Smartphones Apple iPhone XS and XS Max - advantages and disadvantages

On September 12, the presentation of two new products took place in the center of the best manufacturer of mobile electronics "Apple". The popular iPhone X model has been replaced by the reliable iPhone XS and XS Max smartphones, the advantages and disadvantages of which are discussed in this article.

What is the correct name for the models?

Until the demonstration, the names of the phones remained secret, while the media vied with each other to make references to the most diverse options, including the dubious iPhone 9, iPhone Pro, and even the iPhone 11.

The name iPhone Xs was not offered, and no one thought of the prefix “Max” at all.The fact is that before that, Apple used the “Plus” insert and such a change to “Max” became absolutely unpredictable, but this makes sense. It lies in the fact that the screen diagonal of the device with the “Plus” insert was invariably 5.5 inches, and therefore the gadget with a display with a diagonal of 6.5 inches simply had to be called differently.

As well as with the iPhone X, the “X” in the names of the models that have already gained popularity is not the “x” symbol, but the Latin number 10 (translated from English “ten”). In simple terms, 2018 phones are the heirs of the tenth iPhone, as evidenced by the “s” symbol following the “X”, and the “Max” insert shows on a larger screen.

Important! Despite the fact that everywhere they often say: "iPhone X Es" and "iPhone X Es Max", in reality the models are called - "iPhone Ten X" and "iPhone Ten X Max", respectively.

Review of Apple iPhone XS and XS Max

The Max version is equipped with a giant OLED screen, the diagonal of which is 6.5 inches, the XS is 5.8 inches. Smartphones were equipped with a system based on the innovative A12 Bionic processor, 4 GB of RAM, an intelligent dual-module camera of a vertical type and a host of other useful things. Implementation in the Russian Federation starts on September 28, 2018.

Equipment

Alas, Apple in 2018 did not decide to put fast or wireless charging in the box of productive new products. In addition, now there is no Lightning to 3.5 mm audio adapter in the package, which, by the way, the predecessors had.

Design and ergonomics

The fact that the new devices are the true successors to the iPhone X and X Plus is clear at a glance. The appearance of the phones is almost identical to its predecessors.The gadgets are made with a shell typical for Apple phones, rounded at the corners, which is made of two panels of glass and a stainless steel frame between them. The glasses are protective, and in the new models their characteristics have been improved when compared with the top ten.

The connecting frame has increased resistance to damage. The fact is that in the direction of the same frame in the tenth model, a lot of complaints poured in, they say, the frame gradually peeled off. Despite the fact that there were few such reviews, the company nevertheless improved this shortcoming. It is worth noting that the color on the shell of smartphones was applied using a one-of-a-kind PVD coating method, which allows to achieve a glossy effect.

The overall shape of the gadget shell has remained the same when compared with previous models. The case, as always, feels a bit elongated. This feeling is due to the full screen with small bezels, and the display on the Xs Max is really huge. Dimensions "Max" are only slightly larger when compared with the seventh and eighth plus, namely - 157.5x77.4x7.7 mm. The weight of the phone is 208 grams. The iPhone Xs has the following parameters: 143.6x70.9x7.7 mm, weight - 177 g.

In fact, the new “Max” model is similar in some ways to the eighth, but with an innovative screen and an extremely reduced bezel. In 2017, the same designation was acceptable for the iPhone X. The phone was completely different in size from the eighth, but due to the screen it looked completely different.

Literally, on the entire front cover there is a giant screen, the diagonal of which is 6.5 inches with a reduced bezel.The display looks really huge - before that, Apple phones had no similar dimensions. The creators managed to enlarge the screen and keep the practical dimensions thanks to the reduction of the frame.

Most of all "received" the side and bottom frames, they are almost invisible. The top bezel is similar to the iPhone X. It looks like an "island" with large protrusions along the edges. It is worth noting that despite the rumors, the company has not abandoned the “bangs” in this year's model. There is an opinion that this will happen in 2019.

The placement of the components on the shell of the models is typical for the "family". On the right is the on-off key, as well as the SIM card slot, on the left are the volume control keys and the sound mode switch. On the bottom are speaker grilles and a typical Lightning jack. The company hasn't moved to USB Type C, although there have been similar references. Above is emptiness.

The whole appearance of smartphones is similar to its predecessors, but the organization has done everything to make the phone memorable not only because of its size. New items are released in three colors at once:

1. Grey;
2. Silver;
3. Brand new - gold.

Apple has never used a similar golden tint, so the new color stands out with more juiciness.

