Sherquan Dailey ’21
When thinking about technology, what’s the first thought that comes to mind? Some may say power, I say Apple. Annually, Apple releases new advanced, cutting edge technology. This year Apple came out with the iPhone Xs and Xs Max. Released on September 21st, extending the previously introduced course of Apple technology, both devices contain similar and distinct features that allow for them to be easily differentiated, and characterized as the “next big thing”.
The most significant features include the dual 12 MP wide angle and telephoto cameras, in addition to the 7MP true depth camera. Both devices support facial recognition, as well as the A12 bionic chip, the most advanced smartphone neural engine of the modern era. In other words, these new devices have superior speed and efficiency. Both devices are water resistant up to 2 meters, for a period of 30 minutes. This resistance is 1 meter higher, than the previous 8 and X models. These two devices are also compatible with wireless charging, similar to that of the previous model as well.
Apple iPhone Xs and Xs Max models are said to be made of the most durable glass ever in a smartphone, according to ZDnet. This glass, and the surgical-grade stainless steel that make up the new iPhones, contribute to the overall durability of these devices. The Xs and Xs Max are available in Space Grey, Silver, and the newly revamped Gold.
Apple storage in these new models have surpassed previous Apple records. These devices are available in 64GB, 256GB, and a whopping 512GB, the highest storage ever introduced by Apple in a smartphone.
The question remains: what is so impressive about this phone that makes it worth my time? Simply the screen. The Xs and Xs Max offer two different sized OLED screens. The Xs at 5.8” and the Xs Max at 6.5”. These screens are supported by the Super Retina HD display. What’s so good about that? Simply put by Bustle Research, OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. Which is a major step ahead of LCD, or liquid crystal display technologically. LCD works by shining a constant light from behind, then pixels close over it to make color or black. However, OLED has NO blacklight. Each pixel has its own light source, so it only turns on when it’s needed — much more efficient and hence saving power.” This advanced OLED technology is what makes images on our iphone screens, appear 10x clearer, and vibrant. Any feature that contributes to longer battery life is a bonus. In this scenario, energy saving is incorporated in the actual build up of the new iPhones.
The most common issue Apple users like myself face when choosing any new iPhone is deciding which model to buy, wondering if it will it be worth the money. It is important for users to know that the phone isn’t for everyone. Both sizes are large, and the average person may not be used to so much screen. Deciphering between which iphone to buy strictly depends on the type of person you are, and what you will use the device for on a daily basis.
Despite my fondness of the phone, it is not worth it for everyone. I would only recommend upgrading to these new models if your current iPhone is the 7 model and or older. The reason being is, the closer your iPhone is to the flagship model, the less of an upgrade it really is.
The prime obstacle these new iPhone models face, are the prices. Apple has officially entered the era of thousand dollar iPhone’s. The iPhone Xs prices at $999.00 (64GB), $1,149.00 (256GB), and $1,349.00 (512GB). The iPhone Xs Max prices at $1,099.00 (64GB), $1,249.00 (256GB), and $1,449.00 (512GB).
Apple has realized that these prices are not flexible to a great percentage of their users. Luckily Apple has come up with an ideal solution, with the debut of a complementary panel of iPhones known as, the iPhone Xr. This phone is available in a standard 6.1” display. This is very convenient for users who do not want the iphone X display, or a massive MAX display. The Xr displays falls right between the Xs models. Since released on October 26, this iPhone is available in blue, white, black, yellow, coral, and (product)red. The iPhone Xr prices at $749.00 (64GB), $799.00 (128GB), and $899.00 (256GB). The most substantial factor which led to this affordable price, was the configuration of this new device. For starters, the rims are made of aluminum, with a glass back, and an LCD (liquid crystal) display. This new LCD screen, is the most advanced in smartphone history.
Essentially, both the Xr and the Xs contain most of the same features. The only two differences are the single camera, and the 1 meter water resistance in the Xr models. Nonetheless, despite these minor differences the Xr is still top notch. These iPhone’s may have set an ultra high bar for smartphones, but let’s see if they will stand superior amongst all the other smartphones in the year to come.
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