Apple iPhone XS and XS Max smartphones - advantages and disadvantages

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 The popular iPhone X has been replaced by the reliable iPhone XS and XS Max smartphones, the advantages and disadvantages of which are discussed in this article.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

Prior to the demonstration, the phone names were kept under wraps, while the media vigorously referred to a wide variety of 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 "Max" prefix. The fact is that before that Apple used the "Plus" insert and such a change to "Max" became completely unpredictable, but it makes sense. It lies in the fact that the diagonal of the screen of the device with the "Plus" insert was invariably 5.5 inches, in connection with which the gadget with the display, the diagonal of which was 6.5 inches, simply had to be called differently.

Likewise, as with the iPhone X, the “X” in the names of models that have already gained popularity is not the “X” symbol, but the Latin number 10 (translated from the English “ten”). In simple terms, the phones of 2018 are the heirs of the tenth iPhone, as evidenced by the letter "s" following the "X", and the insert "Max" points to 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.

Apple iPhone XS and XS Max review

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

Equipment

Alas, Apple did not decide in 2018 to put fast or wireless charging in the box of productive new products. In addition, now the package does not contain an audio adapter with Lightning to 3.5 mm, which, by the way, was in its predecessors.

Design and ergonomics

That the new devices are 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 typical Apple phone shell, rounded at the corners, which is made of two glass panels and a stainless steel frame between them. Glasses are classified as protective, and in the new models their characteristics have been improved when compared with a dozen.

The connecting frame has increased resistance to damage. The fact is that in the tenth model a lot of complaints were pouring in the direction of the same frame in the tenth model, they say, the frame gradually climbed. Despite the fact that there were few such reviews, the company still improved this flaw. It should be noted that the color was applied to the shell of smartphones using a unique PVD coating method, which allows achieving a glossy effect.

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

In fact, the new model with the "Max" prefix is ​​somewhat similar to the eighth, but with an innovative screen and the shortest frame possible. 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.

There is literally a giant 6.5-inch screen with a reduced bezel all over the front. The display looks really huge - before that, Apple phones did not have similar dimensions. The creators managed to enlarge the screen and keep practical dimensions thanks to the reduction of the frame.

Most of all "received" side and bottom frames, they are practically invisible. The upper frame is made after 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. It is believed that this will happen in 2019.

The placement of the components on the model shell is typical for the "family". On the right is the on / off key, as well as a SIM card slot, on the left are the volume control keys and the sound mode switch. At the bottom are the speaker grilles and the typical Lightning socket. The company did not switch to USB Type "C", although there were similar references. Above - emptiness.

The entire appearance of smartphones is similar to its predecessors, but the organization has done everything to make the phone memorable not only due to its dimensions. New items were released in three colors at once:

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

Apple has never used such a golden hue, so the new color stands out for its richness.

Screen

The display is the main feature of the Xs Max. The phone is equipped with a giant 6.5-inch Super Retina HD OLED screen. The aspect ratio of the sides of the screen is 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. For 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 for the new "cutting edge".

The Xs Max's screen took up more than 82 percent of the front of the phone. This is the greatest 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 contrasting. 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 renowned Apple True Tone technology. A six-channel illumination 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, and the advanced P3 color format.

The screen has a wide color gamut with the ability to adjust tints at the system level 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 developed on the basis of innovative 7-nanometer 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 according to an innovative 10-nanometer technological process.

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

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

The processor is equipped with six cores, two of which are responsible for response, the rest for performance. For active games or "heavy" tasks in any of the programs, nimble kernels activate 100% of their own power. In addition, they are assisted by energy-efficient cores, and therefore 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 the performance cores are active. They are powerful, which is why there will be no "brakes" in the process of working on the Internet and other tasks. All this allows the models to work longer without the need to put it on recharge. Reducing the energy consumption of the A12 Bionic processor when compared to its predecessor - 50 percent.

The A12 Bionic also has a new video accelerator created by Apple. The four-core coprocessor adopts lossless compression technology, thus providing users with incredible opportunities for gaming and everyday work. In general, the shown game "The Elder Scrolls Blades" will open at the highest settings only on these smartphones.

