It’s been a while since Pete has written a guest blog post for us here on TanyaFoster.com. He’s my technology guru so it seemed timely that he shares his assessment of the new iPhones that are about to be released. Will you get one? Let’s explore how to decide if you need the new iPhone 8, 8 Plus or X.
Thanks for this vital information Pete! xoxo – Tanya
How to decide if you need the new iPhone 8, 8 Plus or X
As anyone who owns a smart phone had probably heard, Tuesday Apple announced the next generation iPhones. They are called the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X. Here are the highlights explained as simply as I can translate the tech. More in-depth analysis to come in a later blog after I test the new phones:
Model X: the 10th Anniversary Edition iPhone highlights
5.8 inch diagonal OLED display, “edge to edge” Super HD display with HDR (high dynamic range)
6 CPU (central processing unit) cores – 2 high performance; 4 high-efficiency
Apple-designed GPU (graphics processing unit) and ISP (image signal processor)
7 MP and 12 MP, front (selfie) and rear-facing cameras; f 2.4 for telephoto and 1.8 for rear-facing wide-angle cameras
Dual Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) – OIS on both backward-facing cameras
Portrait mode for selfies; improved flash; improved low-light pictures overall
4K video recording up to 60 fps (frames per second)
Face ID facial recognition security – much more secure than fingerprint security
No home button – swipe for home screen
Smaller form factor, but bigger screen than previous “Plus” models
More compact size makes for easier one-handed operation
Longer battery life than 7 Plus
Animojies – animated emojies based on your facial expressions for iMessaging
Wireless charging and fast charging mode
25% louder speakers with improved bass
Optimized for Augmented Reality (new type of gaming and more)
Available in November; prices start at $1000
Model 8 and 8 plus highlights (same as the model “X” above EXCEPT)
Touch ID (fingerprint) security – no Face ID
Traditional access to home screen, no “swiping”
No Animojies
Regular Retna display, not edge-to-edge or OLED
Traditional Touch ID/Home button
No portrait mode in front facing (selfie) camera
Only f 2.8 on the back-facing telephoto camera vs. 2.4 for the X model
Only single optical image stabilization
Does not support HDR (high dynamic range) format for movies
Traditional regular and plus phone dimensions
Bottom Line:
All the phones are better than the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, especially for photos, but also for faster processors, louder speakers, stronger glass, faster charging and wireless charging. The X is smaller in actual size, but with a bigger display than the 7 and 8 Plus models – this is a big deal for one-handed operation. The X has a much better display than the 8 and 8 Plus. The X can shoot selfies in Portrait mode – this is a big deal for selfies (and probably bloggers). The X has a better f-stop than the 8s, again an advantage if you take lots of pictures. The 8 models have the traditional Touch ID interface using the “home” button. You will have to hold the X in front of your face to unlock it and “swipe” to access the home screen. The X and 8 Plus have better battery life than the 7 Plus (hooray!). The X is a lot more money than the 8 Plus or 8.
The 8 and 8 Plus are available in September; the X will be available in early November. Will you get one? I know I will!
Pete
P.S. Remember this post about virus scanning? The department of homeland security just released a advisory giving government offices 30 days to remove Kepersky anti-virus products from government computers due to Russian hacking. You heard it here first! #breakingnews
I watched the launch the other day and I was completely sold on the X- I desperately need to upgrade my iPhone and have been waiting patiently for this launch!!! However…. The facial recognition doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t even use the fingerprint option to unlock my phone. The whole idea of facial recognition creeps me out. I’m not comfortable with it for too many reasons to list. I wish it was optional. They didn’t say it was which leads me to think it’s the only way you can use the phone – so it seems I will be stuck purchasing the 8 plus- whic annoys me because I always want the “best” Rant over! LOL! Great post, very helpful!!!
Thanks for reading and you comments. I think you can use a password instead of Face ID. Face ID is my biggest concern, too. I’m just going to have to try it to see if it’s better or not. Unfortunately, there is no Touch ID sensor to use fingerprints on the X in case we don’t like it.
“You will have to hold the X in front of your face to unlock it and “swipe” to access the home screen. ” That seems like a decent way to reduce texting and driving. If people are trying to it covertly, holding it up in front of their face while behind the wheel is the last thing they’ll want to do.
Yeah, and you’ll also to hold it that way to use Animojies. Apparently this is going to be BIG! Especially with the Millennials who love to use filters.
I don’t understand the obsession with iPhones. I have always been a Samsung fan and love my Galaxy 8. My son has had iPhones for years and has finally realized that he is not happy with the Apple software. IPhones definitely have more accessory options, but $1,0000!
Thanks for your comments. I think the obsession has to do with a number of things. First, there is brand loyalty. Second, Apple invented the smart phone and the smart phone industry. Apple was the leader in smart phone innovation for a number of years (not so much anymore) so there is the image of an iPhone as being the market innovator. Next there is religion – just as you have Ford vs Chevy folks, you had Mac vs PC folks. Finally, and probably the most important, is how the features of each brand meet your needs. I have used iPhones exclusively (although I tried early Samsung products early on), and now that I’ve bought every iPhone model, I have 10 years of training on how it works and don’t want to learn a new interface! Yes, I’m growing old…
This is a good overview. I still have my iPhone6 and am debating the X. However, I don’t play games and wonder why the focus on them. It is good to have a better camera too. Apparently, as demonstrated during the Apple Demo, you do have to enter your password before the facial recognition works. Someone, preparing the phones forgot to log it in. But, that makes for some drama – always worth watching.
The reason for the focus on games (and augmented reality) is because the largest portion of the smart phone market is under 30. This is the Snap Chat crew, not the Facebook crew. The gaming industry surpassed the movie industry in market size a few years ago and hasn’t looked back. Let’s face it Richard…we’re old!
It looks like the monthly price on the X isn’t that much more than an 8. Maybe 10 bucks or so? I like the smaller phones so the X’s size appeals to me.
Good point Marc. I was leaning towards the 8 Plus but maybe I should go ahead and get the X.
xoxo- Tanya 🙂