It has done this for several generations of phones now, after a new phone. Next year, Apple launches an improved version of it. With the new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, Apple follows this recipe… but not quite.

In 2017, Apple released the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus as a natural sequel to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus line. Additionally, in 2017, it launched the iPhone X. A special anniversary edition of the iPhone. This year, Apple chose to drop the iPhone 8 line and continue with its iPhone X. Which has gone from being a special model to being the default model. So it comes to September of this year, when Apple launched the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. The devices I used briefly to writing this article.

Design

In a direct comparison between last year’s model and this year’s. It’s easy to see that the differences, at least on the surface, are minimal. Perhaps Apple engineers went with the idea of not ruining something that works so well.

Accordingly, we have the iPhone XS model which is identical in size to the iPhone X. While with the iPhone XS Max. Everything is pushed to the top.

Height	Width	Thickness	Screen size
iPhone X	143,6 mm	70,9 mm	7,7 mm	5,8”
iPhone XS	143,6 mm	70,9 mm	7,7 mm	5,8”
iPhone XS Max	157,5 mm	77,4 mm	7,7 mm	6,5”

Structurally, all Apple’s new models are based on a steel frame. “Packed” between two pieces of scratch-resistant glass. That are also treated with a grease-resistant coating. Although it’s made by Corning, the glass on Apple’s new phone isn’t Gorilla Glass 5.

If the differences are hard to spot on the surface. The same can’t be said about the solutions that power Apple phones.

Hardware

With the new A12 Bionic processor, Apple has put massive computing power in the hands of its users. The in-house, A12-Bionic platform benefits from 6 cores, 2 Vortex and 4 Tempest. Supported by a graphics processor with 4 GB RAM and 4 dedicated cores. Besides, the other 8 cores are dedicated to the Neural Engine (NPU). A processor dedicated to artificial intelligence. Which is supposed to help the user get the most out of his new iPhone. It will watch the phone’s resources. And direct them as discreetly as possible to perform the task required by the user.

To be able to squeeze so much technology into a very small package, Apple built the A12 Bionic using a 7nm process. Compared to the 10nm from the previous A11. According to Apple this technological development comes. With 50% more performance than the previous model.

What’s new inside t New Efness

A powerful processor, 1 GB of more RAM, but a higher data transfer speed (LTE-A Cat16 vs. LTE-A Cat12, i.e. 1Gbps vs. 600 Mbps). Are some of the “invisible” pluses of the new iPhone models of 2018.

Also inside we find a change requested and expected by iPhone users for years. Dual-SIM support Apple finally offers the ability to use. An iPhone with two different phone numbers. Even if the solution is not the same as other mobile phone manufacturers. Apple offers one nano-SIM and one eSIM instead of two nano-SIMs.

With the new iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Apple has also increased the dust and water resistance standards. From IP67 to IP68, which means you can submerge an iPhone under 2m of water for 30 minutes.

In everyday use, the new iPhone moves, obviously, excellent. Navigating the menus of the new iOS 12 is very smooth and fast. The Siri virtual assistant responds extremely quickly to questions or tasks I ask through voice commands. With the new version of the operating system. Apple has also introduced “Siri Shortcuts”, direct links to various tasks performed in the app and by assigning a shortcut. You can ask Siri to execute them for you. The new iPhone will check what you do on your phone and suggest creating a shortcut if needed if the app supports this functionality.

Software

With the launch of the new model of iPhone, Apple has officially launched. The new version of the iOS operating system. In version 12, iOS brings some news and enhancements, From which I will mention. The possibility of video conversations with many people at the same time. Through Facetime, support for more Animoji. But also the possibility to create a 3d avatar called Memoji. Which in messaging applications can be used.

Better management of open apps. Which can be seen as a carousel and closed with a simple swipe or improved Face ID are other news in iOS 12.

One of the new features introduced by Apple with iOS 12 is Screen Time. A highly effective way to watch and control time spent in front of an Apple device. With Screen Time you can see how much time you’ve spent with your phone in your hand. And what you’ve been doing all this time. But more importantly, you can control how much you’re using. Your mobile by setting time limits for installed apps. Personally, I found this function very useful in reducing. the time spent on my daughter’s tablet.

Camera

I asked my colleague, amateur photographer and owner of an iPhone to help me with this review by using. the iPhone XS instead of his phone (iPhone 6s) for a few days, and his response to the camera was, in one sentence. “I really liked that Images stay true to the original image. With no automatic dramatic effects to alter what is visible to the naked eye. In still and moving photos, with or without zoom, day or night. The image quality is much higher than what an iPhone 6s can deliver. ”

Technically speaking, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have the same camera setup. As the iPhone X. A system with two cameras of 12 MP, aperture F/1.8 respectively with F/2.4 and HDR capabilities. But, Apple claims that the photo experience with the cameras on the new phones is special. And it is through a greater involvement of the image processor. The neural processor that we have already talked about. And some algorithms that are supposed to help the user. Get the perfect frame.

This work mode where the entire phone is involved in taking a photo is provided. With the incredible computing power of the A12-Bionic processor. Which Apple claims at 5 trillion operations per second.

In conclusion

To end this article, I’m going to pass the “microphone” to my colleague:

“An iPhone 6s user will cross two hurdles upon first contact with the new iPhone XS.”

The first is obviously the lack of a home button. After some exploration and practice. The gestures that take the place of the home button become routine. A quick swipe-up from where the button used to be is enough to cut and send apps to the background. A little more attention, at least at first, I had to pay to bring up the carousel with all the apps open in the background. Because a loose or careless gesture doesn’t always work. I had to push a little harder to make it happen.

A second hurdle for heavy users of the camera or GPS is the lack of a battery percentage display. With a small effort. A swipe to the top right corner, the percentage is displayed. Along with other shortcuts that have been swiped so far.

Once these changes were understood, I was able to enjoy both the familiar iOS and the iPhone XS Plus.

It is possible to connect to my car’s audio system (for Deezer or Waze). And it is done directly via USB cable (which I have not managed with other phones).

I tried the sound a bit and even in the absence of speakers, the music sounds clearer with the iPhone XS speakers.

Oh, and don’t forget something very important. A small mobile gamer liked that Fortnite “looks better” on the new iPhone XS.

Screen time is interesting; Although the 6-7 hours shown for one day scared me terribly at first. I calmed down when I saw that most of it was due to Waze, following the camera.“

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