Apple Watch Series 4 vs. Series 3: Which should you get?

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

In September, Apple pulled back the curtain on the latest iteration of its popular smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 4. The Series 3 is already a superb device — as of 2018, it topped our list of the best smartwatches — so what could Apple possibly do to best it? A few things, as it turns out. The Series 4 has a number of new features (some subtle, some astounding), but it’s not a cheap gadget, and if you already own a Series 3, you may wonder whether the upgrade is worth it. Let’s break down the differences between the two models.

Specs

Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch Series 3

Display size
40mm (44mm w/ cellular)
38mm (42mm w/ cellular)

Resolution

324 x 394 pixels (368 x 448 w/ cellular)

272 x 340 pixels (312 x 390 w/ cellular)

Touchscreen
LTPO OLED Retina display w/ Force Touch
OLED Retina display w/ Force Touch

Wireless interface
Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, LTE and UMTS
Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, LTE and UMTS

Depth
10.7mm
11.4mm

Accelerometer
Yes
Yes

Gyroscope
Yes
Yes

Altimeter
Yes
Yes

Ambient light sensor
Yes
Yes

Optical heart rate
Yes
Yes

GPS
Yes
Yes

Water resistant
Yes
Yes

Battery life
18 hours
18 hours

Price
From $399
From $279

Availability 
Available to order September 14, available September 21
Now

Design and display

The Series 3 was a familiar face for anyone who had one of the previous models, with the most notable difference being a colored dot on the crown. It was also just a tiny bit thicker than its predecessors.

The Series 4 sports a seamless edge-to-edge display, and Apple boasts that it is more than 30 percent larger than the Series 3’s. This is in keeping with the trend in mobile devices of purging bezels once and for all, and it makes for a sleek device.

The Series 3 expanded the functionality of the Apple Watch by adding cellular support, and the Series 4 builds on this with an improvement in form: The new watch has a back made of black ceramic and sapphire, which Apple claims will allow radio waves to flow with less resistance, improving reception. The Series 4 also rocks a speaker that is 50 percent louder than the previous generation’s. These factors combine to make a smartwatch that should be much better for making calls on the go — although whether this makes the Apple Watch a legitimate smartphone replacement is still up in the air.

A small but welcome touch is the addition of haptic feedback to the Series 4’s crown. As users scroll through screens, the watch will reward them with a comforting click.

Fitness and health-tracking features

The Series 3 was already a great fitness tracker. In our review, we described it as “clear, concise, informative, and encouraging, and with many different modes to suit the majority of people.” We also noted that “heart-rate monitoring is easy, and there are varied tracking options for walking, running, cycling, swimming, and more.”

The Series 4 pushes the design to new heights with the addition of an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor. When a user places their finger on the crown, the watch creates a “closed circuit” and can measure the rhythm of the user’s heart. It’s a major addition for customers worried about their heart health, and according to Apple it is the first ECG sensor available over the counter. Apple has already secured approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the Series 4 to be considered a legitimate medical device.

Another boon to the Series 4’s health tracking is the ability to detect when the user has fallen over. If the user remains on the ground for a minute, the watch can even place a call to emergency services, a miraculous feature for people who live alone and need assistance.

Battery life

With all these new features, one may wonder if the battery life has taken a hit. Apple hasn’t extended the battery life, but it has at least maintained it. Like its predecessor, the Series 4 will get 18-hour “all-day” battery life, although Apple did bump the outdoor workout battery life to six hours.

Pricing and availability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The circle of wearable life continues, and with the arrival of the Series 4, Apple is dropping the starting price of the Series 3 to $279. The Series 4 will start at $399, or $499 for the cellular version. Customers will be able to place their orders for the Series 4 starting September 14, and the device will be available (in most markets) starting September 21.

Conclusion

If you’re strapped for cash, the Series 3 remains a lovely device, and you’d certainly be fine sticking with it (or picking it up at the new, lower price). For those who don’t balk at the Series 4’s price tag, however, it is undoubtedly the smartwatch to get, a bold evolution of what was already the premier device on the market. Its new health-tracking features are unparalleled, and a great addition for anyone concerned about their vitals.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple Watch Series 4: Everything you need to know
• Here’s how and where to buy the Apple Watch Series 4
• Best Buy is knocking $50 off the Apple Watch Series 3 for a short time
• Save $50 on the Apple Watch Series 3 with Best Buy’s Black Friday in July sale
• The Apple Watch Series 1 has been discounted to an all-time low

Apple iPhone Xr vs. iPhone 8 vs. iPhone 7 vs. iPhone 6s: Which is best for you?

If you’re not willing to spring for Apple’s cream of the crop, but you’d like to upgrade from an older iPhone, or even make the switch from Android, then this iPhone competition should interest you. We’re pitting the new iPhone Xr against last year’s iPhone 8, the iPhone 7, and the now-discontinued iPhone 6s to find out just what the differences are.

Which iPhone will suit you and your budget best? Find out in this iPhone royal rumble as we compare the specs in various categories and explain what has changed.