Screen

The display is the main feature of the Xs Max model. The phone was equipped with a giant Super Retina HD OLED screen, the diagonal of which is 6.5 inches. The proportions of the sides of the screen are 18:9, the resolution is 1242x2688px. (density - 458 ppi). The younger "brother" distinguished itself with a diagonal of 5.8 inches, a resolution of 1125x2436 and identical pixel density parameters. As a comparison, the display resolution of the iPhone X is 1125x2436.Due to the increased resolution in the older model, the creators had to adjust their own programs and games to the new "leader".

The Xs Max screen took up more than 82 percent of the front of the phone. This is the biggest value for the company's gadgets. It was achieved thanks to the reduction of the frame around the perimeter, as mentioned above.

The display of the device is sharp and contrasty. The first is 625 cd / m2, the second is traditionally large for OLED screens and is equal to 1,000,000:1. These values ​​make working with the phone convenient in different conditions. Even in the sun, reading articles or watching videos will be comfortable.

The screen is equipped with support for the eminent Apple True Tone technology. A six-channel light scanner became responsible for its performance. It controls the temperature of the picture, guided by the light, the change is carried out automatically. At first, the changes are almost invisible, but tests show that the difference is noticeable. In addition, the display supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, as well as the advanced P3 color format.

The screen has a large color gamut with system-level tint control. The display is also equipped with an innovative color control system that automatically displays content in an expanded digital format.

Filling

The system on the A12 Bionic chip became responsible for the “nimbleness” of the phone. This chip is functional from all sides. The processor is based on innovative 7nm FinFET technology, which has not been used in any chip for mobile devices before. The predecessors are equipped with the A11 Bionic processor, which is developed using an innovative 10-nanometer process technology.

Interestingly, the company's rivals will obviously not soon be able to equip their own devices with something similar. Numerous processor manufacturers have huge problems with the development of innovative generation chips, and therefore their numerous demonstrations have been postponed until at least the second part of 2019.

The innovative Bionic A12 chip, which is developed using a much more advanced technological process, guarantees incredible speed for models. New models deservedly should be included not only in the rating of high-quality smartphones, but also in the TOP of the fastest phones in the history of mobile devices.

The processor is equipped with six cores, two of which are responsible for the response, the rest for performance. For active games or "heavy" tasks in any of the programs, nimble cores activate 100% of their own power. In addition, they are assisted by energy-efficient cores, in connection with which the execution of any whim of the owner occurs in a matter of seconds.

If the owner of the gadget uses it for everyday operations, then only performance cores are active. They are powerful, which is why there will be no share of "brakes" in the process of working on the Internet and other tasks. All this allows models to work longer without the need to put it on recharging. Reduced power consumption of the A12 Bionic processor when compared with its predecessor - 50 percent.

The A12 Bionic also has a new video accelerator created by Apple. The quad-core co-processor will adopt lossless compression technology, thus opening up incredible possibilities for gamers and daily work to their owners.In general, the game “The Elder Scrolls Blades” demonstrated at the screening will open at the highest settings only on these smartphone models.

The last main feature of the A12 Bionic processor is the Neural Engine machine learning system, capable of performing 5 trillion operations per second. The system became responsible for the self-development of the chip and the subsequent application of the extracted information in various options of the iOS 12 interface. For example, for a quick search for images that starts even before the request.

With the help of an innovative processor, models run up to 50% faster than their predecessors. Performance has been increased globally. Models complete all tasks faster, from opening games and programs to processing videos. It is fascinating that the “ten” was not like a “brake”, however, in the Xs and Xs Max, the speed of work reached a new level.

Along with the performance in the A12 Bionic processor, energy efficiency has also been improved. The chip spends a significantly smaller amount of energy on the execution of tasks, which directly affected the autonomy of the devices. Phones have become leaders among all Apple smartphones in terms of battery life.

The capacity of RAM has also increased when compared with its predecessors. Now it is 4 GB. The increased RAM capacity helps the devices to easily save about 10 programs in open form, but the important thing is that this contributes to excellent work with the improved camera. In addition, 4 GB of RAM allows creators to make programs and games previously inaccessible to the iPhone due to the small amount of performance.

It is worth noting that in the new products there was a double increase in the largest ROM capacity.The achievement of 256 GB, announced that year, has now been bypassed. The new devices will go on sale in three versions:

1. 64 GB;
2. 256 GB;
3. 512 GB.

There were practically no reviews regarding the insufficient amount of memory towards the "ten", but the company decided that having a whole half a terabyte of free space would be very useful for the majority.

cameras

The rear camera design is almost the same as its predecessor. But it makes no sense to meet by clothes in this situation - all the improvements are in the middle. The dual-module vertically oriented camera with six lenses has a resolution of 12 + 12 MP. Wide-angle lens aperture is 1.2, telephoto lens aperture is 2.4. The camera supports 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom. Both blocks support optical image stabilization.

