X rated: Apple unveils next-gen iPhones
APPLE has released its latest iPhone range – the iPhone X – in three flavours: the iPhone XS, the XS Max, and the more entry-level XR.
The iPhone XS has a 5.8in screen and two rear cameras: a 12MP wideangle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and image stabilisation, teamed with a 12MP telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture and stabilisation. The flash has also been beefed up, and now features Slow Sync.
The same camera features appear on the XS Max, but it has a bigger 6.5in screen. Both phones also feature a 7MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, which is twice as fast as the device on its predecessor, the iPhone X. Furthermore, a Depth Control function enables you to set depth of field and adjust background blur post-shoot, and there are also more advanced bokeh effects in Portrait Mode (Portrait Lighting mode also lets you add lighting effects, including Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage and Stage Mono). Last but not least, there is a Smart HDR feature for maximising the tonal range of images taken with the phones; Apple claims that the iPhone XS’s faster sensors and improved algorithms make this feature particularly effective. The iPhone XR, meanwhile, uses a single 12MP wideangle camera, so lacks an optical zoom.
In terms of video, all three new phones offer 4K video recording up to 60 fps with the 12MP rear camera, while the 7MP front camera enables you to record 1080p HD video up to 60fps, with video stabilisation. Prices vary according to contract.