Specs

Apple iPhone Xr

Apple iPhone 8
Apple iPhone 7

Apple iPhone 6s

Size
150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 inches)
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches)
138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches)
138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches)

Weight
194g (6.84 oz)
148g (5.22 oz)
138g (4.87 oz)
143g (5.04 oz)

Screen size
6.1 inches
4.7 inches
4.7 inches
4.7 inches

Screen resolution
1,792 x 828 pixels (326 ppi)
1,334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
1,334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
1,334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)

Operating system
iOS 12
iOS 11 (upgradeable to iOS 12)
iOS 10 (upgradeable to iOS 12)
iOS 9 (upgradeable to iOS 12)

Storage space
64GB, 128GB, 256GB
64GB, 256GB
32GB, 128GB, 256GB
16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB

MicroSD card slot
No
No
No
No

Tap-to-pay services
Apple Pay
Apple Pay
Apple Pay
Apple Pay

Processor
A12 Bionic
A11 Bionic
A10 Fusion
A9

RAM
TBC
2GB
2GB
2GB

Camera
12MP rear with OIS, 7MP front
12MP rear with OIS, 7MP front
12MP rear with OIS, 7MP front
12MP rear, 5MP front

Video
2,160p up to 60 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps
2,160p up to 60 fps, 1080p up to 240 fps
2,160 at 30 fps, 1080p up to 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps
2,160 at 30 fps, 1080p up to 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps

Bluetooth version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth 4.2

Ports
Lightning port
Lightning port
Lightning port
3.5mm audio jack, Lightning port

Fingerprint sensor
No
Yes
Yes
Yes

Water resistance
IP67
IP67
IP67
No

Battery
TBC
1,821mAh
1,960mAh
1,715 mAh

App marketplace
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Apple App Store

Network support
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint

Colors
White, Black, Blue, Coral, Yellow, Red
Silver, Space Grey, Gold, Red
Jet Black, Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Red
Space Gey, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold

Price
$750
$600
$450
$400 or less

Buy from
Apple
Apple
Apple
Discontinued

Review score
Hands-on review
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5 stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

With a new processor rolling out every year, Apple steadily improves on power efficiency and performance. The iPhone 7 is faster and smoother than the iPhone 6s, the iPhone 8 is faster and smoother than the iPhone 7, and so on. This year is no exception, so we can expect lightning-fast performance from the iPhone Xr, which boasts the same A12 Bionic chip as the top-of-the-line iPhone Xs and Xs Max. The iPhone 8 is still perfectly capable of handling everything you can throw at it and the iPhone 7 is no slouch, but if you’re upgrading from the iPhone 6s, then you’re really going to feel the difference.

There’s wireless charging support for the iPhone Xr and iPhone 8 and both also support fast charging, though you have to buy a fast charger separately if you want to enjoy it. We didn’t find a big difference between the iPhone 8 and 7 in terms of battery life, but Apple claims that the iPhone Xr can last 90 minutes longer than the iPhone 8 Plus, so it clearly has more stamina than the rest of our competitors.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Design and durability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

From the iPhone 6s through to the iPhone 8, there have been only minor changes in the design. Perhaps most notably, the 3.5mm headphone port was dropped in the iPhone 7. Apple also managed to reduce the antenna bands that broke up the aluminum body. With the iPhone 8, that aluminum back was replaced with glass, enabling wireless charging for the first time. The iPhone 8, 7, and 6s all have large bezels above and below the screen, with a TouchID home button below.

After a few years of gradual refinement, the iPhone Xr stands out as a bigger shift with a large edge-to-edge display and the same notch you’ll find in the iPhone X, Xs, and Xs Max. There’s no room for TouchID and it continues the glass back trend.

In terms of durability, the iPhone 6s is the odd one out with no water resistance, while all the others have an IP67 rating that allows them to survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The switch to a glass back probably makes the iPhone Xr and 8 slightly more at risk of serious damage from a fall, so a good case is advisable.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Amazingly, the display remained almost entirely unchanged from the iPhone 6s through to the iPhone 8. All three of the older iPhones sport a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1,334 x 750 pixels. Apple made slight improvements to get more out of it, but the iPhone Xr is significantly different with a much larger 6.1-inch display and the same notch as the iPhone X. It is still an LCD screen, but it’s 6.1 inches diagonally and has a resolution of 1,792 x 828 pixels. Apple is calling it a Liquid Retina display and claiming that it’s the most advanced LCD display on the market.

All these iPhones have the same level of sharpness with resolutions that work out to 326 pixel-per-inch (ppi). You are going to be comfortable watching movies, playing games, or reading on any of these displays, but the iPhone Xr is the best in terms of size and quality.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

All of these iPhones have solid cameras, but there was a significant jump between the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 7 with Apple introducing optical image stabilization (OIS) and ramping up the megapixel count in the front-facing camera to 7 megapixels.

The iPhone Xr sports a 12 megapixel main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS, which is the same as the iPhone 8’s camera on paper, but the newer sensor is supposed to be faster, according to Apple. It also supports the new depth control in portrait mode for a customizable bokeh effect.

