That said, the XS and XR models have a lot to offer and are great phones. Their internals have changed so they’re faster and even offer one feature that’s totally new to the iPhone. Here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR,
The Coolest Features of the iPhone XS and XS Max
The iPhone XS and XS Max are evolutionary improvements over the iPhone X, not revolutionary. Some of the most important features on these models include:
A Huge Screen: The iPhone XS sports the same 5.8-inch screen as the iPhone X, but the XS Max offers the biggest screen ever on an iPhone: a huge 6.5 inches. The XS Max may be too big for those with smaller hands, but no iPhone screen has ever looked this great. A Fantastic Camera: The XS and XS Max use the same camera, and it’s fantastic. We know how good it is because it’s virtually the same camera as on the iPhone X. It takes 12-megapixel photos, offers wide angle and telephoto options, optical and digital zoom, Portrait Lighting, 4K video recording, and much more. The XS and XS Max add a few wrinkles, including stereo sound for video recording. Up to 512 GB Storage: The iPhone XS and XS Max double the maximum storage capacity on the high-end iPhone to 512 GB. According to Apple, that’s enough for a couple hundred thousand photos, plus other data. Dual SIM: Thanks to an innovative dual SIM system, the XS and XS Max can have two phone numbers assigned to the same phone. The first SIM is a physical SIM card. The second eSIM is totally software-based. This will make overseas travel easier; sign up for local service wherever you are using the eSIM without swapping your old SIM or losing access to the phone number everyone back home has for you (and kiss big data roaming bills goodbye!). Improved Internals: The XS and XS Max are built around better internal components than the iPhone X. The A12 Bionic processor in both phones is faster than the A11 in the iPhone X (how fast depends on what you’re doing). Compared to the iPhone X, the battery provides 30 and 90 minutes more life on the XS and XS Max, respectively. Better Protection: The dust- and water-proofing on the iPhone XS and XS Max meets the IP68 standard. That means they’re waterproof for up to 30 minutes when sunk in 2 meters of water. Standard iPhone Features: Like every iPhone, you’ll find key Apple features and technologies like Apple Pay and Siri on the XS and XS Max. And, like their predecessor, these models use Face ID for security and authorizing transactions.
The Coolest Features of the iPhone XR
The iPhone XR looks pretty different from the iPhone XS. What’s going on under the hood of this model is pretty different from the XS, too. Here are key features of the iPhone XR:
6.1-Inch LCD Screen: While the iPhone XR doesn’t have the high-end OLED screen used on the iPhone X or XS, it does sport a 6.1-inch LCD screen. Don’t let folks convince you that the screen can’t be good because it’s not OLED. This is the best LCD screen Apple has shipped. Unlike the XS, the XR’s screen does not support 3D Touch. A12 Bionic Processor: The XR is built around the same powerful new A12 Bionic processor as the XS. All three models have the same combination of high-performance and high-efficiency chips, and use the same Neural Engine for artificial intelligence and machine learning. A Very Good Camera: The camera on the iPhone XR doesn’t match the nearly professional-grade equipment on the XS, but it’s still by far the best camera most people have ever owned. Its single-lens system offers telephoto images, hardware-based image stabilization, 4K video recording, and some Portrait Lighting features. Three Storage Options: Because the XR is a mainstream phone, it offers a wider range of storage options. Choose from 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB to meet your storage needs and match your budget. A Compelling Price: The 64 GB iPhone XR starts at US$749. While that may seem like a lot for a smartphone, it’s $200 less than the lowest-priced iPhone XS. That price puts this highly functional, high-end phone in reach for many people. Standard iPhone Features: Like the XS series, the iPhone XR features all of the core iPhone technologies, including Siri, Apple Pay, and Face ID. Multiple Colors: Plenty of people show off their favorite colors in the case they choose. If you prefer to go caseless or like a transparent case, though, you can sport a bunch of bright colors on the XR.
What About the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 7?
Despite the introduction of new models, many previous iPhones are still around. This has been Apple’s pattern in recent years: Introduce new models and keep the old ones around at lower prices as attractive options for more budget-conscious consumers. In this case, Apple is continuing to offer the iPhone 8 series phones, starting at less than half the price of the iPhone XS. The iPhone X was replaced entirely by the XS and XR and the iPhone 7 was discontinued.