Portrait mode, which allows you to take pictures with the effect of in-depth sharpness, has been significantly improved. Firstly, the blurring of the background is much more accurate. The company managed to achieve this effect through an innovative camera sensor and support for the A12 Bionic chip.

In addition, do not forget that the "Portrait" mode began to support the depth option. It gives you the ability to control background blur in any portrait shot immediately after shooting.

But, most likely, the new Smart HDR has become the main “feature” of the camera. When shooting in this mode, the phone's camera uses improved sensors and the full power of an innovative signal processing chip. This makes it possible to display the most detail in the darkest and most illuminated parts of the photo.

Significant changes have also taken place in the recording of commercials. In addition to the improved quality, the cameras of the models are capable of recording video with stereo sound.Since the phones have built-in stereo speakers, you can fully watch and listen to the recorded videos directly on your smartphone.

The front camera of the models has a resolution of 7 MP and aperture of 2.2. Its main feature is the portrait mode for shooting selfies with depth of field and support for various portrait light effects. The Portrait mode for the front camera has received similar improvements as for the main camera: an advanced bokeh effect and a depth option. This camera is also equipped with a new intelligent roller stabilization option.

Photo examples

How to photograph during the day:

How to photograph at night:

iOS 12

The gadgets will be sold with the updated iOS 12 system. The main option of the new version is increased performance, and system performance will be improved on early models, including 5S. In addition, the developers claim that they will add collective FaceTime up to 32 participants, an advanced notification system, the Screen Time option (so as not to spend a lot of time with the iPhone), instant Siri commands for programs from different creators, Animoji with its own face, new effects for the camera , and improve the Photos app.

autonomy

The devices were equipped with the most capacitive batteries in the history of the company's mobile devices. The capacity of the lithium-ion type battery is 3350 mAh. Not everyone knows, but the sixth iPhone (2915 mAh) held the top positions for the duration of work for many years.

The battery is made in the corporate style and consists of two cells combined with each other in the shape of the “L” symbol. This approach enabled the company not only to increase the capacity of the battery, but also to update the placement of components inside the shell.

Peak was the duration of the work.Xs Max is able to operate without recharging for 1.5 hours more than the tenth model. Xs Max will last 25 hours in talk mode, and the "younger brother" - 20.

At the same time, the charging process is carried out quickly. The devices support the fast charge option, which makes it possible to replenish half the battery in just half an hour. Taking into account the fact that the volume of the battery has grown, the preservation of such an option should also be added to the pluses of the phone.

Battery comparison

Sound

In the novelties, a tremendous amount of work has been done to improve the sound system. The phone's stereo speakers are 50 percent louder. In particular, this is noticeable while watching HDR or Dolby Vision video.

Dual SIM

Option, as they say, on request. The wish of users who needed a second SIM came true. But everything is not so simple. The fact is that the additional SIM card will be of a virtual type, which requires support from operators.

Moisture protection

Improvements have also taken place in terms of moisture protection. Reinforced glass and a frame made of stainless surgical steel made it possible for the company to equip models with protection against dust and water according to all the maximum measures of the IP68 standard.

This means that the devices can easily be at a depth of about 2 m for about half an hour.Previously, in Apple smartphones, dust and moisture protection was carried out according to the IP67 standard, which guarantees much less resistance.

face ID

From its predecessors, the iPhone Xs and Xs Max inherited the Face ID biometric recognition system, for which the True Depth camera system, the Secure Enclave auxiliary processor and the sensational Neural Engine became responsible. It guarantees regular training of the sensor, due to which the system is able to accurately identify the owner of the device.

In the news, the developers have significantly improved Face ID. The functionality of the point projector in True Depth remains the same, but the Secure Enclave block has been redesigned. Now it compares the owner's face with the existing card faster and, of course, the identification procedure is faster. This is further assisted by the innovative A12 Bionic processor.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Incredible OLED display;
• Beautiful diagonal 5.8 inches;
• Excellent performance;
• Dust and moisture protection according to the IP68 standard;
• Partial improvement of the cameras.

• The package does not include a cord for fast charging;
• Price.

• Giant and rich display;
• autonomy;
• Advanced camera;
• Performance;
• Dust and moisture protection according to IP68 standards.

• Also there is no cable for fast recharging;
• It costs even more.

Characteristics

What is the price?

Average price of "iPhone Xs" (in Russian rubles)

• 64 GB - 88,000;
• 256 GB - 101,000;
• 512 GB - 119,000.

Average price of "iPhone Xs Max" (in Russian rubles)

• 64 GB - 97,000;
• 256 GB - 110,000;
• 512 GB - 128,000.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the pre-order of smartphones has already started.