The selfie cameras in the iPhone 8 and 7 are similar, but the iPhone Xr boasts the same TrueDepth front-facing camera as the X, Xs, and Xs Max. That’s handy since you’ll need FaceID to unlock it without any TouchID on the device, but it means you’ll be able to enjoy Animojis and Memojis on the new iPhone, too.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Software and updates

Simon Hill / Digital Trends

There’s a new version of iOS every year, but Apple is also very good at updating older iPhones. The iPhone Xr will launch with iOS 12 on board, but all of the iPhones we’re comparing here can be updated to iOS 12. The iPhone 6s was also the first to support 3D Touch, so there’s no significant difference between the iPhone 8, 7, and 6s in terms of the software experience. However, the most recent iPhone Xr doesn’t have 3D Touch and relies on gestures and tap, so it does feel distinct. You also get the aforementioned FaceID and everything else the front-facing TrueDepth camera can do.

The current cutoff for iOS 12 is the iPhone 5s, so we expect the iPhone 6s to get another couple of updates. The newer iPhones will continue to get updates for longer, but there isn’t a big gap here.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Special features

There aren’t a lot of special features to speak of because Apple concentrates on getting the core experience right, but we could highlight that TrueDepth camera again since the Xr is the only one here to have it. The extra screen real estate and quality, as well as the new color options, might catch your attention, too.

Winner: iPhone Xr

Price

When Apple releases a new iPhone, it always drops the prices on its older models. The iPhone 6s is now discontinued, though you can probably pick one up from a carrier or retailer or buy a cheap refurbished model. The iPhone 7 has dropped down to $450, the iPhone 8 starts at $600, and the new iPhone Xr will set you back $750.

While the rest are widely available now, you can’t pre-order the iPhone Xr until October 19, it will ship on October 26.

Overall winner: iPhone Xr

Unsurprisingly, the newest of the bunch, the iPhone Xr, has more to offer than its predecessors, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for you. If you would prefer a smaller iPhone and you love the classic design and TouchID, then the iPhone 8 is going to be a great buy that could still last you for years. The iPhone 7 also still has a lot of life left and could serve you well if you want to save some cash. Although we mourn the passing of the headphone port, the iPhone 6s has had its day and we wouldn’t recommend buying one, though if you do have one, you could probably just about squeeze another year out of it.

If you’re buying now, we think the iPhone Xr justifies the extra expense and offers many of the same features you’ll find in Apple’s much more expensive flagships.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple iPhone Xs vs. iPhone X: What difference does a year make?
• Huawei P20 Pro vs. Apple iPhone X: A battle of flagship smartphones
• iPhone XR hands-on review
• Mophie vs. Belkin vs. Anker vs. iOttie: Finding the best wireless charging pad for iPhones
• Apple iPhone Xs: News, release, specs, and more

Here’s how and where to buy the Apple Watch Series 4

The Apple Watch Series 4 is officially here, and it comes packed with not only a larger display, but a bunch of additional health features, including a built-in electric heart-sensor. It also comes in two different case sizes: A 40mm model and 44mm model.

Aside from the Apple store, the company’s next-generation smartwatch will be available in other locations as well. While pre-orders aren’t live quite yet, customers will soon be able to purchase it from carriers, brick-and-mortar stores, and online retailers.

Here’s where to buy the Apple Watch Series 4.

The Apple Store

The Apple Watch Series 4 will be available for pre-order in the U.S. through Apple’s site and the Apple Store app starting Friday, September 14, with in-store availability starting on Friday, September 21 (also the same day pre-orders will ship). For those not in the U.S., global availability on the Series 4 varies — but Apple has listed the countries on its website.

The smartwatch comes in two different types of models. You can either opt for the one with cellular connectivity built-in along with GPS, or you can choose to go with only GPS. Regardless, both smartwatches come with the new health features.

In terms of color variants, the Series 4 comes in three aluminum finishes — gold, space grey, and silver. There’s also a gold stainless steel option, in addition to the silver and space black stainless steel versions.

As for pricing, the Series 4 with cellular connectivity starts at $499. If you opt for the Series 4 without cellular connectivity and just built-in GPS, it starts at $399. It’s important to note that cost not only varies depending on whether you choose to have network connectivity, but also depending on which color variant and case size you purchase.

Buying the Apple Watch Series 4 from wireless carriers

Those who want the Series 4 with cellular connectivity can also purchase the smartwatch through their specific carriers. Not all carriers have announced pricing and availability yet, but we’ll continue to update this article as more information rolls in.

T-Mobile

The first, and only carrier so far, to announce availability for the Series 4 is T-Mobile. Customers can pre-order the smartwatch starting Friday, September 14, at 12:01 a.m. PT. Pricing has not been finalized yet.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple Watch Series 4: Everything you need to know
• Apple’s September 12 Event: Everything Apple announced
• Apple Watch Series 4 vs. Series 3: Which should you get?
• The best Apple Watch deals for September 2018
• The Fitbit Versa: everything you need to know

The best iPhone Xs cases

Apple’s iPhone Xs is a stunning phone with a gorgeous OLED screen and a glass and metal build that’s seriously classy. While the look was no doubt partly what attracted you in the first place, leaving it uncovered could be risky. Glass can crack, or scratch, the metal frame is prone to scuffs, and repairs are expensive.

