iPhone XS specs vs. X, XR, XS Max: What’s the same and different
Introduction:
The release of the iPhone XS lineup brought a range of new features and improvements to Apple’s flagship smartphone. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between the iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone XR, and iPhone XS Max.
Display:
The iPhone X, XS, and XS Max all feature OLED HDR displays, with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels (458ppi) for the X/XS and 2688 x 1242 pixels (458ppi) for the XS Max. The iPhone XR has a slightly lower-quality LCD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels (326ppi). While there is a noticeable difference in display quality between the XR and its siblings, it is still an excellent screen for everyday use.
Size and Weight:
The iPhone X measures 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm and weighs 174g, while the iPhone XS is almost identical at 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm and 177g. The larger XS Max measures in at 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7mm with a weight of 208g.
The more affordable XR sits in between its siblings in size at 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm and weight at 194g.
Processor:
All four models have Apple A-series processors under their hoods, with slight differences. The iPhone X houses an A11 Bionic chip, whereas the newer XR, XS, and XS Max sport the updated A12 Bionic chip which offers improved energy efficiency and processing power.
Camera:
Here’s where things start to get different. The iPhone X/XS/XS Max all feature dual rear cameras with 12MP wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Both wide-angle lenses have an f/1.8 aperture, while the telephoto lenses have an f/2.4 aperture on the X/XS and f/2.2 on the XS Max.
The iPhone XR, however, features a single rear camera with a 12MP wide-angle lens and an f/1.8 aperture.
The front-facing camera, or TrueDepth camera system as Apple calls it, remains unchanged across all models at 7MP with an f/2.2 aperture.
Battery Life:
The iPhone X has a battery life of up to 21 hours of talk time, while the XS improves upon that slightly with up to 22 hours. The XS Max leaps ahead with up to 25 hours of talk time.
Meanwhile, the iPhone XR has the most extended battery life of them all – up to 25 hours of talk time, matching the XS Max.
Storage Capacity:
All four models come in several storage capacities; the iPhone X and XR offer 64GB and 256GB options, whereas the XS and XS Max are available in 64GB, 256GB, and also in a larger 512GB option.
Conclusion:
The iPhone XS lineup introduces key improvements and features over its predecessor, the iPhone X. Display quality remains consistent between the X, XS, and XS Max models but makes way for a larger screen size for XR users willing to compromise on display quality. Battery life improvements and processing upgrades make for snappier multitasking and longer usage. As always, it ultimately falls to consumer preference when choosing between these high-quality smartphones.