Bionic
A12 Bionic
A12 Bionic
RAM
3GB
4GB
4GB
3GB
Internal Storage
64GB, 256GB
64GB, 256GB, 512GB
64GB, 256GB, 512GB
64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Primary Camera
12MP+12MP
12MP+12MP
12MP+12MP
12MP
Secondary Camera
7MP
7MP
7MP
7MP
Operating System
iOS 11
iOS 12
iOS 12
iOS 12
Battery
2716 mAh
Not Disclosed
Not Disclosed
Not Disclosed
Colors
Silver, Space Gray
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Now that we understand the new iPhones surpass the iPhone X in power, let’s explore the exciting features of these upgraded models:
More powerful than previous chipsets, the A12 Bionic, based on Fusion architecture, is significantly faster and more power-efficient, according to Apple. Apart from speed, the major change is the new eight-core neural processing unit (NPU), enabling real-time AI algorithms for various applications.
The A12 Bionic isn’t just smarter but also the industry’s first commercially available chipset manufactured using a 7nm process—although Huawei recently unveiled the Kirin 980 with the same process.
All three new iPhones now feature an improved version of Apple’s Face ID introduced last year with the iPhone X. The new Face ID is faster at assessing faces and unlocking the iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR. Touch ID has been dropped completely from the lineup.
Displays
The iPhone XS Max redefines large iPhones, prompting the company to adopt new nomenclature. The ‘Max’ display is massive at 6.5 inches with a resolution of 2688×1242 pixels, maintaining the same pixel density of 458ppi as the 5.8-inch display on the iPhone XS.
Long-rumored, Apple unveiled an LCD iPhone this year featuring the “Liquid Retina” display. The 6.1-inch screen boasts a resolution of 1792×828 and a pixel density of 326ppi. Despite not reaching full HD, Apple touts impressive color reproduction and accuracy on this display.
All three iPhones now sport 120Hz touch-sensing for enhanced haptic feedback, quicker touch recognition, and faster typing. However, this isn’t the 120Hz refresh rate found on the Razer Phone.
Enhanced Stereo Speakers
The iPhones XS, XS Max, and XR have stereo speakers upgraded from the iPhone X. These speakers deliver a wider stereo effect, providing an immersive sound experience with enhanced spatial sound and improved clarity for gaming or watching videos.
Dual SIM
The most advanced Apple smartphones, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, now support dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two different numbers on a single device. In addition to the primary SIM, Apple has incorporated an eSIM, similar to those found in the Apple Watch and the latest iPads. This feature will be supported by major operators worldwide, including Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone in India.
Exclusive to China, Apple will use a dual-sided SIM tray allowing users to utilize two physical SIM cards simultaneously.
Enhanced Water Resistance
Compared to iPhone X’s IP67 rating, the iPhone XS and XS Max boast IP68 certification, offering superior dust and water resistance. Apple assures users of the ability to submerge the device in water up to 2 meters deep for 30 minutes without damage. In contrast, the iPhone XR features an IP67 rating.
Smart HDR
The new iPhones feature Smart HDR, enhancing images by capturing four shots at small intervals to record lighting and depth. This advanced image processing utilizes the improved ISP and NPU on the A12 Bionic chipset.
Enhanced Battery Life
The iPhone XS boasts 30 extra minutes of battery life compared to the iPhone X, while the iPhone XS Max surpasses the iPhone X by 90 minutes. Similarly, the iPhone XR offers an additional 90 minutes of usage time over the iPhone 8 Plus. Apple has not disclosed battery capacities, but we’ll provide updates once the mAh numbers are available.
iOS 12
2018’s iPhone trio comes with iOS 12. It features faster animations, quicker app launches, improved Animoji, and a new self-Animoji or “Memoji” option. Additionally, Group Facetime supports up to 32 participants. To assist users in winding down after heavy usage, iOS 12 introduces features such as Screen Time, App Limits, and Downtime.
Aside from iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR, iOS 12 will be available for older devices from September 17, preceding the new iPhones’ shipment.
iPhone XS Lineup: A Worthy Upgrade?
The new iPhones enhance iPhone’s performance, but whether they surpass the iPhone X remains uncertain.
The performance of these new phones and camera improvements over the last gen are pivotal. We’ll need to wait until September 28 to assess the device upon its India release. While I believe the new smartphone will greatly benefit those upgrading from older iPhones, iPhone X users can still fully utilize last year’s flagship without envy.
What are your thoughts on the new iPhones? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