You may also want to stamp your own personality on your new iPhone or add some extra utility. Whatever you’re after, you can find something here to tempt you as we run through some of the best iPhone Xs cases.

Casetify Impact Case ($50)

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Simon Hill/Digital Trends

Simon Hill/Digital Trends

There’s no need for a compromise between style and protection if you opt for the Impact case from Casetify. This lightweight case is slim but boasts a special layer of a material called qiTech around the frame which absorbs fall impact giving you drop protection up to 6.6 feet. The shell is glossy and transparent, but it comes with a wide variety of different decorative finishes and you can even custom design your own look by uploading an image. The shock absorbing inner layer around the frame comes in black, white, or pink. All the button covers and openings you need are there and the camera cutout is black to prevent any flash reflection.

Buy it now from:

Casetify

Case-Mate Street Smart Case ($35 to $50)

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Simon Hill/Digital Trends

Simon Hill/Digital Trends

No one else does shiny, pretty iPhone cases quite as well as Case-Mate and the Street Smart collection has everything from translucent iridescence to a gold glitter waterfall to mother of pearl. There are also purple flowers, dot patterns, and even a matte black option. Just because these cases have some sparkle doesn’t mean they scrimp in the drop-protection department — the cushioned corners will guard your iPhone XS against falls of up to 10 feet. The metallic button covers add an extra flourish and every case comes with a lifetime warranty.

Buy it now from:

Case-Mate Amazon

Incipio Stashback Case ($35)

With an all-new sliding design, Incipio’s Stashback series is even more tempting for iPhone XS owners. The idea is to give you some space to hide away your credit cards and ID, so you don’t need to take a wallet or purse out with you all the time. The cleverly concealed storage has room for up to three cards or maybe a card and some cash. It has generous openings for easy access to the port, switch, and camera, button covers, and a subtle line design in a black or navy finish.

Buy it now from:

Incipio

Totallee Thin Case ($25)

If you’re a minimalist and you can’t stand chunky cases, then these super slim offerings from Totallee might suit you perfectly. They’re very light and just 0.02 inches thick and they have closely tuned cutouts that offer easy access to everything. These cases are not going to provide much in the way of drop protection, but they should ward off scratches and minor bumps. You have a wide choice of finishes from matte black, grey, or navy blue to frosted clear or frosted black, to glossy clear, black, or white.

Buy it now from:

Totallee

Nomad Rugged Leather Case ($45)

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If you’re after luxurious leather to bring an understated touch of style to your iPhone XS, then you owe it to yourself to check out Nomad’s wares. These rugged cases have been slimmed down compared to past versions, but they still offer solid drop protection. The Horween leather finish comes in black and brown, feels great in hand, and develops more character as it ages. Nomad also does folio-style cases, but the leather shell is our top pick.

Buy it now from:

Nomad

Mous Limitless 2.0 Case ($50)

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You’ll enjoy sound protection from this Mous case with a system of air pockets and a mix of polycarbonate and TPU ensuring that you have strong drop protection. The basic shell is very sturdy with chunky button covers, accurate openings, and a protective lip for the screen. The real attraction, though, is the range of back panel finishes which include carbon fiber, wood, leather, and real shell. They’re eye-catching and highly protective, which is a great combo in a case.

Buy it now from:

Mous

Speck Presidio V-Grip Case ($40 to $45)

We usually recommend the Presidio Grip from Speck, but the veteran case manufacturer has turned out a new line this year and the V-Grip caught our eye. With a specially ridged bumper, this case won’t slip off tales or out of your hand easily and if it does there’s solid drop protection for falls of up to 10 feet. There is also a raised lip around the screen and chunky button covers to protect your iPhone Xs from every angle. The back is clear to show off that Apple design, but there is a sparkly tint to the gold version.

Buy it now from:

Speck

RhinoShield Mod NX Case ($32 plus)

You can pick from a variety of different case designs at Rhinoshield, but the best for customization is the Mod NX system. You get the classic bumper that made Rhinoshield famous, with impressive drop protection that’s good up to 11 feet, but it comes in a wide variety of different colors which you can mix and match different colors of the rim ($5) and buttons ($3) with. You can just go with the bumper if you like, or you can add in a backplate that’s transparent, one with a marble effect, or choose from more than 100 designs.

Buy it now from:

Rhinoshield

Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet Case ($30)

These stylish leather wallet cases are made from full grain cowhide nubuck leather and finished in a wide range of colors. Open the cover and you’ll find three slots for cards as well as a larger compartment for cash. It also bends back to act as a stand for propping your phone in landscape view. There is a simple plastic shell to hold your iPhone XS securely in place. The cover also has a handy magnetic clasp and the distinctive snake logo on the front.

Buy it now from:

Snakehive

Moshi StealthCover Case ($40)

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If you fancy a folio-style case with a front cover, but you don’t want to have to open it to see the screen all the time, then this case from Moshi has you covered. The front cover is translucent allowing you to see who is calling or check incoming messages without opening it. You can also use FaceID with the cover closed and there is a magnetic closure to keep it from popping open uninvited. The shell itself should guard against minor drops and bumps and your iPhone Xs is covered from every angle. This one comes in champagne pink or gunmetal grey.