The last major feature of the A12 Bionic processor is the Neural Engine, which is capable of 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 the quick search of images, which starts even before the request.

With the help of an innovative processor, the models run up to 50% faster than their predecessors. Performance is increased globally. Models complete all tasks faster, from opening games and programs to processing video recordings. It is fascinating that the “ten” did not look like a “brake” either, but 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 is also improved. The chip spends significantly less energy to perform tasks, which directly affected the autonomy of devices. Phones have become the leaders among all Apple smartphones in terms of battery life.

The capacity of the RAM has also increased when compared with its predecessors. Now it is 4 GB. The increased RAM capacity makes it easy for devices to keep up to 10 programs open, but what's important is that it contributes to a great camera experience. In addition, 4GB of RAM allows creators to create programs and games previously unavailable for the iPhone due to the small amount of performance.

It should be noted that in the new products there was a double increase in the largest ROM capacity. The 256GB achievement announced that year has been bypassed today. 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 top ten, but the company decided that having a whole half terabyte of free space would be very useful for the majority.

Cameras

The design of the rear camera does not differ much from its predecessor. But there is no point in meeting by clothes in this situation - all the improvements are in the middle.The dual-module, six-lens vertical directional camera has a resolution of 12 + 12 MP. The aperture of the wide-angle lens is 1.2, the telephoto lens is 2.4. The camera supports 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom. Both units support optical image stabilization.

The portrait mode, which allows you to take pictures with a deeper effect, has been significantly improved. First, 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.

Also, keep in mind that Portrait mode has begun to support the depth option. It gives you the ability to control the blurring of the background in any portrait shot immediately after shooting.

But, most likely, the new Smart HDR became the main "feature" of the camera. In the process of 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 lightest parts of the photo.

Noticeable changes have taken place in the recording of videos. In addition to the improved quality, the cameras of the models are capable of recording video with stereo sound. Since the phones are equipped with stereo speakers, you can fully watch and listen to the videos you have taken right on your smartphone.

The front camera of the models has a resolution of 7 MP and aperture ratio of 2.2. Its main feature is portrait mode for shooting selfies with deeper sharpness and support for various portrait lighting 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 also features a new Intelligent Roller Stabilization option.

Sample photos

How to take pictures during the day:

How to photograph at night:

iOS 12

The gadgets will be sold with the updated iOS 12. The main feature of the new version is increased operability, and system performance will be improved on early models, including the 5S. In addition, the developers claim that they will add a collective FaceTime of 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 also improve the "Photo" program.

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 battery is 3350 mAh. Not everyone knows, but the sixth iPhone (2915 mAh) held the top positions for the duration of the 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.

The duration of work was also a peak. Xs Max is able to function without recharging for 1.5 hours more than the tenth model. Xs Max will last 25 hours in talk mode, and the "little brother" - 20.

And the charging process is fast. The devices support the fast charge option, which makes it possible to replenish half of 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 advantages of the phone.

Battery comparison

Sound

The new products have done a tremendous job of improving the sound system. The phone's stereo speakers are 50 percent louder. In particular, this is noticeable while watching videos in HDR or Dolby Vision format.

Dual SIM

Option, as they say, on request. The wishes of users who needed a second SIM card were fulfilled. But it’s not that 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 on the part of moisture protection. Reinforced glass and stainless steel surgical steel frames made it possible for the company to equip models with protection from dust and water to all the maximum standards of the IP68 standard.

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

Face ID

From the predecessors, the iPhone Xs and Xs Max models inherited the Face ID biometric recognition system, for which the True Depth camera system, the Secure Enclave auxiliary processor and the acclaimed 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 new products, the developers have significantly improved Face ID. Point projector functionality in True Depth remains the same, but the Secure Enclave has been redesigned. Now he is quicker to compare the owner's face with the existing card and, of course, the identification procedure is faster. In addition, the innovative A12 Bionic processor helps.

Advantages and disadvantages

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

• The package lacks a fast charging cord;
• Cost.

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

• There is also no cable for quick recharging;
• It costs even more.

Specifications

How much is?

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 should be noted that pre-ordering smartphones has already started.