Apple announced three new iPhones earlier today – the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.
Apple’s iPhone has been the standard for smartphone photography since the first version was released 10 years ago. The latest update continues this tradition with some incremental and some ambitious upgrades.
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are the direct successors to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, respectively. The iPhone X (pronounced “iPhone Ten”) features a number of cutting edge upgrades that sets it apart from the current crop of smartphones in the market and positions it as the new standard-bearer.
iPhone X Front Camera
iPhone 8 Key Features
- 12MP camera and f/1.8 lens
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 4K 60p
- 240fps at 1080p
iPhone 8 Plus Key Features
- Dual 12MP Cameras
- f/1.8 wide-angle lens
- f/2.8 telephoto lens
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Portrait Lighting digitally simulated lighting
- 4K 60p
- 240fps at 1080p
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone X Key Features
- Dual 12MP Cameras
- f/1.8 wide-angle lens
- f/2.4 telephoto lens
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Portrait Mode on front camera
- Portrait Lighting digitally simulated lighting
- 4K 60p
- 240fps at 1080p
iPhone X Rear Camera
The camera upgrades are sure to deliver improved photography performance. Perhaps the most impressive demonstration of the camera upgrades are the augmented reality (AR) applications on the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, along with the new FaceID security feature used for unlocking the phone’s screen on the iPhone X.
iPhone X Augmented Reality Demo
Calling these devices a phone is hardly an apt description nowadays. While we still use them to talk to people in a traditional phone call, the communication, entertainment and business capabilities of smartphones surpasses what many of us do on a full-fledged computer. While the prices continue to climb, so does the flexibilty and feature-list of the devices.
When I first saw the price of the iPhone X, I cringed at the $1k starting price tag. Then, I considered the user experience and immersion that it delivers. Personally, I’m not going to spring for the iPhone X, but I can’t fault those who feel they want or need that experience in a smartphone from dropping a grand on a “phone.”
Both the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are available in 64GB and 256GB capacities. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus retail prices start at $699 and $799, respectively. Pre-orders start on September 15 with availability beginning on September 22.
The iPhone X is also available in 64GB and 256GB options, priced at $999 and $1149, respectively. It will be available for pre-order beginning October 27 with delivery beginning on November 3.
More on all the new iPhone options on Apple.com.
Nice piece. Two points.
First the facial recognition issue with the iPX is a security nightmare as it has no way at all of knowing who exactly is pointing the phone at the owner.
Second the first THREE iPhones had demonstrably inferior camera’s compared to Sony and few others of that long ago era.
And yes I’ve had every iPhone and many camera phones before Apple.
And I’m liking the physical attributes of the X except the much ballyhooed log in primary method.
Good thoughts Jim. I’m not quite sold on the FaceID feature either. I’ve enjoyed the TouchID on my other iOS devices and my new MacBook Pro. I can see some inconviences arising with the FaceID from a practical usage standpoint too.
Personally, I’m leaning toward the 8 Plus as my next phone.