Buy it now from:

Moshi

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best iPhone 7 Plus cases
• Apple iPhone Xs: News, release, specs, and more
• The best protective iPhone cases
• The best iPhone 8 cases and covers
• Keep that flagship phone safe with the best iPhone X cases and covers

iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and iPhone Xr: 5 things we love, 5 things we hate

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Apple released its latest trio of smartphones, the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr. And like every year, Apple did not fail to disappoint. While there absolutely awesome phones, that doesn’t mean we have zero complaints.

Here are five things we love, and five things we hate about the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr.

Love

Tons of color options

In terms of color options alone, Apple tends to be a little conservative when it comes to iPhones. Sure, the iPhone 5c came in exciting colors, but that seemed to be a one-off event, with Apple returning to its more subdued line up the following year.

In 2018, however, it looks like Apple is ready to dip its toe back into the deep end. It released the new iPhone Xr in six exciting colors. You’ll find the iPhone Xr in black, white, yellow, coral, and blue. Oh, and we can’t forget about the red edition that’s being released at launch for the first time ever this year.

The iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max will continue to come in more traditional colors. This year you’ll find them in space grey, silver, as well as a new gold model.

Extra battery life

If you’re seeking a little extra juice, you may want to check out the 2018 iPhones. Apple has made hardware and software improvements to all three phones that will ensure you have plenty of battery life.

While the extra 30 minutes of power Apple claims you get on the iPhone Xs isn’t that exciting, it’s definitely better than nothing. The real magic, however, is on the iPhone Xs Max and iPhone Xr: Both phones will reportedly give you an extra hour and a half of power.

So much storage

Ready to store tons of photos or music? This year, Apple went all in on its storage options for all of its new iPhones. Both the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max are available with three different storage capacities: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB.

The iPhone Xr comes in three options as well: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB. While you will likely have plenty of storage with nearly any of these phones, you may want to buy one with a higher capacity since none of the phones have external storage slots.

Dual SIM support

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

While Dual SIM support may not be exciting for most of us in the U.S., lots of iPhone users around the world are rejoicing. The iPhone Xs and Xs Max will be the first Apple handsets to support dual SIM technology.

Instead of just creating a hybrid SIM slot, Apple is following the Google Pixel 2’s lead. The iPhone Xs and Xs Max will have one traditional SIM along with one eSIM.

Most major U.S. carriers (with the exception of Sprint) will support the iPhone Xs and Xs Max built-in eSIM at launch, so you’ll be able to easily activate service. That leaves the SIM slot open for international travel or if you’re in an area that doesn’t receive good service from your primary carrier.

Split view on iPhone Xs Max

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The iPhone Xs Max is the biggest that Apple has ever created and one of the biggest on the market. That means there is lots of extra screen real estate to work with.

Fortunately, Apple is putting that extra real estate to use. Once reserved for iPads, the iPhone Xs Max will be the first iPhone to support a split view. That means we will finally be able to have two apps open side by side: A feature that’s been available on most Android smartphones for years.

Hate

No more headphone dongle

First, it was the headphone jack, and now it’s the dongle. The 2018 iPhone lineup (and iPhone 8 for that matter) will no longer include a headphone dongle in the box.

If you want to listen to music or movies on your phone, you’re left with two options. You can either embrace Bluetooth headphones, or pay Apple $9 for the dinky little dongle that used to come in the box gratis.

That camera bump

Let’s talk about the new iPhones. From the front they look sleek and gorgeous, but if you turn the phone over things quickly change. Yes, we’re talking about that ugly camera bump.

While Apple continues to update and refine its hardware, it just seems to ignore that ugly little bump that makes its phones wobble. Luckily, you’ll likely have a case that will balance things out for you.

The top notch is here to stay

Sure, it’s been a year since Apple brought the top notch to the mainstream, but that doesn’t mean we’ve grown to love it. Quite the opposite, actually, since we’ve seen other smartphone manufacturers find creative ways to minimize or eliminate the notch altogether.

The 5W adapter

Seriously, Apple? It’s 2018 and you’re still including a chintzy 5W charger with your iPhones, even though the entire lineup is capable of fast charging. While there were plenty of rumors that an 18W charger would come standard with the 2018 iPhones, we now know that is not the case.

iPhone Xs Max Price

When Apple announced the iPhone X last year, it was one of the first smartphones on the market that managed to surpass the $1,000 threshold. The year, Apple’s pushing the envelope a little further with the iPhone Xs Max.

The iPhone Xs Max comes in at a staggering $1,100: That’s slightly less than the least expensive MacBook Pro. However, iPhones get long-term software support, so it’s not necessary to switch phones every year.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Apple iPhone Xs: News, release, specs, and more
• Here’s how to buy the brand-new Apple iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr
• Apple iPhone Xs vs. iPhone X: What difference does a year make?
• Apple iPhone Xr vs. iPhone 8 vs. iPhone 7 vs. iPhone 6s: Which is best for you?
• Everything you need to know about the Apple iPhone XR

You can’t buy the iPhone SE anymore, but Apple has cut prices for these iPhones

Apple has finally taken the wraps off of the next generation of iPhones, called the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR, ushering in a new generation of iPhone and immediately outdating older devices, including the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and other previous models.

