Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on September 19, 2018.
Source: CNN Business
Every year, Tim Cook, the enigmatic CEO of Apple, proclaims the impending iPhones as the zenith of technological achievement. And here we are, unveiling the 2018 roster—the iPhone XS and XS Max—a duo that seemingly lives up to that lofty standard: the most intelligent, lightning-fast devices we’ve ever witnessed to date.
Yet, the act of upgrading your iPhone feels increasingly akin to stepping into a new Ferrari—sure, there’s that invigorating rush of a turbocharged engine, a fresh layer of paint, and a handful of snazzy features, but let’s be real: at its core, it remains quite similar to last year’s model. Just like that dazzling Ferrari, brace yourself; the price tag is not for the faint of heart.
The 5.8-inch iPhone XS, gracing store shelves this Friday, launches at a hefty $999. Its larger counterpart, the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max, commands an extra $100. For the enthusiasts craving the epitome of storage at 512 GB, prepare to fork out an astonishing $1,449. And, of course, the “budget-friendly” iPhone XR at $749 is slated to ship next month.
This substantial financial commitment feels excessive for what, in essence, is a series of incremental enhancements, particularly in an era where iPhones tend to withstand the test of time much better than their predecessors.
However, this doesn’t imply purchasing one should be off the table. Both the XS and XS Max stand tall as commendable upgrades, flaunting an array of impressive features. The decision of which model fits your lifestyle and, crucially, your finances resides squarely with you.
A quick note for the phonetically challenged: if you’ve been mentally pronouncing it as “X” S and “X” Max—adjust your perception! It’s officially iPhone 10S and 10S Max. Don’t fret; we’ve been mispronouncing it all week as well.
What to Expect with the iPhone XS and XS Max
Drilling down into the heart of the XS and XS Max, one finds near-identical internals: both sport a robust 12-megapixel camera, enhanced audio capabilities, and the convenience of dual SIM card slots—a fabulous perk for globetrotters or those toggling between business and personal devices.
Powering these smartphones is Apple’s cutting-edge A12 Bionic chip, designed to amplify the complexities of augmented reality and ensure that Face ID and gaming experiences are quicker than a jackrabbit. Apple touted the superior speed of these new models during their grand reveal, and indeed, they boast swiftness, though their predecessors were no slouches either.
Both devices dazzle with stunning OLED displays, creating an immersive video-watching experience, especially on the XS Max. As for battery life, Apple asserts an additional half-hour for the XS over last year’s X, while the Max boasts a full 90 extra minutes. Not a groundbreaking shift, but hey, more time is always welcomed!
Now, let’s address the towering titan: the XS Max. While it’s significant in size, it shares dimensions with the iPhone 8 Plus. Its edge-to-edge screen illusion may suggest a 21% increase in visual space, but one will find it fits comfortably—perhaps a bit too comfortably, similar to older Plus models.
Yet, lurking beneath the grandeur is a nagging thought: is such bigness merely for bigness’s sake? The XS Max lacks the multitasking capabilities seen in devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note or the iPad, which cater to larger screens with features like your beloved split-screen functionality. It seems like a missed chance for innovation.
Yet, the true marvel lies within the camera. Enter Smart HDR—a novel feature that captures four frames at varying exposures and skillfully melds them into images bursting with detail, reminiscent of an existing function on the Google Pixel 2.
But perhaps the pièce de résistance is a revolutionary upgrade to Portrait Mode, now allowing users to adjust the depth even after snapping a picture. Imagine capturing your friend against a stunning beach backdrop, with the option to blur the scenery for an artistic touch or sharpen it later for a vivid ocean view. It’s an impressive feature, though the ultimate outcome will always depend on the user’s photography finesse and the prevailing lighting. When the conditions align, the results are breathtaking; when they falter, the images still retain their charm, giving even the Pixel 2 or Samsung Galaxy S9 a run for their pixelated money.
The XS and XS Max come bundled with headphones, but alas, the era of the adapter seems to be officially over. No longer packaged with the device, the absence of a headphone jack means a $9 investment is required for those clinging to their trusty wired headphones—a gentle nudge from Apple into the world of wireless sound.
For many, contemplating a nearly $1,000 investment—or significantly more—on a new iPhone may feel daunting. Despite quietly retiring some of its more affordable offerings, such as the iPhone 6S, SE, and X, Apple still offers older models like the iPhone 7 ($449) and iPhone 8 ($599) for those seeking a more budget-conscious upgrade option.
Not in the market for a new device? Feeling pinch-strapped or simply hesitant to splurge? Consider refreshing your existing model with iOS 12, injecting new life into your device. Dive into the increasingly popular Screen Time feature, which tracks your app usage and may just reveal an alarming affinity for the likes of Instagram (trust me, it took mere hours for me to realize the extent of my engagement). Plus, it helps you set app usage limits—because moderation is key.
But here’s a crucial caveat: not every iOS 12 feature is available on older models. The fun Memoji—your animated emoji doppelgänger—requires Face ID capabilities only available on the latest devices for creation and sharing.
If uncertainty still plagues your decision-making process, reflect on the iPhone XS or XS Max not just as another gadget—think of it as an investment meant to serve you for several years. In this age of durability, stepping away from quick replacement cycles, Apple’s higher price points begin to make more sense.
