PhoneSentral Tech in Simplicity
The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XR, better known as the iPhone XS range, has just been announced.
The new range is a slight upgrade from its predecessors but there are still some interesting things about this new range.
For starters, the new range is a clear indication that Apple is working to match the influence of the Samsung Galaxy Note series. As we all know, the Samsung Galaxy Note9 is close to perfect, and Apple has long neglected phablets like the Note9.
READ MY REVIEW OF THE SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE9
KEY SPECIFICATIONS OF THE IPHONE XS, XS MAX AND XR
As usual, I will only look at the key specifications that are important to me, namely the phone storage, the RAM, the camera and the battery life. Anything else is not exactly important when you have a smartphone and to me is largely only there because you want it, and not that you really need it.
That said, the iPhone XS general specifications are:
- Size: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm
- Screen technology: Super Retina HD display
- Processor: A12 Bionic chip
- ROM Memory: 64GB/256GB/512GB
- RAM Memory: 4GB
- Rear Camera: Dual camera 12MP (wide-angle and telephoto cameras) with 4K recording
- Front camera: 7 MP, f/2.2
- Battery: Not known
- Resistance rating: IP68 (Splash, Dust and scratch)
The iPhone XS Max shares the same specifications with the iPhone XS, but it boast a larger 6.5-inch screen, compared to the iPhone XS which only comes with a 5.9-inch screen.
It is said to also have better battery life and is slightly heavier by 100 grams if compared to the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XR is the cheapest iPhone to be launched a few days ago.
While it does have more colour options, the phone doesn’t offer 512GB ROM storage, has only one 12MP camera and is only IP67 rated, which is lower than both the iPhone XS and XS Max.
I think the introduction video below by Apple would be just nice to show the new iPhone range.
IPHONE XS CAMERA REVIEW & COMPARISON
I can’t compare the cameras of the iPhone XS with other phones just yet as there’s no comparison videos available.
However, if you are someone into statistics and DXOMark rankings, the iPhone XS Max ranks below the Huawei P20 Pro according to GizmoChina.
Once I do find camera reviews and comparisons, I will update them here.
A full review of the iPhone XS Max can be read on DXOMark.
READ THE INTENSE DXOMARK CAMERA REVIEW FOR THE IPHONE XS MAX
IPHONE XS DURABILITY
The new iPhone XS promises to be more durable than its predecessor, the iPhone X. Not only has the IP rating go up to IP68 from IP67, the iPhone XS withstands the drop test even better.
JerryRigsEverything did a realistic durability test by dropping the iPhone XS seven times from levels as high as his ear, and the results were quite astounding.
The iPhone XS passed all his drop test with flying colours without any real damage or cracked screen! – This has got to be the most durable iPhone yet!
The full video of the test can be seen below.
The usual durability test by Jerry also shows that the iPhone XS is well protected from heat, scratches fire, and even bends.
Check out the full video of his durability test below.
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ADVANTAGES OF THE IPHONE XS
The iPhone XS is said to be more durable than the iPhone X. In fact it may be the most durable iPhone yet. According to Apple, its IP68 rating allows you to use the phone submerged in water for a good 30 minutes.
Also improved is the display which is better than other iPhones. Apple claims its sharper than previously, calling it “Super Retina HD display”.
Another advantage is the super fast facial recognition on Apple. I think this isn’t a breakthrough, but on the iPhone XS, it seems to be.
Advantages in the new iPhone come mostly in the camera. For starters, you do have a faster sensor in the front camera, smart HDR and the portrait mode with depth control. Technically, the photos of the iPhone XS are better compared to previous iPhone versions.
Last but not least, the A12 is a new processor and it’s always good to get faster and newer processors in a smartphone.
If you need more reasons to buy the iPhone XS and XS Max, watch the video below.
DISADVANTAGES OF THE IPHONE XS
I think the biggest problem with any iPhone is the price. This is the same with the iPhone XS range. I will mention the price below.
Another disadvantage is the upgrade. Unlike the iPhone X, the new iPhone ranges isn’t jaw dropping especially when it comes to specification. It is a slight upgrade and many of its functions aren’t exactly new.
The little difference between the iPhone X and iPhone XS means that it might not be worth the upgrade for now.
For non-Apple fans, Android is of course way better than the iPhone for such price, especially if you consider how amazing the Huawei P20 Pro is done. Read my review if you don’t believe me.
PRICE AND WHERE TO BUY THE IPHONES
Priced from USD999 for the iPhone XS and USD1099 for the XS Max, the phones are anything but cheap.
In Malaysia, dealers are selling the iPhone XS on pre-order are doing so for a whopping RM4,888.
PRE-ORDER THE APPLE IPHONE XS FOR RM4,888
The iPhone XS Max isn’t any cheaper, fetching over RM5,000 with prices starting at RM5,499.
PRE-ORDER THE APPLE IPHONE XS MAX FOR RM5,499
If you want the cheapest iPhone in the new range, the iPhone XR is sold at RM4,200.
PRE-ORDER THE APPLE IPHONE XR FOR RM4,200
Note that all the prices mentioned are for pre-orders and it is likely telcos would offer better deals when the iPhone new range does come into Malaysia officially. I will share telco offers here as well, so bookmark this page!
CONCLUSION
While it is always good to own something new and flashy such as the new range of iPhones, I do personally feel that it is not exactly worth it.
iPhones usually last for quite sometime if compared to their Android counterparts, and I think the iPhone 8 in particular is still a very great model despite its age.
That said, if you have money to spare, buy the new iPhone. However, if you just want an upgrade from that old iPhone 7 or later, the iPhone 8 is being sold at a much cheaper rates after Apple sliced their prices yesterday. – A special edition iPhone 8 now cost just RM2,899, down from its RM3,442 price. If you didn’t know, Apple is stepping up their support for older iPhones, so it makes sense to buy older versions like the iPhone 8.
BUY THE SPECIAL EDITION IPHONE 8 AT RM2,899
But if you are looking for the Apple iPhone X, then the price hasn’t gone down much. It is of course still cheaper than the new range.