But not everyone needs the latest and greatest model. Not everyone is a power-user, and not everyone needs all of the new features on offer in new devices. So if that’s you, the release of new iPhone models is still good news — it means that older iPhones will be discounted.

There are a few iPhone models that Apple has discontinued with the release of the iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and Xr. For starters, last year’s iPhone X is no longer available from Apple. The iPhone SE has also been discontinued. Still, Apple is offering a few older iPhone models, and they come at a pretty sweet price.

iPhone 8

For starters, Apple is still offering the iPhone 8 — and it’s offering the phone at quite a discount. The iPhone 8 with 64GB now comes at $600, while the 256GB version of the device comes at $750. The iPhone 8 Plus, on the other hand, starts at $700 for the 64GB model, while the 256GB model is available for $850.

All this represents a relatively substantial discount from Apple. At launch, the iPhone 8 came at $700, so the devices have been discounted by $100. All of the iPhone 8 models are available directly from the Apple website.

iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 is even more sharply discounted from its original list price from when it was released two years ago. The phone is available in two storage options and two sizes. The standard iPhone 7 starts at $450 for the 32GB model, while the 128GB model is $100 more at $550. The iPhone 7 Plus is $120 more expensive than the standard iPhone 7 — so the iPhone 7 Plus 32GB model comes at $670, while the 128GB model comes at $770.

Given that the standard iPhone 7 was listed at $650 when it launched, the move represents a $200 discount. Like the iPhone 8, the iPhone 7 is available discounted from Apple’s website.

Of course, if you want an even greater mark-down, you can check out Apple’s refurbished online store. Apple is very good at ensuring that its refurbished products are still high quality and work perfectly well. At the time of this writing, only the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus were available on the refurbished store, though that may change.

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• Everything you need to know about the Apple iPhone XR
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• Buy a professionally refurbished iPhone 6 and save $100

Here are hands-on photos of Apple’s new iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR

iPhone Xs and Xs Max

Apple has taken the wraps off its next-generation iPhones and they come in the form of the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone Xr. While they all have very similar titles, each iPhone brings along its own set of features, aesthetic, and price point.

We were on the ground at Apple’s hardware event in Cupertino, California, where we got to see the highly anticipated iPhones in person. Below, are some hands-on photos to give you an up-close look of each device.

iPhone Xs and Xs Max

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The iPhone Xs is the successor to last year’s iPhone X. It comes complete with a nearly bezel-less 5.8-inch, Super Retina OLED display and a notch at the top. Meanwhile, with the iPhone Xs Max, Apple did things a little differently this time with the iPhone Xs Max. Rather than releasing a ‘Plus’ size version as it normally would, the company went even bigger — with a 6.5-inch Retina OLED display instead of the usual 5.5-inch as seen on the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus.

Both models come in a variety of colors — gold, space grey, and silver. The Xs and Xs Max are also made of glass, but has a higher durability rating and has an IP68 rating for water-resistance.

Physical size aside, the iPhone Xs and Xs Max also have most of their specs in common. On the back, you will find two new cameras — one 12-megapixel, wide-angle sensor with an f/1,8 aperture and a second telephoto lens with 12 megapixels, optical image stabilization, 2x optical zoom, and an f/2.2 aperture. With a TrueDepth camera system, you can also take advantage of features like Face ID and animojis.

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iPhone Xs Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

iPhone Xs Max Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

iPhone Xs Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

iPhone Xs Max Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

iPhone Xs Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Under the hood is Apple’s next-generation A-series processor, the A12 Bionic trip. Apple says it works 15 percent faster and has 40 percent lower power consumption in comparison to the previous generation. While Apple hasn’t announced the size of the batteries, the iPhone Xs has 30 minutes more time on the iPhone Xs in comparison to the iPhone X while the Xs Max has 90 more minutes.

For more in-depth information on the iPhone Xs and Xs Max, check out our news post here.

iPhone XR

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With the iPhone Xs and Xs Max priced both priced at over $1,000, Apple also released what it considers a “budget-friendly” iPhone X alternative called the iPhone XR — for $749. In terms of design, the iPhone has a 6.1-inch LCD display (bigger than the iPhone Xs) that Apple calls a Liquid Display. As with the entire iPhone X lineup, the XR also includes a notch at the top. On the back, you will find a single-lens camera that comes in at 12 megapixels with an aperture of f/1.8 and support for Portrait Mode via machine learning. As with the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max, the XR also has a TrueDepth camera system.

The XR comes with the same A12 Bionic processor, and comes in 64GB, 128Gb, and 256Gb storage options. The battery for this iPhone has yet to be disclosed, but Apple says it lasts an hour and a half more than the iPhone 8 Plus.

Perhaps the most interesting part about the iPhone XR are the color variants it comes in. Apple is taking it back to those iPhone 5C days by offering the XR in some fun, vibrant colors. Aside from white or black, customers will get to choose from blue, coral, red, and yellow.

You can learn more about the iPhone XR here.

Editors’ Recommendations

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Samsung Galaxy S9 vs. iPhone XS: Which should you buy?

