The iPhone X is set to release on November 3, 2017. On that day, those Apple users lucky enough to snag an iPhone X will be rewarded with what Apple calls the future of smartphones.
However, you may be wondering just what the iPhone X does that makes it so special. That’s a shockingly good question considering that Apple rushed over its features quite a bit during the initial reveal.
Since then, though, we’ve learned quite a bit about what sets the iPhone X apart. If you’re still left asking just what it really offers, be sure to consider these exclusive iPhone X features when making your upgrade decision.
Just The Specs
Before we get into feature differences, let’s take a quick look at how the specs of these phones stack up.
iPhone 8
- Size: 2.65″(Width) x 5.45″ (Height)
- Weight: 5.22 Ounces
- Display: 4.7″ Retina HD/1334-by-750 pixel resolution
- Camera: 12 MP/Digital Zoom up to 5x
- A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture
iPhone 8 Plus
- Size: 3.07″ x 6.24″
- Weight: 7.13 Ounces
- Display: 5.5″ Retina HD/1920-by-1080 pixel resolution
- Camera: 12 MP Wide-Angle/Digital Zoom up to 10x/Portrait Mode
- A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture
iPhone X
- Size: 2.79″ x 5.65″
- Weight: 6.14 Ounces
- Display: 5.8″ (diagonal) All-Screen Super Retina HD/2436-by-1125 pixel resolution/OLED
- Camera: 12 MP Wide-Angle/Digital Zoom up to 10x/Portrait Mode/7MP True Depth Camera
- A11 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture
What these numbers tell us is that the iPhone X isn’t actually that much more powerful than the iPhone 8 models. It sports the same processing chip and similar storage capacity. However, the iPhone X’s incredible display allows it to take full advantage of the iPhone’s processing A11 chip. If resolution quality matters to you, then you should still consider the iPhone X to be a technological step-up.
There’s also some debate regarding how much more RAM the iPhone X has. Apple hasn’t been clear regarding this stat quite yet. A significant increase in RAM for the iPhone X could dramatically improve performance.
It’s also worth noting that the iPhone X’s camera is a clear improvement over the two iPhone 8 models. We’ll explore that more in a bit as we look at the iPhone X’s unique features.
True HDR Support
This is a big iPhone X exclusive feature that you shouldn’t overlook.
The iPad Pro and iPhone X are the only mobile Apple devices that feature true HDR displays. iPhone 8 may technically support the technology, but can’t achieve the full HDR effect. That matters if you’re the kind of person who likes to binge Netflix on their phone, watch YouTube, or download movies. In fact, Netflix has already confirmed that they have added HDR support for the iPhone X.
Based on current trends, you’ll want to own an HDR device in the next few years. Not only do HDR streams and videos look fantastic, but they’re slowly becoming the standard. So far as that goes, the iPhone X figures to have the best HDR display of all Apple products. It’s not as large as the iPad Pro’s screen, but that might actually help its pixel-per-inch display quality.
Face ID
Many users thought Apple may make this technology standard for all iPhone models. Instead, it is reserved for the iPhone X.
What does Facial Recognition do for you? First off, it allows for Face ID unlocks. That means you’ll be able to unlock your iPhone X just by looking at the device’s camera. That sounds great, but some users have concerns. The technology didn’t exactly work properly during the iPhone X’s unveiling and we can only take Apple’s word regarding the security of the recognition.
However, there are reasons to be excited about this feature. If it really is as accurate as Apple says, then it could theoretically improve device security. While you can still use the old password system if you wish, the iPhone X’s lack of a home button removes the Touch ID option. It also means there is no more single-button home screen shortcut.
Unlike HDR, Facial Recognition’s value will be determined over time.
Animojis
Animoji’s are an animated form of emojis. They utilized Face ID technology and allow users to create custom animated emojis using facial expressions.
It seems that users will either be able to “pre-record” Animojis or let the technology read their expressions in real-time. For instance, you can record an Animoji, add audio to it, and send it to someone as a looping video. If you’ve ever wanted to put your face on an emoji panda and sing happy birthday, this is the feature for you.
The earliest Animoji demos suggest that they work quite well. What remains to be seen is how versatile they are. It’s possible the gimmick could grow old quickly.
The Best Front-Facing Camera Ever
The iPhone X has the most selfie-friendly camera we’ve ever seen on a mobile device.
First off, only the iPhone X supports portrait mode selfies. That means that you’ll be able to use its front-facing camera to produce close-to-DSLR quality photos. Generally, that means cleaner shots with a controlled background blur.
Having portrait mode support on both cameras is actually a pretty nice feature. Sometimes – especially with selfie shots – the iPhone front camera is just the more practical option.
But Apple’s selfie support doesn’t end there. Apple has already noted that the iPhone X’s front-facing camera greatly enhances app features like Snapchat tracking. It will also offer greater augmented reality support.
Dual-Camera Image Stabilization
This is a small feature, but a welcome one.
Both rear camera lenses on the iPhone X allow for optical image stabilization. This means that low-light photos should be cleaner than ever with no additional effort required. This also makes the iPhone X the first smartphone to feature dual OIS. Nice.
Glass Build Looks
The iPhone X is comprised entirely of glass and steel. While this no doubt contributed to the construction costs – and may make the phone more fragile – it also results in a much cleaner overall design.
Conclusion: It’s All About The Camera and Screen
If you must have the best Apple screen and camera available, the iPhone X is a no-brainer purchase. So far as both of those features go, it is miles ahead of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 plus.
Otherwise, the X isn’t really the tremendous leap forward that it’s being advertised as. The good news is that those users who do value screen and camera quality will be rewarded with a variety of features designed to take advantage of those assets.
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