iPhone event launch is always an event worth waiting for and well, this time around it was no different. The number one smartphone manufacturing company around the world kick-start this year event with the launch of three new smartphones iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Oh, and don’t forget the company also introduced the latest Apple watch 4 (we won’t be talking about that here).
So, what’s the best bet amongst the three new devices launched by Apple?
Here we are going to review three devices and try to figure out where’s the best deal for you.
iPhone XR – The bottom range that’s still far above many!
So, let’s start with iPhone XR, which is the lowest priced iPhone launched this year. Now, don’t get me wrong as lowest price doesn’t mean cheapest and it still sits well over many of the flagship devices from various other companies and is priced at £749, still higher than iPhone 8. Nonetheless, iPhone XR boasts a similar design to iPhone XS and the difference lies with the specifications (which we will be looking at the greater detail in a moment).
iPhone XS and XS Max – Do they really worth the price?
Now, these smartphones are what according to the company is the successor of the last year’s iPhone X and boy, they do cost some serious money. Looking at the design, iPhone XS seems to be the identical twin of the last year’s iPhone X and boost an impressive 5.8 inch display (not bad really). Now, let’s talk about the big brother; the iPhone XS Max, this giant boost a screen size of the 6.5-inch display and surely challenge many people in terms of handling.
Getting above the basics:
Ok, now that we are done with the basics, let’s check out the major features of each of the three new devices from iPhone quickly and then we can discuss the details:
| Details | iPhone XS/iPhone XS Max | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.8-inch or 6.5-inch 19.5:9 1124 x 2436 AMOLED | 6.1 inch IPS LCD |
| Processor | Apple A12 Bionic | Apple A12 Bionic |
| RAM | TBC | TBC |
| Rear camera | Dual 12 megapixels | Single 12 megapixels |
| Front camera | 7 megapixels | 7 megapixels |
| Battery | TBC | TBC |
| Software | iOS 12 | iOS 12 |
| Storage | 64/256/512GB | 64/128/256GB |
Looks Pretty Similar – Or is it?
So, basically, if we look at the processing power of the three devices, that’s almost similar. All the three devices are powered by the latest and powerful A12 Bionic Processor, which means we can expect similar performance from them. Having said that, we still need to check out the benchmarks for the devices and see if they really perform similarly.
Keeping up with its culture, Apple hasn’t opened their lips about the RAM that goes inside each of the devices, which leave us only guessing about the performance ability of each of the new devices. According to some inside rumors, the base model iPhone XR boost a 3GB RAM, whereas the higher models iPhone XS and XS Max boost a 4GB RAM. Again, these are only speculations and we can’t give the final word on this (at least for the moment).
All three devices will run of iOS 12 that is boosted to bring in improved screen time, faster speeds, enhanced performance, and some improved notifications. So, you really don’t have to worry about the performance and speed of your device if you haven’t got the money to aim for the highest price device.
The Differentiators:
Well, when it comes to storage, for some reason (we guess it’s to create some point of differentiation), Apple has kept the storing sizes (available) for each of the set different. The base model i-e iPhone XR comes with a 64GB, 128GB, and 256 GB storage options, whereas for the upper models iPhone XS and XS Max, the storage variations are kept at 64 GB, 256 GB and massive 512 GB.
Another differentiating aspect between XR, XS and XS Max is the display. The base model XR comes with a liquid retina LCD panel which according to the company gives far better and crisp display than earlier LCD panels. Whereas, the XS and XS Max models come with a Super Retina OLED display (yup that OLED panel is manufactured by Samsung).
OLED panels with all its battery saving characteristics and crisp sharp display definitely give a boost to overall display feature for the new iPhones (finally you can have a display in an iPhone that’s comparable to Samsung flagship devices). The color contrasts are definitely impressive with OLED displays and not to forget the exquisitely enchanting HDR display that you’ll get from the perfect black display ability of OLED panels.
Another sharp contrast between iPhone XR, XS Max, and XS is the camera function. While the front camera remains standard 7MP on all three devices, the rear cameras for XS Max and XS boost dual 12MP camera system, whereas, the XR got the standard 12MP single lens camera. Obviously a big disadvantage for the base model.
Price:
Ok, so now let’s talk about some real practical stuff. The base model iPhone XR comes at a fairly expensive price of $ 749 (yup you read that right) for the standard 64GB variant, whereas going for more storage will cost you $799 for 128GB variant and $899 for 256GB variant.
Already feeling drizzly?
Coming to iPhone XS and XS Max, the base model for XS starts from $999 for 64GB and goes as high as $1300 for iPhone XS Max.
Verdict:
Well, before we give our verdict for one of the three iPhones launched this year, let’s accept that the price on offer here is massive and much higher than many of the flagship devices boosting almost similar features.
However, if you are really an iPhone fanatic who can’t digest android than perhaps iPhone XR is the best bet. The phone offers pretty much similar performance specs as of higher models (with little compromise of the camera and display quality) but overall that seems to be one that’s really worth your money.