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. We live and breathe Android phones, and we happen to know a lot about iOS, too. It’s our mission to set you up with the right phone for you.

Galaxy S9

Android superphone

$620 at Amazon

Pros

• Significantly cheaper than the iPhone XS
• Excellent dual aperture camera
• Multiple authentication methods

Cons

• Mediocre battery life
• Bixby Button still isn’t very useful

The Galaxy S9 is one of the most full-featured Android phones on the market, with powerful specs and a gorgeous AMOLED display. Its dual aperture camera excels in low light, and perhaps best of all, there’s no notch occupying part of the display.

iPhone XS

Big screen, small phone

$1000 at Apple

Pros

• Incredibly powerful A12 Bionic chip
• 120Hz touch sensing display
• Improved FaceID

Cons

• Siri is still behind Google Assistant
• No fingerprint sensor

The iPhone XS is Apple’s most powerful phone yet, with the remarkably powerful A12 Bionic chip. It has a great 5.8-inch display in a compact body, and excellent stereo speakers. FaceID replaces a fingerprint sensor, and the cameras have gained some powerful new features.

Software preferences aside, the Galaxy S9 and iPhone XS are actually pretty similar phones. Both have glass and metal industrial designs with high screen-to-body ratios, along with IP68 resistance, wireless charging, stereo speakers, and so on. The biggest difference is price — the S9 has fallen below $650, while the iPhone XS sits at a hard to swallow $1000 starting price.

What are the differences?

A large deciding factor in which phone you should buy is, of course, the operating system behind it. By now, you probably know where you stand on Android versus iOS (and if you’re here at Android Central, we’ve got a good idea at which one you prefer). Both have their various pros and cons, but in short, Samsung’s software on top of Android offers an extremely customizable but arguably cluttered experience, whereas iOS 12 is simple to use but lacking in custom options.

It’s hard to find any major flaws with either phone’s hardware. Both have very similar 5.8-inch AMOLED displays, but many will prefer the Galaxy S9’s notch-less approach. Hidden within that notch are Apple’s newly improved Face ID sensors, which are more secure than Samsung’s facial recognition, though the S9 offers more ways to unlock your phone, retaining the “legacy” fingerprint sensor and throwing in an iris scanner.

Operating system	Android 8.0 Oreo	iOS 12
Display	5.8-inch AMOLED, 2960 x 1440 @ 570ppi	5.8-inch AMOLED, 2436 x 1125 @ 463ppi
Chipset	Snapdragon 845	A12 Bionic
RAM	4GB	4GB
Storage	64GB/128GB/256GB	64GB/256GB/512GB
Rear camera 1	12MP, 1.4μm, f/1.5-2.4, OIS, LED flash	12MP, 1.4μm, f/1.8, OIS, True Tone flash
Rear camera 2	None	12MP 2x telephoto, f/2.4
Front camera	8MP, f/1.7	7MP, f/2.2
Battery	3000mAh	2716mAh
Charging	USB-C, wireless charging	Lightning, wireless charging
Water resistance	IP68 dust and water resistance	IP68 dust and water resistance
Security	Fingerprint sensor, face unlock, iris scanner	Face unlock

One big difference between the two phones is the cameras. The iPhone XS features dual cameras, while the Galaxy S9 has a single camera with dual apertures. Apple made a big deal during the iPhone XS announcement over some of the improved camera features, including adjustable aperture in post and stereo audio during video capture, but the S9’s camera is no slouch either, with a wide range of manual controls and post-processing effects of its own.

Unless you really prefer iOS over Android, there’s not much reason to spend nearly $400 more on the iPhone XS.

Then there’s storage. The iPhone XS reaches all the way up to 512GB of storage, doubling the Galaxy S9’s maximum capacity, but that kind of storage doesn’t come cheap. Even at the matching 64GB base options, there’s nearly a $400 difference in price, leaning in the S9’s favor. What’s more, you can simply upgrade the storage in the Galaxy S9 with a microSD card — once you buy an iPhone XS, you’re locked into the storage option you chose without room for expansion.

The wide price gap will be more than enough to push a considerable amount of consumers towards the Galaxy S9, and with good reason. You’re getting a very similar experience in terms of performance, cameras, and physical dimensions at a much cheaper price — but if you’re already tied into the Apple ecosystem with other products like a Mac or iPad, or you simply prefer iOS over Android, the iPhone XS is certainly a compelling option.

Galaxy S9

Android superphone

$620 at Amazon

The does-it-all Android phone that fits in one hand and won’t run you $1000.

Samsung’s compact flagship has it all — a gorgeous design, an incredible curved display, powerful specs, and a great camera. As an added bonus, you get it all for under $650.

iPhone XS

Big screen, small phone

The four-digit iPhone with the most powerful mobile processor and Face ID.

$1000 at Apple

If you can stomach paying $1000 for a phone, the iPhone XS makes it worth your while with the A12 Bionic chip, improved cameras, and tremendous app support.

Canada Daily Deals: Robo vacs, security cameras and more

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

We found plenty of great deals today that include big discounts on ILIFE Robo vacs, Bluetooth speakers and headphones, Yi home security cams and much more!

View the rest of the deals

Each day, the Thrifter Canada team scouts out and shares amazing deals on products you know and love, helping you find the best prices on the ‘net.

