Compare and Recycle
11/10/2023

iPhone XS and XS Max: Classic Apple S Upgrade

Apple Event is over and now we have two more iPhones that make us think sky is the limit for Apple's pricing.

Apple has unveiled some beautiful devices, but that's it that impressed us. Don't blame us if we won't be able to justify the cost of these with our breakdown of what each of new high-end iPhones has to offer.

iPhone XS duo is the iPhone X replacement

The look has been borrowed from last year's breakthrough iPhone X and the XS comes with 5.8" screen size whereas the 6.5" XS Max is the Note 9 equivalent in size but with iOS on board. More secure and faster FaceID technology and brand-new 7nm A12 chipset that delivers better performance and optimised battery life that adds 30 min more juice to your iPhone XS or 90 min more to iPhone XS Max than the iPhone X did.

Finally, the eSIM technology, that iPads and smartwatches already have, landed on iPhones. We're yet to see which UK network providers will make it available for their customers, but electronic sim cards is the way mobile phone industry is shifting. In addition to eSIM support the new iPhones have dual physical SIM support. Apparently, there will be an option to choose which combination you prefer when buying the XS and XS Max: eSIM + physical SIM or only dual physical SIM as not many regions have caught up on electronic SIM card technology.

Camera game levelled up

Both the XS and XS Max models sport dual 12 MP rear cameras with f/1.8 wide-angle lens and f/2.4 telephoto lens capable of shooting 4K footage at up to 60 fps. The sensors are now two times faster meaning your snaps will be crisp, action shots will be sharper and depth effect can be controlled and adjusted after a picture has been taken. Image processor now performs 5 trillion operations per second providing more precise face detection for portrait mode pictures and better low-light shots.

At the front iPhone XS duo has a 7MP snapper with f/2.2 wide-angle lens and video stabilisation.

Extras

Shared AR experiences, FaceTime calls with up to 30 people at once, IP68 certification for water resistance of up to 2 meters and for 30 minutes, and apparently beer resistance as well, Memoji, upgraded stereo speakers and Apple added a 512GB version to its line-up.

XS-ive prices

New iPhones in gold, silver and space grey colours will be available at the following prices:

  • iPhone XS 64GB – £999
  • iPhone XS 256GB – £1,149
  • iPhone XS 512GB – £1,349
  • iPhone XS Max 64GB – £1,099
  • iPhone XS Max 256GB – £1,249
  • iPhone XS Max 512GB – £1,449

Yes. You read that right. Almost £1.5K for a device. With no bling in, just for extra internal storage. Mind-blowing. We can't say that 512 GB is really worth the money it costs. Probably this year Apple needed to emphasise their financing options for their new iPhones. That being said, pre-orders kick off on 14th of September and release date is the 21st.

Antonia

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