For more Canadian deals coverage, be sure to keep an eye on Thrifter CA and follow the team on Twitter.

Google Pixel 2 XL vs. iPhone XS Max: Which Should You Buy?

We’re a virtual company made up of tech experts from across the globe. We live and breathe Android phones, and we happen to know a lot about iOS, too. It’s our mission to set you up with the right phone.

Pixel 2 XL

Google’s finest

$849 at Google

Pros

• Stunning camera
• Front-facing speakers
• Best way to experience Android

Cons

• AMOLED Display has problems
• No wireless charging

If you want the best experience Google can offer, this is it. The camera is exceptional, especially in low light, and the speakers on this phone are incredible. And, of course, Google’s software updates arrive here before anywhere anywhere else.

iPhone XS Max

Bezel-free hugeness

$1100 at Apple

Pros

• Fantastic, huge display
• Wireless charging
• Face unlock is pretty great

Cons

• No fingerprint sensor
• No USB-C port

Apple took the impressive iPhone X and made it huge. The display is best in class, the speakers are surprisingly loud, and there’s nothing else quite like Apple’s face unlock system. This design isn’t without trade-offs, but overall this is an excellent phone.

Though it may be a bit obvious, the Pixel 2 XL is meant to be the very best Android experience around, while the iPhone XS Max is as premium as an iPhone has ever been. Each phone stands strong with clean software and incredible performance, but your needs may justify one over the other.

When worlds collide

There are tons of great Android phones these days, but the Pixel represents Google’s own vision of what the platform should be. Its clean and simple interface is home to a bevy of smart features, including the ever-powerful Google Assistant. In addition, thanks to Google’s machine learning, the Pixel 2 XL remains one of the very best pocket cameras around, despite having a single rear-facing lens.

Then there’s the iPhone XS Max. With an enormous 6.5-inch display, it’s the largest iPhone ever made, and the True Tone Super Retina display is far better than the Pixel 2 XL’s problematic pOLED panel — though some people still won’t be a fan of the iPhone’s infamous notch. It also boasts Apple’s extremely powerful A12 Bionic chip which, on top of assuring smooth performance, augments AR and camera capabilities.

There’s a trade-off at every turn with these phones; the iPhone XS Max relies on Face ID rather than a more traditional fingerprint sensor like the Pixel 2 XL, the latter of which many still prefer, but the Pixel lacks the iPhone’s handy wireless charging. That’s more important than people tend to think, especially on a water resistant phone — should you submerge your phone, wireless charging is the only way to top it off while you wait for the port to dry.

Operating system	Android 9 Pie	iOS 12
Display	6-inch pOLED, 2880×1440 @ 441ppi	6.5-inch AMOLED, 2688 x 1238 @ 458ppi
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 835	A12 Bionic
RAM	4GB	4GB
Storage	64GB/128GB	64GB/256GB/512GB
Rear camera 1	12.2MP, 1.4μm, f/1.8OIS, dual LED flash	12MP, 1.4μm, f/1.8OIS, True Tone flash
Rear camera 2	None	12MP, f/2.4, 2X Optical Zoom
Front camera	8MP, 1.4μm, f/2.4	7MP, f/2.2
Battery	3520mAh	Unspecified
Charging	USB-C, wireless charging	Lightning, wireless charging
Water resistance	IP67 dust and water resistance	IP68 dust and water resistance
Security	Fingerprint sensor	Face unlock

Each phone offers the very best experience its respective platform can offer.

The iPhone XS Max features a makeshift stereo speaker setup, combining the earpiece speaker with the bottom speaker grill, but the Pixel 2 XL offers a more genuine stereo effect with dual front-firing speakers. Neither phone features microSD expandability or a 3.5mm headphone jack, but each can at least achieve wired audio through an adapter — just keep in mind that Apple is no longer including a Lightning to auxiliary adapter in the box with its phones.

That lack of microSD expandability plays a pretty significant role in determining which phone to buy, since both start at 64GB with a $250 difference in price. The Pixel 2 XL maxes out at 128GB of storage for $949, while the iPhone XS Max reaches all the way up to 512GB — assuming you have $1449 to spare. Both Google and Apple offer financing options to ease the initial blow, but even so, these aren’t insignificant numbers by any means.

Whether or not the iPhone XS Max is worth that much more than the Pixel 2 XL comes almost entirely down to your preference in platforms, along with your storage needs. Both phones have incredible cameras, smooth performance, and huge screens, and each serves as its respective manufacturer’s poster child for what a phone can and should be. If you don’t have any particular software preferences, though, you won’t be missing out on much by saving a few hundred dollars and buying the Pixel 2 XL.

Pixel 2 XL

Google’s finest

$849 at Google

The very best Android experience Google has to offer.

Though it’s soon to be replaced by its sequel, the Pixel 2 XL is the culmination of all of Google’s software tricks and machine learning.

iPhone XS Max

Bezel-free hugeness

The biggest, most powerful, and most expensive iPhone ever.

$1100 at Apple

The iPhone XS Max improves on everything that already made the iPhone X great, and upscales to a whopping 6.5-inch display.